Seen in various films and TV shows, the most famous being Casper the Friendly Ghost, right after Ghost Busters of course.
It’s great example of how ghost tattoos can be used to show that you are the opposite of scary or evil.
The meaning behind ghost tattoos depends on who you ask and what type of tattoo it is. Some people believe that ghosts are spirits who have crossed over into death and are now haunting us as we live our lives.
Ghosts are often thought of as reminders of deceased relatives or friends. Thus, a ghost tattoo can be a way to remember your loved ones after they’ve passed on and connect with them on a spiritual level.
It also symbolizes strength and perseverance in the face of great loss. Ghost tattoos symbolize people who feel like they don’t fit into society—those who feel lost or unseen by others.
Despite the negative symbolism, ghost-inspired tattoos can represent feeling out of place in this world but still finding beauty. To make your ghost tattoo more interesting, use different colors. The traditional color scheme for a ghost tattoo is black and grey, but this doesn’t have to be the case. You can choose any color combination that meets your elegance as well as character.
To do it in a meaningful way, when going for an autumn theme, try using orange and brown instead of black and grey. Or, for more feminineness, try pink instead of white. And if you’re feeling brave, why not try rainbow? It will surely turn heads when you walk into the room.
Most popular ghost themed design ideas:
Beyond the traditional “Halloween ghost” you can also consider these ghosts:
1. Casper the Friendly Ghost (1945)
Casper the Friendly Ghost is a cartoon character created by Seymour Reit and Joe Oriolo, appearing in Paramount Pictures’ Famous Studios cartoons. He is a ghost who haunts a suburban house, befriending its human inhabitants, especially the young girl named Kat Harvey. Casper’s catchphrase, “BOO!”, usually accompanied by his laughter, has become a popular cultural reference. The character was voiced by Jack Mercer in most of his appearances.2. Beetlejuice (1988)
Beetlejuice is a 1988 American fantasy comedy film directed by Tim Burton and starring Michael Keaton as the title character, Winona Ryder as Lydia Deetz, Alec Baldwin as Adam Maitland and Geena Davis as Barbara Maitland. It follows the story of a recently deceased couple who become ghosts haunting their former home, trying to scare away its new inhabitants until they can be reunited with their daughter Lydia. The film also features the character Betelgeuse (played by Keaton), an outrageous trickster spirit summoned by Lydia to help her haunt her parents’ old house.3. Ghostbusters (1984)
Ghostbusters is an American supernatural comedy film directed by Ivan Reitman and written by Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis. It stars Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd and Sigourney Weaver as three eccentric parapsychologists who start a ghost-catching business in New York City. After they are hired to investigate paranormal activity at an old apartment building, they come across an ancient evil entity known as Gozer that threatens to destroy the world if it isn’t stopped soon enough. With help from their secretary Janine Melnitz (Annie Potts) and their assistant Winston Zeddemore (Ernie Hudson), they manage to save the day from total destruction!4. The Sixth Sense (1999)
The Sixth Sense is a 1999 psychological horror film written and directed by M Night Shyamalan about Cole Sear (Haley Joel Osment), a troubled child with psychic abilities who can see dead people walking among us but cannot make them visible to others around him except for his child psychologist Dr Malcolm Crowe (Bruce Willis). Through his sessions with Dr Crowe, Cole begins to learn how to control his powers so he can help those spirits find peace while protecting himself from any harm that may come along with it. Alongside this journey of self-discovery are glimpses into other characters’ lives such as Lynn Sear (Toni Collette), Cole’s mother; Vincent Grey (Donnie Wahlberg), Dr Crowe’s former patient; Kyra Collins (Olivia Williams), Dr Crowe’s wife; Anna Crowe (Mischa Barton), Dr Crowe’s daughter; and Cole’s classmate Kyra Collins.5. Poltergeist (1982)
Poltergeist is an American horror movie released in 1982 directed by Tobe Hooper and produced Steven Spielberg about a family whose home becomes haunted by malevolent ghosts that abduct their youngest daughter Carol Anne Freeling played by Heather O’Rourke . As more strange occurrences happen around them like furniture being moved or objects flying through walls ,the family enlist the help of paranormal investigators Tangina Barrons played Zelda Rubinstein ,Dr Lesh played Beatrice Straight ,and Ryan played Richard Lawson . Together they must battle against these supernatural forces before it’s too late for Carol Anne Freeling.6. The Others(2001)
The Others is a 2001 Spanish-American supernatural gothic horror film written, directed, and co-produced by Alejandro Amenábar which stars Nicole Kidman as Grace Stewart ,a devout Catholic woman living on Jersey Island in 1945 during World War II with her two children Anne & Nicholas Stewart . Grace believes her home has been invaded by ghosts despite no one else seeing them . As she investigates further she discovers many secrets about her past life & family which leads her to face off against these unseen forces . In order for Grace & her children to survive she must confront these spirits & ultimately accept what she cannot change.7. A Nightmare on Elm Street(1984)
A Nightmare on Elm Street is an American slasher horror movie released in 1984 starring Robert Englund as Freddy Krueger ,a demonic serial killer who kills teenagers while they are asleep using various methods such as burning them alive or stretching them out like rubber bands . Freddy targets Nancy Thompson played Heather Langenkamp ,who eventually learns how to fight back against him using dream manipulation techniques taught to her my fellow survivor Glen Lantz played Johnny Depp . With help from Nancy’s friends Tina Gray played Amanda Wyss & Rod Lane played Nick Corri ,they all work together towards defeating Freddy once & for all before he can kill anymore innocent victims.8. The Ring(2002)
The Ring is an American remake of 1998 Japanese horror movie Ringu starring Naomi Watts as Rachel Keller ,an investigative journalist who discovers mysterious videotape containing disturbing images which causes anyone who watches it seven days later die from unknown causes . Rachel must figure out what exactly happened within those seven days before it’s too late for both herself & those close to her such as Aidan Keller played David Dorfman & Noah Clay played Martin Henderson . She soon learns about Samara Morgan played Daveigh Chase ,a vengeful ghost girl whose spirit has been trapped inside this cursed videotape which will continue killing unless Rachel finds out why Samara was wronged so long ago before time runs out for everyone involved including herself !9. Paranormal Activity(2007)
Paranormal Activity is an American found footage supernatural horror movie released in 2007 which follows Katie Featherston & Micah Sloat portrayed themselves living together in San Diego where strange events start occurring inside their home after Katie claims that she had been haunted since childhood due some kind of demonic presence following her around wherever she goes called Toby or Tobi ! As Micah sets up cameras throughout the house hoping capture proof of this paranormal activity taking place at night time things quickly escalate beyond what either of them expected leading up some terrifying consequences!10. The Conjuring(2013)
The Conjuring is an American supernatural horror movie released 2013 based on true events revolving around Ed Warren portrayed Patrick Wilson & Lorraine Warren portrayed Vera Farmiga two paranormal investigators called upon assist Carolyn Perron portrayed Lili Taylor& Roger Perron portrayed Ron Livingston with unexplained phenomena happening inside their Rhode Island farmhouse due some kind spirits living there ! During their investigation Ed& Lorraine discover sinister secrets hidden within this household including evidence linking back dark witch named Bathsheba Sherman portrayed Joseph Bishara whom had cursed this land many years ago now seeking revenge upon those inhabiting it ever since then!
Do you love cats, Halloween and everything adorable? Then is this the tattoo for you! This piece of art has all the elements you’re looking for.
Black cats are a ghost’s best friend. If you’re also as obsessed with your furry friend then look no further than this tattoo. The black and white color harmonize with each other perfectly.
The realism aspect of this women’s tattoo just brings it to another level. This tattoo will tell all your friends not only your love of cats but also your love of everything spooky.
This female ghost tattoo is perfect for the spooky girl in all of us. The attention to detail makes it look as if the ghost is hovering on your arm. It’s a chilling piece of art in the best way.
Who says that spooky has to be scary? Sometimes it can be groovy! This tattoo shows just that, with its peace sign and flowery elements. Not all ghosts like to scare, some like to give the peace sign.
This ghost is both scary and heartwarming. You’re never too old to play with balloons, even if you’re a thousand years old. The details on this tattoo are just amazing, the little tears just bring it all together.
A tattoo that mixes the Halloween and valentines season together? Well, this is the one! The colors are perfect and correlate with each other to be very cute and spooky at the same time.
A ghost on the forearm! This ghost is going to be following you all the time. The line work of this tattoo gives the ghost an impression of hovering.
This spooky ghost is ready to show you all that his made of! The tattoo concept is original and the artist did an amazing job using black and white colors to bring this masterpiece to life.
Yin and yang, ghost and bones; a concept that just makes sense. The tattoo being enclosed in a circle really helps with the illusion that the ghost and skeleton are swirling within.
Well, this cool ghost is ready for his picture. All the details that this tattoo has just adds to the complexity. Everything from the pumpkin smile, to the finger prints just brings it to the next level of perfection.
This female Scooby Doo tattoo will bring back all your childhood memories. From the Scooby snacks to the perpetrator of the weak, this tattoo is full of details that will hit the nostalgia of all who see it. The colors and vibrancy bring the tattoo to the next level.
A ghost that loves rainbows? This tattoo brings colors and vibrancy to a topic that is usually spooky and dark. The line work and details add character to this little ghost.
Well, isn’t this a spooky female tattoo. These little ghost bring happiness with their adorable face, but don’t worry they are also spooky. The black and white element and tattoo placement work well together to showcase a great piece of art.
Even ghosts want to sparkle. This bejeweled out tattoo is perfect for the person that wants to mix spooky with glamour. The line work of the stars are what brings this tattoo alive.
A tie dye ghost brings a spin to a classic tattoo. It’s full of character and bright colors that can add a little spice to any tattoo collection.
Ghost and flowers, not two elements you would normally imagine together. But, it works in perfect harmony for this tattoo. The tattoo placement allows you to show it off to everyone around you.
Have you ever wanted to be a cowboy and a ghost for Halloween but couldn’t decide? Well, this tattoo feels the same way. It brings to life a perfect mixture of the two characters, this tattoo cowboy will be a great addition to your forearm.
This witch can cast a spell on you, just look at all the characteristics and details that she holds. The color vibrancy plus all the little details makes this tattoo a special one.
Simple women’s tattoos can be great too, just look at these three little ghosts. They are just adorable and each one different in their own way. This simple female tattoo can add charm to any collection.
These ghost buddies are a little mischievous and the perfect spooky tattoo. The tattoo placement allows you to show them off or hide them if you want.
Imagine a pumpkin and a ghost having a child, that child would be this women’s tattoo. This happy ghost is filled of color and happiness, from their smile to their sparkles. The vibrancy works in harmony with all the stars and sparkles, so it never feels like too much.
The orange outline of this ghost is what elevates it compared to others. It gives more character to the creature and separates it from the bats and the moon. The artist really showed that you don’t need tons of colors to make a great tattoo, and sometimes a pop of color is all you need.
This little ghost is just adorable, he might not be spooky but he is cute. The idea of the ghost hiding behind the moon is unique and a good twist to the design.
Ghosts and moons do I need to say more? It might be a simple tattoo but sometimes simple is all you really need. The line work on this piece of art is crisp and detailed, and it adds complexity to what would normally be a simple design.
We tell ghosts stories so it just makes sense that ghost tell human stories. This tattoo is charming and full of jokes. The colors liven up the scene and the facial expression just brings it all together.
This girl’s tattoo brings spooky elements as well as space elements, who wouldn’t want a happy ghost with a moon. The shading of the tattoo as well as the leaves add an extra level of character that just brings everything together.
The addition of horns to this spooky ghost just elevates it. The addition of the candle and the shadow that it’s casting elevates the ghost.
The shading on this ghost is just perfect, and gives the illusion that it’s just hovering on your arm. From the eyes to the moon, this ghost brings spookiness as well as a twist to a classic tattoo.
Black and white ghosts I’ve seen plenty girlfriend, but a brown one is unique and new. This tattoo is elevated by the color chosen by the artist, but also by the hand gestures of the ghosts. It’s a funny twist to a classic ghost tattoo.
This spooky fox is just the perfect creature to add to your arm. Is he the spookiest tattoo ever? Probably not, but he is adorable and very unique. How many ghost fox tattoos have you seen in your life…I imagine not that many!
Cats and Halloween in my mind they go together as well as peanut butter and jelly. Yum! This little cat just exudes adorableness from his pumpkin friend to the sparkles that surround it.
Everyone always says they hate candy corn, but this little ghost cannot relate. His love for candy corn runs deep, and is reflected by his smile and sparkly tears. The green surrounding the ghost really elevates the whole tattoo.
Who doesn’t love a sexy ghost? This ghost brings not only sexiness but a little laughter to what would normally be a spooky tattoo. The background work is perfect because it doesn’t take away from the main attraction, which are the legs.
Well, we know how this ghost passed, he lost his heart. The empty heart placement elevates what would normally be a simple ghost tattoo. The black and white color story works perfectly with the shading and the message as a whole.
Everyone should read, even ghosts! The playfulness shown in this tattoo is just great, and it’s lovely how it showcases the hobby of reading and the interest of the spooky season all in one tattoo.
Ghosts and lilies are not a normal mixture of elements for a tattoo. But, they sure go well together. The lily adds an adorable atmosphere to a ghost that would normally be seen as spooky.
This female candle tattoo is an amazing piece of art, from the shading and the details to the flame. Is it really just a flame or more? Tattoos that makes you think are the best types.
The placement of this sad ghost is wonderful. By adding it to the shoulder it can be seen by many and it’s a large canvas so the ghost and be detailed and as big as needed.
This spooky ghost is ready to haunt your dreams. The shading of the art is perfect and the dot style adds complexity to the ghost, its eyes and horns draw you in. but, it’s the full scope of the art that shows its beauty.
Ghost tattoo meanings and symbolism:
What do Ghost themed designs mean and symbolize?: Ghosts are a popular symbol in literature, film, and other forms of media. They often represent the lingering presence of a person or event from the past that still has an impact on the present. Ghosts can also represent fear and dread, as well as hope and redemption. By exploring the symbolism of ghosts, we can gain insight into our own lives and experiences.
The most common type of ghost is a specter or apparition – an intangible spirit that appears in physical form. These spirits may be malevolent or benevolent, depending on their purpose. Malevolent ghosts are usually associated with death and destruction; they may haunt people to exact revenge or cause terror and chaos. Benevolent ghosts are more likely to provide guidance and comfort to those in need; they may appear to offer warnings or advice, or even bring closure to unfinished business from the past.
Ghosts can also be seen as symbols of memory and regret. They often remind us of our past mistakes or missed opportunities, while at the same time providing a reminder that it is never too late to make amends for those errors. Ghosts can also signify unresolved grief; they may linger long after someone has passed away as a way of reminding us of their absence in our lives.
In some cases, ghosts serve as reminders of mortality – they represent our own mortality by showing us how fleeting life can be. This symbolism is often used in horror stories where ghosts come back from beyond the grave seeking vengeance against those who wronged them in life; these stories serve as cautionary tales about living life to its fullest before it’s too late.Ghosts can also be seen as symbols of transformation – they remind us that change is inevitable and that we must embrace it if we want to move forward in life. In this sense, ghosts represent hope for new beginnings even after tragedy has occurred; they suggest that there is always light at the end of the tunnel no matter how dark things seem at first glance. Of course, ghosts are sometimes used as symbols for loneliness and isolation – particularly when they appear alone without any other spirits accompanying them. In this case, ghosts often serve as reminders that no one should have to face their struggles alone; instead, we should reach out for help when needed so that we don’t become lost within ourselves like a ghost wandering aimlessly through an empty house forevermore.
No matter what form they take or why they appear, ghosts are powerful symbols with deep meaning for all who encounter them – whether real or imagined – providing insight into our own lives and experiences along the way.