Top 13 Scariest Junji Ito Manga Tales Unveiled

Junji Ito stands as an unparalleled master of horror storytelling in the world of manga. Since his debut in 1987, Ito has captivated and terrified audiences with his macabre narratives and hauntingly beautiful illustrations. His works are renowned for their ability to delve deep into the psyche, revealing dark secrets through stories that are both chilling and unforgettable. Each of Ito's tales offers a unique blend of horror that has cemented his status as a leading figure in the genre.

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

Selecting just 13 of Junji Ito's most chilling stories from his vast collection was a challenging task. While many of his scariest short stories are available as scans online, they are also compiled into physical collections. Some collections, such as "Tomie" and "Uzumaki," feature narratives centered around specific themes, while others like "Shiver" and "Smashed" offer standalone stories grouped by theme.

The Scariest Junji Ito Stories

From eerie ghost stories and gothic horror to bizarre modern fables, here are the 13 most terrifying tales from one of horror manga's most revered creators, Junji Ito.

13. The Beautiful Boy at the Crossroads

Junji Ito often explores the darker side of love, and "The Beautiful Boy at the Crossroads" from his "Lovesickness" collection is a prime example. The story follows Ryusuke, a teenager returning to his hometown, haunted by past memories. As he arrives, a mysterious trend of "crossroads fortunes" emerges, leading to the brutal murders of schoolgirls. This chilling mystery intertwines with Ryusuke's past, introducing one of Ito's most terrifying creations.

12. Village of the Siren

In "Village of the Siren," Ito delves into folk horror with another unsettling homecoming. Kyochi returns to his rural village after a strange phone call and a haunting apparition, only to find it transformed into a ghost town centered around an enigmatic factory. Nightly sirens captivate the villagers, leading to a tale of strange rituals, cults, and the occult. This story's high death toll and taboo-breaking elements make it a standout in Ito's repertoire.

11. I Don't Want to Be a Ghost

"I Don't Want to Be a Ghost" follows Shigeru, who picks up a mysterious woman on the roadside. Despite her disoriented state and frequent bloodstains, Shigeru begins a secretive affair with her, oblivious to her dark desires. This tale masterfully builds suspense, revealing the woman's true nature in a haunting climax.

10. The Strange Hikizuri Siblings

In this darkly humorous story from "Lovesickness," the Hikizuri siblings delight in tormenting each other and their victims. Their misadventures, though often deadly, are executed with a certain ineptitude, making for a uniquely unsettling experience.

9. The Mystery of the Haunted House

"The Mystery of the Haunted House" turns a town upside down as a haunted house attracts visitors and unleashes terror. Two boys become entangled in the proprietor's twisted games, discovering a house filled with victims claiming to be his family. This story blends dark comedy with horror, featuring the scheming Souichi Tsujii.

8. Honored Ancestors

"Honored Ancestors" explores family dynamics through the lens of horror. Risa's amnesia and haunting visions of a giant caterpillar lead to a disturbing revelation about her friend Makata's family traditions. Ito's storytelling culminates in a memorable and unsettling family reunion.

7. Uzumaki

"Uzumaki" is arguably Ito's most famous work, a classic tale of a supernatural curse haunting the town of Kurouzu-cho with spirals. Ito's distinctive art style transforms ordinary shapes into terrifying entities, exploring themes of obsession and paranoia. The story's impact is evident in its numerous adaptations, including an eagerly awaited anime series.

6. Fashion Model

"Fashion Model" introduces a monstrous model with dagger-like teeth, whose image haunts a young man. As he casts for a student film, the model's presence becomes all too real, delivering a direct and visceral horror experience that is both captivating and terrifying.

5. Tomie

Tomie, one of Ito's most iconic creations, is a beautiful yet terrifying woman who reappears after being murdered by her classmates. Her collected tales showcase her ever-changing face and the havoc she wreaks on those around her. Tomie's enduring presence in pop culture underscores her impact on horror storytelling.

4. House of the Marionettes

"House of the Marionettes" taps into the inherent creepiness of puppets. Kinuko's friendship with a puppeteer's son leads her into a world of marionettes, culminating in a shocking discovery years later. This story blends classical horror with Ito's signature twists.

3. Used Record

"Used Record" tells the eerie tale of a hypnotic vinyl record that obsesses its listeners. As friends Ogawa and Nakayama become entranced by the song, their lives spiral out of control. This story's relatability and supernatural horror make it a haunting read.

2. Greased

In "Greased," Yui grows up in a family-owned barbeque restaurant, struggling with the grease that covers their home. Her brother Goro's obsession with the oil leads to grotesque transformations, creating one of Ito's most unsettling and stomach-churning narratives.

1. The Hanging Balloons

"The Hanging Balloons" is perhaps Ito's most bizarre and claustrophobic tale. Following a celebrity's suicide, giant balloons resembling the deceased appear, chasing and hanging those who resemble them. This psychedelic nightmare encapsulates Ito's ability to craft inescapable horror.

What's Next for Junji Ito?

Pre-Order### Uncanny: Origins of Fear

2Releasing October 15See it at Amazon

Junji Ito's most recent short story collection, "Alley," continues to thrill horror enthusiasts. However, his latest release, "Uncanny: The Origins of Fear," is a unique memoir and analysis of the horror genre that was released last fall. A preview is available on Viz Media's website.

Looking forward, fans can anticipate the release of "Moan," a new story collection set to launch on October 7. According to the preorder page, "Moan" promises to explore themes of obsession and persistence, warping reality in Ito's signature macabre style.

For those interested in more manga, check out our guide to the best manga for beginners or explore some of the best free manga websites and apps. If you're looking to purchase physical copies of Junji Ito's works, our updated guide on where to buy manga can help you find the perfect edition.