Netflix to Release a Surprise Live-Action Horror Anime Adaptation in 2026

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Horror anime is a genre that deserves more attention. While shows like The Summer Hikaru Died have delivered some frightening experiences, Junji Ito is widely considered a master of the genre. He’s famous for creating truly terrifying manga like Uzumaki, Gyo, Tomie, and The Enigma of Amigara Fault. Now, in a bit of unexpected news, Netflix is planning a live-action anime adaptation this year that many fans might not know about yet.

Netflix has announced that the new horror series, Bloody Smart, will premiere later this year. The show, filmed in Taiwan, will weave together an overarching story with elements from several works by horror manga artist Junji Ito, bringing characters like Tomie, Slug Girl, the Hanging Balloons, and Souichi to life. A recent preview revealed the series’ premise: set in a strict school town focused on perfection, a mysterious Bloodfruit Tree begins to grow. Legend says a boy in black delivers its crimson fruit to those who need it most, and eating the fruit unlocks hidden desires and emotions, slowly leading the town towards chaos.


Junji Ito’s Anime Horror

This isn’t the first time Junji Ito’s horror manga have been made into live-action films, and more adaptations are on the way. Japan has already seen several full-length Tomie movies, as well as a live-action Uzumaki film. Looking ahead, Fangoria Studios plans to release a trilogy of films based on Bloodsucking Darkness and The Mystery of the Haunted House, but details about when those films will come out are still unknown.

Junji Ito, the renowned horror manga artist, is also making waves in the anime world. Last year, Crunchyroll announced a new series called Crimson, which will adapt several of Ito’s chilling stories. While the specific tales haven’t been revealed yet, there’s a wealth of material to choose from. Ito has spent years crafting terrifying stories that have made him incredibly popular, and he shows no signs of slowing down. Known for his unique adaptations of classics like Frankenstein and No Longer Human, Ito has carved out a special place for himself in manga, and fans are eager to see his most frightening creations come to life in this upcoming live-action series.

Excited about the new Junji Ito series coming to Netflix? Share your thoughts in the comments and join the discussion on the ComicBook Forum!

Via Junji Ito

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2026-01-30 19:13