The Ultimate Guide to the Top-Rated Ghost Adventures Episodes You Can't Miss

Summary

Ghost Adventures has gradually improved over the seasons, focusing more on collecting evidence and garnering better ratings.

The content has been rewritten below:

The content fragment

The Joe Exotic zoo and the Cerro Gordo ghost town are among the infamous locations where captivating crossover events or investigations take place in some of the show's best episodes. With a mix of horror and investigative evidence, the show enthralls viewers through its creepy visuals and audio. However, not all episodes reach the same level of scares.

Ghost Adventures, a paranormal reality show, has a divisive nature, with some episodes managing to strike a balance between what audiences love and what they dislike. Viewers are often split between finding amusement in the sometimes theatrics of the show's creator and ghost hunter, Zak Bagans, and questioning the authenticity of the paranormal evidence presented. However, there are those who appreciate the show for what it is and are willing to temporarily suspend their disbelief. As the seasons progress, Ghost Adventures gradually eliminates its more embarrassing elements and focuses more on collecting evidence, leading to improved ratings.

Ultimately, it is up to viewers to determine the credibility of the evidence showcased. Within the niche genre of paranormal television shows, Ghost Adventures stands alongside other notable series such as Sightings and Paranormal Witness. Whether one is a believer or simply a casual viewer, Ghost Adventures is generally well-received and deserving of attention. The most memorable episodes of Ghost Adventures have left a lasting impact on fans and are likely to continue haunting them in the years to come. While fan ratings may vary over time, the most chilling moments of Ghost Adventures demonstrate just how captivating the series can be.

27 Halloween Special: Horror At Joe Exotic Zoo — Wynnewood, Oklahoma

One of the top Ghost Adventures episodes featured a crossover with the popular 2020 docuseries, Tiger King. This gripping and disturbing Netflix documentary, which gained massive popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic, explores the world of Joe Exotic and exotic animal zoos in the United States. The series sheds light on the shocking acts committed by Joe Exotic, such as animal cruelty and his attempt to hire someone to harm his rival, Carole Baskin. As a fitting choice for the 2020 Halloween special, Bagans and his team embarked on an investigation at the notorious location in Oklahoma.

During their visit, they had the opportunity to interview Jeff and Lauren Lowe, as well as other employees who were featured in the documentary. A significant portion of the investigation and interviews revolved around the tragic death of Travis Maldonado, which occurred on the property. Utilizing a team of cadaver dogs, they detected the scent of human remains in a body of water. Additionally, the overnight investigation featured a captivating experiment led by Bill Chappell, involving a deep echo tube. Unfortunately, the results of the experiment were disappointing.

26 Curse Of Ranch Island — Las Vegas, Nevada

In Las Vegas, Nevada, the Ghost Adventures team sets up at "Ranch Island," a communal compound, for their paranormal reality show. Following a tragedy the previous year, residents began experiencing supernatural phenomena. At the start of the overnight investigation, Bagans suddenly feels unwell and decides to leave in his car.

During an intriguing EVP session on the rooftop lounge, the team informs the spirit that they are there to listen, and it responds with a clear, "Sure, got it." Throughout the episode, Bagans continues to be affected by an unsettling energy, eventually needing to rest. As the night progresses, chilling cold spots and an increase in male voices captured on devices occur. While this episode may not be among the scariest in the Ghost Adventures series, the EVP findings are significant, albeit not as terrifying as in other episodes.

25 Cerro Gordo Ghost Town — Cerro Gordo, California

In one of the most captivating episodes of Ghost Adventures, originally aired in November 2019, the team embarks on a thrilling investigation in a remote and enigmatic old mining town. Known as Cerro Gordo, meaning "Fat Hill" in translation, this eerie ghost town is nestled within the awe-inspiring Inyo Mountains of California. Despite its haunting past, the vast expanse of the town posed a significant challenge to explore thoroughly.

Poetically situated near Death Valley, this hidden gem proved to be incredibly elusive due to its cliffside location. Cerro Gordo witnessed numerous grisly incidents, befitting its status as a quintessential "Old West" town, including shootouts, mining mishaps, and other harrowing events. Thriving with brothels, gambling establishments, and saloons, this lawless town notably lacked a sheriff's presence or any place of worship.

24 Upper Fruitland Curse — Upper Fruitland, New Mexico

The highly acclaimed Ghost Adventures episode takes place in Upper Fruitland, New Mexico, where the team aids a family in unraveling a disturbing haunting involving the eerie presence of a young boy without a face. One aspect that contributes to the episode's immense popularity is the chilling video footage depicting a chair inexplicably moving on its own.

The investigation uncovers additional evidence of paranormal activity within the house, as peculiar figures are captured on tape and menacing growls are recorded on the devices. Even Jay, a member of the team, falls ill while inside the premises. Nevertheless, the haunted house does not carry the same level of renown as other dwellings previously explored by the team.

23 Lewis Flats School — Deming, New Mexico

This investigation takes place at a school that was destroyed by fire and transformed into a steakhouse filled with taxidermied animals. One of the most captivating episodes of Ghost Adventures immediately presents evidence instead of following the usual formula of lengthy interviews. The evidence presented is quite intriguing, including spikes in EMF levels, intelligent audio responses, and flickering lights, which are a classic element of horror.

The most startling moment occurs when a very clear and distinct shadow is noticed behind a doorway, suggesting the presence of a living intruder who may have left behind animal bones. This kind of threat is equally unsettling as the presence of a supposed ghost. Nonetheless, after a few objects are thrown, Aaron Goodwin finds himself alone. He becomes terrified by strange sounds and even reacts in a startled manner to his own reflection, which is simultaneously compelling and amusing. However, it is worth noting that Goodwin's reactions may be slightly exaggerated.

22 The Washoe Club: Final Chapter — Virgin City, Nevada

Featured in the original Ghost Adventures documentary in 2004, this location stands out as one of the creepiest spots the Ghost Adventures crew has ever explored. Longtime fans are drawn to its captivating history, made even more poignant by the passing of two individuals who were instrumental in a previous investigation at Washoe. The team believes that these departed friends are attempting to reach out through some uncanny and intelligent means.

This particular investigation holds a significant level of personal connection, as it offers a wealth of intriguing visual and audio evidence, resulting in one of the most outstanding episodes of Ghost Adventures. Viewers witness the appearance of a perplexing SLS figure, while an odd mist is captured by the full spectrum camera. Furthermore, an extended sequence showcases alleged footsteps, adding to the unsettling atmosphere. Surprisingly, a visit to a candy shop introduces some lighthearted humor, a rarity within the show. The combination of mist and footsteps firmly establishes this episode as one of the most exceptional installments to date.

21 Mayhem In Millville — Millville, Utah

In the popular paranormal reality show, Ghost Adventures, the crew paid a visit to the home of a descendant from the infamous Jessop polygamist cult in Utah, known for its large family of over 200 members. The leader, Joe Jessop, had five wives and a staggering 239 grandchildren. This particular episode, regarded as one of the best in Ghost Adventures, featured the investigation of one of the oldest houses in Millville, Utah, belonging to Cindy Lou Hensen.

During their tour of the house, the crew heard a voice instructing them to "get out." Later on, they captured a startling moment when a beam of light emerged from a closet that had been sealed shut for 40 years. Due to an upper respiratory infection, Bagans, the leader of the team, conducted the investigation from outside the house using a walkie-talkie. In a chilling exchange, Bagans asked the malevolent entity about Jesus, and it responded with, "Let God thank." One of the most compelling pieces of evidence from the Ghost Adventures series occurred when Bagans inquired about the spirit's desires, and it revealed the name "James." This tenant had been profoundly affected by the house and even shed tears upon entering it. However, vocal evidence remained the primary form of evidence discovered during this investigation.

20 Twin Bridges Orphanage — Twin Bridges, Montana

The GAC's visit to Twin Bridges, Montana is hailed as one of the finest Ghost Adventures episodes. They were the pioneers in investigating the reputedly haunted Twin Bridges Orphanage, said to be inhabited by numerous spirits. However, the episode lacks substantial evidence, making it fall short of being the ultimate episode.

Since its establishment in 1894, the orphanage has witnessed a series of perplexing child deaths. While trapped inside, the crew attempted to establish communication with these young spirits and the former matrons. Among all the eerie entities encountered by paranormal TV shows, child spirits are known to be the most unsettling, and few locations can rival the spine-chilling aura of an abandoned orphanage.

19 Old Lincoln County Hospital — Fayetteville, Tennessee

The crew of Ghost Adventures embarks on a thrilling investigation at an eerie, abandoned hospital in Tennessee, making for a truly chilling backdrop. However, what sets this episode apart is a surprising twist—the involvement of the police. While attempting an interview, the crew finds themselves interrupted by the arrival of the police, who share their own accounts of potential paranormal activity. This testimony from a local police commander is a valuable addition, as even a single piece of evidence can greatly impact fan appreciation. Furthermore, the episode boasts a captivating glimpse of a potential shadow figure, further heightening the intrigue. Hospitals have long been known to provide a haunting atmosphere, as evident in some of the greatest horror movies. The pacing of the episode is executed skillfully, and the crew introduces intriguing new equipment into their investigation. Nevertheless, it should be noted that the presence of a shadow figure alone is insufficient to elevate this particular episode to the pinnacle of the Ghost Adventures series.

18 McPike Mansion — Alton, Illinois

The McPike Mansion, located in Alton, Illinois, is a renowned historic residence known for its eerie reputation. It is often regarded as one of the most frightening destinations in America and has gained recognition from numerous TV shows, including a notable episode of Ghost Adventures. Although the evidence may not have been convincing enough to label it the absolute best, it remains a highly acclaimed haunted location.

This old Victorian mansion carries a long history filled with reports of peculiar incidents and paranormal occurrences. Certain members of the crew speculated that satanic rituals may have taken place on the property at some point, although no concrete evidence has supported this claim. The mansion is said to be haunted by the spirits of its previous owner and domestic servant.

17 Benson Grist Mill — Stansbury Park, Utah

The ghost-hunting paranormal show made a stop at the Benson Grist Mill in Stansbury Park, Utah. This mill, built by Brigham Young, experienced a tragic incident involving the drowning of a young girl. Despite the lack of significant evidence, EVP activity was the only notable occurrence. Inside the Booth barn, some crew members felt negatively and nauseous. Witnesses claimed to have seen a man dressed in black on the mill's upper floor. During the night, Bagans captured a clear EVP of a man's voice saying "bicycle" in the mill. When questioned about the word, the spirit replied, "I was thinkin' about it."

16 Stone Lion Inn — Guthrie, Oklahoma

The adventurers embark on a captivating journey to Oklahoma in one of the most remarkable episodes of Ghost Adventures. Their mission: to explore a quaint bed and breakfast that once served as a mortuary. Curiously, the proprietor now hosts murder mystery shows and is rumored to engage in genuine satanic rituals. Amidst the absurdity, however, lies a fascinating tapestry of history. The episode reveals a captivating tale involving the mummified remains of a notorious train robber, preserved for decades as a captivating tourist attraction.

Unsettling imagery of the preserved remains is showcased, adding to the chilling nature of the episode. Moreover, the investigation yields astonishing evidence, including incidents of alleged poltergeist activity. Doors mysteriously move on their own, and a camera's tripod is inexplicably knocked over. Captured poltergeist footage serves as the pièce de résistance, sparking engaging conversations among viewers. While the historical aspects are undeniably intriguing, certain moments in the episode's whimsicality detract from the overall narrative.

15 Petrified In Pahrump — Pahrump, Nevada

The Ghost Adventures team ventures to rural Nevada to investigate a haunted winery in one of their most thrilling episodes. The winery, said to have been built on an ancient burial site, has been plagued by eerie occurrences and rumors of a curse, leaving the staff on edge.

Unlike the fleeting glimpses of spirits typically seen on Ghost Adventures, this episode delivered spine-chilling moments at every turn. The crew experienced an abundance of supernatural activity on the second floor of an apartment within the winery. They managed to capture a variety of inexplicable and loud crashes and bangs, witnessed a television turning on by itself, and even caught what appeared to be a figure crawling along a wall. Undoubtedly, this ranks among the most hair-raising adventures in the recent history of the paranormal series.

14 Disturbed In Wickenburg — Vulture City, Arizona

After a paranormal conference, attendees experienced an unsettling presence in Vulture City, Arizona, as documented in one of the most notable episodes of Ghost Adventures. Intrigued by the reports, the crew returned to Vulture City for a second investigation, focusing on a previously abandoned mine that had recently been reopened. Local Native Americans, who were consulted by the crew, suggested that the mine might be responsible for the dark energy.

During the crew's documentation of a Navajo ceremony, an image taken by Bagans captured a distinct shadow of a soldier in the background. In a locked-down area, the team managed to capture on camera an SLS shot showing a spirit passing through Jay Wasley. Shortly after, Bagans experienced a sharp pain in his shoulder and an overwhelming sense of anger. He took a pause to firmly assert that the energy was not allowed to enter him. The episode, filled with such intense drama, was highly regarded.

13 Industrial District Of The Damned — Salt Lake City, Utah

During an exceptional Ghost Adventures episode, the owners of a 120-year-old establishment in Salt Lake City, Utah, stumble upon an apparent ritual that occurred in the basement following a break-in. Interestingly, nothing was stolen, but the building's contents were disordered. Contrary to the show's mistaken assumption that the pentagram made of sticks and flowers is inherently evil due to its Pagan origins, the majority of the investigation focuses on the pre-existing spirit inhabiting the building.

Numerous workers in the establishment claimed to have experienced attachments and subsequent disturbances at their residences. The team diligently explores the basement in search of evidence supporting the existence of a purported "old hag" spirit, while also capturing the voices of other spirits on the upper floors. Although the evidence does not match the intensity of previous episodes, the eerie atmosphere alone surpasses many others in terms of sheer terror.

12 Haunted Harvey House — Las Vegas, New Mexico

It is always fascinating when the crew is granted the exclusive opportunity to be the first team to conduct an official investigation at an establishment. This makes it one of the most outstanding episodes of Ghost Adventures. At the very least, this adds credibility to the crew as certain locations carry significant reputations. In this particular episode, two ancient buildings in Las Vegas, New Mexico are featured.

Once again, the most chilling and unforgettable encounters in the episode involve the presence of apparent shadow figures. Two swift and dark shadows swiftly pass through a doorway, capturing footage that is truly startling and reminiscent of scenes from a Paranormal Activity movie. In addition to this, the Ghost Adventures Crew (GAC) also captures an extensive range of voices and effectively utilizes various advanced technologies.

11 Halloween Special: Curse Of The Harrisville Farmhouse — Burrillville, Rhode Island

Following the immense success of its first Halloween special, GA upheld the tradition by delivering one of their most captivating episodes of Ghost Adventures. In this 2019 special, Bagans and the crew embarked on a journey to the notorious Harrisville Farmhouse to delve into the haunting of the Perron family. Viewers might recognize the location and theme as the farmhouse that inspired The Conjuring films, adding to the episode's allure.

This farmhouse is just one of numerous real-life haunted sites that have sparked cinematic adaptations. The Perron family's haunting had previously been investigated by renowned demonologists, Lorraine and Ed Warren, elevating its status alongside other infamous hauntings like Amityville and the Annabelle doll. The episode's extraordinary quality is further accentuated by the fact that it captured the attention of the Warrens, among other reasons.

10 Steinbeck House Haunting — Salinas, California

In a 2022 episode of Ghost Adventures, the team investigates the birthplace of renowned author John Steinbeck. Steinbeck had previously mentioned experiencing a haunting presence in the house many years ago. The paranormal activity in the location has been ongoing, and the crew becomes intrigued by a powerful psychomanteum that even managed to disable one of their cameras.

During their visit to one of the most notable Ghost Adventures locations, their equipment captures communication from talkative spirits. One spirit specifically links the residents to Steinbeck and suggests that the area still harbors the presence of a witch. The combination of eerie occurrences and the historical significance of the location adds to the special nature of this episode.

9 Panic On Pine Street — Paso Robles, California

The hauntings at the Paso Robles saloon in California have become so severe that the employees are too frightened to stay in the building for long periods of time. Their palpable fear adds to the intensity of this particular Ghost Adventures episode. The crew is called upon to investigate and encounters shadowy figures and surprisingly articulate spirits.

Arguably, the most exciting moment of the episode occurs when the Ghost Adventures team captures a series of words on their polterpod. They distinctly hear a male voice greeting them with a friendly "Howdy," followed by a woman emphatically saying "no, no." Perhaps most intriguingly, they also pick up a crystal-clear pronunciation of the name "Lincoln."

8 Ireland's Celtic Demons — Ireland

This two-hour special takes viewers to the birthplace of Halloween and provides a brief history of the holiday. It's a fun and captivating way to immerse oneself in the spooky season and enjoy the show. The team embarks on an entry ritual to appease an ancient Celtic goddess and shares the chilling tale of a demonic cat. Although the presentation may be somewhat exaggerated, it's a characteristic of these specials.

The Irish setting is truly captivating, and while the first half may not offer much beyond an EVP scream, Loftus Hall, which dates back to 1350, provides a wealth of fascinating activity. The team captures a white mist entering through a doorway, and they also observe what appears to be an SLS figure standing on Aaron's shoulders. The compelling evidence, combined with the intriguing location, is what makes this episode so exceptional.