The 13 Most Terrifying Junji Ito Manga Stories

There is no storyteller on Earth quite like Junji Ito. Since his professional manga debut in 1987, he has been terrifying readers worldwide with his macabre tales and chillingly iconic creations. This brilliantly talented mangaka has rightfully earned his place as one of the most renowned horror storytellers of his generation, and for good reason. Junji Ito's exquisitely illustrated comics conceal deep, devastating secrets, each story weaving a unique brand of haunting horror.

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 AmazonNarrowing down Junji Ito's extensive work to just 13 of his most bone-chilling offerings was a challenging task. While many of Ito's scariest short stories are readily available online, his works are also compiled into physical collections. Some collections, 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 heart-wrenching gothic horror to grotesquely bizarre modern fables, here are 13 terrifying tales from the master of horror manga, Junji Ito.

13. The Beautiful Boy at the Crossroads

Ito frequently explores the theme of love and its potential to inflict curses. The opening story—and recurring thread—in his Lovesickness collection perfectly exemplifies this. We meet Ryusuke on a train, a teenage boy returning to his hometown after years away, haunted by the very idea.

The devastating reason for this unease is soon revealed, but his arrival coincides with a disturbing trend: young women seeking "crossroads fortunes." The bodies of schoolgirls who solicit fortunes from strangers begin to surface, brutally murdered. Who is responsible? And how does it connect to Ryusuke's past? This chilling mystery is unforgettable and introduces one of Ito's most frightening creations.

12. Village of the Siren

In this foray into folk horror, Ito crafts another bleak homecoming in "Village of the Siren." Following a strange phone call from his parents and an ominous apparition at his window, Kyochi decides to visit his family. Upon his return, he discovers that the once lively village has become a ghost town.

Life now revolves around a mysterious factory of unknown origin, and even stranger are the all-consuming sirens emanating from it each night. If you enjoy stories about strange rituals, unusual cults, and the occult, this will captivate you. The high body count and unusual demographic of victims will satisfy those who appreciate taboo-breaking horror.

11. I Don't Want to Be a Ghost

When Shigeru kindly offers a ride to a beautiful woman found wandering by the roadside, his life takes an unexpected turn. Despite her bloodied and disoriented state, he is captivated. Days later, they begin a clandestine affair, even though Shigeru is married and expecting a child. Blinded by her beauty, he ignores her frequent blood-stained appearance and claims to "love his ghosts." Her true desires are far darker than anyone could imagine, a truth Shigeru only realizes too late.

10. The Strange Hikizuri Siblings

One of Ito's most darkly humorous creations, this bleakly comedic slice-of-life story follows a deranged set of siblings who derive pleasure from tormenting each other and unsuspecting victims. Across two tales in Lovesickness, we encounter various unlucky individuals who cross their paths, including a former school friend of the most beautiful sibling and a photographer. While their schemes can have deadly consequences, the Hikizuri siblings are generally hapless, though you wouldn't want to be invited to their dinner table.

9. The Mystery of the Haunted House

The arrival of a haunted house throws a town into chaos as initial derision transforms into terror with each new visitor. Two young boys become entangled in the proprietor's twisted games after attempting to sneak in. Exploring the ghoulish halls, they uncover a true house of horrors filled with victims claiming to be the owner's family.

A dark comedic element arises from the presence of one of Ito's recurring characters, the scheming Souichi Tsujii. However, his heinous crimes are far from funny. The Mystery of the Haunted House is a wild ride that will delight fans of haunt culture.

8. Honored Ancestors

Family is a recurring theme in Ito's work, and "Honored Ancestors" might be his most psychedelically deranged exploration of it. On a seemingly ordinary evening, Risa is brought home by her close friend Makata, who claims she suffers from amnesia and cannot remember where she lives. Doctors attribute her amnesia to immense emotional stress.

Risa becomes increasingly distressed by visions of a giant caterpillar... but what does it all mean? The truth centers on Makata and his family's strange traditions, revealed in Ito's dementedly awful style as the story concludes. It's a family reunion you'll never forget, though you'll wish you could.

7. Uzumaki

Arguably Ito's most famous work, Uzumaki is a classic for a reason. Weaving a supernatural curse into a ghost story centered around the small town of Kurouzu-cho, haunted not by spirits but by spirals, this is a uniquely spooky tale. Ito's distinctive linework transforms these usually unassuming shapes into something utterly terrifying.

Uzumaki features many of Ito's favorite themes: obsession, paranoia, and the transformation of the mundane into the bizarre. Its impact is undeniable, with multiple video game and film adaptations and a highly anticipated anime adaptation in development.

6. Fashion Model

While many of Ito's stories are slow-burn haunters, this is a more direct horror tale that reveals its monster early on. Like our next entry, Tomie, "Fashion Model" has become one of Ito's most popular long-running tales. When a young man sees a bizarre model in a magazine with dagger-like teeth filling her mouth, he becomes consumed by her image. He is haunted by her, questioning why she was hired and why she fills him with existential dread.

Life continues, and he and friends begin casting for a student film. The model re-emerges in brutal and all-too-real fashion. This is an excellent entry point into both Ito's and monster horror canons.

5. Tomie

Probably Ito's most famous creation, the stunningly beautiful Tomie was murdered by her classmates only to reappear the next day. Since then, she has terrorized readers and lovestruck men for years. A collected edition of Tomie tales allows you to follow her story from her earliest to most recent appearances, each more delightfully dark than the last. Her ever-shifting true face is nightmarish, but Ito's striking illustration style has made her a pop culture icon.

Even if you've never read an Ito story, you've likely seen Tomie as a sticker, tattoo, or t-shirt. Ironically, in her stories, capturing her beauty in an image is nearly impossible unless you also want to see her true face.

4. House of the Marionettes

Puppets hold a particularly creepy place in horror, and Ito uses this to his advantage in this ghastly story about a strange family obsessed with marionettes. It begins when a young girl, Kinuko, befriends the son of a family of puppeteers. Becoming close with one of the sons, Haruhiko, she visits their home and becomes wary of a large marionette named Jean-Pierre.

Years later, Haruhiko and Kinuko reconnect and marry. But when they return to his family home, they make a horrifying discovery. This is one of Ito's most classic stories, yet it still shocks and surprises.

3. Used Record

Eerie and atmospheric, "Used Record" tells the story of a strange record that hypnotizes and entices the listener. When Ogawa buys the vinyl, she quickly becomes obsessed, as does her friend Nakayama. Soon, all they can do is listen to the song repeatedly. But there's only one copy, leading the girls down a tragic path.

The story's terror lies in the relatable experience of having a song we can't stop listening to. Ito simply elevates it to a supernaturally nightmarish level. This beautifully drawn tale becomes as addictive as the song at its center.

2. Greased

Growing up above her family's barbeque restaurant by Mount Fuji, Yui is weary of the accumulating grease coating their home. While she worries about its effects, her violent and abusive brother, Goro, embraces the cooking oil, drinking it until his face is covered in grotesque pustules.

Goro's obsession with the grease and his sister's struggle for survival are deeply intertwined in this stomach-churning tale that will threaten both your lunch and your sleep. Prepare yourself mentally before reading this one.

1. The Hanging Balloons

"The Hanging Balloons" is Ito's scariest story due to its bizarre nature—where Ito excels—and its claustrophobic, inescapable atmosphere. After a celebrity schoolgirl's unexpected suicide inspires copycat deaths, people report seeing imposing balloons in the sky.

These are no ordinary balloons. Reports claim they are giant inflated heads of the deceased woman. More balloons appear, chasing those they resemble. Instead of strings, metal nooses hang beneath them. What is their purpose? If they catch up with their look-alikes, they catch and hang them... This is a psychedelic night terror brought to life.

What's Next for Junji Ito?

Pre-Order### Uncanny: Origins of Fear

2Releasing October 15See it at AmazonAlley is the most recent short story collection from the horror manga author, though Junji Ito's latest release is something entirely new. Uncanny: The Origins of Fear is a written memoir and analysis of the horror genre released last fall. A sneak peek is available on Viz Media's website.

Looking ahead, a new Junji Ito story collection titled "Moan" is set to release on October 7. According to the preorder page, expect "Obsession and persistence... warping reality in this collection of macabre stories set in Junji Ito’s bloodcurdling world."

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.