Pokémon is renowned for its family-friendly appeal, with all its mainline games receiving the E for Everyone rating, welcoming young gamers into its vibrant world. While iconic characters like Pikachu and Eevee capture the hearts of many, some Pokémon delve into darker themes. Their Pokédex entries often reveal chilling tales of abductions and even gruesome murders, adding an unexpected layer of horror to the franchise. These eerie narratives are not limited to the games; the Pokémon animated series has also ventured into darker territory, as seen with characters like Hypno, who in one episode hypnotizes and kidnaps children to feed on their dreams.

IGN has highlighted five of the most unsettling Pokédex entries, though many more exist. Notable mentions include Mimikyu, who disguises itself as Pikachu to make friends while secretly plotting against the mascot; Haunter, known for stalking humans in dark alleys before lethally licking them; and Hypno, whose sinister actions extend beyond the games into the animated series.

Drifloon

On a serene Friday morning, a young girl from Floaroma Town eagerly anticipated her weekend flower-picking adventure. The Valley Windworks, known for its unique blooms, was her destination, despite the dangers of venturing alone without a Pokémon. There, amidst the vibrant colors, she was captivated by a shimmering purple balloon—Drifloon. Enchanted, she grabbed its string, only to be met by its haunting face with a yellow cross and empty eyes. As Drifloon tugged gently, the girl followed, laughing, until she was lifted higher and higher, never to be seen again.

Drifloon, known as the Balloon Pokémon, infuses a sense of terror into the innocent imagery of a child's toy. While some Pokédex entries suggest it's formed by spirits, others ominously warn that it lures children away, expanding its body with each soul it captures. Its eerie presence, appearing only on Fridays at the Valley Windworks, adds a layer of mystery and dread to its already chilling lore.

Banette

A boy's health deteriorated rapidly, leaving his parents desperate for a cure. Amidst his suffering, he called out for "my doll." They searched his collection but found no solace until discovering a faded, menacing doll under his bed. This was no ordinary toy but a Banette, a Pokémon born from a discarded doll's grudge. As the boy reached for it, the doll's red eyes glowed ominously, and it leaped out the window, seemingly alleviating the boy's condition.

Banette embodies the horror trope of a vengeful toy, akin to Annabelle or Chucky. Its Pokédex entries describe its relentless search for the child who abandoned it, lurking in dark alleys and seeking retribution. By sticking pins in itself, Banette inflicts harm on its target, a chilling reminder of the consequences of neglect.

Sandygast

On a picturesque day at Big Wave Beach, a boy dedicated himself to crafting the perfect sandcastle. As dusk fell and the beach emptied, he remained absorbed in his work, unaware of the shifting sandcastles around him. A Sandygast, resembling a sinister sandcastle with a gaping mouth and soulless eyes, approached. Mistaking its gesture for help, the boy reached for a spade embedded in its head, only to be consumed by the Pokémon, his body slowly absorbed like quicksand.

Sandygast's seemingly innocent theme belies its dark nature. Its Pokédex entries warn of its possession of sand mounds and its control over those who touch it, forcing them to enlarge its body. Its evolution into Palossand reveals a grim fate for its victims, as it drains their vitality, leaving only bones beneath its castle.

Frillish

An elderly woman enjoyed her morning swim in the quiet waters of Undella Town. Caught in the current, she found herself farther from shore than intended. As she struggled to return, a Frillish appeared, seemingly offering assistance. Gratefully, she embraced it, only to find herself paralyzed by its venomous stingers. Helpless, she was dragged into the depths, a victim of Frillish's deadly embrace.

Frillish's innocuous appearance masks its lethal intent. Its Pokédex entries describe its method of paralyzing prey with poison before sinking them to the ocean floor, five miles below the surface. This chilling narrative taps into common fears of the unknown depths of the sea.

Froslass

A man, driven by the sound of a woman's cry during a fierce blizzard, ventured out into the treacherous mountain night. Seeking shelter in a cave, he discovered it was lined with ice, preserving the frozen bodies of past victims. Before he could escape, a Froslass appeared, its icy breath freezing him in place, turning him into another macabre decoration in its lair.

Froslass combines elements of the Japanese Yōkai Yuki-onna and the Greek Medusa, preying on men it deems handsome. Its Pokédex entries chillingly describe its method of freezing victims and displaying them as trophies, adding a haunting dimension to its legend.