20 Wild Images That Are Actually Disorienting Optical Illusions

Optical illusions are fun. You’re staring at an image that you think is going to be totally normal, and then it pulls a fast one on you and leaves you scratching your head in paralyzed confusion. Well, to be clear, these images and the optical illusions that they ended up creating definitely didn’t hold anything back. Consider yourself warned.

1. “There are 12 black dots always showing.”

Optical illusion of irregularly spaced black dots on a grid intersected by gray lines. The gray lines form triangles and rectangles. Black dots appear at some intersections but disappear when directly looked at, creating a visual trick.
u/skullfumbler/via reddit.com

2. “There are no oranges in this image.”

A stack of whole oranges with several cut in half and into wedges on a round wooden board. The entire image has a blue tint. The background is a textured pale blue surface.
u/deleted/via reddit.com

3. “This is not an image of a lake.”

A bare tree stands in front of a white wall on a foggy day. The ground is covered with green grass, and some distant trees are visible in the hazy background. The overall scene appears bleak and serene.
u/mrmeee/via reddit.com

4. “Both eyes are the same color, grey.”

Illustration of a character with long hair split into two colors. The left side has a red tint with red eyes and a hand to their chest. The right side has a blue tint with blue eyes and a hand raised near their face. The expression is one of surprise or shock.
u/mondoke/via reddit.com

5. “Hotel floor craziness.”

A hallway with a carpet featuring an optical illusion: it appears to have wavy distortions in the pattern, creating a visual effect that makes the floor look uneven. Doors line both sides of the hallway, and overhead lights illuminate the corridor.
u/sanguinerane/via reddit.com

6. “There’s a hole where his heart used to be.”

A man stands on a subway train, holding onto a yellow pole. He is wearing a shirt with an optical illusion pattern. Another passenger in a red shirt is seated nearby, and part of an underground map and additional passengers are visible in the background.
u/endersgame_reviewer/via reddit.com

7. “Lines are all straight.”

A black and white diagonal checkered pattern is composed of small squares. The alternating squares create a visually dynamic and geometrically engaging effect, making the pattern appear to have a tilted perspective.
u/mattatplaton/via reddit.com

8. “Not actually moving.”

An optical illusion image featuring a pattern of black and white diagonal stripes on a gray background. The central area of the image forms a square cutout that appears to be rotated 45 degrees compared to the surrounding lines, creating a shifting visual effect.
u/m33gs/via reddit.com

9. “Going up or down?”

A concrete stairway with rusted metal railings ascends through dense vegetation, leading towards a dark, overgrown opening at the top. The surrounding greenery suggests a secluded natural area or an abandoned location.
u/deleted/via reddit.com

10. “Ah, I noticed my magic lamp floating above my coffee table today.”

A lit oil lamp with a decorative metal crown sits on a desk alongside a remote control, two game controllers (one white, one black), a computer mouse on a mouse pad, and a keyboard. The scene is warmly lit, highlighting the lamp's flame.
u/sorry_i_reddit_wrong/via reddit.com

11. “Ya’ll ever seen a flying boat?”

A large ship appears to be floating above the horizon against a blue sky. The optical illusion creates a surreal effect. The ship is located in the distance over calm ocean waters, with a pebbled beach in the foreground.
u/actualpiglet5740/via reddit.com

12. “All squares, with no diagonals.”

A horizontal pattern of alternating black and white squares and rectangles in a zigzag formation on a white background. The shapes create a checkered, wave-like effect.
u/thesciencegiant/via reddit.com

13. “This cathedral floor looks just like an alarmingly deep well.”

A geometric patterned tiled floor with intricate maze-like designs in shades of beige, brown, and red. Two people are walking across the floor, creating a sense of depth and perspective. The center features a prominent octagonal medallion.
u/pungitopo/via reddit.com

14. “Circling the square.”

Geometric design with series of concentric spirals made up of alternating black and white squares, set against a gray background. The squares diminish in size as they approach the center of the spiral.
u/you_are_soul/via reddit.com

15. “I feel like I’m seeing double.”

A small tree with bright yellow and green leaves stands in a neatly maintained yard in front of a light gray house. The tree has a conical shape and the lush grass below it is dotted with red flowers. A porch and a partial view of the house are visible in the background.
u/endersgame_reviewer/via reddit.com

16. “Seriously scary.”

A black dog is standing outdoors on grass, with a pinecone perfectly positioned in its mouth. The positioning creates an illusion that the dog's teeth are large, sharp, and made of the pinecone's scales. Greenery is visible in the blurry background.
u/spwd/via reddit.com

17. “Can you find the curved line?”

This image shows a detailed, repetitive mosaic pattern composed of small black, white, and grey geometric shapes within a grid of green-bordered squares. Each square contains a unique arrangement of shapes, creating a visually intricate and textured design.
u/holleyedenxo/via reddit.com

18. “If you stare at one of the circles on this pattern, the others look like polygons.”

A cushioned round ottoman with a patterned fabric and a yellow base is placed in the foreground. Behind it, there is a matching armchair with similar patterned upholstery. In the background, bookshelves filled with books are visible.
u/richardventley/via reddit.com

19. “Seek out those 16 circles.”

An optical illusion image titled "Coffer illusion" features horizontal rows of rectangular shapes with intricate black and white vertical and horizontal lines. The text indicates there are 16 hidden circles within the pattern and challenges the viewer to find them.
u/-kingbanana/via reddit.com

20. “Look closely at the negative space between the pots.”

A row of seven large, metallic, differently designed spindle-shaped sculptures is mounted on a concrete base. Behind them, a reflective wall partially shows the facade of a building with several windows.
u/endersgame_reviewer/via reddit.com

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