10 Best 'Naruto' Characters, Ranked from Cunning Villain to Undisputed Legend

The world of Naruto is more than just a story of ninjas and their battles – it's a grand saga of destinies.

Here's a ranking of the best Naruto characters – from charismatic villains, to legendary figures whose names are forever etched into the history of Konohagakure.

10. Tsunade

Tsunade, the Fifth Hokage of Konohagakure, is one of the legendary Sannin. A master of medical ninjutsu, she has vast chakra reserves and incredible physical strength. She is capable of splitting earth and destroying walls with a single blow – perfectly matching her explosive nature.

She took Sakura under her wing as a mentor, imparting not only her unique medical techniques, but also her stern and demanding nature.

9. Orochimaru

Orochimaru is one of the most memorable antagonists, and his influence extends throughout the entire story. Once one of the three legendary Sannin of Konohagakure, he devoted himself to dark pursuits after leaving Konoha.

His obsession with immortality drives him to perform cruel experiments on people. Seeking eternal life, he sees Sasuke as the perfect vessel and begins training him so that he can eventually possess his body.

Orochimaru is permeated with a serpentine aesthetic, from his appearance and abilities, which can be repulsive, to his very nature. This makes him one of the most charismatic and repulsive villains.

8. Obito

Obito is a Konohagakure ninja whose life has been filled with adversity. In his youth, he was a Genin in Team Minato alongside Kakashi and Rin. An accident during a mission brought him under Madara's influence and changed his life dramatically.

The death of Rin filled his heart with hatred and disillusionment. He voluntarily became Madara's follower and began to oppose Konoha under the guise of a mysterious man named Tobi.

A series of tragedies, misunderstandings, and manipulations led him down a dark path from which he saw no return.

7. Gaara

Gaara is a Sunagakure ninja and the jinchuriki of the One-Tailed Shukaku. He was an outcast from childhood – the villagers despised and feared him because of the demon within him.

This forced him to withdraw, hiding his feelings and becoming incapable of social interaction. A turning point in his life came after he met Naruto, another jinchuriki who understood his pain.

Inspired by Naruto's example, Gaara chose a new path. He resolved to protect those who feared him and earn their respect by becoming the Kazekage.

6. Madara

Madara is one of the main antagonists whose complex motivations stem from deep trauma. Seeking to avenge his brother's death and put an end to the never-ending shinobi wars, he harbors a deep hatred for the entire world.

His insane plan is to subjugate humanity by plunging them into an illusory world of eternal sleep. Madara possesses incredible power, including the Sharingan, and is the mastermind behind many key conflicts.

He combines ruthless cruelty with incredible patience and is capable of hatching and slowly putting his plans into action.

5. Minato

Minato, the Fourth Hokage of Konohagakure, was one of the most powerful and respected ninjas in the village's history. He is legendary for his mastery of the Flying Thunder God technique, which he inherited from and perfected under the Second Hokage.

This ability to instantly travel to predetermined locations significantly impacted any battle. Even in his youth, Minato created his signature technique, the Rasengan, which his son Naruto would later perfect.

Minato had a tragic fate: to protect the village from the Nine-Tails, he was forced to seal the fox within his newborn son, sacrificing his life in the process.

4. Jiraiya

Jiraiya, one of the legendary Sannin of Konohagakure, became the mentor of Minato and his son, Naruto. Despite his status, he lives like an eccentric hermit and is known for his unbridled passion for female beauty and constant flirting.

Jiraiya taught Naruto key techniques, including chakra control, toad summoning, and the creation of the Rasengan.

Jiraiya's charisma and profound wisdom make him one of the most vivid and beloved characters.

3. Kakashi

Kakashi is an experienced jonin from Konohagakure who serves as the mentor of Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura. His distinctive appearance, complete with a mask and the Sharingan in his left eye, has become his trademark.

He comes across as calm, reserved, and somewhat aloof. However, beneath this mask of indifference is a keen observer and devoted mentor who is always ready to help his students.

2. Sasuke

Sasuke is one of the most controversial characters. His story is a complex journey from vengeance to redemption. The last surviving member of the Uchiha clan, he is obsessed with avenging his family by killing his older brother.

He starts his journey under Kakashi's leadership but eventually breaks with Konoha, becoming a missing-nin. His relationship with Naruto, marked by constant rivalry and a profound connection, becomes the core of the entire narrative.

Throughout the series, Sasuke, cold and aloof, constantly balances between good and evil, remaining a tragic figure driven by the pain of loss and a thirst for power.

1. Naruto

Since childhood, Naruto had been an outcast in his own village, forced to endure loneliness and the hatred of the Konoha villagers. They saw him not as a boy but as a vessel for the Nine-Tails.

However, this burden became the source of his strength. Despite universal condemnation, he set two great goals: to become the greatest Hokage and earn the recognition of his fellow villagers, and to protect them at any cost.

Despite all the difficulties he faced, Naruto retained his greatest strengths: unwavering optimism, a kind heart, and a strong will. These qualities ultimately changed the fate of the entire world.