The 13 Most Terrifying Junji Ito Manga Stories

Junji Ito: A Master of Macabre Manga

Since his professional debut in 1987, Junji Ito has reigned supreme as a horror manga storyteller, captivating readers with his chilling tales and iconic creations. His beautifully illustrated comics delve into deep, devastating secrets, each story uniquely haunting and horrifying. Ito’s masterful blend of art and narrative has cemented his place as one of the most renowned horror mangaka of his generation.

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 thirteen of his most bone-chilling stories was a daunting task. 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 tales grouped thematically.

The Scariest Junji Ito Stories

From ominous ghost stories and gothic horror to bizarre modern fables, these thirteen tales showcase the terrifying brilliance of Junji Ito.

13. The Beautiful Boy at the Crossroads

Ito masterfully explores the dark side of love in "The Beautiful Boy at the Crossroads," the opening story of his Lovesickness collection. Ryusuke's return to his hometown coincides with a series of brutal murders, creating a chilling mystery that intertwines with Ryusuke's past, introducing one of Ito's most memorable and frightening creations.

12. Village of the Siren

A bleak homecoming forms the heart of "Village of the Siren," a folk horror tale. Kyochi's return reveals a ghost town dominated by a strange factory and haunting sirens, leading him into a world of strange rituals and occult practices. The high body count and unique victim demographic add to the story's disturbing impact.

11. I Don't Want to Be a Ghost

A chance encounter with a mysterious woman leads Shigeru down a dark path in "I Don't Want to Be a Ghost." Blinded by her beauty, he overlooks increasingly ominous signs, ultimately facing a terrifying revelation about her true desires.

10. The Strange Hikizuri Siblings

This darkly humorous tale follows the Hikizuri siblings, a dysfunctional family who delight in tormenting each other and unsuspecting victims. Their schemes, though often hapless, can have deadly consequences, making for a uniquely unsettling read.

9. The Mystery of the Haunted House

A haunted house throws a town into chaos in "The Mystery of the Haunted House." Two young boys stumble into the proprietor's twisted games, uncovering a house of horrors filled with victims who claim to be the owner's family. The story features Ito's recurring character, Souichi Tsujii, adding a layer of dark comedy to the gruesome events.

8. Honored Ancestors

"Honored Ancestors" explores the disturbing side of family traditions. Risa's amnesia and haunting visions lead to the revelation of Makata's family's bizarre customs, resulting in a nightmarish and unforgettable tale.

7. Uzumaki

Uzumaki, arguably Ito's most famous work, is a classic for a reason. The small town of Kurouzu-cho is plagued by a supernatural curse of spirals, transforming the mundane into the terrifying. The story explores themes of obsession, paranoia, and the bizarre transformation of the ordinary.

6. Fashion Model

"Fashion Model" is a more visceral horror tale, revealing its monster early on. A young man's obsession with a model whose mouth is filled with teeth leads to a terrifying encounter, making this a strong entry point for both Ito and monster horror fans.

5. Tomie

Tomie, Ito's most famous creation, is a stunningly beautiful woman who is repeatedly murdered only to reappear. Her ever-shifting true face and enduring presence have made her a pop culture icon. The collected Tomie tales offer a chilling exploration of her enduring terror.

4. House of the Marionettes

"House of the Marionettes" uses the classic creepiness of puppets to its advantage. Kinuko's friendship with a puppeteer's son and their later marriage lead to a horrifying discovery within the family home, showcasing Ito's ability to create classic yet shocking horror.

3. Used Record

"Used Record" tells the story of a hypnotic vinyl record that consumes its listeners. Ogawa and Nakayama's obsession with the record takes a nightmarish turn, creating a relatable yet terrifying tale.

2. Greased

"Greased" is a stomach-churning tale of a family's obsession with cooking oil. Yui's disgust contrasts with her brother Goro's disturbing consumption of the grease, leading to a grotesque and unforgettable story.

1. The Hanging Balloons

"The Hanging Balloons" is arguably Ito's scariest story due to its bizarre and claustrophobic atmosphere. A series of copycat suicides leads to the appearance of giant, terrifying balloons, creating a psychedelic night terror.

What's Next for Junji Ito?

Pre-Order### Uncanny: Origins of Fear

2Releasing October 15See it at Amazon

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