Pokémon's reputation for child-friendliness is well-established. Its core games consistently receive an "E for Everyone" rating, suggesting accessibility for any child capable of operating a controller. However, beneath the surface of beloved characters like Pikachu and Eevee lies a surprisingly dark undercurrent. Certain Pokédex entries reveal disturbing narratives involving abductions and even violent deaths, adding a layer of unsettling detail to the franchise. Other chilling tales further enhance this darker side.

IGN has compiled a list of five particularly unsettling Pokédex entries, though many more could be included. Notable omissions include Mimikyu, a Pokémon so terrifying it disguises itself as Pikachu while secretly plotting the mascot's demise; Haunter, which silently stalks victims in dark alleys, licking them to induce violent shaking until death; and Hypno, whose cartoon depiction involves hypnotizing and kidnapping children to feed on their dreams.

Which Pokémon is the most unsettling?

DrifloonBanetteSandygastFrillishFroslassOther? Comment below!AnswerSee ResultsDrifloon

It was a Friday, and a young girl from Floaroma Town was thrilled. She awoke early, eager to begin her weekend flower-picking. It was her favorite time of year, and she longed for the school break to spend time with her parents. She hurried to Valley Windworks, known for its unique flowers. Despite the inherent risk of venturing without a Pokémon, she considered it a safe location.

She admired the vibrant blooms but was captivated by a shimmering purple balloon. As she grasped the string, the balloon turned, revealing a yellow cross and empty black eyes. It gently pulled her along, and she followed, initially amused. The string tightened around her wrist, and the balloon steadily lifted her higher, until she vanished.

Drifloon, the Balloon Pokémon, introduces an element of horror to the typically cheerful image of balloons. Some Pokédex entries describe it innocently as a spirit Pokémon, but others are more sinister, detailing its abduction of children. Its appearance in the games—exclusively on Fridays at Valley Windworks—adds to its mysterious nature, transforming simple curiosity into a chilling mystery.

Banette

A boy's parents grew increasingly concerned as his condition worsened. His fever spiked, his skin paled, and his speech became slurred. Even the best doctors couldn't help. Between gasps, he whispered, "My doll."

Desperate, his parents searched for his favorite toy. He rejected several, finally pointing towards a worn, ragged doll with glowing red eyes and a zippered mouth. His mother recognized it—a discarded doll she'd thrown away years ago. The boy reached for it, and the doll, seemingly alive, leaped from her hands and out the window, leaving the boy seemingly improved.

Banette, the Marionette Pokémon, embodies classic horror tropes. Its origin story mirrors a vengeful toy, seeking retribution against the child who abandoned it. Pokédex entries highlight its grudge and its pursuit of the child, detailing its harmful actions. Only by unzipping its mouth or showing it affection can its negative energy be appeased.

Sandygast

A sunny day on Melemele Island found residents relaxing on Big Wave Beach. A boy diligently built a sandcastle, so engrossed he didn't notice the other sandcastles shifting ominously. A Pokémon resembling a sandcastle, with a gaping mouth and vacant eyes, emerged. The boy, unaware of any danger, reached for a spade embedded in its head, only to be swallowed whole.

Sandygast, despite its charming appearance, is anything but innocent. Pokédex entries warn against leaving unfinished sandcastles, as they can become possessed. Sandygast preys on those who touch its mouth, absorbing their bodies. Its evolution, Palossand, further reveals its horrifying nature as a "Beach Nightmare" that drains the life force from its victims.

Frillish

An elderly woman enjoyed her usual morning swim. The current pulled her further from shore than usual. A Pokémon appeared, seemingly offering assistance. She grasped it for support, only to find herself paralyzed, sinking into the depths with the Pokémon.

Frillish, the Floating Pokémon, uses its poisonous stingers to paralyze victims before dragging them to its underwater lair. This adds a chilling element of helplessness to its predatory behavior. The victims are likely conscious as they drown in the deep ocean.

Froslass

A man ventured out during a blizzard to help someone in need. He found refuge in a cave, only to discover numerous frozen bodies embedded in the ice walls. A Froslass appeared, freezing him to become another decoration in its lair.

Froslass, drawing inspiration from Yuki-onna and Medusa, preys on men it deems handsome. It lures them to its icy lair, freezing them to add to its collection of frozen victims. The Pokédex entries highlight its chilling methods and the fate of its prey.