Junji Ito stands as a singular force in the realm of horror storytelling. Since his professional debut in 1987, Ito has captivated and terrified readers with his macabre narratives and chillingly iconic creations. Recognized as one of the most renowned horror mangakas of his time, Ito's beautifully illustrated comics are vessels for deep, devastating secrets. Each story he crafts is haunting and horrifying in its own unique way, ensuring that his work remains a cornerstone of the horror genre.
Junji Ito Collections
Alley
5 See it at Amazon!
Uzumaki: Deluxe Edition
15 See it at Target See it at Amazon!
Tomie: Complete Deluxe Edition
7 See it at Amazon!
Mimi's Tales of Terror
0 See it at Amazon!
Remina
1 See it at Amazon!
Shiver
0 See it at Amazon!
Gyo: Deluxe Edition
5 See it at Amazon!
Smashed
2 See it at Amazon!
Lovesickness
2 See it at Amazon!
Selecting just 13 of Junji Ito's most chilling stories from his extensive body of work was no small task. While many of his scariest short stories are available as scans online, they are also compiled into physical collections. Some collections, like "Tomie" and "Uzumaki," follow specific narratives, while others, such as "Shiver" and "Smashed," feature standalone stories grouped by theme.
The Scariest Junji Ito Stories
From eerie ghost stories and heart-wrenching gothic horror to grotesquely 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
Ito often explores the theme of love as a curse. "The Beautiful Boy at the Crossroads," the opening story in the Lovesickness collection, exemplifies this. We meet Ryusuke on a train, returning to his hometown after years away, haunted by the mere thought of it. As young women seek "crossroads fortunes," the brutal murders of schoolgirls begin. How does it connect to Ryusuke's past? This chilling mystery introduces one of Ito's most terrifying creations.
12. Village of the Siren
In "Village of the Siren," Ito delves into folk horror. Kyochi returns to his hometown after a strange phone call and a haunting apparition. The once lively village has become a ghost town, centered around a mysterious factory and its nightly sirens. This story is perfect for fans of strange rituals, unusual cults, and the occult, with a significant and shocking death count.
11. I Don't Want to Be a Ghost
When Shigeru picks up a beautiful, disoriented woman, his life changes. Despite her bloodied state, they begin an affair, even though Shigeru is married and expecting a child. Her true desires are darker than anyone could have foreseen, and Shigeru realizes too late the horror he's entangled in.
10. The Strange Hikizuri Siblings
This darkly humorous tale from Lovesickness follows the Hikizuri siblings, who delight in tormenting each other and unsuspecting victims. Their schemes can be deadly, yet their hapless nature adds a bleak humor to their macabre antics.
9. The Mystery of the Haunted House
A haunted house turns a town upside down in this story. Two boys, trying to sneak in, discover a house of horrors filled with victims claiming to be the owner's family. The dark comedy is underscored by the recurring character, the scheming Souichi Tsujii, whose crimes are far from funny.
8. Honored Ancestors
Family themes are prevalent in Ito's work, and "Honored Ancestors" is particularly deranged. Risa, suffering from amnesia, is haunted by visions of a giant caterpillar. The truth behind her visions involves her friend Makata and his family's bizarre traditions, leading to a horrifying revelation.
7. Uzumaki
"Uzumaki" is perhaps Ito's most famous work, a classic tale of a town haunted by spirals. The story delves into themes of obsession and paranoia, with Ito's distinctive linework making the spirals terrifying. Its impact is evident in multiple adaptations, including an upcoming anime.
6. Fashion Model
In "Fashion Model," a young man becomes obsessed with a magazine model whose mouth is filled with dagger-like teeth. When she reappears in his life during a student film casting, the horror unfolds in brutal fashion. This story is 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 comprehensive edition, showcase her dark allure and shifting true face, making her a perennial figure in pop culture.
4. House of the Marionettes
Puppets add a creepy element to "House of the Marionettes," where a young girl befriends a puppeteer's son. Years later, they uncover the family's horrifying obsession with marionettes, leading to shocking discoveries.
3. Used Record
"Used Record" is an eerie tale of a hypnotic vinyl record that obsesses its listeners. The story's terror lies in its relatable theme of musical obsession, taken to a supernaturally nightmarish level.
2. Greased
In "Greased," Yui grows up in a grease-covered home above her family's barbeque restaurant. Her violent brother Goro drinks cooking oil, leading to grotesque transformations. This stomach-churning story is a testament to Ito's ability to blend horror with everyday elements.
1. The Hanging Balloons
"The Hanging Balloons" is perhaps Ito's scariest story, featuring bizarre, imposing balloons that resemble the heads of the deceased. These balloons chase and hang those they resemble, creating a claustrophobic, inescapable nightmare.
What's Next for Junji Ito?
Pre-Order
Uncanny: Origins of Fear
2 Releasing October 15 See it at Amazon!
"Alley" 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 ahead, "Moan," a new story collection, is set to release on October 7, promising "Obsession and persistence... warping reality in this collection of macabre stories set in Junji Ito’s bloodcurdling world."
For more manga guides, explore our recommendations for the best manga for beginners or check out our list of 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.
