Naruto is known for its large ensemble of main characters, resulting in varying opinions on who is the strongest and weakest. As a result, we have taken it upon ourselves to rank 13 of the most prominent Naruto characters, providing you with a definitive guide to their individual merit.
Naruto is widely regarded as one of the greatest and most successful anime franchises of all time, with a rich storyline that has unfolded over several decades. Throughout its run, we have been introduced to a diverse cast of characters, including beloved heroes and formidable villains, as well as memorable allies and adversaries.
It can be a challenging task to select the top-tier characters. Factors such as their combat prowess, humor, influence in the series, dominance in specific areas, and overall popularity among viewers must all be taken into account.
Taking all of those factors into consideration, along with our professional expertise, we have compiled a ranking of the top 13 main characters in Naruto. Now, let’s dive into the list.
13. Sakura
Despite facing criticism from fans, Sakura’s character is unfairly judged due to the pervasive sexism in male-dominated anime. However, her poorly written tsundere traits overshadow her other positive qualities, leading people to overlook her strengths.
Despite being the only female member of Team 7, Sakura had a lot to prove. However, she proved herself in the original series and went on to become one of the most skilled medical-ninjas in the world. Her ordinary upbringing and lineage, in contrast to many other characters, only adds to the admiration for her progress in power.
Itachi Uchiha
Despite being ranked low, Itachi Uchiha’s initial unlikeability was largely due to being framed for his brother’s murder and his own clan’s massacre. His dismissive attitude towards his brother and the act of murder painted him in a negative light. However, once the truth is uncovered, Itachi’s character becomes much more poignant.
Despite being the embodiment of an anti-hero, he is willing to sacrifice all likeable qualities in order to do what he believes is right. As the story progresses, we witness his genuine care for his younger brother, ultimately making him a more well-rounded and likable character.
11. Naruto
As the title character, it’s difficult not to perceive Naruto as one of the greatest characters. While he certainly is, in comparison to other main characters, he may occasionally appear a bit spoiled and bothersome. However, this is all part of his charm, and his backstory provides a strong explanation for it. Nevertheless, his abrasiveness may still irk certain viewers.
Despite constantly being overlooked and shunned by those around him, Naruto still possesses great qualities such as his unwavering passion, loyalty to his friends, and determination to become a Hokage and protect his village.
10. Hinata
Despite her shyness being a defining trait, Hinata’s character is often viewed differently by people. Some see her as a great character, while others may view her as a negative one. Her quiet and meek demeanor, coupled with her unwavering devotion to Naruto, can lead some to see her as a stereotypical female character. However, others find her reserved personality endearing and are inspired by her moments of overcoming self-doubt. And of course, who can forget her iconic lion fists?
Naruto and she have great chemistry, and she often saves him, solidifying her role as a compelling love interest character.
Orochimaru
Despite being the designated “villains”, some of the most compelling characters in the story are often those we are meant to dislike. This is exemplified by Orochimaru, who continuously plots to destroy his hometown of Konoha, but is far from being a one-dimensional cartoon villain. His actions have a significant impact on both the characters and the overall plot of the show, even causing Sasuke to question his own moral compass.
Despite being pushed into the background as the series progresses, fans have not forgotten about him. He continues to hold the title of the longest-running and one of the greatest villains in the franchise’s history.
Sasuke Uchiha
Sasuke falls somewhere in the middle of our rankings, as he tends to elicit strong opinions from fans. However, there is no denying his status as an iconic character, to the extent that even those unfamiliar with the anime are familiar with him. This is largely due to his popularity in memes.
Although Sasuke’s determination and passion rival that of his frenemy Naruto, his blunt persona can turn off many people. Nevertheless, his morally questionable actions make him an intriguing main character to watch.
7. Tsunade
Despite the male-dominated nature of this anime, it can be difficult for female characters to make a strong impression. However, Tsunade succeeds in doing just that – in fact, she played a crucial role in shifting the show towards a more balanced representation of genders.
Despite her tendencies to gamble, drink, and engage in physical altercations, Tsunade is a formidable and no-nonsense woman who holds the powerful position of Hokage. Additionally, she serves as an excellent mentor for Sakura, defying the common trope of male-dominated mentor-mentee relationships often depicted in Shonen anime.
Jiraiya
Despite his initial appearance as an indifferent mentor, it becomes evident that Jiraiya’s aloofness is merely a facade. The character has since gained recognition for his sage advice, mischievous behavior, compassionate nature, and questionable principles.
Despite his role as Naruto’s guardian and mentor, Jiraiya’s demise at the hands of Pain was one of the most heartbreaking moments in the Naruto franchise. He had been a guiding light and motivating force in the young hero’s life, making his death all the more tragic.
5. Shikamaru Nara
Shikamaru is a character who is both admirable and relatable. His tendency to procrastinate and waste his potential has become a charming aspect of his personality, but he also possesses great intelligence, as evident in the series.
Despite the rest of the village ostracizing the young protagonist, Shikamaru never hesitated to stand by Naruto’s side, solidifying his position as one of the best characters. His unwavering loyalty and acceptance towards Naruto showcases his stubbornness and kindness, which are traits that endear him to fans.
What Causes Pain?
Pain is undeniably the most captivating villain in the franchise. His tragic past of being orphaned adds depth to his character, and his intense rivalry with Jiraiya, followed by his clash with Naruto, features some of the most remarkable episodes in the entire series.
Pain is a fascinating antagonist because he is not simply depicted as purely malicious. In fact, many of his clashes with Naruto revolve around the latter’s attempts to persuade him to see reason. Eventually, Pain has a change of heart and makes amends for the harm he caused, sacrificing himself in the pursuit of peace. This depth of character development makes him an exceptionally well-crafted character.
3. Gaara
Like Naruto, Gaara also had a demon sealed inside him and was ostracized by his village as a child. However, unlike Naruto, he did not have the opportunity to experience love or friendship later in life. This makes him an important foil character, highlighting the significance of these relationships in the context of the show.
Despite his initial portrayal as a cold and ruthless character, Gaara undergoes significant development throughout the series. This evolution not only adds depth to his character, but also makes him captivating to follow. Following his defeat by Naruto, Gaara shifts his focus towards self-improvement and protecting those around him, ultimately rising as a hero in his own right.
2. Rock Lee
Despite not possessing any unique Kekkei Genkai or expertise in genjutsu and ninjutsu like his fellow characters, Rock Lee has always been adored for his underdog status. Thanks to the guidance of Might Guy and his natural talent in taijutsu, he is able to hold his own in battles.
Despite facing challenges and setbacks, Rock Lee has consistently been depicted as a diligent and determined individual. This is exemplified in his ability to bounce back from defeat, such as his loss to Gaara in the Chunin exams. It can be argued that he is the most admirable character in the entire franchise.
Kakashi Hatake
Despite differing opinions on certain characters, there is one undeniable fact: Kakashi’s presence is truly remarkable. From his enigmatic aura to his warm and cheerful demeanor, he is a delight to watch. Throughout the series, he proves to be an exceptional educator, despite facing personal struggles and losing those closest to him. He never allows his past to hinder his dedication to teaching.
Despite his incredible talent and intelligence, he maintains a humble demeanor that arguably makes him even more likable. He takes genuine pride in his students and isn’t afraid to show it, making him a beloved character in Naruto.
The main characters in Naruto are considered to be the best. For those interested in delving deeper into the franchise, we offer guides on the number of episodes in Boruto and the release date for chapter 10 of Boruto: Two Blue Vortex.
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