Horror is a unique genre that cannot be compared to any other. Even the thriller genre does not give us the same chills as the horror genre. As a result, horror manga series, like horror anime, are worth reading.
So, do you want to read the best horror manga? If that’s the case, all you need is a good list, which we have right here. So, shall we start our list of horror manga now?
Best Horror Manga!
25. Higanjima
Akira became entangled in the final battle between humans and vampires. He only has 47 days before the entire country of Japan turns into a vampire island. What is he going to do?
This one is more of a survival horror story, and it contains graphic horror, violence, and gory scenes. This is a must-read for horror fans who enjoy survival stories.
24. Ibitsu
An urban legend has it that a young girl dressed as lolita appears at garbage dumps. Whoever answers her question will die in a twisted way. Another young man is about to be engulfed by it tonight.
The setting is cliche, but this manga is flawless in every other way. It captures the essence of the horror genre and executes it flawlessly. If you enjoy short horror manga, this is a must-read.
23. PTSD Radio
The plot consists primarily of a series of horror stories about old Japanese rituals that have an impact on a town. But what if each story is linked in some way?
The mystery of this manga is its best feature. It becomes more suspenseful with each chapter and is extremely well done with many details. Every horror fan should read it at least twice.
22. Fraction
The story is divided into two parts. The first half tells the story of a slicing devil, a serial killer who continues to murder his victims. The second half features an interview with Kago as well as a few short stories.
If you haven’t read any of Kago’s previous works, you should be cautious before diving into this one. It contains NSFW images and gory content, but it manages to take the story to a whole new level and thrill you to death.
21. Corpse Party
The plot centres on a group of students and their teacher. Something goes wrong when they try to perform a charm for the transferring student, and they become trapped in Heavenly Host Elementary School. How will they get away?
Corpse Party may not be a fantastic read, but it does provide a good premise as well as a mysterious concept. However, do not read this before going to bed.
20. The Drifting Classroom
Shou and his classmates are unexpectedly transported into a terrifying waste field. There is no food or water, and the landscape resembles an endless desert. How will they survive when their fears lead to rioting and murder?
The Drifting Classroom is a classic horror manga. A sharp blend of lost children, lethal monsters, and constant horror. I doubt you’ll be able to put it down until the end.
19. Smile, It’s Just a Dream (One Shot)
Kanae is the protagonist of the story, and she has a habit of having nightmares every time she sleeps. In her dreams, she murders her favourite person, and what if the dream actually makes her unrecognisable from reality?
Smile, It’s Just a Dream is a straightforward but exciting read. It definitely creeps you out, but it ends on a positive note. Try this one if you enjoy a few disturbing things in your horror manga.
18. Another
Sakakibara relocates to a rural area to finish high school, and he learns of an incident that occurred 26 years ago. His life completely changes after he becomes involved with Misaki, a girl with an eye patch.
Another excellent horror manga, in my opinion. It has everything a reader could want, such as suspense, gore, mystery, and what else? If you haven’t read it yet, you should do so right now.
17. Devil’s Line
When a vampire attacks Tsukasa, he is saved by a half-devil. Soon after, they both began looking for an organisation that was attempting to eradicate devils by publicising their existence.
Devil’s Line is not your average vampire romance manga. It’s strange, creepy, and pretty cool. It’s worth it even if there isn’t as much horror as in ghost stories.
16. Battle Royale
A group of ninth-grade students are stranded on a remote island and must survive by killing each other until a single victor emerges. If they refuse, the electric collar around their neck kills everyone.
This manga is, in my opinion, the most authentic depiction of a Battle Royale game. The thrill, horror, pacing, art, and even the storyline are all incredible. If you haven’t read it yet, do so right away.
15. Emerging
When a strange person with a bloated appearance and bloodshot eyes stares blankly into the distance from a crowded intersection in Tokyo, his blood explodes from his eyes and body.
As the blood splatters on Akari and the onlookers, she becomes a victim. Will solving the mystery surrounding the body come at a higher cost?
Emerging is one of those horror mangas that makes you nervous as you read. It’s more of a pandemic horror film than one with ghosts and devils. But, if I must say, it’s worth a read.
14. Marry Grave
Riseman Sawyer’s beloved wife passes away, and he overhears a rumour about the “Deadman’s Recipe.” He travels around with her coffin in the back, gathering the ingredients to resurrect her. But will his journey be so simple?
If you do decide to read it, don’t expect to be hooked from the first chapter. However, once you get into the story, you’ll be exploring innovative adventures as well as a minor dose of horror.
13. MADK
Makoto, with his twisted personality, summons Archduke J, a beautiful demon. In exchange for his life, the demon grants him his twisted desire. However, once the bargain is completed, he is reborn as a monster in hell.
If you like gory, violent, and boy-oriented manga, MADK is a must-read. It has everything a horror manga has to offer, and if you’re looking for a good horror/thriller manga to read, give this one a shot.
12. You Will Hear the Voices of the Dead
Jun Kishida can see ghosts, and his childhood friend Ryoko Hayakawa stuck by him even after he discovered the truth about her death. She assists him in dangerous situations as they arise.
Although the premise appears to be a humorous or slice-of-life story, it is actually the polar opposite. As you read it, it becomes gory, creepy, and sends chills down your spine. Try this one if you’re looking for a long and gruesome read.
11. Dusk Maiden of Amnesia
Teiichi enrols in a first-year middle school in a place where strange things happen. He meets Yuuko Kanoe, a beautiful girl who also happens to be a ghost, there.
Only he sees her, and they both join the school’s paranormal investigation club together. They solve many mysteries with the help of other members of the club.
Although there is a lot of fanservice in this manga, it does not limit your enjoyment in any way. It has an intriguing plot that includes romance and mystery. If you haven’t read a good romance horror manga in a long time, this might be for you.
10. Shiki
A series of mysterious deaths begin to emerge in the small rural town of Sotoba one summer. It won’t stop no matter what they do, and people began to live in fear, wondering what was causing all of these incidents.
Shiki manga will definitely shock you, and even if you’re not into horror manga, it will draw you in. The artwork is unique, and if you enjoy horror and thrills, you won’t want to miss this one.
9. The Enigma of Amigara Fault (OneShot)
Few people witness the mysterious human-sized holes in Amigara mountain after a destructive earthquake reveals a long fault. What happens if people enter them?
The only regret you’ll have after finishing this horror manga is that there aren’t more chapters. Because it’s a one-shot, you might finish it too quickly. But you’ll have a fantastic read the entire time.
8. Higurashi: When They Cry
The story begins in 1983, when Keiichi moves to Hinamizawa, a rural village. Despite making a few friends, he discovers that the village has a terrifying past that the residents have been keeping hidden. What could it possibly be?
The best thing about Higurashi: When They Cry is that each volume/chapter keeps you guessing. You don’t know why characters are dying, but you’ll be surprised to find out at the end.
7. King of the Dead in Dark Place
A boy died of illness, and when he awoke, he had been transformed into the lowest undead by an evil necromancer. Despite having a new life, he is still at the mercy of someone. What will he do with his life?
This manga takes a unique approach to the horror genre, and one of the best aspects is the MC’s character development. The art is clean, romance blooms beautifully, and it piques your interest.
6. Pigpen
A young man wakes up in the middle of a beach with no idea how he got there. What if what appears to be a relaxing paradise is actually a death trap?
As he tries to piece everything together, he finds himself in even more perplexing situations. Even the family who welcomes him does not appear trustworthy. What will he do to get out of it?
Horror and mystery complement each other like bread and jam. Although this is a webtoon, the plot is similar to that of Japanese horror manga, and there will be no breaks between chapters.
5. Pet Shop of Horrors
D owns a mysterious pet shop where exotic and rare pets are sold on the condition that the customer follow the instructions and sign a contract. It will not go unnoticed, as an inspector named Leon Orc begins to investigate the events.
In my opinion, Pet Shop of Horrors is a little biassed. Even though each chapter is a self-contained story, it perfectly connects the story. The art is beautiful, and the characters are everything.
4. Shadows House
Shadows House is a residence for the faceless clan, who express their emotions through living dolls. Emilico is the shadow servant known as “Kate.” What’s the deal with these living dolls and Kate’s shadow?
Isn’t the synopsis a little dull? But wait a minute before you dismiss it, because once you’ve finished reading it, you’ll say these words: What a Story! What a Story! Every second of your free time will be well spent.
3. Mieruko-chan
Miko began seeing strange beings all of a sudden, but her reaction was unexpected. She didn’t run or confront them; she simply ignored them. Will her daily life remain the same after this?
Mieruko-chan is an unusual character in the horror genre. This manga takes a while to pique your interest, but once it does, it becomes a one-of-a-kind gem. So, if you haven’t read this horror manga yet, you should do so right now.
2. Uzumaki: Spiral into Horror
A strange series of events begins to unfold in the small Japanese town of Kurozu-cho. The residents have developed a fascination with spiral design elements. Can they get away from it? What’s the story behind it?
Uzumaki is regarded as a horror classic from the 1990s. If you read it with no expectations, it could become your favourite manga of all time. Read this horror manga if you want to be enthralled and entangled in a fantastic story.
1. Shiver: Junji Ito Selected Stories
Shiver: Junji Ito Selected Stories is a collection of diverse and one-of-a-kind stories. One shows you a horror story about an idol, while the other keeps you guessing with an amateur film crew.
It is divided into ten chapters, each with its own merits. You get new enthralling stories with twists and turns with each chapter. So, help yourself to this terrifying manga that will leave you speechless.
Concluding Horror Manga!
If you’ve read a lot of horror manga, you’re probably aware of how well they entertain us with creepy, gory, and violent scenes.
Every one of the titles we’ve mentioned above, while not entirely horror, will send chills down your spine.
So, what are your thoughts on our list? Do you know of any other horror manga that should be on this list? Please share your thoughts in the comments section below.
You might also like:
