Top 13 Highest Rated Japanese Horror Novels in 2026

2026 Edition

Updated January 27, 2026

Specialized Lists

13 Novels

Horror ratings reflect how effectively novels create tension and dread. Japanese horror webnovels approach fear differently than western horror, often incorporating supernatural elements drawn from Asian folklore and mythology.

Horror preferences are personal. What terrifies one reader might bore another. High ratings indicate effective horror for many readers, but check what specific elements reviewers found scary to see if they match what frightens you.

Completed
1
TOP PICK
Utsuro no Hako to Zero no Maria
4.7
(509 ratings)
Genre: action, drama, horror
Utsuro no Hako to Zero no Maria, or The Empty Box and the Zeroth Maria, tells the sinister story of Kazuki Hoshino, who is almost madly attached to his everyday life, and his antagonist Aya Otonashi, who suddenly transfers into his class—for the 13,118th time. She majestically announces to “brea...
First Impressions
"Utsuro no Hako to Zero no Maria" (Hakomari), where do I even begin? This series is a trip, a wild, psychological, romantic, and sometimes horrifying ride that had me hooked from the first volume. I went in expecting a mind-bending mystery, and while I got that, I also found a story that explores the depths of human desire and the consequences of wish fulfillment. The initial volume throws you headfirst into a non-linear narrative, a time loop that's as confusing as it is captivating. I'll admit, it took me a bit to get my bearings, but the intrigue was enough to keep me pushing forward. The p...
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2
RUNNER UP
I Was Reincarnated as a Nameless Combatant in a Japanese-style Fantasy Depressive Erotic Game, but the Women Around Me Are All Dangerous, and I Have a Bad Feeling about It
4.2
(226 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, drama
Apparently, I was reincarnated as a nameless mob in a Japanese fantasy game. …and the genre of the game is a depressive game with eroticism and gore.
First Impressions
This title is certainly a mouthful, and the story mostly lives up to the hype. I went in expecting a dark, gritty tale with a dense protagonist, and that's largely what I got. It's a wild ride through a Japanese-style fantasy world filled with yokai, exorcists, and a whole lot of danger. My initial reaction was definitely intrigue. The premise is unique: a reincarnation into a brutal game world as a nobody. The early chapters do a decent job of setting the stage, introducing the harsh realities of this world and the protagonist's precarious position within it. I immediately felt the oppressive...
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Completed
3
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Do You Think Someone Like You Can Defeat the Demon King? (WN)
4.3
(184 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, drama
According to the god’s prophecy, the girl Flamm was chosen to be one of the members of the demon king’s subjugation journey. Everyone was a hero possessed a top class power.
First Impressions
This web novel certainly grabbed my attention with its intriguing title and a mix of genres that promised a rollercoaster of emotions. Having delved into the available chapters and considered various reader perspectives, here's my take on this dark fantasy tale. The premise is undeniably captivating: a hero betrayed and sold into slavery. I was immediately hooked by the potential for a compelling revenge story, or at least a tale of overcoming adversity. The initial chapters do a decent job of setting up the world and the protagonist's unfortunate circumstances, leaving me eager to see how she...
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Completed
4
EDITORS CHOICE
Another
4.0
(36 ratings)
Genre: horror, mystery, psychological
In the spring of 1998, Kouichi Sakakibara transfers to Yomiyama North Middle School. In class, he develops a sense of unease as he notices that the people around him act like they’re walking on eggshells, and students and teachers alike seem frightened.
First Impressions
"Another" had been on my radar for a while, given its reputation as a modern horror classic. Diving in, I found a story that lived up to the hype, even if it didn't completely blow me away. The premise is undeniably intriguing: a cursed class at North Yomi Middle School, Year 3 Class 3, where tragedy strikes every year. It's a compelling hook that kept me turning the pages. Initially, I was drawn into the mystery surrounding the class and the strange atmosphere that permeates everything. The protagonist, Koichi Sakakibara, is a solid viewpoint character, and I appreciated how his outsider pers...
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Completed
5
EDITORS CHOICE
Fremd Torturchen
4.3
(123 ratings)
Genre: action, drama, fantasy
“I am ‘Torturchen’ Elisabeth Le Fanu, both a proud wolf and a lowly sow. ” After dying, Sena Kaito was reborn in another world and confronted with a peerless beauty, Elisabeth, who had appeared before his eyes.
First Impressions
"Fremd Torturchen" is a wild ride, a dark fantasy story that doesn't shy away from the gruesome realities it presents. It's a novel that's stuck with me, prompting me to reflect on its strengths and where it might fall short for some readers. Initially, the sheer darkness of the story can be jarring. We're thrown into a world where humanity is weak, demons are powerful, and survival often comes at a terrible cost. It's not a fluffy isekai, that's for sure. I found myself immediately intrigued by the premise, a twisted fairy tale filled with cruelty and despair....
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Completed
6
#6 PICK
I Reincarnated as the Little Sister of a Death Game Manga’s M*rder Mastermind and Failed
4.4
(220 ratings)
Genre: horror, mystery, psychological
One day, Mai remembers that her perfect stepbrother is a character in a death game manga and that one year later he will hold a death game involving all of his classmates, killing his sister in the process. Mai plans a variety of surprises for her stepbrother every day based on what he said in t...
First Impressions
This title certainly grabbed my attention, and after diving in, I found a story that's both twisted and surprisingly adorable. The premise is a fresh take on the reincarnation trope, throwing the protagonist into a world of her own making to try and circumvent a future filled with death and despair. It's a wild ride, and I can definitely see why so many readers are hooked. The initial chapters immediately establish a sense of danger and intrigue. The dynamic between the protagonist, Mai, and her stepbrother, Makoto, is unsettling yet fascinating. Mai's eccentric attempts to "surprise" Makoto a...
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Completed
7
#7 PICK
Shinrei Tantei Yakumo
4.4
(50 ratings)
Genre: adventure, drama, horror
Haruka, consulted by a friend who ran into a ghost at school, goes to the Movie Research Circle to see a man with mysterious powers. However, the person who meets her there is an affected young man with terrible bed hair and sleepy eyes.
First Impressions
"Shinrei Tantei Yakumo" caught my eye with its blend of supernatural mystery and hints of romance. With a detective who sees ghosts, I was expecting something unique. After diving in, I can see why it has a dedicated following, even if it does have some familiar genre trappings. The episodic nature of the story was immediately apparent. Each arc presents a new case for Yakumo to solve, drawing on his unique ability. The initial mysteries were intriguing, and I appreciated the focus on drama and plot twists, which kept me guessing. However, the slow-burn romance aspect, or lack thereof early on...
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8
#8 PICK
Do You Think You Can Run After Reincarnating, Nii-san?
4.3
(149 ratings)
Genre: comedy, ecchi, fantasy
Five years since I graduated from high school, and within those years, at the same time I was confined by my younger sister, but it all ended when I ran away and died being hit by a truck. At last I’m free from my devil-like sister!
First Impressions
This web novel is quite the ride, and definitely not for the faint of heart. It's a blend of genres I don't often see together – comedy, ecchi, and romance mixed with genuine horror and psychological elements. The premise alone had me intrigued, and after diving in, I can see why it's garnered such a dedicated following. Initially, I was drawn in by the seemingly absurd concept: a reincarnated protagonist whose main goal isn't to save the world or build a harem, but to escape his obsessive, yandere little sister. It felt like a refreshing twist on the isekai trope. The early chapters deliver o...
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Conclusion

Horror is subjective. High ratings mean many readers found these scary, not that you will. Check what kind of horror each entry delivers before expecting specific scares.

Frequently Asked Questions

Our rankings consider multiple factors: reader ratings (40%), popularity and reading lists (25%), review quality (20%), and editorial assessment (15%). We update regularly to reflect new releases and changing reader preferences.

We update our rankings monthly to ensure they reflect the latest reader ratings and new novel releases.

How We Create Our 2026 Rankings

Our 2026 novel rankings are created through a comprehensive, data-driven process that combines quantitative metrics with qualitative editorial review. Here's how we ensure our rankings reflect the best novels available today.

Data Collection

We aggregate reading data, ratings, and engagement metrics from thousands of readers across multiple platforms, updated regularly throughout 2026.

Community Input

Reader ratings and reviews form the foundation of our rankings. We weight votes based on verified reading history to ensure authenticity.

Quality Scoring

Each novel receives a composite score based on average rating, vote count, reading list additions, and reader retention metrics.

Editorial Review

Our editorial team reviews top candidates for writing quality, translation accuracy, and overall reader experience.

Regular Updates

Rankings are refreshed quarterly to reflect new releases, updated ratings, and shifting reader preferences in 2026.

Transparency

We publish our methodology openly so readers understand exactly how novels earn their positions in our rankings.

Our 2026 Ranking Criteria

40%Reader Rating Score (weighted by vote count and recency)
25%Popularity Metrics (reading list additions, active readers)
20%Engagement Score (comments, reviews, recommendations)
15%Editorial Assessment (writing quality, translation, completeness)

Last updated: January 27, 2026 | Rankings reflect data collected through 2026

Ranked Novels

Utsuro no Hako to Zero no Maria

First Impressions

I Was Reincarnated as a Nameless Combatant in a Japanese-style Fantasy Depressive Erotic Game, but the Women Around Me Are All Dangerous, and I Have a Bad Feeling about It

First Impressions

Do You Think Someone Like You Can Defeat the Demon King? (WN)

First Impressions

Another

First Impressions

Fremd Torturchen

First Impressions

I Reincarnated as the Little Sister of a Death Game Manga’s M*rder Mastermind and Failed

First Impressions