The unpredictability makes them scary. In dreams, things can change in an instant. One moment you're in a normal place, and the next it turns into a terrifying scene. There's no control, just like in a nightmare.
The fact that dream stories often tap into our deepest fears is what makes them so scary. For instance, many people are afraid of the dark or of being chased. In dream stories, these fears can manifest in extreme ways. You could be chased by an unseen entity through a pitch - black forest. The fear is intensified because in dreams, our emotions are often magnified. So, the fear we feel in a scary dream story can be overwhelming compared to what we might experience in waking life.
The fear of the unknown in dreams. We don't really have full control in our dreams, and in this story, that lack of control can be terrifying. For example, not being able to run away from a threat in a dream.
The fear of the unknown in dreams makes it scary. We don't fully understand our dreams, and in this story, that lack of understanding is exploited.
The element of the unknown. In a dream, anything can happen, and when it's a scary story set in a dream, the lack of control and the unpredictable nature create fear. For example, if you suddenly find yourself in a dream where the ground is disappearing beneath your feet, and you don't know why or how to stop it.
The 'lady from the dream' is often associated with the unknown. We don't know who she is, what she wants, or why she's in our dreams. This lack of knowledge makes her very scary. Also, her appearance usually has some spooky elements, like a cold stare or a strange, otherworldly presence.
In 'the bad dream scary story', the sense of isolation and helplessness is very frightening. Like when the girl is alone in the forest or the man is in the abandoned house all by himself. There's no one to help them, and they are trapped in these terrifying situations. Also, the presence of things that go against normalcy, such as the self - moving rocking chair or the zombie crew, adds to the scariness as it disrupts our sense of a normal, safe world.
Perhaps the unique part of the 'dream scary stories story' is its ability to mess with the perception of reality. Since dreams can seem so real while we're in them and then fade away when we wake up, a story that uses this to its advantage can be really special. For example, a story where the main character can't tell if they're still dreaming or if the horrible things happening around them are actually real in the end. It creates a sense of unease and mystery that is quite distinct.
Well, it's all about the atmosphere and the events in the dream. If the dream has a spooky atmosphere, like a haunted house with creaking floors and cold drafts, that can start to make it a scary story. Then, if there are events like seeing things that shouldn't be there, like a floating head or a disembodied hand. Also, if the dream involves a sense of impending doom, like a dark cloud following you and getting closer. And when the dream plays on our primal fears, such as the fear of the unknown or the fear of being alone in a dangerous place, it can easily be turned into a scary story.
The unpredictability of the 'jangly man' makes it scary. You never know when he'll appear.
The unknown factor. When you get a call and don't know who is on the other end, it's really scary. For example, if you just hear strange noises or breathing instead of a normal conversation.