So, you’re looking for the Junji Ito Collection and realizing the streaming landscape is a total mess. Trust me, I get it. Trying to find specific horror anime in 2026 feels like digging through a cursed basement where the stairs keep disappearing. One minute a show is on one platform, the next it’s vanished behind a licensing wall or rebranded under a name that makes zero sense.
If you want the short version: go to Crunchyroll. As of early 2026, they are still the primary home for the 2018 anthology series. But there’s a lot of "fine print" here because people constantly confuse this show with the newer Netflix stuff or the high-budget Uzumaki adaptation.
Let’s break down exactly where to watch Junji Ito Collection and why you might be looking in the wrong place.
The Best Places to Stream Junji Ito Collection Right Now
Honestly, Crunchyroll is your best bet, and it’s not even close. They’ve held the rights to the 12-episode series (plus those weirdly elusive OVAs) for years. If you have a premium account, you can jump straight into "Souichi’s Convenient Curse" or "Fashion Model" without any hassle.
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What's cool is that Crunchyroll usually keeps both the subbed and dubbed versions. Some people hate the dub, but I think the voice acting for Souichi is perfectly annoying—in a good way.
- Crunchyroll: Your primary destination for the full 2018 series.
- The Roku Channel: Surprisingly, this pops up here and there. It’s often ad-supported, so you’ll have to sit through a commercial for laundry detergent right before a girl turns into a slug.
- Apple TV & Google Play: If you’re the type who likes to actually own your digital media (because, let’s face it, streamers delete stuff constantly), you can buy the full season here. It’s usually around $17 to $25.
You might see "Junji Ito Collection" listed on Amazon Prime Video, but be careful. Usually, it’s just a "channel" add-on for Crunchyroll. You’re basically paying for Crunchyroll through Amazon’s interface. It works fine, but it’s not "free" with Prime.
Don't Get It Confused With the Netflix Series
This is where everyone gets tripped over. In 2023, Netflix released Junji Ito Maniac: Japanese Tales of the Macabre.
A lot of fans search for "where to watch Junji Ito Collection" and end up on Netflix watching Maniac instead. They are not the same show. While both are anthologies produced by Studio DEEN, they feature different stories and slightly different art styles.
If you want the specific 2018 "Collection" with the iconic (and deeply disturbing) opening theme "The Hijack" by The Pinballs, Netflix won't have it. You have to stick to Crunchyroll for that one. Netflix is strictly for the Maniac episodes.
It’s kind of a bummer that the franchise is split up like this. It makes a marathon session way more difficult than it needs to be. You’re flipping between apps just to see a specific story like The Hanging Balloons (which is on Netflix) versus Slug Girl (which is on Crunchyroll).
What About the New Stuff?
Since it's 2026, the hype for Junji Ito Crimson is real. Announced last year at Japan Expo, this is the newest project on the horizon. If you’re looking for the most recent way to get your Ito fix, Crunchyroll has already called dibs on streaming this one too.
Then there’s Uzumaki. That project was delayed so many times people thought it was actually cursed by the spiral itself. It eventually landed on Adult Swim and Max (formerly HBO Max). So, if you’re looking for the black-and-white masterpiece, you’re looking at a completely different subscription.
- Junji Ito Collection (2018): Crunchyroll.
- Junji Ito Maniac (2023): Netflix.
- Uzumaki (2024): Max / Adult Swim.
- Junji Ito Crimson (Upcoming): Crunchyroll.
Is There a Way to Watch for Free?
Kinda. But it’s annoying.
Crunchyroll used to have a very generous free tier, but they’ve tightened the screws lately. You might be able to watch a few episodes with ads, but often they lock the "Collection" behind the premium wall because it’s a "legacy" title.
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Tubi is a dark horse here. They occasionally pick up older anime licenses for their ad-supported service. It’s worth a quick search on their app, though it’s hit-or-miss depending on your region.
Honestly, the most reliable "free" way is just the 7-day free trial on Crunchyroll. You can easily binge all 12 episodes and the two Tomie OVAs in a single weekend if you don't mind the existential dread.
Why the Collection is Still Worth Your Time
I know people talk a lot of smack about the animation quality of the 2018 series. "It looks like a slideshow," they say. And yeah, okay, sometimes the movement is a bit stiff.
But there’s something about the atmosphere that just works. The color palette is grimy and muted. It feels like a bad dream you had in 1994. Plus, it covers stories that haven't been adapted anywhere else. Greased is still one of the most disgusting things I’ve ever seen on screen, and the anime captures that oily, pimple-popping horror perfectly.
If you’ve only seen the Netflix version, going back to the original Junji Ito Collection is essential. It feels a bit more "raw."
Actionable Next Steps
To get started right now without wasting money or time, follow this specific order:
- Check Crunchyroll First: Sign in and search for the exact title. If it's locked, decide if you want the trial.
- Don't Forget the OVAs: These are often listed as "Episode 13" or under a separate "Specials" tab. They cover the Tomie chapters and are arguably the best parts of the whole production.
- Verify Your Region: If you're outside the US, the licensing might be held by Muse Communication (common in Southeast Asia). In that case, check their official YouTube channel, as they sometimes host full series for free.
- Physical Media Backup: If you're a hardcore fan, look for the Blu-ray. Licensing deals in 2026 are more fragile than ever, and having a disc on your shelf is the only way to ensure "Long Dream" doesn't disappear forever.