The horror genre within anime and manga occupies a unique and intriguing space. Though often overshadowed by the more mainstream genres like shounen and romance, horror manga deserves recognition for its ability to explore the darkest corners of the human psyche. While many of these works remain relatively obscure, the allure of psychological tension, eerie atmosphere, and unexpected twists makes them worth a deeper look. As we reflect on 2020, we’ve compiled a list of some of the top horror manga that will keep you on the edge of your seat with chilling plots, tense narratives, and shocking moments. Prepare yourself for a ride through the strange, unsettling, and truly eerie worlds of these manga.
Top 12+ Best Horror Manga
20. Shoujo Tsubaki – by Suehiro Maruo
Kicking off our list is Shoujo Tsubaki, a manga that centers on the tragic and unsettling life of a young orphan girl named Midori. This story is filled with strange characters and bizarre circumstances, exploring themes of isolation and societal corruption. With a strong atmosphere of despair, this work delves into the darker side of the human experience, leaving readers with a sense of discomfort. Although it can be disturbing at times, Shoujo Tsubaki offers a unique brand of horror with a focus on the grotesque, making it a standout in the genre.
19. Elfen Lied – by Lynn Okamoto
Elfen Lied presents a blend of suspense, dark secrets, and violent encounters. The story follows mutants with incredible powers as they struggle to find their place in a world that fears them. Amidst the bloodshed and chaos, the manga delves into deeper topics such as trauma, human cruelty, and the ethical implications of scientific experimentation. This complex narrative challenges readers to consider the motivations behind violence and survival, making it more than just a story of gore.
18. Zero – Kage Miko – by Amagi Seimaru
Based on the Fatal Frame video game series, Zero – Kage Miko brings the eerie and ghostly atmosphere of the games to the page. The artwork and eerie storytelling capture the unsettling feeling of encountering the paranormal, providing readers with plenty of suspense and dread. While it may not be as intense as the games, its eerie and atmospheric horror will still captivate fans of the supernatural.
17. Ore to Akuma no Blues/ Me and the Devil Blues – by Akira Hiramoto
This manga draws inspiration from the legendary blues singer Robert Johnson and incorporates elements of folklore, magic, and the supernatural. The story blends real-world history with dark mythos, as it follows a character who may or may not have made a pact with the Devil. The manga is rich in atmosphere, and its themes of temptation, regret, and the consequences of one’s actions create a powerful narrative that will leave readers thinking long after they’ve finished reading.
16. Hakaijuu – by Shingo Honda
With a story that evolves from a simple sports narrative to a full-blown creature feature, Hakaijuu is a wild ride from start to finish. As monstrous creatures begin wreaking havoc, the characters must navigate their new, dangerous reality. With plenty of action and unexpected twists, this manga is full of adrenaline-pumping moments and dark thrills, making it a must-read for fans of intense horror and giant creatures.
15. Zashiki Onna/ Phantom Stalker Woman – by Minetaro Mochizuki
Zashiki Onna follows a young man who becomes the target of a mysterious and creepy woman, creating an atmosphere of fear and paranoia. The manga expertly builds suspense, with every page heightening the sense of dread. It explores the fear of the unknown and the feeling of being watched, making it an intense psychological horror experience.
14. Pumpkin Night – by Masaya Hokazono
Pumpkin Night is a slasher horror manga that features a tale of vengeance and violence. The story follows a girl seeking revenge against those who wronged her, and her journey is filled with intense, thrilling moments. The artwork enhances the tension, with every scene dripping with suspense and anticipation. If you’re a fan of dark revenge stories with a touch of horror, this one will keep you hooked.
13. Skyhigh – by Tsutomu Takahashi
Skyhigh offers a more philosophical approach to horror. It follows Izuko, the guardian of a gate to the afterlife, as she presents departed souls with difficult choices: rest peacefully, reject death, or condemn someone to suffer. The moral dilemmas and emotional struggles that unfold throughout the series will make readers reflect on the nature of good and evil, life and death. With its deep themes and thought-provoking questions, Skyhigh stands out as a unique take on horror.
12. Can You Just Die, My Darling? – by Majuro Kaname
A blend of horror, mystery, and psychological tension, Can You Just Die, My Darling? explores the boundaries between love and obsession. The story follows characters whose emotions spiral out of control, leading them to confront dangerous desires. As the plot unfolds, themes of delusion, love, and sanity are explored, making this a captivating and darkly intriguing manga.
11. Higurashi no Naku Koro ni: Onikakushi-hen/ Higurashi When They Cry – by Ryukishi07
Higurashi When They Cry is a murder mystery that takes place in a seemingly peaceful village, where dark secrets and terrifying truths gradually surface. As the story delves into the unraveling of the village’s dark history, readers will experience a rollercoaster of suspense, paranoia, and mind-bending twists. With its unsettling atmosphere and psychological tension, Higurashi When They Cry is a must-read for anyone seeking an engrossing and chilling horror experience.
10. Pet Shop of Horrors – by Matsuri Akino
“Pet Shop of Horrors” offers a refreshing take on horror by blending soft, eerie themes with a touch of the macabre. Set in Chinatown, Los Angeles, it follows a strange pet shop where each pet comes with peculiar conditions. Violating these rules brings dire consequences. The shop’s enigmatic owner, Count D, introduces these creatures with their unique traits, offering a mix of supernatural elements and moral lessons. Each chapter stands on its own, though recurring characters and storylines weave together, ultimately delivering a thought-provoking message with every tale. Its subtle horror, paired with a distinct atmosphere, makes for a truly captivating read.
09. Jigokusei Remina / Hellstar Remina – by Junji Ito
Junji Ito’s “Hellstar Remina” fuses gore with a gripping sci-fi narrative in a way only he can. The story begins with the discovery of a rogue planet, which seems to consume everything in its path. As it draws closer to Earth, it triggers a series of chaotic events. The twist here is not the alien planet but rather the human reaction to it, showing how desperation leads to moral decay. The artwork is as striking as the story, with hellish landscapes that amplify the sense of dread. This manga keeps readers on edge, exploring the darker aspects of survival instinct. It’s a must-read for horror fans with a taste for cosmic terror.
“Hideout” takes a classic survival horror scenario—being stranded on an isolated island—and spins it with masterful pacing and stunning artwork. The story follows a troubled couple as they try to escape their grief after losing their child. The island, however, holds far worse horrors than they could ever imagine. What stands out is the stunning artwork that enhances the tense atmosphere, making every moment of suspense feel real. The brevity of the story ensures that it’s a quick but immersive experience, perfect for readers who want a tight, impactful horror narrative.
07. Kiriko – by Shingo Honda
“Kiriko” is a short yet impactful horror series that keeps you hooked with its blend of slasher and psychological horror. A group of people, invited to reminisce about a deceased friend, finds themselves victims of a deadly and mysterious force. The manga delves deeply into themes of guilt, suppressed memories, and the human psyche’s descent into madness. The illustrations are as unnerving as the plot itself, capturing both the gruesome details and the chilling atmosphere. With its shocking twists and psychological depth, “Kiriko” is a must-read for fans of the genre.
06. Panorama of Hell – by Hideshi Hino
In “Panorama of Hell,” Hideshi Hino introduces a chilling world through the eyes of a post-apocalyptic artist who creates grotesque landscapes using his own blood. The story’s strength lies in its symbolism and the deep dive into the artist’s tortured mind. His works are more than just art—they’re windows into the horrors of suffering and loss. The manga paints a grim picture of trauma, but it also evokes a sense of sympathy for the artist, making it a deeply thought-provoking horror story. With its shocking imagery and haunting atmosphere, it’s a masterpiece of unsettling fiction.
05. Kami no Kodomo / God’s Child – by Nishioka Kyoudai
“Kami no Kodomo” stands as a stark and disturbing exploration of a child’s descent into darkness. It follows the story of a young boy whose sociopathic tendencies evolve into violent and twisted acts. The manga pulls no punches, presenting disturbing imagery and challenging the reader’s sense of morality. Despite its grim subject matter, the story is compelling, delving deep into the psyche of a future serial killer. Its simplicity in art and narrative heightens the discomfort, making this a must-read for horror fans who appreciate the exploration of the human mind’s darker side.
04. Kichikujima – by Masaya Hokazono
“Kichikujima” combines elements of survival horror and slasher film aesthetics in a way that will keep you turning pages. Set on a remote island with bloodthirsty, masked cannibals, the story ramps up the tension with vivid depictions of gore and survival. While the plot may seem familiar, the artwork and the way it builds dread make it stand out. Fans of horror films and gory manga will appreciate this as it strikes a perfect balance between the two, offering an experience that’s both thrilling and disturbing.
“Lychee Light Club” is an unsettling dive into a world where innocence and depravity intertwine. What begins as a story about a group of boys who create a monstrous AI for dark purposes soon spirals into madness. The manga is not just about perversion and violence—it also explores the human need for control, power, and the loss of freedom. With deep character development and disturbing yet captivating art, the series offers a haunting look into twisted human minds. Its bold exploration of taboo topics and psychological unraveling make it a standout in the ero guro genre.
02. Ibitsu – by Haruto Ryo
“Ibitsu” breathes new life into the urban legend genre with a chilling story that blends mystery, terror, and psychological horror. The ghostly girl dressed as a lolita who asks if you have a sister is the catalyst for the relentless terror that unfolds. The manga takes readers on a heart-pounding journey of stalking and supernatural attacks that leave a lasting impression. With its terrifying imagery and eerie atmosphere, “Ibitsu” is a must-read for fans of psychological horror who enjoy a good urban legend. Prepare for a truly unnerving experience.
01. Uzumaki – by Junji Ito
Topping this list is Junji Ito’s crowning achievement, “Uzumaki.” This manga is a masterclass in slow-burn horror, revolving around a town cursed by the supernatural power of spirals. What makes it so horrifying is not just the violence but the way spirals infect everything, from people’s bodies to the landscape. The gradual unraveling of the town’s fate is executed with impeccable pacing, while Ito’s grotesque art style amplifies the sense of dread. It’s a work of horror that will stay with you long after the last page is turned, cementing its place as a classic.
As we close this list, it’s clear that the world of horror manga is vast and varied, offering everything from paranormal terror to gory carnage. Whether you’re into psychological horror, supernatural occurrences, or intense bloodshed, there’s something here to horrify even the bravest readers. Did your favorite horror manga make the list? Let us know what you think and share your recommendations!
Dev King is a passionate fan of manga, manhwa, and webtoons, with a love for Korean, Japanese, and Chinese cartoons. Always exploring new worlds and stories, he finds joy in every unique style and plot twist.
