Top 13 Scariest Junji Ito Manga Tales

Junji Ito stands unparalleled in the realm of horror storytelling, captivating readers since his professional debut in 1987. His macabre tales and chillingly iconic creations have solidified his reputation as one of the most renowned horror mangaka of his generation. Ito's beautifully illustrated comics are a masterclass in horror, each story weaving a unique tapestry of terror that lingers long after the last page is turned.

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 spine-chilling stories from his vast collection was a daunting task. While many of his scariest short stories are available online as scans, they are also compiled into physical collections. Some, like Tomie and Uzumaki, follow a cohesive narrative, while others, such as Shiver and Smashed, are themed anthologies of standalone tales.

The Scariest Junji Ito Stories

Junji Ito's mastery of horror spans across ghost stories, gothic horror, and bizarre modern fables. Here are the 13 most terrifying tales from this horror manga maestro.

13. The Beautiful Boy at the Crossroads

In Ito's Lovesickness collection, love often morphs into a curse. The story follows Ryusuke, a teenage boy returning to his hometown, haunted by past traumas. His arrival coincides with a disturbing trend of young women seeking "crossroads fortunes," which leads to a series of brutal murders. This chilling mystery introduces one of Ito's most memorable and terrifying creations.

12. Village of the Siren

Exploring folk horror, Ito crafts a bleak homecoming in Village of the Siren. Kyochi returns to his village after a mysterious phone call and an ominous apparition, only to find it transformed into a ghost town dominated by a strange factory and eerie nightly sirens. This tale is perfect for fans of occult rituals and cults, with a high death count that breaks taboos.

11. I Don't Want to Be a Ghost

Shigeru's life changes when he picks up a disoriented, bloodied woman. Despite her unsettling appearances and claims of loving his "ghosts," he begins a secretive affair with her. The story unfolds into a dark revelation about her true desires, showcasing Ito's ability to blend beauty with horror.

10. The Strange Hikizuri Siblings

This darkly humorous tale from Lovesickness follows a set of unhinged siblings who delight in tormenting others. Their misadventures, while often deadly, are portrayed with a bleak humor that makes this story stand out in Ito's repertoire.

9. The Mystery of the Haunted House

A haunted house turns a town's curiosity into terror as visitors enter its doors. Two boys get entangled in the owner's twisted games, discovering a house filled with victims claiming to be the owner's family. This tale, featuring the recurring character Souichi Tsujii, blends dark comedy with heinous crimes.

8. Honored Ancestors

Family dynamics take a psychedelic turn in Honored Ancestors. Risa's amnesia and haunting visions of a giant caterpillar lead to a disturbing revelation about her friend Makata's family traditions. This story is a testament to Ito's ability to blend the grotesque with the familial.

7. Uzumaki

Considered a classic, Uzumaki revolves around the town of Kurouzu-cho, cursed by spirals. Ito's distinctive linework transforms these shapes into something terrifying, exploring themes of obsession and paranoia. The story's impact is evident in its numerous adaptations, including an upcoming anime.

6. Fashion Model

Unlike Ito's slow-burn horrors, Fashion Model reveals its monster early. A young man becomes obsessed with a model whose mouth is filled with dagger-like teeth. As he casts for a student film, the model reemerges in a brutal and real fashion, marking this as 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, collected in a complete edition, showcase her ability to terrorize and captivate. Tomie's ever-shifting true face is a nightmare, yet her striking illustrations have made her a pop culture icon.

4. House of the Marionettes

Puppets take center stage in this ghastly tale about a family obsessed with marionettes. Kinuko's friendship with Haruhiko leads her into a world of horror as they uncover the family's dark secrets. This story is a classic Ito tale, filled with shocks and surprises.

3. Used Record

Used Record is an eerie and atmospheric story about a hypnotic vinyl record. Ogawa and her friend Nakayama become obsessed with the song, leading to a tragic path. The relatable theme of an addictive song is taken to a supernatural level, making this tale as addictive as the record itself.

2. Greased

Set above a barbeque restaurant near Mount Fuji, Greased explores Yui's struggle with the grease that coats her home. Her brother Goro's obsession with the grease leads to grotesque physical transformations. This stomach-churning tale is one of Ito's most disturbing works.

1. The Hanging Balloons

Topping the list, The Hanging Balloons is a bizarre and claustrophobic tale. After a celebrity's suicide, giant balloons resembling the deceased appear, chasing those who share their faces with metal nooses. This psychedelic nightmare encapsulates Ito's ability to create inescapable horror.

What's Next for Junji Ito?

Pre-Order### Uncanny: Origins of Fear

2Releasing October 15See it at AmazonAlley is Ito's most recent short story collection, but his latest release, Uncanny: The Origins of Fear, is a memoir and analysis of the horror genre. A sneak peek is available on Viz Media's website. Looking forward, a new collection titled "Moan" is set to release on October 7, promising more of Ito's macabre tales of obsession and warped reality.

Looking for more manga guides? Take a look at our guide to the best manga for beginners or dive into some of the best free manga websites and apps. You can also check out our updated guide on where to buy manga if you're looking for physical copies of Junji Ito's work.