For thrill-seekers and fans of the paranormal, the idea of trying a horror challenge at home can be both thrilling and terrifying. Whether it’s invoking spirits, testing urban legends, or participating in eerie games, these challenges tap into our primal fears of the unknown. While many of these activities are steeped in folklore and superstition, they’ve endured because of their ability to create spine-chilling experiences.
Here’s an in-depth look at some of the scariest horror challenges you can try at home. Proceed with caution—you might find more than you bargained for.
One of the most infamous and enduring horror challenges, Bloody Mary involves standing in front of a mirror in a dark room and chanting "Bloody Mary" three times (or more, depending on the version). Legend has it that a ghostly figure—often described as a vengeful woman—will appear in the mirror, and what happens next ranges from eerie stares to violent attacks.
The fear surrounding Bloody Mary stems from the psychological power of suggestion and the eerie nature of mirrors. Staring into a dimly lit mirror for an extended period can cause visual distortions due to the Troxler Effect, where the brain fills in gaps and creates illusions. This phenomenon explains why people often claim to see faces or figures during the challenge.
While most people will walk away unscathed, the fear of what could happen keeps this challenge firmly rooted in our collective imagination.
This classic sleepover game involves one person lying flat on the floor or a surface, while others place their fingers under the individual and chant, "Light as a feather, stiff as a board." According to legend, the group can lift the person effortlessly as if by supernatural forces.
The fear factor in this challenge comes from its seemingly magical outcome. While the game can be explained by simple physics (teamwork distributing the weight evenly across multiple fingers), the ritualistic chanting and eerie atmosphere create a sense of mystery and unease.
Even when the "levitation" is revealed as a group effort, the act of participating in such a ritual can still leave participants with chills.
The Midnight Game is an urban legend-based challenge allegedly used in ancient pagan rituals to punish those who disobeyed the gods. Players must summon "the Midnight Man" and avoid him until 3:33 AM. Failure to do so supposedly results in hallucinations or worse.
This challenge capitalizes on the fear of being hunted by an unseen entity. The idea of walking through a dark house while being pursued creates a deeply unsettling experience, even if the Midnight Man is purely fictional.
While the Midnight Man is unlikely to materialize, the challenge’s rules and atmosphere create an intense, nerve-wracking experience.
The Elevator Game is a ritual said to transport players to another dimension. To play, participants must enter a building with at least 10 floors and press a specific sequence of buttons. If done correctly, an eerie woman may enter the elevator, and you may find yourself in a parallel reality.
The fear of the unknown drives the terror in this challenge. The possibility of encountering the mysterious "woman" or being stranded in another dimension is enough to send shivers down anyone’s spine. The challenge gained notoriety following the Elisa Lam case, where eerie elevator footage from the Cecil Hotel sparked speculation about supernatural involvement.
Whether you believe in the supernatural or not, the eerie steps and anticipation make this challenge a truly hair-raising experience.
The Closet Game is a ritual where players summon a demon by standing in a pitch-black closet with a lit match. According to legend, opening the closet door reveals the demon’s presence.
The challenge exploits the primal fear of darkness and the unknown. Standing in an enclosed, pitch-black space amplifies your senses, making even the slightest sound or movement feel terrifying. Add the idea of summoning a demon, and the fear becomes almost unbearable.
Even skeptics may find the oppressive darkness and heightened atmosphere deeply unnerving.
Similar to Bloody Mary, the Candyman challenge involves standing in front of a mirror in a dark room and chanting "Candyman" five times. According to urban legend, the vengeful spirit of the Candyman will appear, seeking retribution.
The Candyman legend draws from the supernatural and the fear of inviting danger. Mirrors often serve as a symbol of a portal to other worlds, heightening the feeling of vulnerability during this challenge.
While the challenge is often dismissed as harmless fun, the psychological effects of engaging with a long-standing urban legend can leave participants feeling deeply unsettled.
Horror challenges remain popular because they tap into universal fears of the dark, the unknown, and the supernatural. While many can be explained through psychology or science, the thrill of engaging with something potentially otherworldly keeps them alive in popular culture. These challenges are as much about bonding with friends and testing personal bravery as they are about actual belief in the supernatural.
So, if you’re feeling brave—or just want a spooky thrill—grab some friends, dim the lights, and try one of these challenges. Just don’t forget to leave a light on afterward.