10 Creepypasta Stories That Will Keep You Up at Night

1. The Russian Sleep Experiment

One of the most famous and disturbing creepypasta stories, "The Russian Sleep Experiment" tells of a gruesome Soviet-era experiment where test subjects were kept awake for fifteen days using a stimulant gas. The results? Madness, self-mutilation, and horrifying revelations about the true nature of human consciousness. The graphic descriptions of the test subjects’ final states make this story truly unforgettable.

2. Jeff the Killer

Jeff the Killer is an internet horror icon. The story follows a boy named Jeff who, after a series of tragic events, descends into insanity and goes on a killing spree. His unsettling white face, stretched smile, and whispered warning—"Go to sleep"—have haunted the nightmares of many. Some versions of his backstory delve deeper into his psychological torment, making his transformation all the more terrifying.

3. Smile Dog

This creepypasta revolves around a cursed image of a grinning, demonic dog that drives viewers to insanity. Victims reportedly experience terrifying hallucinations and nightmares after seeing the image. The only way to break the curse? Spread the image to someone else. The psychological horror behind "Smile Dog" taps into our fear of the unknown and the consequences of curiosity.

4. Candle Cove

What if your childhood memories were not what they seemed? "Candle Cove" tells the story of a bizarre children’s TV show that multiple people recall watching—only to realize that the show may never have existed. Instead, it was something much darker, possibly supernatural, and definitely horrifying. The story plays on nostalgia, unreliable memory, and shared trauma, leaving readers unsettled.

5. The Rake

A creature of unknown origin, "The Rake" is a humanoid entity that lurks in the dark, watching its victims before attacking. Described as a hairless, pale figure with hollow eyes, this monster doesn’t just kill—it psychologically torments its victims first. The reports and diary entries included in the story make it feel eerily realistic, as if The Rake could be hiding outside your window right now.

6. BEN Drowned

For gamers, "BEN Drowned" is one of the most unsettling stories to emerge from the internet. It revolves around a haunted copy of The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask that behaves in unnatural ways. The protagonist finds himself trapped in the game, tormented by a ghostly entity named BEN. The story incorporates glitched game footage, eerie dialogue, and a creeping sense of dread, making it a must-read for horror fans.

7. NoEnd House

"NoEnd House" is a terrifying tale about a haunted house attraction that promises extreme scares. However, as the protagonist progresses through its rooms, it becomes clear that the house is something far worse than a mere Halloween attraction. Each room warps reality further, leading to an ending that will leave readers in existential horror.

8. Laughing Jack

This nightmare-inducing story introduces Laughing Jack, an entity that first appears as a child’s imaginary friend before revealing its true, murderous nature. A nightmarish clown-like figure with a stitched grin and hollow eyes, Laughing Jack targets children, using their trust before unleashing terror. The story’s unsettling atmosphere and tragic ending make it one of the most memorable creepypasta tales.

9. The Expressionless

Inspired by urban legends, "The Expressionless" tells the story of a woman who appears at a hospital covered in blood, wearing a blank, unsettling expression. When doctors and nurses attempt to help her, they discover she is anything but human. The tension builds throughout the story, leading to a disturbing climax that stays with readers long after they've finished.

10. The Backrooms

Imagine accidentally slipping out of reality and into an endless, empty maze of yellowish rooms, filled with the distant hum of fluorescent lights. "The Backrooms" is a concept that has taken on a life of its own, spawning multiple spin-offs and theories. It plays on fears of liminality, isolation, and the unknown, making it one of the most terrifying modern creepypasta stories.

Final Thoughts

These ten creepypasta stories have left their mark on internet horror, terrifying countless readers and inspiring adaptations across various media. Whether they introduce supernatural creatures, haunted technology, or existential dread, each story has something unique to offer the horror fan. But be warned—once you read them, you might find yourself double-checking the shadows before you go to sleep.