You must be a great fan of Junji Itou’s work that led you to this page. And even if have just laded out of curiosity, you have found a goldmine.
Although not needed, here is a little bit of info about Junji Itou. He is one of the greatest Mangaka of this time and he is highly acclaimed for writing several great horror stories.
As a fan of Junji Itou’s work and a huge horror manga geek, I found it necessary to shed a light on some of his best works. So in this post, I’ll be sharing with you a list of 16 Best Junji Itou Mangas. Plus I’ll be mentioning one Junji Itou anime series and one Junji Itou movie based on his works.
Junji Itou Manga:
16. Kubi Gensou
- Logline: Tooru’s loneliness takes a toll upon everything around him.
- Year: 1989
- Chapters: 6
Being home alone might sound fun at first. But, as the stay becomes longer the terrifying tales become real. One fails to decide what is true and what is just our imagination.
Such a fearful story has been narrated in this Junji Itou manga collection.
Synopsis
Tooru Oshikiri is a shy boy. He does not have many friends. When his parents moved abroad he started living all alone in the mansion.
Strange things started to happen and he couldn’t do anything except getting involved with them.
There are days when he sees long-necked people. Sometimes strange girls and penpals appear in front of him. But, are they hallucinations, or are all of the people present in the house real?
15. Souichi no Noroi Nikki
- Logline: Souichi’s notorious act continues ending with horrid results.
- Year: 1997
- Chapters: 5
Souichi is one of the favorite characters of Junji Itou. He has been a part of many manga series written by Itou. This series too has chapters dedicated to Souichi’s notorious acts.
I am baffled by how Souichi enjoys torturing people at such an intense level. His acts are gruesome and painful. Itou’s description of Souichi’s character is no less than horrifying in itself.
Synopsis
This manga returns with all the mischievous acts that Souichi is capable of doing. He curses people around him and attempts to take advantage of his mystical powers.
He also manipulates his grandfather into building him a coffin. Like always his acts backfires creating a hell of a lot of trouble for him.
14. Frankenstein
- Logline: The very old Frankenstein’s tale with an Itou Junji Twist.
- Year: 1999
- Chapters: 5
Frankenstein is an adaptation of Mary Shelley’s 1818 gothic horror. Although, this manga sticks to the original plot, Itou, in the final part, gives his twist to the story.
If you have already read Frankenstein, I am sure the Junji Itou manga version will surprise you.
Synopsis
Victor a genius scientist wanted to create a creature from the deceased parts. He gets successful in creating one, but to his surprise, his creation is not at all friendly.
Taken aback by this Victor, decides to distance himself from the project. Until the creature reemerges into his life. Now, what will Victor do? Will he destroy his creation or use it to fulfill his desires?
13. Ningen Shikkaku
- Logline: Sad and depressing life of an immortal.
- Year: 2017
- Chapters: 24
“Mine has been a life of much shame.”
These are the lines quoted in this epic manga series. Our protagonist has low self-esteem. Thus, making him question his existence. Itou dives deep into the human psyche and presents a story that makes you think hard about life.
Synopsis
Ita Junji has beautifully captured the emotions of Yozo Oba, who is an immortal. He cannot draw a line between what happiness is and what it means to the world.
Living life in such a depressed state, Yozo Oba tries to figure out his place in the world.
12. Souichi no Tanoshii Nikki
- Logline: Souichi’s disobedience creates trouble for everyone.
- Year: 1997
- Chapters: 6
Souichi no Tanoshii Nikki is a set of manga series that revolves around the same person, Souichi, and his several intolerable actions. All the chapters in the series are related to one another.
I was eagerly waiting to read this Junji Itou manga, as I love when there are more stories over one character. It gives a chance to the reader to understand and connect better with the story and main characters.
Synopsis
Mischievous child Souichi is the black sheep of the family. When all his cousins meet they plan to have a fun vacation.
But, Souichi’s idea of fun is dissimilar to his cousins. He likes to use his mystical powers to create havoc in everybody’s life around him.
But his mischievous nature puts him in trouble.
11. Ma no Kakera
- Logline: Is this true? Can secrets change the way you think about someone else?
- Year: 2013
- Chapters: 8
This manga series was initially serialized in Nemuki+ magazine. The tales that are jotted down here are a must-read. The premise of the two stories revolves around dark secrets and how they can ruin people’s happy lives. I bet you will remember all the details by heart after finishing Ma no Kakera.
Synopsis
Story 1: Madoka and Tamio are a newly married couple who have a long journey ahead of them. Before hopping onto the joyous ride Madoka is surrounded with a difficulty.
Tamio’s refusal to get rid of his futon is making Madoka anxious. What secret is Tamio hiding from Madoka?
Story 2: No matter how much one family opposes nothing can get in the way of love. The same thing happened to our love birds Makota and Riko.
But soon enough, Makota felt that Riko’s family is hiding something from her. Why is Riko’s family not opening up to Makota? What is their secret?
10. Chi Tamaki
- Logline: Two chilling tales by Itou Junji Itou that will leave you awestruck.
- Year: 1999
- Chapters: 7
Youngsters love to go around and solve mysteries. They might later regret their choice but, initially, they are all in for it.
We have over here some stories that make your spine feel chills. I might suggest you read this Junji Itou manga series with your friends.
Synopsis
Story 1: Ansai and Kana were enjoying a joyful ride when suddenly blood splashed over their windshield. As they came out of the car, a group of boys attacked Ansai and Kana. After taking shelter in a nearby mansion, the owners of the house explained to them the horrifying details of the town.
Story 2: Kazumi’s untimely death caused a stir in the school. Okamori, who saw the incident was shocked and felt helpless. He found a tape recorder in Kazumi’s bag. The recordings in the tape recorder changed Okamori’s world forever.
9. Namekuji no Shoujo
- Logline: A collection of two that will give you the creeps.
- Year: 1998
- Chapters: 7
A home is a place where you find peace and serenity. Imagine when this place of comfort turns into a horror house.
Our next collection of Junji Itou manga series is somewhat like that. These stories will show you how isolating yourself can do more bad than good and, trusting the wrong people can turn your world upside down.
Felt goosebumps while reading it. Well, you will feel a lot more after reading the whole manga.
Synopsis
Story 1:Yuuji’s neighbor Rine has the same spots on her body as his grandfather had before he succumbed to death. They find Yuuji’s grandfather’s journal and are surprised to find about this mysterious disease.
Story 2: When we rent someone our place we expect it to be kept in a tidy condition. But, to Akasaka’s surprise, his house is in a filthy condition and, molds are swamping him and his house.
8. Ito Junji no Neko Nikki: Yon & Mu
- Logline: J-kun, A-kon, Yon & Mu’s adventures.
- Year: 2008
- Chapters:
Ito Jungi is known for his horror flicks but, this one is written with a different perspective. This light-hearted comical autobiography states the life of Iko Jungi and his fiance.
Ranked at top-ten manga volumes on The New York Time’s weekly list, I loved reading about my favorite manga writer. With the help of Yon & Mu, readers could see the versatility of Iko Jungi’s writings.
Synopsis
Living with cats can be tough. If you are not fond of them, then you can multiply the stress with a 100. J-kun was facing the same situation when his fiance A-kon bought in a cat.
The cherry on top was when A-kon decided to adopt another into the family. He tried his best to be friends with them but failed miserably.
Yon & Mu goes forward with more such crazy stuff.
7. Ayatsuri no Yashiki
- Logline: If you were given a chance to undo your past decisions will you do it?
- Year: 1998
- Chapters: 7
Ito Junji has created several masterpieces and Ayatsuri no Yashiki is one of them. All of the Ito Junji manga collections are one of a kind but, this one is on another level.
These contrasting stories are merged in such a way that one cannot get enough of them.
Synopsis
This manga series begins with a story of a divorcee who initially lets his son join in with other kids for a ride in an ice-cream bus. But the frightful incidents that happen afterward make him question his decision.
Peer pressure has always led to disastrous endings. The same happened with a student named Shirai. He attended a smoking club only to face serious repercussions of those unnatural cigarettes.
Several such stories are lined up in this wonderful collection. I re-read it just a few months ago to give you all a peek into the world of Iko Junji.
6. Jigokusei Remina
- Logline: Planet Remina is here to destroy the Earth. Who will save the Earth from this destruction?
- Year: 2004
- Chapters: 17
Jigokusei Remina had been published in one volume. Itou has given this manga series a spin by adding a scientific aspect to his horror-infected writing.
You will experience the take of society on an unnatural phenomenon, and how people do anything for their survival.
Synopsis
A scientist discovers a planet and is praised, for his excellent work. He is also bestowed with the right to name the planet.
The scientist names the planet after his daughter Remina. He had no clue that this planet-like structure in reality is a planet-sized organism whose intention is to clear humanity from the face of Earth.
5. Ito Junji Kyoufu Manga Collection – Flesh-Coloured Horror
- Logline: Are you ready to face the truth? Or do you want it hidden beneath the lies?
- Year: 1997
- Chapters: 6
Release in the year 1997, Flesh-Coloured Horror is the type of manga that the fans of Junji Itou crave. This manga series consists of short stories that talk about love, rejection, stalking, and much more.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading each of them and did have some nightmares. So, please read at your own risk.
Synopsis
Yaneura no Nagai Kami: After getting dumped by her casanova boyfriend Chiemi tries to chop off her hair. This is when she realises that she can no longer do that.
Yurushi: Kyousuke called off things with Misuzu his girlfriend. After few months when Misuzu comes back to sort things out some strange events starts to unfold.
Hachi no Su: Takano’s rival went missing and, the story of him becoming a ghost is spreading like fire. The secret to the boy’s disappearance lies in the forest.
Hakumei: One of the members of “The Ugly Trio” starts becoming prettier and prettier. Until one day she dies suddenly. This leads to a chain of events and, all the other girls are facing the same situation.
Kubi no Nai Choukoku: Mr Okabe is murdered and, Rumi is questioning Shimada. Shimada leads Rumi to the art room as there lie the answers to this gruesome killing.
Niku-iro no Kai: A mysterious attacker throws something on a kindergarten teacher Momoko. One day when she is visiting one of her student’s parents she is being followed again. Who is this stalker? What does he want?
4. Kao Dorobou
- Logline: Six short horror stories to blow your mind.
- Year: 1987
- Chapters: 6
Kao Dorobou is a Junji Itou manga that consists of a total of six chapters. Each chapter keeps getting scarier and scarier. There is no relation between any chapter still the stories look inter-related with one another.
Synopsis
First – Kao Dorobou : Machida transfers to a new school and befriends a girl who won’t leave her. Her actions and intentions are far more frightening than what Machida had thought.
Second- Kakashi: A grieving father uses a scarecrow to push away her daughter’s boyfriend from her grave. Little did he knew the scarecrow will take the appearance of the daughter.
Third-Akai Ito: Iishi’s body starts having stitching of red string. He is unable to find a cure for this problem.
Fourth-Gosenzo-sama: Makita’s friend Risa has lost all her memories. The reason behind this is unknown. Will Makita be successful in finding a cure for her?
Fifth-Kubitsuri Kikyuu : After Fujino Terumi’s suicide rumours of her turning into a ghost are spreading rapidly. Kazuko trapped with the emotions of losing her friend and the strange incidents happening around town starts to investigate on her own.
Sixth-Rakka: An unexplained suicidal tendency starts taking control over the people of a town. People start to disappear and reappear only when they fall from the sky.
3. Tomie
- Logline: Captivating yet frightening tales of Tomie Kawakami.
- Year: 1987
- Chapters: 3
Tomie is the first published manga series by Itou Junji. He won a Kazuo Umezu award for his amazing work. Adapted into a live-action film series Tomie is one of the finest writings of Itou Junji.
Tomie as a manga series is filled with horrific scenes and different stories. If you love to read tales that will keep you up the whole night then, you should go for this one.
Synopsis
Features that can make men fall on their knees, such enchanting qualities are possessed by the protagonist of this manga series.
Tomie Kawakami is a demon who manipulates men and makes them violent towards each other. Even women, too go, insane in her presence.
2. Black Paradox
- Logline: Four people come together to commit group suicide. The reason is bizarre with full of twists.
- Year: 2014
- Chapter: 8
You do not come across such stories that show actual human emotions. Happiness, sadness, anger, love these feelings are present on the surface but, somewhere inside our hearts insecurities, have made their place.
Black Paradox is a subtle take on how we allow our emotions to overtake our conscious and it shows how brilliant Junji Itou mangas can be.
Synopsis
Four strangers who knew nothing about each other met through a suicidal website called “Black Paradox”. They planned to commit group suicide and kept their real identity a secret.
As they are planning to die together, they thought of at least sharing the reason behind this decision. The story moves forward with details that will captivate you till the end. I remember every minute twist and turn of this brilliantly written manga series.
1. Uzumaki
- Logline: Is there any end to this spiral curse?
- Year: 1998
- Chapters: 3
Uzumaki is the greatest Junji Itou manga in my opinion. The series appeared in the weekly magazine Big Comic Spirits from 1998 to 1999. With the massive fan following, the anime series was adapted into two video games.
An anime series is set for release in the United States for the year 2022 that will be entirely in black and white and I am really pumped for this upcoming Junji Itou anime.
Synopsis
The story revolves around the fictional town of Kurouzu-Cho. Cursed by supernatural power, Kurouzu-Cho is a quiet and small place. Shuichi’s parents die because of the curse. Somehow he gets the ability to detect when will the curse take place. People do not believe until the curse takes its toll on the town.
Amidst the chaos, his girlfriend, Kirie gets affected by the curse and, her hair starts to curl. No matter how hard she tries to chop them off, they choke her in defense.
Junji Itou Anime:
There is currently only one anime that has been adapted from Junji Itou’s work. Will Update it future if new Junji Itou Anime arrives.
Itou Junji: Collection
- Logline: Visual compilation of Itou’s best work to date.
- Year: 2018
- Studio: Studio Deen
Itou Junji: Collection is a 12 episode anime series that was released in the year 2018. It consisted of several of Itou’s works. If one wants to enter into the manga world of Junji Itou, they should start by watching this Junji Itou anime series first.
The fact that I got a chance to see my favorites characters from Junji Itou manga come to life was like a treat for my eyes.
Synopsis
Mysterious Horror is waiting in all corners of the world. You can’t trace them or track them, neither can you escape from them.
From jade carving that opens holes within victims’ bodies to nightmares that will keep haunting you. A worm that grows inside a girl’s mouth and much more is left to be seen in this heart-racing anime series.
Junji Itou Movie:
There is currently only one movie that has been adapted from Junji Itou’s work. Will Update it future if new Junji Itou anime movies arrive.
Gyo: Ugomeku Bukimi
- Logline: A couple’s simple vacation takes a terrible turn.
- Year: 2012
- Studio: Ufotable
Inspired by the manga series of the same name, Gyo is a Junji Itou anime movie that will give you some crazy chills. Like any other Itou Junji’s work, Gyo carries the same fearful essence.
Synopsis
Tadashi and his girlfriend Kaori go on a vacation to an island named Okinawa. They found a fish with legs but, the smell coming out from the fish was disgusting so, Kaori asked Tadashi to get rid of it.
Somehow Tadashi managed to capture the fish but, it escaped into the ocean. The next day Tadashi and Kaori saw all other marine animals had legs.
What could have caused this? Will Tadashi and Kaori be able to save themselves from these creatures?
