Summary
Naruto is a beloved story with a rich cast of diverse and memorable characters.
Characters like Rock Lee, Gaara, and Shikamaru stand out with unique arcs and personalities.
Hinata transforms from a shy wallflower to a proud and confident ninja fans adore.
Naruto is one of the greatest stories ever told. It is set in a world where ninjas are the backbone of society and have split into several villages with varying cultures and governments. The story follows Naruto, a young ninja with dreams of becoming the leader of his village, who sets out on a journey to save his friend and stop the vicious cycle of violence that has plagued multiple generations.
Naruto is littered with interesting characters. With over five hundred episodes, dozens of personalities have impacted the show. Among the large cast are truly adorable and lovable characters that have become fan favorites, even as Naruto’s story continues in Boruto. Here are the most lovable characters in Naruto, ranked.
8
Shizune
The Loyal Guard
First Appearance: Naruto Episode 85
Shizune appeared at Tsunade’s side and never left throughout the entire series. As a longtime comrade of the legendary ninja, Shizune held Tsunade with the utmost respect and demonstrated unwavering dedication to her dearest friend and master.
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While Shizune’s role was limited in the series, she had a significant impact as a dependable and wise commandant to those who took the time to listen. As the foundation that Lady Tsunade stood on, Shizune was an invaluable bright light in Tsunade’s weary life.
7
Iruka Umino
The Ideal Sensei
First Appearance: Naruto Episode 1
Iruka won the hearts of thousands of fans with his kind nature and for being one of the few who treated Naruto with human decency. Iruka served as a Jonin trainer who guided the youth into the way of the ninja for the future.
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Taking great pride in his responsibilities, Irulka made sure he bestowed the right person with the proper knowledge. Iruka’s relationship with Naruto stood out and transcended the role of sensei and student. For a brief time, it developed into a father-son dynamic, which warmed the viewers’ hearts. Iruka’s tenderness and acknowledgment of Naruto made him one of the best characters in the series.
6
Rock Lee
The Green Beast Of Konoha
First Appearance: Naruto Episode 21
Rock Lee is a fan favorite in Naruto, and he defined the series the moment he faced Gara in the Chunin exams. However, the Green Beast stood out even earlier when facing off against Sasuke in a direct challenge.
Rock Lee was determined to prove himself a worthy ninja and embodied the hopes and dreams viewers wished to achieve. With a bright smile and an unwavering drive, Rock Lee made a huge impact on the show and attracted a fanbase who embraced him with love that overshadowed most of the main roster.
5
Gaara
The Redeemed Master Of The Sands
First Appearance: Naruto Episode 20
Gaara won viewers’ hearts with his tragic story and the outstanding performances of the voice actors who brought the character to life. As a jinchuriki just like Naruto, Gaara held the spirit of the One-Tailed Beast inside of him. The stigma that followed Gaara turned him into an emotionless shell until Naruto dug him out of the cage he’d made for himself.
After being saved, Gaara’s change stunned viewers when he revealed his kind and thoughtful nature. Gaara is widely considered one of the best redemption arcs in Naruto and remains memorable for most viewers.
4
Konohamaru Sarutobi
The Young Leaf Of The Future
First Appearance: Naruto Episode 2
Konohamaru started as a snot-nosed brat who walked with an arrogant stride just because he was the grandson of the Third Hokage. It was Naruto who treated Konohamaru like a regular boy for better or for worse, which helped him mature after his grandfather’s death.
Konohamaru would turn from a loudmouthed nuisance into a budding young ninja who idolized and respected Naruto. After remodeling his attitude, Konohamaru turned into a bright and dependable young man who would go on to achieve great things. His love and respect for Naruto won him the fans’ affection as his character arc progressed.
3
Shikamaru Nara
The Procrastinating Prodigy
First Appearance: Naruto Episode 1
Shikamaru was an instant hit due to his stoic behavior and pacifist attitude toward everyday life. Seeing existence as a drag, he put in the least effort possible to accomplish his goals. However, a tragic event changed Shikamaru’s journey forever, and he became an admirable young man.
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Despite his eccentric traits, Shikamaru was a dependable ally and perhaps Naruto’s first true friend, who constantly checked in on him. Shikamaru’s shining trait was his compassion, which rightfully made him one of the most precious characters in the show.
2
Naruto Uzamaki
The Knucklehead Ninja
First Appearance: Naruto Episode 1
As the main character, Naruto won the hearts of millions and became one of the most iconic main characters in anime with his energetic personality and unfaltering belief in himself. As a shunned child due to his lineage, Naruo was neglected by the majority of the villagers in Konoha.
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Determined to prove himself and become Hokage, Naruto put all his effort into everything he did and went through life with kindness and empathy despite how he was treated. Naruto shaped an entire generation of anime fans by glorifying hard work and believing in oneself.
1
Hinata Hyuga
The Innocent Cherry Blossom
First Appearance: Naruto Episode 1
Hinata was the adorable wallflower who was head over heels for Naruto. Seeing the hero that no one else paid attention to and deciding to live by his example turned Hinata into a brilliant character. Facing her own hardships and familial tragedies made her connection with Naruto even more heartwarming.
Throughout the series, Hinata’s role became more significant, and in the blink of an eye, she became a proud ninja and grew more confident. Hinata’s innocence and caring nature make her a standout character who fans love unequivocally.
Naruto
Release Date
2002 – 2007-00-00
Showrunner
Masashi Kishimoto
Directors
Hayato Date