The Ultimate Ranking: Naruto's Top 8 Unbeatable Genjutsu Techniques

Genjutsu techniques in the Naruto series, while not always causing physical harm, are often just as powerful, and at times even more dangerous than ninjutsu and taijutsu techniques. These abilities can range from simple illusions to world-changing fantasies, and are commonly used by powerful shinobi to amplify their other offensive techniques during battles.

Fans of the Naruto series are particularly enthusiastic about techniques that can only be used with certain dojutsu, leading to a strong focus on genjutsu techniques in the fandom. This article contains spoilers for both the Naruto and Naruto Shippuden anime.

Kotoamatsukami, Tsukuyomi, and six other powerful genjutsu techniques used in the Naruto series, ranked

8) Lightning Release: Lightning Illusion Flash of Lightning Pillar

The Lightning Illusion Flash of Lightning Pillar genjutsu showcased in 'Naruto Shippuden' (Image via Studio Pierrot) utilizes the Lightning Release to disorient and manipulate the target. This technique is often integrated with other skills of the Allied Shinobi Forces. To execute the genjutsu, two precise steps must be accomplished. Initially, the user emits a brilliant flash of light, causing confusion for the target. Subsequently, the user implants various illusions into the mind of the affected individual.

The shinobi C utilized this method against Jugo during the Five Kage Summit arc, implanting images of Sasuke being easily defeated by the Fourth Raikage. As a result, Jugo became susceptible to an attack by C and his allies, granting them the advantage in the battle.

7) Genjutsu: Sharingan

Obito using his Sharingan to cast a genjutsu in the anime series 'Naruto Shippuden' (Image via Studio Pierrot)

The Genjutsu: Sharingan is the foundation for all illusions and fantasies created using the Sharingan, and it is a term that encompasses basic illusions and fantasies imposed on a target by a member of the Uchiha Clan. These genjutsus can be easily countered or dispelled by other individuals who possess the Sharingan or Rinnegan. However, those lacking genjutsu-related dojutsu are highly vulnerable to this technique.

One of the most well-known examples of this technique can be seen in the short fight between Itachi Uchiha and Kurenai Yuhi. Despite Kurenai's belief that she had successfully ensnared Itachi in her genjutsu, Itachi effortlessly countered it and placed Kurenai under a genjutsu of his own, swiftly defeating her.

6) Tsukuyomi

Tsukuyomi was first showcased in the Naruto series when Itachi Uchiha used it on Kakashi Hatake. This resulted in Kakashi being repeatedly stabbed in an illusionary realm for several days, leading to him falling into a comatose state and suffering severe psychological damage, which only Tsunade was able to heal.

5) Kotoamatsukami

The distinct features of the Tsukuyomi genjutsu are the crimson hue of the moon and sky, which engulf the entire surroundings. However, the formidable illusionary prowess of Tsukuyomi is offset by its heavy chakra consumption.

The Kotoamatsukami genjutsu technique established Shisui Uchiha as one of the most formidable members of the Uchiha Clan in history. This genjutsu possesses both subtlety and immense power, allowing the user to infiltrate the target's mind and implant false experiences. These fabricated experiences are then used to manipulate the target into carrying out actions they would not otherwise do.

After gaining immense power, Shisui became the prime target of Danzo Shimura, who went as far as stealing Shisui's right eye. Itachi Uchiha also utilized the Kotoamatsukami to break free from Kabuto Yakushi's control over his reanimated body, regaining his autonomy. Itachi also used the Kotoamatsukami to safeguard Shisui's left eye within Naruto Uzumaki for a significant part of the series.

4) Izanagi

In the 'Naruto Shippuden' anime, Danzo Shimura is depicted using multiple Sharingan to cast Izanagi. This technique is the first of the Uchiha Clan's pair of legendary genjutsu techniques, allowing the user to impose an illusion on reality itself, making it impossible for the target to defend against it. Izanagi is often used to turn an injury into an illusion, thereby instantly healing the user. During his fight with Sasuke Uchiha, Danzo Shimura utilized this ability to prolong his survival beyond expectations.

The parent technique for Izanagi is the Creation of All Things Jutsu, which Hagoromo Otsutsuki used to split the Ten-Tails into the Nine Tailed Beasts. There are striking similarities between the two powerful techniques as they both manipulate reality. Itachi describes this genjutsu as the power to alter destiny.

3) Izanami

Itachi employing Izanami against Kabuto in the 'Naruto Shippuden' anime (Image via Studio Pierrot)

Izanami is a fabled genjutsu with the ability to manipulate the physical sensations that a person can experience. As a result, it is considered one of the two ultimate dojutsu of the Uchiha Clan, along with Izanagi. To execute this technique, the user must sacrifice one of their Sharingan, leading to the sealed eye and the user being blinded in the sacrificed eye.

When trapped in Izanami, the target is forced to remain motionless as they battle the user's opponent within their own mind. The illusion replays in a continuous loop, resetting when a specific point is reached or at the caster's discretion. Unlike other genjutsu techniques, Izanami persists until the caster chooses to end it, leading Itachi to dub it as the technique that "determines fate."

2) Genjutsu: Rinnegan

Similar to the Sharingan, the Rinnegan has the ability to cast its own distinct type of genjutsu, known simply as Rinnegan Genjutsu. By focusing chakra into their Rinnegan, the user can project a potent illusion into the minds of their adversaries. Hagoromo Otsutsuki even stated that Sasuke can unleash powerful genjutsu with just a single glance using his Rinnegan.

1) Infinite Tsukuyomi

Sasuke's genjutsu was so powerful that he effortlessly controlled even the legendary Tailed Beasts, causing their pupils to transform into Rinnegans. He also used this technique on Sakura during a battle, creating an illusion of himself piercing her heart.

Madara Uchiha casting the Infinite Tsukuyomi in the 'Naruto Shippuden' series (Image via Studio Pierrot)

Regarded as one of the most potent genjutsu techniques in the Naruto universe, the Infinite Tsukuyomi requires the sacrifice of numerous individuals to gather sufficient chakra for the creation of a Chakra Fruit from the God Tree.

In order to fully utilize this technique, the user must access the vast chakra reserves within the God Tree using the Rinne-Sharingan. This ability can only be wielded by those who are jinchuriki of the Ten-Tails.

The Infinite Tsukuyomi has only been utilized twice in the series, once by Kaguya Otsutsuki before the events of the series, and once by Madara Uchiha during the Fourth Great Ninja War.

Final thoughts

The unique trait of the Infinite Tsukuyomi that sets it apart from other genjutsu techniques in the series is its unparalleled ability to ensnare nearly anyone, regardless of their natural resistance to genjutsu. Victims are plunged into a comatose state in which they experience an extended dream showcasing an alternate reality of their lives. Only those with the Rinnegan have the capability to resist the effects of the Infinite Tsukuyomi.

In the Naruto series, there is a diverse range of genjutsu techniques that can alter an individual's experiences by manipulating multiple senses. Illusions cast by a Sharingan or Rinnegan will always surpass those cast without these legendary dojutsus. Itachi Uchiha and other members of the Uchiha Clan have revolutionized the types of genjutsu techniques used by shinobi in the series by altering both physical and mental sensations in unique ways.

Editor's P/S

As a Naruto enthusiast, I am captivated by the intricate world of genjutsu techniques and their profound impact on the series. These illusions transcend physical harm, delving into the depths of the human mind and manipulating reality itself. The Lightning Illusion Flash of Lightning Pillar, with its disorienting light and implanted illusions, showcases the versatility and strategic importance of genjutsu in combat. The Genjutsu: Sharingan, a cornerstone of the Uchiha Clan's prowess, highlights the power dynamics and vulnerabilities within the shinobi world.

The sheer potency of Tsukuyomi, capable of inflicting days of torment within an instant, underscores the psychological horrors that genjutsu can inflict. And the enigmatic Kotoamatsukami, with its ability to subtly manipulate the target's mind, elevates genjutsu to an art form of deception and control. These techniques not only enhance the narrative but also provoke contemplation on the nature of perception, reality, and the fragility of the human psyche.