The 13 Most Terrifying Junji Ito Manga Stories

Junji Ito: A Master of Horror Manga

There's no storyteller quite like Junji Ito. Since his 1987 manga debut, he's chilled readers worldwide with his macabre tales and iconic creations. This brilliantly talented mangaka is rightfully celebrated as one of the most renowned horror storytellers of his generation. His beautifully illustrated comics conceal devastating secrets, each story haunting and horrifying in its unique 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 Amazon

Narrowing down Ito's extensive work to just 13 of his most chilling stories was a challenge. While many of his scariest short stories circulate online, his works are also compiled into physical collections. Some, like Tomie and Uzumaki, follow specific narratives, while others, such as Shiver and Smashed, present standalone stories grouped thematically.

The Scariest Junji Ito Stories

From ominous ghost stories and gothic horror to bizarre modern fables, here are 13 terrifying tales from a master of horror manga.

13. The Beautiful Boy at the Crossroads

Ito often explores the dark side of love. The opening story in Lovesickness exemplifies this perfectly. We meet Ryusuke, a teenager returning home after years away, haunted by a devastating secret soon to be revealed. His arrival coincides with a disturbing trend: young women seeking "crossroads fortunes" are found brutally murdered. This chilling mystery introduces one of Ito's most memorable and terrifying creations.

12. Village of the Siren

Ito delves into folk horror in "Village of the Siren." A strange phone call and an ominous apparition draw Kyochi back to his family's seemingly deserted village, now dominated by a mysterious factory and all-consuming sirens. This story is perfect for those who enjoy tales of strange rituals, cults, and the occult, featuring a high body count and a unique range of victims.

11. I Don't Want to Be a Ghost

Shigeru's life takes a dark turn when he rescues a mysterious woman. Despite her bloodied state and unsettling claims of loving "ghosts," he becomes infatuated. His blindness to her true, terrifying nature leads to devastating consequences.

10. The Strange Hikizuri Siblings

This darkly humorous tale follows a dysfunctional set of siblings who delight in tormenting each other and unsuspecting victims. Their schemes, while often deadly, are marked by a certain haplessness. You wouldn't want to be on their bad side, though.

9. The Mystery of the Haunted House

A haunted house throws a town into chaos. Two young boys, sneaking into the house, uncover a horrifying truth about its sinister owner and his victims. This story features the scheming Souichi Tsujii, a recurring character in Ito's work, adding a layer of dark comedy to the gruesome events.

8. Honored Ancestors

Family takes center stage in "Honored Ancestors," featuring perhaps Ito's most psychedelically deranged story yet. Risa's amnesia and haunting visions of a giant caterpillar lead to the revelation of a family's disturbing traditions. This is a family reunion you won't soon forget.

7. Uzumaki

A classic for a reason, Uzumaki weaves a supernatural curse around the small town of Kurouzu-cho, haunted by spirals. Ito's distinctive art style transforms the mundane into the terrifying, exploring themes of obsession, paranoia, and the bizarre. Its impact is undeniable, with various adaptations already released or in development.

6. Fashion Model

Unlike many of Ito's slow-burn stories, "Fashion Model" delivers immediate horror. A young man's obsession with a model whose mouth is filled with dagger-like teeth leads to a terrifying encounter. This is a strong entry point for both Ito and monster horror fans.

5. Tomie

Possibly Ito's most famous creation, the stunningly beautiful Tomie is repeatedly murdered, only to reappear. Her ever-shifting true face is nightmarish, yet her image has become a pop culture icon. This collected edition offers a chilling journey through Tomie's many appearances.

4. House of the Marionettes

Puppets take on a sinister role in this story about a family obsessed with marionettes. A young girl's friendship with a puppeteer's son leads to a horrifying discovery years later when she returns to the family home.

3. Used Record

Atmospheric and eerie, "Used Record" centers on a hypnotic vinyl that consumes its listeners. Ogawa and Nakayama's obsession with the record leads them down a tragic path. The relatable aspect of musical obsession makes this story particularly unsettling.

2. Greased

Growing up above a barbeque restaurant, Yui is plagued by the ever-accumulating grease. Her brother Goro's obsession with the oil leads to grotesque consequences, making this one of Ito's most stomach-churning tales.

1. The Hanging Balloons

The bizarre and claustrophobic "Hanging Balloons" takes the top spot. Following a celebrity's suicide, giant balloons resembling her head appear, chasing and hanging those they resemble. This psychedelic nightmare is utterly inescapable.

What's Next for Junji Ito?

Pre-Order### Uncanny: Origins of Fear

2Releasing October 15See it at Amazon

Alley is Ito's most recent short story collection, but Uncanny: The Origins of Fear, a memoir and analysis of horror, was his latest release. A new collection, Moan, is set to release on October 7th, promising more obsession and reality-warping horror.