Top 13 Scariest Junji Ito Manga Tales Unveiled

Junji Ito stands as an unparalleled storyteller in the realm of horror manga, captivating readers worldwide since his professional debut in 1987. With his hauntingly beautiful illustrations and deeply unsettling narratives, Ito has solidified his place as a leading figure in horror storytelling. His works delve into the macabre, revealing dark secrets and leaving readers with a sense of profound unease. Each story crafted by Ito is a testament to his unique ability to blend horror with intricate art, making him a beloved and influential artist 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 AmazonSelecting just 13 of Junji Ito's most chilling stories from his extensive collection was a daunting task. While many of his scariest short stories can be found online, they are also available in physical collections. Some collections, such as Tomie and Uzumaki, follow a cohesive narrative, whereas others, like Shiver and Smashed, are anthologies of standalone stories grouped by theme.

The Scariest Junji Ito Stories

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

13. The Beautiful Boy at the Crossroads

Junji Ito often explores the dark side of love, and "The Beautiful Boy at the Crossroads" is a prime example from his Lovesickness collection. The story follows Ryusuke, a teenager returning to his hometown, haunted by his past. As he arrives, a chilling trend emerges: young women seeking "crossroads fortunes" start turning up brutally murdered. The mystery deepens as the connection to Ryusuke's past unfolds, introducing one of Ito's most haunting creations.

12. Village of the Siren

In "Village of the Siren," Ito delves into folk horror with another tale of a bleak homecoming. Kyochi returns to his village after a strange phone call and an ominous apparition, only to find it transformed into a ghost town. The village's life now centers around a mysterious factory and the eerie sirens it emits each night. This story is perfect for fans of strange rituals, cults, and the occult, featuring a shocking death count and taboo-breaking horror.

11. I Don't Want to Be a Ghost

In "I Don't Want to Be a Ghost," Shigeru's life takes a dark turn when he picks up a beautiful, disoriented woman on the road. Despite her bloodied state, he begins a secretive affair with her, blinded by her allure. Her true desires, however, are far darker than he could have imagined, leading to a chilling revelation.

10. The Strange Hikizuri Siblings

Combining humor with horror, "The Strange Hikizuri Siblings" follows a dysfunctional family that delights in tormenting others. Over two tales in Lovesickness, we encounter their victims, including an old school friend and a photographer. Though often hapless, the Hikizuri siblings' schemes can be deadly, making for a darkly comedic read.

9. The Mystery of the Haunted House

"The Mystery of the Haunted House" turns a town upside down when a haunted house's proprietor ensnares visitors in twisted games. Two boys, trying to sneak in for free, uncover a house filled with victims claiming to be the owner's family. This story blends dark comedy with horror, featuring the recurring character Souichi Tsujii.

8. Honored Ancestors

Family plays a central role in "Honored Ancestors," where Risa, suffering from amnesia, is haunted by visions of a giant caterpillar. The truth behind these visions ties into her friend Makata's family traditions, revealed in Ito's signature unsettling style. This tale is a disturbing family reunion you won't soon forget.

7. Uzumaki

Considered a classic, "Uzumaki" tells the story of Kurouzu-cho, a town haunted by spirals. Ito's distinctive linework transforms these mundane shapes into objects of terror, exploring themes of obsession and paranoia. The impact of Uzumaki extends beyond manga, with adaptations in video games, films, and an upcoming anime series.

6. Fashion Model

"Fashion Model" is a direct horror tale featuring a model with dagger-like teeth who captivates and terrifies a young man. His obsession with her image leads to a brutal confrontation when she reemerges during a student film project. This story is a standout in Ito's monster horror repertoire.

5. Tomie

Tomie, Ito's most iconic creation, is a stunningly beautiful woman who, despite being murdered, continues to reappear and haunt her killers. Her tales, collected in a complete edition, showcase her ever-shifting true face, making her a staple in horror and pop culture.

4. House of the Marionettes

In "House of the Marionettes," a family's obsession with puppets leads to a chilling discovery. When Kinuko marries Haruhiko, a puppeteer's son, their return to his family home reveals the dark secrets behind their marionettes, particularly the enigmatic Jean-Pierre.

3. Used Record

"Used Record" tells the eerie story of a hypnotic record that consumes its listeners. Ogawa and her friend Nakayama become obsessed with the song, leading to a tragic outcome. The story's relatable theme of musical obsession is taken to a nightmarish level, making it as addictive as the song itself.

2. Greased

"Greased" explores the grotesque obsession with cooking oil at a family's barbeque restaurant near Mount Fuji. Yui's brother Goro's violent embrace of the grease leads to horrifying physical transformations, making this one of Ito's most stomach-churning tales.

1. The Hanging Balloons

"The Hanging Balloons" is considered Ito's scariest story, blending bizarre elements with a sense of inescapable dread. Following a celebrity's suicide, giant balloons resembling the deceased chase their living counterparts, threatening to hang them with metal nooses. This tale is a vivid, psychedelic nightmare brought to life.

What's Next for Junji Ito?

Pre-Order### Uncanny: Origins of Fear

2Releasing October 15See it at AmazonJunji Ito's latest release, "Uncanny: Origins of Fear," is a memoir and analysis of the horror genre that came out last fall. A preview is available on Viz Media's website. Looking forward, a new collection titled "Moan" is set to release on October 7, promising more tales of obsession and reality-warping horror.

For more manga recommendations, explore our guide to the best manga for beginners or check out the best free manga websites and apps. If you're interested in physical copies of Junji Ito's work, don't miss our updated guide on where to buy manga.