Naruto is not just anime where it has become a cultural reset. From the early 2000s to now, it’s kept fans binge-watching, crying over backstories, and debating power levels in the group chat. If you’ve ever been hit with a “Dattebayo!” or found yourself practicing ninja hand signs in the mirror then you’re not alone.
Naruto is legendary and its characters? Even more so. Stay tuned to know the top 10 Naruto characters who’ve cemented their place in anime royalty.
10. Rock Lee: The Underdog King
If you’ve ever been told, “You can’t do it,” Rock Lee is your spirit animal. With no ninjutsu or genjutsu, he turned up to every fight with pure taijutsu and the determination of someone chasing their crush’s Insta story views. His fight against Gaara during the Chūnin Exams (2002) is a chef’s kiss. Lee’s work ethic proves that sometimes, raw effort beats talent. Plus, the bowl cut? Iconic.
9. Hinata Hyuga: The OG Soft Girl
Before “soft girl” aesthetics hit TikTok, Hinata was living it. She’s quiet, and kind, and could still end you with her Byakugan. Hinata’s devotion to Naruto (yes, even when he was just “that loud kid”) is the stuff of Wattpad romance. By Naruto: The Last (2014), she proved that even the shyest can step into the spotlight—and steal hearts.
8. Shikamaru Nara: The Mastermind
Gen-Z loves a laid-back, unbothered king, and Shikamaru is just that. With catchphrases like “What a drag,” he’s the ultimate “too cool to care” vibe—until he’s plotting strategies that save the entire squad. After Asuma’s death (2007), his glow-up was unmatched. He’s living proof that intelligence > brute force.
Read More: Which Naruto Shippuden Filler Episodes Should You Watch or Skip?
7. Gaara: From Villain to Bestie
Gaara’s transformation hits harder than your fave’s rebrand. Starting as the creepy sand guy who literally slept with one eye open, he became the Kazekage of the Sand Village. That redemption arc? Legendary. By the Fourth Great Ninja War (2013), Gaara wasn’t just protecting his people—he was protecting our feels.
6. Sasuke Uchiha: The Drama King
Every friend group has that one broody guy. In Naruto, it’s Sasuke. With his tragic backstory (cough Itachi massacre, 2003), thirst for revenge, and main character energy, he’s the classic anti-hero. Love him or hate him, you were invested in his journey—and probably had a Sasuke wallpaper at some point.
5. Kakashi Hatake: The Cool Teacher
Kakashi’s the teacher we all wish we had. Mask on, Icha Icha Paradise in hand, he still manages to be the chillest and most badass ninja in the room. His role in training Team 7 is unforgettable, and his fight with Obito during Naruto Shippuden’s climax (2014)? Cinematic gold.
4. Madara Uchiha: The Ultimate Villain
Madara is the villain who makes you question your loyalty. With power levels off the charts and charisma for days, he’s that boss fight you know you’re gonna lose but still want to challenge. His intro during the Fourth Great Ninja War (2013) is the moment we realized Kishimoto wasn’t playing.
Read More: Why Does Sakura Haruno From Naruto Get So Much Hate? (From the OG series)
3. Jiraiya: The Pervy Sage We Love
Ah, Jiraiya. Equal parts comic relief and sage wisdom, this guy trained Naruto and gave us some of the show’s most emotional moments. His death at the hands of Pain (2008)? It broke us all. RIP to a legend who could master Sage Mode and the art of making us laugh.
2. Naruto Uzumaki: The Golden Boy
Yes, Naruto’s not at #1, and you’re probably gasping harder than Sakura seeing Sasuke. But hear me out: Naruto’s journey from “that loud kid” to Hokage (2017) is unmatched. He’s the heart of the series, the knucklehead ninja who made us believe in never giving up. His friendship with Kurama? A redemption arc for the ages. Naruto might be the main character, but one other person stole the show.
1. Itachi Uchiha: The GOAT
You knew it had to be him. Itachi Uchiha, the man who carried the emotional weight of an entire clan on his back. His sacrifice, intelligence, and tragic storyline are why fans still debate his every move. The reveal of his true motives in 2008 flipped the entire series upside down. Itachi didn’t just save his brother—he became the most iconic character in Naruto history.
FAQs: Naruto Characters
And there you have it: a ranking that might just spark a debate in your next group chat. Agree? Disagree? Let’s fight (Shinobi-style).
- Who is the strongest Naruto character?
Naruto Uzumaki post-Six Paths power-up. Period. - Who has the saddest backstory?
Itachi Uchiha. No contest. - Who’s the best villain in Naruto?
Madara Uchiha, with Pain as a close second. - Why isn’t Sakura on the list?
Let’s not even open that can of worms.
READ MORE ABOUT ANIME:
- Haikyu Movie
- Black Clover Season 5
- Who Are Gojo And Geto?
- All 15 One Piece Movies In Order
- Top 5 New Anime Series & Movies To Watch Out This Fall ‘24!
