Junji Ito stands unrivaled in the realm of horror storytelling. Since his professional debut in 1987, this master of macabre manga has been chilling readers with his haunting narratives and iconic, terrifying creations. As one of the most celebrated horror storytellers of his time, Ito's beautifully crafted comics conceal dark secrets that resonate deeply with readers, delivering a unique blend of horror and fascination with every story.

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 body of work to just 13 of his most spine-tingling stories was a daunting task. While many of Ito's scariest short stories can be found online as scans, they are also compiled into physical collections. Some, like Tomie and Uzumaki, follow a continuous narrative, whereas others, such as Shiver and Smashed, are thematic compilations of standalone stories.

The Scariest Junji Ito Stories

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

13. The Beautiful Boy at the Crossroads

Ito often explores the darker side of love. The first story in his Lovesickness collection, "The Beautiful Boy at the Crossroads," exemplifies this theme. We meet Ryusuke, a teenager returning to his hometown by train, haunted by memories. His arrival coincides with a disturbing trend where young women seek "crossroads fortunes," leading to a series of brutal murders. The chilling mystery unfolds, revealing connections to Ryusuke's past and introducing one of Ito's most terrifying creations.

12. Village of the Siren

In this foray into folk horror, Ito crafts a grim homecoming in "Village of the Siren." After a mysterious phone call from his parents and an ominous apparition, Kyochi returns to his village, only to find it transformed into a ghost town centered around a mysterious factory. The nightly sirens emanating from it become an all-consuming presence. This story is perfect for fans of strange rituals, cults, and the occult, with its high death toll and unique choice of victims.

11. I Don't Want to Be a Ghost

Shigeru's life changes when he picks up a disoriented woman by the roadside. Despite her bloodied appearance, he begins a secretive affair with her, oblivious to her dark desires and her fascination with "his ghosts." The chilling truth about her intentions comes to light too late for Shigeru.

10. The Strange Hikizuri Siblings

This darkly humorous tale follows the Hikizuri siblings, who delight in tormenting each other and unsuspecting victims. Over two stories in Lovesickness, we see the chaos they cause, from an old school friend to a photographer. While their schemes can be deadly, their hapless nature adds a unique twist to their terror.

9. The Mystery of the Haunted House

A haunted house turns a town upside down, leading to terror for those who dare to enter. Two boys become entangled in the proprietor's twisted games after sneaking in. Inside, they find a house of horrors filled with victims claiming to be the owner's family. The dark comedy and heinous crimes of recurring character Souichi Tsujii make this a wild ride for fans of haunt culture.

8. Honored Ancestors

Family is a recurring theme in Ito's work, and "Honored Ancestors" is a psychedelic exploration of this. Risa, suffering from amnesia, is haunted by visions of a giant caterpillar. The truth behind these visions is tied to her friend Makata and his family's bizarre traditions, leading to a horrifying family reunion.

7. Uzumaki

Uzumaki is arguably Ito's most famous work, a classic tale of a supernatural curse centered around spirals haunting the town of Kurouzu-cho. Ito's distinctive linework turns the mundane into the terrifying, exploring themes of obsession and paranoia. With multiple adaptations, including an upcoming anime, Uzumaki's impact is undeniable.

6. Fashion Model

Unlike Ito's slower-paced stories, "Fashion Model" is a direct horror tale featuring a monstrous model with dagger-like teeth. Her image consumes a young man, leading to terrifying real-life encounters. This story is a standout in Ito's monster horror repertoire.

5. Tomie

Tomie, Ito's most iconic creation, is a beautiful woman who, despite being murdered, continually reappears to torment others. Her ever-changing face is the stuff of nightmares, yet her striking illustration has made her a pop culture icon. The collected edition of Tomie tales offers a dark and thrilling journey through her many incarnations.

4. House of the Marionettes

Puppets take center stage in this chilling story about a family obsessed with marionettes. When Kinuko befriends Haruhiko, son of the puppeteer family, she becomes wary of a large marionette named Jean-Pierre. Years later, their marriage leads them back to the family home, unveiling a horrifying secret.

3. Used Record

In "Used Record," an eerie song on a vinyl record hypnotizes its listeners, leading to obsession and tragedy. The relatable concept of a song you can't stop listening to is taken to a supernatural extreme, making this story as addictive as the song at its heart.

2. Greased

Yui, living above her family's barbeque restaurant near Mount Fuji, is plagued by the grease that covers their home. Her brother Goro, however, embraces it, drinking it until his face is covered in grotesque pustules. This stomach-churning tale is a testament to Ito's ability to disturb on a visceral level.

1. The Hanging Balloons

"The Hanging Balloons" is Ito's most bizarre and claustrophobic story. After a celebrity schoolgirl's suicide, copycat deaths follow, and giant balloons resembling the deceased appear in the sky. These balloons chase those who resemble them, aiming to hang them with metal nooses. This psychedelic nightmare is the epitome of Ito's terrifying imagination.

What's Next for Junji Ito?

Pre-Order### Uncanny: Origins of Fear

2Releasing October 15See it at AmazonAlley is Ito's latest short story collection, but his most recent 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, a new collection titled "Moan" is set to release on October 7, promising more tales of obsession and macabre reality warping.

For more manga recommendations, explore our guide to the best manga for beginners or discover some of the best free manga websites and apps. You can also find our updated guide on where to buy manga for physical copies of Junji Ito's chilling works.