ADVERTISEMENT

Context is everything. Without it, some seemingly innocent images might not even make you do a double-take. But when you know more about what’s pictured, your reaction can be completely different. Raw. Visceral. Full of fear. On the other hand, some photos ooze evil and immediately turn on our fight or flight (or freeze or fawn) response.
Today, we’re featuring some of the creepiest photos ever taken, as shared on the immensely popular @fasc1nate account on X, formerly Twitter. Scroll down to take a peek at them, and be sure to share your thoughts on the photos in the comments at the bottom of this post.
Warning: this list is not for the faint of heart, as some topics are very sensitive.

#1

The Haunting Look Of An 18-Year-Old Russian Girl After Being Liberated From Dachau, April 29, 1945

The Haunting Look Of An 18-Year-Old Russian Girl After Being Liberated From Dachau, April 29, 1945

historydefined.net Report

RELATED:
    #2

    British Pows After Their Release From Japanese Captivity In Singapore, 1945

    British Pows After Their Release From Japanese Captivity In Singapore, 1945

    historydefined.net Report

    #3

    In 1907, A British Sailor Is Seen Unshackling An Enslaved Man Who Had Been Chained For Three Years

    In 1907, A British Sailor Is Seen Unshackling An Enslaved Man Who Had Been Chained For Three Years

    historydefined.net Report

    The BBC notes that even some objectively ordinary things (e.g., dolls, clowns, mannequins) can have creepy connotations

    According to Dr. Coltan Scrivner, a behavioral scientist and horror expert, the feeling of creepiness is something that almost anybody can resonate with. “If you say you’re creeped out, most people will know exactly what you mean.” It’s incredibly relatable.

    #4

    Survivors From The 87th Floor Of The World Trade Center (North Tower) Wandering In The Dust After The Collapse Of The South Tower – New York City, September 11, 2001

    Survivors From The 87th Floor Of The World Trade Center (North Tower) Wandering In The Dust After The Collapse Of The South Tower – New York City, September 11, 2001

    historydefined.net Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Rob D
    Community Member
    2 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That dust is still causing cancer. And I will never forgive, forget or pass an opportunity to remind folks that Republicans and Republicans only held up first responder healthcare funding. Firefighters died medically bankrupt because Republicans turned it into a political football for years. Years. If there is an objective good, you will find a christian conservative legislator in opposition. And while I should be used to it, this one still makes my blood boil.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #5

    The Last Photo Taken By Bill Biggart, The Only Journalist Who Lost His Life. Covering 9/11

    The Last Photo Taken By Bill Biggart, The Only Journalist Who Lost His Life. Covering 9/11

    historydefined.net Report

    #6

    The Nuclear Shadows Of Hiroshima

    The Nuclear Shadows Of Hiroshima

    fasc1nate Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Kiyoko_tanaka
    Community Member
    2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm from Hiroshima. I have seen this shadow in person and I have never cried more in my life. It's seriously haunting to see them in person.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu

    Research shows that creepy things tend to be ambiguously threatening. A 2015 study into the psychological nature of creepiness found that it might arise in the gray area where things might or might not be dangerous.

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Many people find things like mannequins, dolls, and clowns to be particularly creepy. They feel that these (objectively innocent) things have an underlying current of malevolence.

    #7

    Motel Manager James Brock Pours Muriatic Acid In The Monson Motor Lodge Pool To Evict Black Swimmers, 1964

    Motel Manager James Brock Pours Muriatic Acid In The Monson Motor Lodge Pool To Evict Black Swimmers, 1964

    historydefined.net Report

    #8

    A Pod That Allows A User To Take Their Own Life. At The Push Of A Button, The Pod Would Fill With Nitrogen Gas, Rapidly Lowering Oxygen Levels

    A Pod That Allows A User To Take Their Own Life. At The Push Of A Button, The Pod Would Fill With Nitrogen Gas, Rapidly Lowering Oxygen Levels

    historydefined.net Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #9

    The Start Of The 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami

    The Start Of The 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami

    fasc1nate Report

    Dr. Scrivener told BBC Bitesize that in real life, clowns paint on smiles, but on TV, dangerous clowns often paint on frowns. “This sends mixed ideas about whether they’re actually safe,” the scientist explained.

    Meanwhile, clowns, dolls, and mannequins can scare some folks because of the uncanny valley phenomenon. In short, it’s related to how people feel uncomfortable when they see something that looks almost like a human being… but not quite.

    #10

    Josie (6 Years Old), Bertha (6 Years Old) And Sophie (10 Years Old) Worked Regularly At The Maggioni Canning Company

    Josie (6 Years Old), Bertha (6 Years Old) And Sophie (10 Years Old) Worked Regularly At The Maggioni Canning Company

    historydefined.net Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #11

    Child Patients Sit Bound And Tied To A Radiator Inside The Psychiatric Hospital In Deir El Qamar, Lebanon In 1982

    Child Patients Sit Bound And Tied To A Radiator Inside The Psychiatric Hospital In Deir El Qamar, Lebanon In 1982

    historydefined.net Report

    #12

    A Chinese Woman Whose Feet Were Bound From Childhood, Late 1800s

    A Chinese Woman Whose Feet Were Bound From Childhood, Late 1800s

    historydefined.net Report

    It’s not just people, creatures, and things that can scare us. Landscapes, like lonely forest roads, can unsettle us as well. “Humans are social creatures so if you’re out by yourself and you see no one is there, it’s a great question to ask, ‘Why is nobody else here? Is there something wrong with this place? Is it dangerous?’” Dr. Scrivner said.

    #13

    The Last Photo Before The Dyatlov Pass Incident

    The Last Photo Before The Dyatlov Pass Incident

    fasc1nate Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Susie Elle
    Community Member
    2 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    From Wiki: The Dyatlov Pass incident is an event in which nine Soviet hikers died in the northern Ural Mountains between February 1 and 2, 1959, under uncertain circumstances. The experienced trekking group from the Ural Polytechnical Institute, led by Igor Dyatlov, had established a camp on the eastern slopes of Kholat Syakhl in the Russian SFSR of the Soviet Union. Overnight, something caused them to cut their way out of their tent and flee the campsite while inadequately dressed for the heavy snowfall and subzero temperatures.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #14

    Coal Miners Returning From The Depths After A Days Work, Belgium, C. 1900

    Coal Miners Returning From The Depths After A Days Work, Belgium, C. 1900

    historydefined.net Report

    #15

    This Photo Captures 28-Year-Old Marcy Borders, A Bank Of America Employee At The World Trade Center As She Takes Shelter In An Adjacent Office Building Following The Collapse Of The South Tower

    This Photo Captures 28-Year-Old Marcy Borders, A Bank Of America Employee At The World Trade Center As She Takes Shelter In An Adjacent Office Building Following The Collapse Of The South Tower

    historydefined.net Report

    Music, sounds, and silence can have a similar effect. However, context is vital here. “When a door creaks open that’s only creepy when you’re by yourself. It signals that something or someone may be pushing it slowly,” the scientist pointed out.

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Alternatively, in a house full of people you know, a poorly-oiled door would be a minor annoyance at worst. Why? Because you feel safe and at ease.

    #16

    A Photograph From 2019 Shows Two Colombian Soldiers Giving A Final Salute As They Free Fall. The Rope That Was Carrying Them Suddenly Broke During An Airshow

    A Photograph From 2019 Shows Two Colombian Soldiers Giving A Final Salute As They Free Fall. The Rope That Was Carrying Them Suddenly Broke During An Airshow

    historydefined.net Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    LakotaWolf (she/her)
    Community Member
    2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If I knew I was about to die, I hope I would be able to show this sort of dignity, strength, grace, and peace of the knowledge of what was about to happen. RIP to these poor guys.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #17

    Acute Radiation Sickness, Photos Taken In A Specialized Clinic, Soviet Union, After The Chernobyl Disaster Of April 26, 1986

    Acute Radiation Sickness, Photos Taken In A Specialized Clinic, Soviet Union, After The Chernobyl Disaster Of April 26, 1986

    www.historydefined.net Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Laugh or not
    Community Member
    2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The most horrific part for me is knowing that the cells and organs are breaking down, including the cardio-vascular system. It means you can't give them painkillers. The only compassion is euthanasia.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu

    The viral thread, created by the curators running the @fasc1nate account, was immensely success, at least as far as internet fame is concerned. It caught a lot of people’s attention. At the time of writing, the post was viewed a whopping 2 million times.

    #19

    The Last Moments Of A Man Who Jumped In A Tiger Enclosure, 2014

    The Last Moments Of A Man Who Jumped In A Tiger Enclosure, 2014

    fasc1nate Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    LakotaWolf (she/her)
    Community Member
    2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    https://www.firstpost.com/living/white-tiger-kills-youth-at-delhi-zoo-heres-what-really-happened-1727251.html So basically the tiger did NOT immediately attack the man. It wasn't until bystanders started throwing rocks and stones at it that it attacked.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #21

    Photograph Of Ted Bundy Having Fun With Kids In His Neighborhood

    Photograph Of Ted Bundy Having Fun With Kids In His Neighborhood

    fasc1nate Report

    Unusual, bizarre, and even macabre content can captivate a lot of people because it touches on taboo topics. People tend to have a strange fascination with figuring out the mystery behind strange and even uncomfortable content, whether that’s photos, videos, or stories.

    #22

    Alison Parker, A Young Journalist, Met A Tragic End During A Live Television Broadcast In 2015

    Alison Parker, A Young Journalist, Met A Tragic End During A Live Television Broadcast In 2015

    While conducting an interview, she and her cameraman, Adam Ward, became the targets of a former coworker, who shot them. The image shown here captures a moment from that last interview.

    historydefined.net Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    ConstantlyJon
    Community Member
    2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This happened just down the road from where I was living at the time. Virginia, USA. I was so glad to not have caught it because it's the news station that I'd most often watch if I did watch the news. Absolutely terrifying for the viewers who saw this happen live.

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #23

    A Photo Taken Shortly Before A Huge Wave Hit The Shore During The Devastating 2004 Tsunami

    A Photo Taken Shortly Before A Huge Wave Hit The Shore During The Devastating 2004 Tsunami

    historydefined.net Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Sergy Yeltsen
    Community Member
    2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The first sign should have been the water receding. But these people were never told about things like that and signs to look out for. Around a quarter of a million people killed in minutes, it's heartbreaking.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #24

    This X-Ray Reveals A Tear Gas Canister That Was Fatally Embedded In A Protester’s Brain During Anti-Government Protests In Iraq In 2019

    This X-Ray Reveals A Tear Gas Canister That Was Fatally Embedded In A Protester’s Brain During Anti-Government Protests In Iraq In 2019

    historydefined.net Report

    The @fasc1nate account itself is very widely known on X. It’s followed by a jaw-dropping 3.3 million users. It has amassed this large following over more than 11 years of posting since its inception in 2013. The account is part of the wider ‘History Defined’ internet and social media project.

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #25

    A Tunnel Rat Explores A Hole Between “Floors” Of A Viet Cong Tunnel System

    A Tunnel Rat Explores A Hole Between “Floors” Of A Viet Cong Tunnel System

    hese changes in elevation were among the most dangerous situations for tunnel rats because they could not ensure no traps or enemies were present before going through

    historydefined.net Report

    #27

    Taken At The Michigan Carbon Works Factory In Rougeville, The Pile Of Bison Skulls In This Photo Was Slated To Be Processed And Used In Making Products Like Bone Glue, Fertilizer, Bone Ash, Bone Char, And Bone Charcoal

    Taken At The Michigan Carbon Works Factory In Rougeville, The Pile Of Bison Skulls In This Photo Was Slated To Be Processed And Used In Making Products Like Bone Glue, Fertilizer, Bone Ash, Bone Char, And Bone Charcoal

    historydefined.net Report

    Which of the photos featured in this list creeped you out the most, Pandas? What is the most frightening thing you’ve ever experienced in person? Would you have been creeped out by some of these images if you didn't know the context behind them?

    If you’re not too spooked out, share your thoughts and experiences in the comments.

    #28

    Jean Libbera, Aka “The Double-Bodied Man,” Had His Parasitic Brother, Jacques Libbera, Connected To Him From His Chest-Stomach Area

    Jean Libbera, Aka “The Double-Bodied Man,” Had His Parasitic Brother, Jacques Libbera, Connected To Him From His Chest-Stomach Area

    historydefined.net Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #29

    Btk Killer Takes A Photo With His Daughter

    Btk Killer Takes A Photo With His Daughter

    fasc1nate Report

    #30

    The Mask Worn By Dennis Rader (Btk) When Carrying Out His Attacks

    The Mask Worn By Dennis Rader (Btk) When Carrying Out His Attacks

    fasc1nate Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    JoNo
    Community Member
    2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I didn't think he wore the mask while killing, it was part of his solo sexual fetish acts, not that it makes this less gruesome.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #31

    A Baseball Team Of Prisoners Whose Executions Were Delayed Only As Long As They Kept Winning, C. 1910

    A Baseball Team Of Prisoners Whose Executions Were Delayed Only As Long As They Kept Winning, C. 1910

    historydefined.net Report

    #32

    A Trapper Boy, One Mile Inside A Mine In West Virginia, 1908

    A Trapper Boy, One Mile Inside A Mine In West Virginia, 1908

    historydefined.net Report

    #33

    Photo Of Jeffrey Dahmer At High School With A Fellow Student

    Photo Of Jeffrey Dahmer At High School With A Fellow Student

    fasc1nate Report

    #35

    Unidentified, The Picture Is Believed To Have Been Taken By Rodney Alcala, Serial Killer And Sex Offender

    Unidentified, The Picture Is Believed To Have Been Taken By Rodney Alcala, Serial Killer And Sex Offender

    He had a collection of pictures of many anonymous people, some of whom were his victims. It is not known who this woman is or if she is alive

    historydefined.net Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #36

    The Modern Remains Of A Kindergarten Classroom After The Chernobyl Disaster

    The Modern Remains Of A Kindergarten Classroom After The Chernobyl Disaster

    fasc1nate Report

    #37

    Richard Ramirez In Court

    Richard Ramirez In Court

    fasc1nate Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    LakotaWolf (she/her)
    Community Member
    2 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "Richard Ramirez was an American serial killer and sex offender whose killing spree occurred in Greater Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay Area in the state of California. From April 1984 to August 1985, Ramirez murdered at least fourteen people during various break-ins, with his crimes usually taking place in the afternoon, leading to him being dubbed the Night Stalker, the Walk-In Killer, and the Valley Intruder. He was convicted and sentenced to death in 1989 and died while awaiting execution in 2013."

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #38

    Princess Diana Her Bodyguard, Trevor Rees-Jones And Driver Henri Paul Shortly Before The Fatal Crash

    Princess Diana Her Bodyguard, Trevor Rees-Jones And Driver Henri Paul Shortly Before The Fatal Crash

    historydefined.net Report

    #39

    Magician Joe Burrus Is Lowered To A “Grave” In A Casket As He Prepares To Perform A Stunt. Burrus Passed Away After The Casket Collapsed Under The Weight Of The Concrete Poured On Top Of It

    Magician Joe Burrus Is Lowered To A “Grave” In A Casket As He Prepares To Perform A Stunt. Burrus Passed Away After The Casket Collapsed Under The Weight Of The Concrete Poured On Top Of It

    historydefined.net Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    LakotaWolf (she/her)
    Community Member
    2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Although this looks like an ancient photograph, this incident took place in 1990. His wife and child were present and witnessed the terrible event.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #41

    An X-Ray Of The Pelvis Of Albert Fish Reveals Needles He Had Inserted Into His Pelvic Area For Pleasure

    An X-Ray Of The Pelvis Of Albert Fish Reveals Needles He Had Inserted Into His Pelvic Area For Pleasure

    historydefined.net Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Nathaniel He/Him Cis-Het
    Community Member
    2 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I have read a lot of books about serial killers. Albert Fish is pretty much up there as one of, if not the worst. He murdered and ate at least one child.

    LakotaWolf (she/her)
    Community Member
    2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yes, he was atrocious. IIRC (and I wish I didn't) he sent a letter to the child's mother telling her that he had roasted and eaten her child's flesh and that it had been tender and delicious. The mother was illiterate, so her son, the victim's brother, had to read it to her. I cannot imagine their suffering.

    Load More Replies...
    Moosy Girl
    Community Member
    2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If only he’d stuck with just doing this stuff to himself.

    Lydsylou (she/her)
    Community Member
    2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    He did worse things for pleasure. He was a serial killer who killed and ate children. He was known as the real life boogeyman

    Load More Replies...
    Lydsylou (she/her)
    Community Member
    2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yet another disgusting killer on this list. Albert fish killed children and even sent a letter to one girls parents describing in great detail how he had prepared and eaten her 10 year old daughter.

    Manbug Franknbeans
    Community Member
    2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I’m just gonna say it- this Albert Fish character sounds like a real jerk

    Bettye McKee
    Community Member
    2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    He was not just a killer, he was a very horrible person. I wonder what effect those needles on his date with the electric chair.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #42

    De Beer Mine Worker Is X-Rayed At The End Of His Shift Before Leaving The Diamond Mines. In Kimberley, South Africa, October 1954

    De Beer Mine Worker Is X-Rayed At The End Of His Shift Before Leaving The Diamond Mines. In Kimberley, South Africa, October 1954

    historydefined.net Report

    #43

    A Photo Of Clowns Found At An Abandoned Old Folks Home

    A Photo Of Clowns Found At An Abandoned Old Folks Home

    fasc1nate Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Cat Chat
    Community Member
    2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Clowns, in the entertainment industry, didn't become synonymous with horror until after the serial killer John Wayne Gacy, and after Stephen King released IT. After kids started growing up watching Pennywise in the miniseries, that's when larger groups started fearing clowns.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #44

    A Japanese Soldier Wades Into The Sea Off Cape Endaiadere, New Guinea, With A Grenade Against His Head Moments Before It Goes Off, Defying An Australian Soldier Calling On Him To Surrender, December 18, 1942

    A Japanese Soldier Wades Into The Sea Off Cape Endaiadere, New Guinea, With A Grenade Against His Head Moments Before It Goes Off, Defying An Australian Soldier Calling On Him To Surrender, December 18, 1942

    historydefined.net Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Miki
    Community Member
    2 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Japanese soldiers during wwii were really ducked up. For example, when Japanese ship was sunked, survivors wave to Americans for a help. When rescue ships were close this mother f*****s used a granades to kill rescuers.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #45

    Police Excavate The Backyard Of Gary Ridgeway

    Police Excavate The Backyard Of Gary Ridgeway

    fasc1nate Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    LakotaWolf (she/her)
    Community Member
    2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "Gary Leon Ridgway (born February 18, 1949) is an American serial killer known as the Green River Killer. He was initially convicted of 48 separate murders committed between the early 1980s and late 1990s. As part of his plea bargain, another conviction was added, bringing the total number of convictions to 49, making him the second-most prolific serial killer in United States history according to confirmed murders."

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #46

    The Last Security Footage Of 17-Year-Old Kendrick Johnson Walking Inside The Gym Of His High School On January 10, 2013. The Following Day, His Body Was Found Rolled Up In A Gym Mat

    The Last Security Footage Of 17-Year-Old Kendrick Johnson Walking Inside The Gym Of His High School On January 10, 2013. The Following Day, His Body Was Found Rolled Up In A Gym Mat

    historydefined.net Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    LakotaWolf (she/her)
    Community Member
    2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Other students at the school said it was common for athletes to put their shoes behind or inside the rolled-up gym mats, so one of the theories is that Kendrick leaped/slid into the rolled-up mat to retrieve his shoes, got stuck, went unnoticed, and asphyxiated.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #47

    Picture Of A Man With Schizophrenia Before And After His Lobotomy

    Picture Of A Man With Schizophrenia Before And After His Lobotomy

    historydefined.net Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Nathaniel He/Him Cis-Het
    Community Member
    2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Not at all saying it should have been done, or that there were not times when it went horrifically wrong, but in some cases lobotomy seemed to work and bring relief to the patients.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #48

    Ted Bundy’s Yearbook Photo From 1965

    Ted Bundy’s Yearbook Photo From 1965

    fasc1nate Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Spencer's slave no longer
    Community Member
    2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Hiding in plain sight looking like any other regular person. That's what I find the most frightening.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #50

    Btk Decorates A Christmas Tree With His Daughter

    Btk Decorates A Christmas Tree With His Daughter

    fasc1nate Report

    Note: this post originally had 55 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.

    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda