There's no storyteller quite like Junji Ito. Since his professional manga debut in 1987, he has been captivating and terrifying readers with his macabre tales and chillingly iconic creations. This brilliantly talented mangaka has rightfully earned his place as one of the most renowned horror storytellers of his generation, and it's easy to see why. Junji Ito's beautifully illustrated comics conceal deep, devastating secrets, and each tale he weaves haunts and horrifies in a uniquely unsettling way.
Junji Ito Collections
### Alley
5See it at Amazon
### Uzumaki: Deluxe Edition
15See it at TargetSee it at Amazon
### Tomie: Complete Deluxe Edition
7See it at Amazon
### Mimi's Tales of Terror
0See it at Amazon
### Remina
1See it at Amazon
### Shiver
0See it at Amazon
### Gyo: Deluxe Edition
5See it at Amazon
### Smashed
2See it at Amazon
### Lovesickness
2See it at AmazonNarrowing down Junji Ito's vast collection to just 13 of his most bone-chilling stories was no small task. While many of his scariest short stories are available as scans online, they are also compiled into physical collections. Some, like Tomie and Uzumaki, follow a specific narrative, while others, such as Shiver and Smashed, feature standalone stories grouped by theme.
The Scariest Junji Ito Stories
From eerie ghost stories to heart-wrenching gothic horror and grotesquely bizarre modern fables, here are the 13 most terrifying tales from one of the masters of horror manga, Junji Ito.
13. The Beautiful Boy at the Crossroads
Junji Ito often explores the dark side of love and its curses. The first story in his Lovesickness collection, "The Beautiful Boy at the Crossroads," is a prime example. We meet Ryusuke on a train, returning to his hometown after years away, haunted by his past. His arrival coincides with a disturbing trend of young women seeking "crossroads fortunes," leading to brutal murders. This chilling mystery introduces one of Ito's most terrifying creations and leaves a lasting impression.
12. Village of the Siren
In this folk horror tale, Ito crafts another bleak homecoming with "Village of the Siren." After receiving a strange phone call from his parents and encountering an ominous apparition, Kyochi returns to his village, only to find it transformed into a ghost town. Life now revolves around a mysterious factory, and nightly sirens consume the residents. This story is perfect for fans of strange rituals, unusual cults, and the occult, with a high death toll that breaks taboos.
11. I Don't Want to Be a Ghost
When Shigeru picks up a beautiful, disoriented woman on the side of the road, his life changes. Despite her bloodied state, he begins a secretive affair with her, ignoring the signs of danger. Her true, dark desires are revealed too late, making this a haunting tale of love and deception.
10. The Strange Hikizuri Siblings
This darkly humorous story introduces the unhinged Hikizuri siblings, who take pleasure in tormenting others. Over two tales in Lovesickness, we see the chaos they cause, including to an old school friend and a photographer. Their schemes can be deadly, making for a thrilling and unsettling read.
9. The Mystery of the Haunted House
A haunted house turns a town upside down in this tale of terror and dark comedy. Two young boys get caught in the proprietor's twisted games after sneaking in. They discover a house of horrors filled with victims claiming to be the owner's family. Featuring the scheming Souichi Tsujii, this story is a wild ride for fans of haunt culture.
8. Honored Ancestors
Family is a recurring theme in Ito's work, and "Honored Ancestors" takes it to a psychedelic level. Risa, suffering from amnesia, is haunted by visions of a giant caterpillar. The truth behind her visions lies in her friend Makata's family's strange traditions, leading to a dementedly unforgettable family reunion.
7. Uzumaki
Perhaps Ito's most famous work, Uzumaki is a classic for a reason. This supernatural tale centers around Kurouzu-cho, a town haunted by spirals. Ito's distinctive linework turns the mundane into the terrifying, exploring themes of obsession and paranoia. With multiple adaptations, including a highly anticipated anime, Uzumaki's impact is undeniable.
6. Fashion Model
Unlike many of Ito's slow-burn stories, "Fashion Model" reveals its monster early. When a young man becomes obsessed with a model whose mouth is filled with dagger-like teeth, his life takes a terrifying turn. This story is a standout in Ito's monster horror canon.
5. Tomie
Tomie, Ito's most famous creation, is a stunningly beautiful woman who reappears after being murdered. Her tales are collected in a volume that showcases her dark allure and shifting true face. Tomie's impact on pop culture is evident, seen in stickers, tattoos, and t-shirts.
4. House of the Marionettes
Puppets take center stage in this ghastly story about a family obsessed with marionettes. When Kinuko befriends the son of puppeteers and later marries him, they discover a horrifying secret at his family home. This classic tale from Ito is full of shocking twists.
3. Used Record
In "Used Record," an eerie vinyl record hypnotizes its listeners, leading to obsession and tragedy. The relatable theme of a song you can't stop listening to becomes supernaturally nightmarish in this atmospheric tale.
2. Greased
Set above a barbeque restaurant near Mount Fuji, "Greased" tells the stomach-churning story of Yui and her grease-obsessed brother Goro. His grotesque transformation and her struggle to survive make this one of Ito's most unsettling tales.
1. The Hanging Balloons
Considered Ito's scariest story, "The Hanging Balloons" is a bizarre and claustrophobic tale. After a celebrity's suicide, giant balloons resembling people's faces appear, chasing and hanging those they resemble. This psychedelic nightmare is unforgettable.
What's Next for Junji Ito?
Pre-Order### Uncanny: Origins of Fear
2Releasing October 15See it at AmazonJunji Ito's most recent release, Uncanny: The Origins of Fear, is a memoir and analysis of the horror genre, released last Fall. A sneak peek is available on Viz Media's website. Looking ahead, a new collection titled "Moan" is set to release on October 7, promising more macabre tales of obsession and persistence in Ito's chilling world.
For more manga recommendations, check out our guide to the best manga for beginners or explore some of the best free manga websites and apps. You can also find our updated guide on where to buy manga if you're interested in physical copies of Junji Ito's work.
