Every single one of the 18 Pokémon types brings something new and exciting to the table, but Ghost-type Pokémon have always embraced the spooky and fearsome aesthetic like no other. Ghost Pokémon either instill fear with their designs, mannerisms or moves, or have a tragic backstory that explains them being a ghost in the first place.
The Ghost typing took a while to get going, but from Gen III onwards it started to gain traction and now sits at a 70-strong roster, out of 1008 total species of Pokémon. Ghost is truly a unique and iconic typing within the realms of Pokémon, and there are certain species to thank for its reputation.
10 Gastly Was The First Ghost Pokémon Of The Franchise
Just as the iconic Dratini line carried the Dragon typing through Gen I, Gastly did the same for Ghost-type Pokémon. In the original 151 species, only Gastly, Haunter and Gengar existed as Ghost-types. Gastly was never much of a fighter, but it still set the precedent for what Ghost-types represented, in its exaggerated expressions and spooky behavior.
It is often forgotten that Gastly and its evolutions are dual Ghost/Poison-type Pokémon, but with Gastly being the Gas Pokémon, it makes total sense. The type combination plus its Levitate Ability gives Gastly three immunities and only three weaknesses, although the weakness to Psychic-type Pokémon could have been avoided if it was a sole Ghost-type Pokémon. Regardless, Gastly is the first Ghost Pokémon of the franchise and one of the most iconic.
9 Dusclops Has Become An Iconic Face Of The Ghost Typing
The Ghost typing had to wait until Gen III before it started to get some depth and momentum, but even then there were only ten Ghost Pokémon in total across five evolution lines. Dusclops was introduced as the evolved form of Duskull, and has proven a popular Ghost Pokémon among players of the games ever since, often preferred to Shuppet’s evolution, Banette.
The Beckon Pokémon has a scary aesthetic befitting the Ghost typing, with significant bulk in its Defense and Special Defense stats, while simultaneously posing a terrifying offense threat. Dusclops is capable of having a useful and diverse moveset, which is why it is often considered an important encounter in Nuzlocke runs of Pokémon games.
8 Mimikyu Is An Intriguing & Inventive Concept For A Ghost Pokémon
Mimikyu was introduced in Gen VII, bringing so much excitement and intrigue with it. The Ghost/Fairy-type Pokémon only has two weaknesses to Ghost and Steel-type moves, three resistances and has the bonus of its Disguise Ability, acting like a Substitute in letting it absorb an attack before being able to take damage.
However, the most iconic and eye-catching aspect of Mimikyu is how its disguise resembles Pikachu, a Pokémon that it actually actively envies, and in the case of Team Rocket’s Mimikyu, hates. Mimikyu is a powerful Pokémon in its own right, and not to be underestimated. The Disguise Pokémon quickly became an important and iconic Ghost-type within the franchise.
7 Misdreavus Is As Mysterious As They Come
While the Ghost typing definitely needed some additions to its roster when Gen II of Pokémon arrived, all that arrived was Misdreavus. In fact, until Gen III, there were only four Ghost-types, as Misdreavus had been added to Gastly, Haunter and Gengar.
Misdreavus’s addition did nothing for the depth of the Ghost typing, yet it simultaneously did a lot for its future. Misdreavus was a rare encounter in the Gen II games Gold, Silver & Crystal, but would get various appearances in the anime, as well as leaving room for new species to come from it in future generations. Misdreavus got an evolution in Gen IV in the form of Mismagius, and even inspired a Paradox Pokémon in the Gen IX games Scarlet & Violet, named Flutter Mane. Misdreavus has been appropriately ghost-like and subtle in its influence, but has still made quite the impact.
6 Gholdengo Heads An Impressive Group Of Ghost-Type Additions In Gen IX
Gholdengo was one of several new creative designs to be introduced to the roster in Gen IX, and headed an impressive group of new Ghost-type additions. Gholdengo however is the 1000th Pokémon, an iconic honor in itself.
The Coin Entity Pokémon is the evolved form of Gimmighoul, and is obtained by finding 999 Gimmighoul Coins by traveling the open world of the Paldea region in Scarlet & Violet. Gholdengo is eye-catching and unique, and the Steel/Ghost-type Pokémon has found its way onto most teams on the competitive circuit.
5 Haunter Technically Helped Ash To Victory At The Saffron Gym
Haunter is the evolved form of Gastly, and one of only three Gen I Ghost-type Pokémon. Unlike Gastly however, Haunter has some battling pedigree and value, as shown in the anime. Ash tried to catch Haunter as a counter to Sabrina’s Psychic Pokémon, but instead earned the Marsh Badge through Haunter making Sabrina laugh, while Morty’s Haunter actually showed its potential in defeating Ash’s Cyndaquil.
In the earlier games, Haunter is one of the strongest Ghost-type Pokémon players can get, unless they have access to trading, in order to trigger its evolution into Gengar. Haunter is perfectly capable of stepping into this role of responsibility, with a particularly tricky movepool to choose from.
4 Spiritomb Is Still Iconic Even With Its Weakness To Fairy-Types
Spiritomb has always been a rare encounter for players to come across, due to its value, and in Diamond & Pearl it was used as Champion Cynthia’s opening Pokémon. Upon its introduction in Gen IV, Spiritomb became infamous for its lack of weaknesses, thanks to the Ghost/Dark-type combination, and this made it a nightmare for challengers.
Spiritomb would rarely be knocked out in one hit, giving it time to cause chaos as players readied themselves to face Cynthia’s ace, Garchomp. The introduction of the Fairy typing in Gen VI finally brought a weakness for Spiritomb, but it is still a formidable and iconic Ghost Pokémon.
3 Shedinja & Wonder Guard Present A Unique Combination
Shedinja may not be one of the most powerful or dangerous Pokémon, but its unique premise and Ability have kept it relevant and interesting since its introduction back in Gen III. The Shed Pokémon has the overpowered Wonder Guard Ability, that would make any other Pokémon unstoppable. Wonder Guard makes it so only super-effective moves can land, but unfortunately for Shedinja, that includes five types.
However, that leaves Shedinja with the record number of type immunities, at thirteen. Shedinja only has 1 HP, but was a nuisance for years when equipped with the Focus Sash held item, allowing it to take an extra hit from one of those few super-effective moves. Shedinja may not return in every generation, but it is still mysterious, memorable and iconic.
2 Giratina’s Introduction In Pokémon Legends: Arceus Was One Of The Greatest Entrances Of All Time
The Ghost/Dragon-type Legendary Pokémon Giratina is the face of Pokémon Platinum, and is known for its menacing involvement in the Distortion World storyline with Team Galactic’s Cyrus. Giratina simply became one of Pokémon‘s many legendaries, until it resurfaced once again in a big way in Pokémon Legends: Arceus.
Giratina appeared as a part of the huge plot twist from the game, joining Volo in his villainous reveal and battling the player, even revealing its Origin Forme in the process. The Origin Forme even gives Giratina an extra type immunity with the new Ability Levitate helping it to avoid Ground moves.
1 Gengar Has Always Been The Face Of The Ghost-Type
Gengar carried the Ghost typing on its back until it got more support in Gens III & IV, and is still used as one of the most powerful Ghost-type Pokémon out there. Gengar is iconic and has appeared with numerous Trainers across the anime and the games over the years, especially with it turning up as a staple of Ghost-type Gym Leaders.
In Pokémon Journeys, Ash finally got a Gengar of his own, and this has just cemented the Shadow Pokémon as one of the all-time greats. Gengar is let down by its secondary Poison typing, that makes it weak to Psychic and Ground-type moves, but it makes up for it with a decent stat spread, diverse movepool, as well as Gigantamax and Mega Evolution forms. Gengar truly is the most iconic Ghost Pokémon.
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