25 Simple Yet Mind-Bending Optical Illusions That Will Make You Doubt Your Eyes

There's something endlessly fascinating about optical illusions. I love how they can trick your brain in the simplest of ways, making you swear that two identical shapes are actually different or that colors don't match when they do. The best illusions, in my opinion, are the ones that keep things simple—no crazy animations or impossible structures. Just a couple of shapes, colors, or lines that leave you scratching your head, convinced that what you're seeing can't possibly be true. It's amazing how our brains take shortcuts, filling in details or making assumptions that aren't there.

This listicle has 25 optical illusions that are sure to mess with your perception. From circles that seem to change size to colors that your mind swears are different shades, these images will have you questioning everything. Get ready to be fooled by the simplest tricks—because sometimes the best illusions are the ones that keep it minimal and clever.

01
People walking down a spiral walkway makes it look like the building is turning

via u/ycr007
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02

via u/theoriginalpetebog
03
they're getting closer together, but are they really?

via u/jan_Soten
04

via u/EndersGame_Reviewer
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05
In or out? The photos on the left and right are actually identical, but just rotated

via u/EndersGame_Reviewer
06
Which color do you see on top, and which in the background?

via u/EndersGame_Reviewer

(chromostereopsis = a visual illusion that gives the impression of depth)
07
Woah, I didn't see that coming, and now I'm hypnotised!

via u/EndersGame_Reviewer
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08

via u/gravitasgamer
09
Walking towards or away?

via u/Infamous_War_7949
10
"My daughter took this photo of a stack of chairs"

via u/Kobra_Kommander
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11
Not everyone can see all the numbers - how many do you see?

via u/EndersGame_Reviewer
12
Not an optical illusion but I will allow it

via u/MD11X6, WallingfordSign
13
This broke my brain

via u/lavaboosted
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14

via u/ycr007
15
How many horses are there?

via u/EndersGame_Reviewer
16
Both monsters are exactly the same size.

via u/Ebonystealth
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17
The sky resembles ocean waves

via u/the_zimm
18

via u/NastyNice1
19

via u/LakeStLouis
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20

via u/Darkboi98105
21

via u/EndersGame_Reviewer
22

via u/EndersGame_Reviewer
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23
The orange circles are the same size

via u/EndersGame_Reviewer
24

via u/pereuse
25
Squint

via u/Fancy_Philosopher696