Ranking the Key Antagonists in Jujutsu Kaisen, Based on their Significance

The villains of Jujutsu Kaisen have had a significant impact on the anime world since the manga first premiered in 2018. Characters like Sukuna, Kenjaku, and Mahito have become iconic figures in the world of shonen villainy, comparable to the likes of Frieza, Madara Uchiha, Aizen, and the Pirate Emperors.

However, not all villains are equally memorable. While main villains like Sukuna and Kenjaku leave a lasting impression, there are also one-arc showstopper villains like Toji Fushiguro who resonate with audiences more than the main antagonists. While all villains play important roles to some extent, some achieve main villain status through singular acts, such as outsmarting Gojo or inflicting mass casualties in a pitched battle.

All the major Jujutsu Kaisen villains, ranked by narrative importance

15) Haruta Shigemo

The luckiest Jujutsu Kaisen villain: Haruta Shigemo (Image via Our Website)

Haruta Shigemo, among all the villains in Jujutsu Kaisen, is more of an over-hyped minion rather than a truly significant character. The narrative portrays him as such, using him as a distraction in the Kyoto Goodwill event and as interference during the Shibuya Incident where he brutally harms several assistant managers. Despite fleeing from the Kyoto Goodwill event, it is his actions in the Shibuya Incident that bring him into the spotlight. There, he not only kills and severely wounds assistant managers like Ichiji and Akari but also engages in a fierce battle with Nobara before being defeated by Nanami and left to perish.

Shigemo, a coward who targeted those he deemed weaker or already wounded like Megumi, played a role in severing the lines of communication between the jujutsu sorcerers, disrupting their organization. However, he ultimately met his end as one-half of the summoning ritual for Mahoraga and was unceremoniously killed in the aftermath of Mahoraga vs. Sukuna.

14) Dagon

Introducing the Cthulhu-inspired Jujutsu Kaisen villain: Dagon (Image via Our Website)

Among the major Disaster Curses, Dagon has the least character development and only one fight to his name during the Shibuya Incident. Some may argue that Shigemo is more important, but that overlooks several key factors, notably Dagon's Domain Expansion.

Dagon's Domain Expansion, known as the Horizon of the Captivating Skandha, served as a hiding place for many of the villains in Jujutsu Kaisen's first season. It posed a significant threat, unleashing a seemingly infinite number of deadly invisible fish. This Special Grade Disaster curse would have resulted in the deaths of Nanami, Maki, and Naobito if Megumi hadn't intervened with his own Domain.

The battle with Dagon resulted in Naobito losing his left arm and causing severe damage to everyone involved. This left them vulnerable to surprise attacks from Jogo, especially Naobito, who was said to have been faster than Jogo if he still had his left arm. This placed the heroes at a significant disadvantage and demonstrated the formidable power of Dagon.

13) Hanami

The most durable Jujutsu Kaisen villain: Hanami (Image via Our Website)

Hanami, the third Disaster Curse, was born from humanity's fear and negativity towards forests. As a key member of Kenjaku's faction, this villain replaced Gakuganji as the primary antagonist of the Kyoto Goodwill arc, serving as a distraction for their plans alongside Shigemo and Juzo.

Although Shigemo and Juzo were defeated swiftly, Hanami proved to be a formidable opponent. It required students from two different schools to join forces in order to inflict any damage on this special grade curse. However, Hanami retreated as soon as Gojo entered the battle.

12) Yoshinobu Gakuganji & jujutsu higher ups

Gojo brutally vaporized Hanami during the Shibuya Incident. The death of the special-grade curse motivated Dagon to assume his true form and take the fight against Maki, Naobito, and Nanami seriously. Hanami was the most durable of the group, as mangaka Gege Akutami stated that Jogo would've died if he had been in Hanami's place against Todo and Yuji.

Yoshinobu Gakuganji, the scheming and traditionalist villain of Jujutsu Kaisen, is the principal of Kyoto High and a member of the traditionalist faction in Jujutsu society. At the Itadori Extermination arc, he serves as an antagonist and is chosen to eliminate Yaga after the Shibuya Incident. Gakuganji carries out this task without hesitation or objection, viewing it as justified.

He serves as the main antagonist of the Kyoto Goodwill arc, embodying the jujutsu council's contempt for Yuji Itadori and Satoru Gojo. Despite his opposition to Sukuna and Kenjaku, Gakuganji is not an ally to Yuji or Gojo, as he plotted to have Yuji killed during the Kyoto Goodwill arc by manipulating Kyoto's students to do his bidding.

His support of the council's decision to isolate Yuji further underscores a key theme: Conservatism will not alleviate societal issues, but instead exacerbate them.

The older generations making it hard on the young are ever-present in the case of this Jujutsu Kaisen villain and the conservative higher-ups.

11) Yorozu

Yorozu, the enigmatic antagonist of Jujutsu Kaisen: (Image via Our Website)

A peculiar contender in the Culling Game, the ancient sorcerer Yorozu stood out as one of the most formidable sorcerers of the Heian era, which marked the pinnacle of jujutsu. Her undeniable prowess was accompanied by an unrequited, yandere-style infatuation with Sukuna, who only had eyes for himself.

Yorozu's significance in Jujutsu Kaisen is revealed in chapter 211 of the manga, when it is discovered that she has been reincarnated in Tsumiki Fushiguro. The heroes' plan to rescue Tsumiki from The Culling Game is derailed when Sukuna takes advantage of the split-second distraction caused by Yorozu to possess Megumi.

The confrontation between Yorozu and Sukuna begins with a proposition in chapter 217 and extends into chapter 219, with Sukuna emerging as the victor. Yorozu's impact on the story lies in Sukuna gaining total control of Megumi's body by indirectly causing his sister's death. Additionally, she provides Sukuna with a genuine challenge and an opportunity to test Megumi's abilities.

10) Ogi and Jinichi Zen'in

Two Jujutsu Kaisen villains from the Zen'in clan (Image via Our Website)

The Zen'in clan has a complex history and holds significant importance in the narrative of Jujutsu Kaisen. They are one of the three major sorcerer families that wield influence over Jujutsu society, and their members harbor deep-seated, outdated perspectives and behaviors, exemplified by Ogi's mistreatment of Maki and Mai despite being their father.

After the Shibuya Incident, Naobito Zen'in succumbed to wounds inflicted by Jogo. In response to the announcement that Megumi would be named head of the clan, Ogi, Jinichi, and Naoya planned to eliminate him, as well as Maki and Mai, in order to maintain their power, wealth, and control.

9) The Death Paintings

Ogi's deep-seated disdain for his daughters as failures led him to attempt to murder Mai and Maki by injuring them and throwing them into a pit of Cursed Spirits. Maki swiftly dispatched Ogi after Mai sacrificed herself to save her sister. Jinichi, motivated solely by self-preservation, made no effort to assist Naoya in his struggle against Maki before he ultimately perished.

The Death Paintings: three significant antagonists in Jujutsu Kaisen (Image via Our Website)

Choso, Eso, and Kechizu play crucial roles as antagonists in the Death Painting Arc and beyond. Eso and Kechizu meet their demise at the hands of Yuji and Nobara, testing the limits of the emerging jujutsu sorcerers. Choso's involvement extends further into the Shibuya Incident and beyond.

The three cursed paintings had been dormant for 150 years before Mahito brought them to life, creating an unbreakable bond between them. The narrative significance of their familial connection was evident when Choso recognized Yuji as one of his brothers, deepening the bond between them.

These paintings also marked the first instances of both Yuji and Nobara using Black Flash. Choso, in particular, experienced significant growth after recognizing Yuji as his brother, ultimately engaging in an intense battle with him during the Shibuya Incident. Additionally, he poisoned Uraume and fought Kenjaku on equal footing.

8) Naoya Zen'in

The most arrogant Jujutsu Kaisen villain: Naoya Zen'in (Image via Our Website)

Naoya Zen'in received more focus in the Jujutsu Kaisen story compared to Ogi and Jinichi, particularly in the Itadori Extermination, Perfect Preparation, and Culling Game arcs. He exemplifies privilege, entitlement, and misogyny, making him a particularly vile character. This is clear in how he has bullied Maki since they were children, contributing to the mistreatment she endured from the clan.

He made highly misogynistic remarks about women, expressing a desire for them to die if they didn't cater to men. He also held the belief that women should be submissive. His joy at Naobito's death revealed his selfish focus on his own wealth and status.

He embodies the outdated beliefs of the more conservative clans, demonstrating his desire to maintain his perceived entitlement by attempting to eliminate Yuji and Megumi. His failed attempt to kill Yuji resulted in Choso intervening, ultimately defeating Naoya. Yuta saved him from death due to blood poisoning.

In subsequent appearances during the Perfect Preparation and Culling Game arcs, Naoya's arrogance led to his downfall. Despite initially having the advantage in his fight against Maki, he faced mortal injuries and was ultimately killed by Maki's mother. Naoya's return as a cursed spirit in the Culling Game arc was driven by a desire for vengeance against Maki, but his efforts were fruitless as Maki ultimately defeated him.

7) Uraume

The most mysterious Jujutsu Kaisen villain: Uraume (Image via Our Website)

Sukuna's enigmatic right-hand and trusted ally in Jujutsu Kaisen, Uraume, initially left much to the imagination. Over time, more information about Uraume has come to light, creating more questions than answers. What is certain is that Uraume is over 1,000 years old and is the only person Sukuna considers a confidant and friend.

Uraume betrayed Kenjaku and took advantage of the situation. Their absence would have made it much harder for the plans of the Jujutsu Kaisen villains to succeed. Uraume is the one who works behind the scenes to ensure the success of the villains' schemes.

6) Jogo

If it wasn't for Uraume, Kenjaku would have faced a much tougher battle to escape the Shibuya Incident instead of doing so effortlessly. Similarly, Sukuna would have likely suffered more damage from the vengeful Yuji and Megumi's resistance in the Culling Game.

The fiery incarnate Disaster Curse: Jogo (Image via Our Website)

Jogo, the second of the Disaster Curses, commands the second-highest amount of screen time and fight time, following closely behind Mahito. From the beginning, Jogo proved to be a threat as his fiery temper and powers led to the spontaneous combustion of an entire restaurant full of humans.

Despite his efforts, he was defeated by Gojo and narrowly escaped death thanks to Hanami's intervention. He played a key role in the "Seal Gojo" strategy and was an advocate for summoning Sukuna, but their plan ultimately failed when Sukuna turned against them. Jogo's attacks led to the death of Naobito and Nanami, and he himself was killed by Sukuna during the Shibuya Incident, leaving Kenjaku with one less ally and causing even more chaos in Shibuya.

5) Suguru Geto

The turncoat Jujutsu Kaisen villain: Suguru Geto (Image via Our Website)

Suguru Geto's tenure as a villain may have been brief, only appearing in Jujutsu Kaisen 0, but it had a significant impact on the jujutsu world. In addition to completely destroying and taking control of the Star Cult that supported Riko's death, Geto recruited a variety of allies for his cause and posed a serious threat to jujutsu society as a whole.

Although his role in the story may appear minor, both his life and death had significant repercussions for Gojo. His death allowed Kenjaku to easily possess him, leading to Nanako and Mimiko summoning Sukuna and resulting in a loss of numerous individuals and a rising star for jujutsu society.

4) Mahito

The Kyoto students, along with Nanami, Mei Mei, and Yuta, put an end to his villainous rampage and genocidal ideals. Geto's debut as a villain brought about a significant change in the status quo, prompting Gojo to intensify his pursuit of systemic change.

Meet the nearly invincible Jujutsu Kaisen Villain: Mahito (Image via Our Website)

Mahito plays the central villain role in the Vs. Mahito arc early in Jujutsu Kaisen. As the main figure of the Disaster Curses, he is the most prominent antagonist in Jujutsu Kaisen, posing the greatest threat to Yuji Itadori. His string of killings prompts Nanami and Yuji to confront him, especially after foiling his scheme to transform everyone in Junpei's school into curses.

Despite manipulating and killing Junpei, Mahito's plan to kill Yuji is foiled by Sukuna and Nanami. Mahito's long-lasting presence from the Vs. Mahito arc to the Shibuya Incident, where he prioritized killing Yuji, is emphasized. Additionally, he played a significant role in stealing the three Death Paintings. However, his actions come back to haunt him when Aoi Todo and Yuji defeat him in the Shibuya Incident, seemingly deserving the retribution for killing Nanami and Mechamaru. Ultimately, Mahito's demise, after mortally wounding Nobara and pathetically begging Kenjaku for help, seems fitting.

3) Toji Fushiguro

The Sorcerer Killer and surprise Jujutsu Kaisen Villain: Toji Fushiguro (Image via Our Website)

Toji Fushiguro, the antagonist in Jujutsu Kaisen, played a pivotal role in shaping the paths of Gojo and Geto. He was a formidable combatant, defeating both Gojo and Geto, as well as killing Riko Amanai and preventing Tengen from obtaining the Star Plasma Vessel, causing destabilization in the world.

Toji's actions led to Gojo gaining more power through the discovery of Hollow: Purple and the reversal of Curse Techniques. Meanwhile, Geto became disillusioned with the world and vowed to eliminate all non-jujutsu users. Tengen struggled to maintain stability, thanks to Toji's interference.

Even during the Shibuya Incident arc, the revival of Toji brought more trouble for the villains. He successfully took down Ogami, then Dagon, and even came close to killing Megumi until he realized he was his son. Toji's skill against jujutsu energy users was exceptional, as he had transcended cursed energy and become immune to Domain Expansions.

2) Ryomen Sukuna

The notorious Jujutsu Kaisen antagonist: Ryomen Sukuna (Image via Our Website)

Ryomen Sukuna is the first major antagonist in Jujutsu Kaisen and is second only to Kenjaku in terms of importance. This villain, who was divided into pieces due to being indestructible, has had a significant impact throughout the series. Aside from being the initial main villain and having everyone pursue his fingers, Sukuna has quite the criminal record.

He dispelled a troublesome grade 1 curse that had been causing problems for Megumi and Yuji ever since Yuji ate one of his fingers, and was constantly attempting to break free from Yuji. He was known as the Devil, in contrast to Gojo being seen as God. His actions in the Shibuya Incident arc revealed the hidden secrets of the jujutsu society and resulted in the deaths of four villains and numerous innocent people.

His next move occurs during the Culling Game, where he takes control of Megumi, kills Megumi's sister, and proceeds to murder Satoru Gojo and Hajime Kashimo. Despite being the most powerful and potentially the ultimate villain in Jujutsu Kaisen, he has not had the time or opportunity to plan or achieve long-term success, unlike Kenjaku.

1) Kenjaku

The most important Jujutsu Kaisen villain: Kenjaku (Image via Our Website)

While Sukuna may possess greater power than Kenjaku, the narrative of Jujutsu Kaisen focuses more on the body-snatching sorcerer. Kenjaku holds the top position among the series' villains in terms of narrative significance due to his elaborate long-term schemes that alter the story.

Despite Sukuna's formidable abilities, he never strategized in the same way as Kenjaku, whose ambitious plans came to fruition over time. The "seal Gojo" plan was set in motion as far back as the Kyoto Goodwill event, the Shibuya Incident disrupted the status quo, and The Culling Game allowed Kenjaku to succeed in capturing Tengen.

Final Thoughts

Through his manipulation, Kenjaku influenced the development of Yuji, brought Choso and the other Death Paintings into being, and exploited Geto's body and other individuals for his own nefarious plans. Ultimately, he emerged as the sole victor of the Shibuya Incident, inundating Japan with millions of curses and successfully capturing Gojo.

When it comes to Jujutsu Kaisen villains, there are many who deserve recognition in the narrative. Most of them are deceased by the current point in the manga, particularly in chapter 242, but the final battles with Sukuna and Kenjaku are still unfolding.

None of the villains featured in Jujutsu Kaisen were easy opponents, and the story gives them the gravitas they are due. Whether it's the formidable power of Sukuna or Kenjaku's schemes, all of these villains deserve to be respected.

Editor's P/S

The villains in Jujutsu Kaisen are a diverse and compelling group, each with their own unique motivations and abilities. While some, like Sukuna and Kenjaku, are clearly more significant to the overall story than others, even the minor villains play an important role in shaping the world of the series.

One of the things that makes Jujutsu Kaisen so interesting is the way in which the villains are often just as complex and well-developed as the heroes. This is especially true of the main antagonists, such as Sukuna and Kenjaku, who are both fascinating and terrifying in their own way. However, even the minor villains, such as Haruta Shigemo and Dagon, are given enough depth and motivation to make them feel like real, believable characters.