An image forming optical system 1 includes, in order from an enlargement side, a first optical system 111 having a reflecting surface, and a second optical system 112 having a refracting surface. The image forming optical system 1 is configured to form an intermediate image 104 between the first optical system 111 and the second optical system 112. The first optical system 111 includes, in order from the enlargement side, a first reflecting group 113 having at least one reflecting surface having negative power, and a second reflecting group 114 having a plurality of reflecting surfaces 116 and 117 having positive power. The at least one reflecting surface having negative power includes a reflecting surface 115 closest to the enlargement side in the first reflecting group 113. An absolute value of power of the reflecting surface 115 is smallest in the first optical system 111.