Summary
Genjutsu is one of the main types of Jutsu inNaruto. Genjutsu is different from taijutsu and ninjutsu, as it does not require the user to make contact with their target. A proficient user of Genjutsu can cast their technique from a safe distance.
Once under a Genjutsu’s influence, it is very difficult for the target to escape from it. The target can only be freed by another person or if the user decides to cancel the Genjutsu. So, it is very important to have Genjutsu in one’s arsenal. Throughout the entireNarutoseries, there have been a lot of Genjutsu users, but not all of them can cast the same level of Genjutsu.
Updated June 28, 2025, by Suzail Ahmad:While Genjutsu is an extremely strong weapon, it is not sufficient to become a truly fantastic ninja. Due to this reason, it is hardly surprising that so many ninjas tried to learn other techniques to ensure that they could defeat their opponent if the Genjutsu failed.
In some cases, even the best Genjutsu users rely on other techniques to get the job done. Over time, other techniques would replace the Genjutsu, cementing itself as the strongest power. With that in mind, here are the best abilities that each character possesses.
18Sakura
In a short time, Sakura went from being one of the most hated characters to being among the most loved. She is a part of Team 7, which was at the center of all the events inNaruto. While Sakura does not have the same level of chakra reserves or flashy powers as her teammates, she is special in her own way.
She has excellent chakra control, which allows her to use Chakra Enhanced Strength. Sakura is also said to be immune to most levels of Genjutsu, and this is also due to her chakra control. Kakashi Hatake stated that Sakura had a special aptitude for Genjutsu, so it is plausible to assume that she can use it at a fairly high level.
Strongest Ability:Sakura has not actively used Genjutsu in fights, instead she relies of Chakra Enhanced Strength to beat her opponents to a pulp.
17Kabuto
Kabuto was Orochimaru’s most loyal underling. The talented Ninja had unwavering trust in his teacher’s plans, and he was willing to risk his life for it. After spending a lot of time under Orochimaru, Kabuto learned a lot about different types of jutsu. He presumably had access to Orochimaru’s research papers, which made it easier to learn about the forbidden techniques and their counters.
Kabuto was a well-rounded ninja, and he barely had any weaknesses. One of his strong points is his Genjutsu skills. He was able to put multiple individuals under Genjutsu effortlessly. His abilities went up a notch after he infused Tayuya’s DNA into his body. This enabled Kabuto to cause problems for Itachi and Sasuke, forcing them to combine their efforts.
Strongest Ability:Kabuto had access to the Snake Sage Mode, which meant that he could use natural energy to bolster his own strength. His power increased so much that Itachi had to cast a forbidden Genjutsu to stop him.
16Kurotsuchi
Kurotsuchi is the Fourth Tsuchikage of the Hidden Stone Village. She is fiercely loyal to her village, and she has been known for basing her decisions on the benefits they provide to the village. Before becoming the Tsuchikage, Kurotsuchi was a member of Onoki’s guard, and the time spent in his service gave her valuable experience.
Kurotsuchi is able to use Lava Release, a powerful Kekkei Genkai that can cause severe damage to her opponents. While she has not displayed her proficiency with Genjutsu, theBoruto: Naruto The Movienovel states that she is the best Genjutsu useramong the current Kage. As she is still young, there is a high probability that fans might see her in action inBoruto.
Strongest Ability:Kurotsuchi possesses Lava Release, and she has mastered it completely. With this particular power, it is a lot easier for her to take down her foes.
15Orochimaru
Orochimaru is a member of the Legendary Sannin, a group that became famous in the Second Great Ninja War for its power. He is one of the two surviving members of the group and the only one who is still active. Orochimaru committed many heinous crimes against the Hidden Leaf, but he was pardoned after the Fourth Great Ninja War.
Orochimaru’s strength is extremely impressive, and he is still capable of fighting against the best ninjas. Due to his extensive research, Orochimaru is knowledgeable about all kinds of jutsu, making him a deadly opponent. According to the official but highly unreliable Third Databook, Orochimaru has a 5/5 in Genjutsu. So, this information should be taken with a grain of salt. But irrespective of the book, Orochimaru should be well-versed in Genjutsu techniques considering the time he spent researching them.
Strongest Ability:Orochimaru was a well-rounded ninja with little to no weakness. He possessed extensive knowledge about all kinds of different things, which put him in a different class altogether.
14Kurenai
Kurenai is a Jonin from the Hidden Leaf. She was considered to be among the best Genjutsu users in the entire village. Her skill was so refined that even Itachi complimented her, but during their battle, Kurenai was no match for the Uchiha prodigy. Kurenai’s Genjutsu is primarily based on flora and her opponents feel bound to a tree. With the help of her Genjutsu skills, Kurenai is also able to see through illusions cast by other people.
Strongest Ability:Kurenai primarily uses Genjutsu in battles. She was highly skilled, which is why it was easy for her to cast Genjutsu on her opponents.
13Kakashi Hatake
Kakashi Hatake is one of themost powerful ninjas in the series.Before dying, Obito gave his left eye to Kakashi, which granted the latter a lot of powers. Like all Sharingan users, Kakashi also had the ability to use the regular Genjutsu of the Sharingan. However, since Kakashi is not an Uchiha by birth, he could not use the Sharingan for a prolonged period. It became worse when he tried to use the Mangekyou Sharingan to fight.
Strongest Ability:Kakashi reached a new level during the Fourth Great Ninja War. He was given Six Paths Chakra by Obito, which caused him to awaken the Mangekyou Sharingan in both eyes.
12Danzo Shimura
Quite possibly the most hated character inNaruto, Danzo was no doubt a powerful ninja. He was trained by Tobirama Senju, and like his teacher, Danzo held a deep hatred towards the Uchiha Clan. He played a major role in the massacre of the Uchiha Clan, and then he stole the Sharingan from the corpses.
Danzo also took one of Shisui’s eyes, which granted him access to the Kotoamatsukami, however, Danzo could not use it on the same level as the Uchiha.
Strongest Ability:Danzo’s best power was the Reverse Trigam Sealing. He used it as the final resort when he couldn’t beat Sasuke in combat.
11Hiruzen Sarutobi
Hiruzen Sarutobi severed served as the Third Hokage of the Hidden Leaf. He was called “The Professor,” because of his immense knowledge about ninjutsu. Hiruzen was one of the few Hokage who managed to live until they grew old, and it allowed him to gain great experience.
While Hiruzen did not have any Kekkei Genkai ability, he had enough skill to use almost every type of Jutsu. According to the databooks, Hiruzen was extremely proficient at using Genjutsu as he received thehighest possible rating in that particular field.
Strongest Ability:Hiruzen was only the second person to earn the title of God of Shinobi. Due to his ability to use any type of Jutsu, it was almost impossible to get the better of him in a fight.
10Tayuya
Tayuya was a part of the Sound Four, and she claimed to be second only to Sakon. She was a very skilled ninja and Shikamaru considered her to be a jonin-level threat. Tayuya relied on her flute for most of her fights. She would use the sound created by her flutes to cast powerful Genjutsu on her opponents. The databook gave Tayuya a five in Genjutsu, which shows that she was very talented at using it.
Strongest Ability:Tayuya was able to use the power of the Curse Seal without any problems. This made her superior to the regular Jonin from the different villages.
9Jiraiya
One of the members of the Legendary Sannin, Jiraiya was among the strongest Hidden Leaf ninjas. He learned to use the Sage Mode while he was on Mount Myoboku. In order to cast Genjutsu, Jiraiya required the support of Shima and Fukasaku. The two toads combined their powers to cast a powerful Genjutsu. However, the Genjutsu is cast via sound, which exposes them to danger.
Strongest Ability:Jiraiya’s biggest power was the Sage Mode, and he used to fight the Six Paths of Pain. He was successful in taking down several bodies, but ultimately, the numbers proved to be too much.
