We count down our favourite spooky spectres of the Pokémon world

Halloween is almost upon us, the time of year when, according to folklore, the veil between our world and the spirit world is at its thinnest. So what better time than to count down our favourite Ghost-type Pokémon? Let's get right to it. Oh, and we are not responsible for any balloons carrying you away into the sky during this spooky Top 5, so consider yourself warned... KYEHEHEHEHEEEH!

No. 5: Drifloon

Type: Ghost/Flying
First appearance: Pokémon Diamond and Pokémon Pearl
One of the first Pokémon to only be catchable on a certain day of the week, this deceptively-adorable balloon-like Pokémon appears in the Valley Windworks on Fridays. It may look friendly, but you might want to steer clear of it: Drifloon has a tendency to lure small children to it, then pick them up and carry them away, never to be seen again...

No. 4: Misdreavus

Type: Ghost
First appearance: Pokémon Gold and Pokémon Silver
The first pure Ghost-type Pokémon in the franchise and the only one to be introduced in Generation II, Misdreavus is a mischievous spirit who loves to play tricks on people, such as turning invisible and making strange noises, or sneaking up behind them and pulling their hair. That said, it is possibly one of the few Ghost Pokémon without any outwardly-malicious tendencies...or, at least, it SEEMS to have none.

No. 3: Pumpkaboo

Type: Ghost/Grass
First appearance: Pokémon X and Pokémon Y
"My Pumpkaboo's bigger than yours!" This round, orange Pokémon resembles a Jack-O-Lantern, and much like the pumpkins from which its inspiration are carved, Pumpkaboo comes in a variety of sizes. These variances in body mass are not just purely cosmetic, however, as a large Pumpkaboo has a different assortment of base stats than a smaller one. This allows for a greater variety of unique individuals than most other Pokémon species. If you don't like your Pumpkaboo, you can always trade with a friend...but be prepared for a surprise! Trick or treat!

No. 2: Giratina

Type: Ghost/Dragon
First appearance: Pokémon Diamond and Pokémon Pearl
Behold! The mighty Giratina! This ancient Pokémon hails from the Distortion World, a dimension where the laws of physics are warped beyond our understanding: Up is down, left is up, and...well, you get the idea. In our universe, Giratina's physical structure changes into something better equipped to exist within our own laws of nature, but an item known as the Griseous Orb can allow it to attain its true forme even in our world!

You may be wondering why Giratina wasn't ranked numero uno. Well, there's a very good reason for that...

No. 1: Gengar

Type: Ghost/Poison
First appearance: Pocket Monster Red and Pocket Monster Green
That's right, the classic Ghost Pokémon makes its spot at the number one slot! This Pokémon hides in plain sight by pretending to be the shadow of anyone it chooses, be they human or Pokémon. Some reseachers theorise that Gengar could even be the shadow of the Fairy-type Pokémon Clefable! In Generation VI, it gained the ability to Mega Evolve into a powerful new form, Mega Gengar, which is sure to prove quite a match for any opponent!

Well, that's our Top 5 list of Ghost-type Pokémon. Which spooky Pokémon are your favourites? Be sure to leave a comment below.

Oh, and HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Big shout-out to Bulbapedia for the images used in this article!