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When it comes to existential nightmares in the Pokemon universe, Ghost-types are where it's at. Over the franchise's 25-year history, there has been plenty of discussion around the horrors that lurk within the Pokedex, and Ghosts are almost always at the center of those discussions, making many of them very popular.
Despite their popularity, Ghost-type Pokemon are not very numerous. They're the second rarest type, just behind Ice, so each generation is going to be a little lite in terms of options. However, there is an upside to this, as it's a case of quality over quantity, and there are very few outright bad Ghost-types.
8 Generation 1 – Gengar
While Gengar is an undeniably great Pokemon, this win is simply by default. There is, quite simply, no other Ghost-type Pokemon in Generation I other than Gengar's pre-evolutions. Alolan Marrowack technically counts, and it is an excellent Pokemon to have, but in terms of the original 151, Gengar is the only option.
Thankfully, Gengar is a brilliant Pokemon to have. It's surprisingly quick and hits like a truck with Special Attacks. While its design is pretty simplistic, Gengar has just enough character for fans to have become attached to it. Its sharp grin makes it quite the prankster, which is quite endearing.
7 Generation 2 – Misdreavous
Shockingly, this is yet another win by default. Once again, Misdreavous is the only Ghost-type in the entire Generation, making for only two Ghost Pokemon across two eras. It's ridiculous. It gets even worse considering that Johto has a Ghost-type Gym Leader, and he doesn't even use Misdreavous on his team. He just uses a Gastly, a Gengar, and two Haunters.
Misdreavous is a great Pokemon. It's the first to show that Ghost Pokemon can balance cuteness with spookiness to make them endearing. What's more is it eventually got an evolution in Mismagius, who is an even better Pokemon.
6 Generation 3 – Shedinja
Finally, Generation 3 decided to come along and give trainers more than one Ghost to play with. This Generation has four evolution lines for the type, and all of them have a lot to offer. Banette is a bit basic but VERY creepy; the same goes for Duskull. Then there's Sableye, who is a favorite of the anime to throw around when they need a cute(ish) trickster Pokemon.
Shedinja takes the crown, though, for how unique it is. Obtained when a Nincada evolves into Ninjask while there is an open slot in the party, Shedinja is the ultimate troll Pokemon. It has only 1 HP but uses the ability Wonder Guard, which means only super-effective attacks can damage it. It's not going to win any championships, but for those who want to troll some people, it's perfect.
5 Generation 4 – Giratina
Generation 4 arguably has the strongest lineup of Ghosts in the franchise. Drifblim is a fantastic Pokemon available early on; Dusknoir, Mismagius, and Frosslass are great additions to existing evolution lines; Rotom has become a franchise staple in the modern era, and Spiritomb is unique in just about every way.
As far as Ghosts go, though, it's hard to compete with the ruler of the underworld. Giratina is one of the most threatening Pokemon visually. Its Origin Form sees its body contort in unnerving ways, with a red, black & gold body and the eyes of a monster.
4 Generation 5 – Chandelure
Generation 5's Ghosts are a bit of a mixed bag. For every Golurk – with an intimidating aura and cool design – there's a Jellicent, which looks derpy and weak. Cofagrigus is a good one, it's a bit of a weird step up from Yamask, but it's colorful in just the right way with a very strong sense of theme.
Chandelure is often overlooked by many as it falls into the category of "inanimate object with a face" that is often derided by the fanbase, however, this Pokemon nails what it's trying to do. The face is well-incorporated into the design, it's hard to even notice it in a still image, and the way it uses the light fixtures as arms is really clever. On top of that, the bright purple flame is equal parts beautiful and eerie, like Ghost Pokemon should be.
3 Generation 6 – Aegislash
Generation 6 doesn't have a bad Ghost Pokemon. Phantump and Pumpkaboo are among the cutest Pokemon out there (and also the creepiest lore-wise), and they both have perfect evolved forms in Trevenant and Gourgeist. Hoopa is there too, who is a small and cute Mythical who holds a powerful alternate form that has interesting implications for the multiversal lore.
Aegislash has it all. The lore is creepy, with it possessing anywho who tries to grab its hilt. Its design is perfect, feeling regal and powerful. It's an incredible battler, even getting banned from some formats for being too powerful. It even has an awesome shiny form, turning into an evil blade with blood-red highlights. There's so much to love about Aegislash, and it is a must-have for Kalos teams.
2 Generation 7 – Decidueye
Generation 7 went harder than most on Ghost Pokemon, and it paid off. Mimikyu has become one of the Generation's most beloved Pokemon. Meanwhile, Palossand and Dhelmise both have an incredibly strong bond with Alola's theme. Even the Legendaries got a taste, with Lunala, Marshadow, and Blacephalon all bringing something unique to the table.
Ghost isn't a type typically used on Starter Pokemon. With the general implication that Ghost Pokemon are in some way formed from spirits of the dead, to have that happen to the player's partner is a little odd. However, Decidueye makes it work. While there's nothing inherently ghostly about its design, Decidueye certainly feels like it's playing it too cool, like there's something to hide. Then when it fires off its ghostly arrows, everything makes sense.
1 Generation 8 – Runerigus
Generation 8 gives players quite a wide selection of Ghosts, most of which are pretty good. Spectrier is a great Pokemon for those who have the Crown Tundra DLC, Polteageist is a fun Pokemon with a good theme, and Dragapult looks incredibly scary.
The most interesting design, though, is Runerigus The way this Pokemon breaks itself up into parts is quite creepy, but it makes for a really visually satisfying Pokemon. It's like a half-completed jigsaw. As an alternate evolution of Yamask, it keeps what made Cofagrigus great but switches the theme and executes it just as well. It may be a bit awkward to evolve, but it's worth the effort.