Ultimate Guide to Naruto Characters: Names, Rankings, Art, and More
The Naruto anime universe is filled with a rich and diverse cast of characters that fans around the world have grown to love (or love to hate). From legendary shinobi like Kakashi and Itachi to underrated side characters and powerful kunoichi, the world of Naruto is vast, complex, and endlessly fascinating.
Whether you’re trying to remember all the Naruto characters’ names, find pictures of Naruto characters, or simply want to learn about the strongest Naruto characters ranked, this guide has you covered.
A Complete List of Naruto Characters
The list of Naruto characters is massive. Across Naruto, Naruto: Shippuden, and Boruto, hundreds of characters have made appearances. Here are some of the most notable figures:
Main Characters
- Naruto Uzumaki – The protagonist with the dream of becoming Hokage.
- Sasuke Uchiha – A gifted shinobi driven by vengeance and redemption.
- Sakura Haruno – A powerful medical ninja and one of the strongest female Naruto characters.
- Kakashi Hatake – The famous Copy Ninja and team leader. A fan favorite in any Kakashi Naruto characters discussion.
Other Prominent Ninja
- Itachi Uchiha
- Hinata Hyuga
- Shikamaru Nara
- Gaara
- Rock Lee
- Tsunade
- Jiraiya
You can find the full list of Naruto characters on fan wikis or through dedicated anime databases, but this overview focuses on the most iconic ones.
Top 10 Strongest Naruto Characters (Ranked)
When talking about the strongest Naruto characters, the debate gets heated. Here’s a breakdown of the top 10 strongest Naruto characters ranked, based on raw power, combat feats, and influence on the storyline:
- Naruto Uzumaki (Sage of Six Paths Mode)
- Sasuke Uchiha (Rinnegan & Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan)
- Kaguya Otsutsuki
- Madara Uchiha (Six Paths Mode)
- Hashirama Senju
- Obito Uchiha (Ten-Tails Jinchuriki)
- Itachi Uchiha
- Might Guy (Eight Gates Released Formation)
- Nagato/Pain
- Kakashi Hatake (Double Mangekyo Sharingan)
These most powerful Naruto characters have shaped the fate of the Shinobi world and remain some of the most talked-about figures in the anime community.
Female Naruto Characters You Should Know
The Naruto characters female list has grown significantly stronger throughout the series. Here’s a look at some standout kunoichi:
- Tsunade – The Fifth Hokage and arguably the strongest female Naruto character in raw strength.
- Sakura Haruno – Grows to become one of the best medical ninja and develops Tsunade-level strength.
- Hinata Hyuga – Shy but fierce, especially in her defense of Naruto.
- Temari – Known for her wind-based attacks and strategic mind.
- Kurenai Yuhi – A skilled genjutsu user.
- Konan – Member of Akatsuki with paper-based techniques.
There’s often debate around the representation of Naruto characters girl fighters, but many play critical roles throughout the series.
How to Draw Naruto Characters
If you’re a fan of anime and art, you’ve probably asked, how to draw Naruto characters. Here are some tips:
- Start with basic shapes: Most Naruto characters follow classic anime proportions. Begin with a circle for the head and build out.
- Pay attention to headbands and outfits: These are key identifiers for the ninja villages and clans.
- Practice the eyes: Naruto characters have distinct eye styles — especially Uchiha, Hyuga, and others with special dojutsu.
- Use references or trace Naruto characters drawings before attempting your own from scratch.
For inspiration, check out pictures of Naruto characters in manga, anime stills, or fan art.
Black Naruto Characters
While the series features few darker-skinned characters, Black Naruto characters are powerful and well-developed:
- Killer B – The jinchuriki of the Eight Tails and an elite shinobi known for his rapping and swordsmanship.
- A (Fourth Raikage) – The powerful and hot-headed leader of the Hidden Cloud Village.
- Darui – A cool, competent shinobi who later becomes the Fifth Raikage.
These characters broke stereotypes and introduced fans to the Kumogakure culture within the Naruto universe.
Best Naruto Characters According to Fans
There’s no universal agreement on the best Naruto characters, but based on fan polls and forums, these names always make the cut:
- Itachi Uchiha – Tragic backstory, brilliant mind, and unmatched style.
- Shikamaru Nara – Lazy genius who became a tactical master.
- Jiraiya – The pervy sage with a heart of gold.
- Kakashi Hatake – Mysterious, funny, and powerful.
The combination of character development, abilities, and storytelling makes these characters unforgettable.
Naruto Characters’ Birthdays
Did you know fans often celebrate Naruto characters birthdays? Here are a few notable ones:
- Naruto Uzumaki – October 10
- Sasuke Uchiha – July 23
- Sakura Haruno – March 28
- Kakashi Hatake – September 15
- Hinata Hyuga – December 27
Many fans use these dates to share art, cosplay, and tribute posts on social media.
Naruto Characters Drawing Ideas & Resources
If you’re looking to improve your skills or just want to sketch, search for Naruto characters drawing references online. Pinterest, DeviantArt, and YouTube offer tutorials on:
- Character poses
- Facial expressions
- Costume details
- Action sequences
Using official pictures of Naruto characters is also a great way to study proportions and design.
Anime Moral Themes in Naruto
At its heart, Naruto is a story about perseverance, compassion, and redemption. The series continuously highlights the power of never giving up—embodied by Naruto Uzumaki, who rises from isolation and ridicule to become a respected hero. Friendship and loyalty also form the emotional backbone of the story, reminding viewers of the importance of unity in overcoming adversity.
Characters like Shikamaru, Sakura, and Kakashi teach lessons about growth, responsibility, and the moral gray areas that come with leadership. These values resonate deeply with audiences worldwide, inspiring not only fan admiration but also creative works — from essays and fan art to short films — that celebrate the resilience and humanity depicted in the narrative.
Fan Art Boundaries
The anime community thrives on artistic contribution, and Naruto fans are among the most expressive. However, maintaining boundaries in fan art is essential to preserve the integrity of the series and its characters. Artists can pay homage to their favorite ninjas through illustrations, reinterpretations, or redesigns without crossing ethical lines.
Ethical fan art practices include crediting original creators, steering clear of NSFW or disrespectful reinterpretations, and upholding the family-friendly reputation of the Naruto universe. By respecting creator intent, fans not only sustain the positive image of the franchise but also foster a respectful global community where creativity and admiration coexist.
Copyright in Fandom
Fandom creativity is both a tribute and a challenge to copyright laws. While drawing, writing, and sharing fan works based on Naruto showcase genuine appreciation, those works still fall under protected intellectual property. Any monetization, redistribution without credit, or heavy modification of official assets risks violating copyright regulations.
Fans can avoid legal and ethical pitfalls by keeping their projects non-commercial, acknowledging the original source, and refraining from using copyrighted visuals directly. Promoting credited, transformative fan content strengthens the community’s legitimacy and demonstrates how admiration for a work can evolve responsibly within legal boundaries.
Final Thoughts
The Naruto anime characters are more than just names on a list — they’re deeply woven into an expansive world that’s touched millions of fans. Whether you’re drawn to the strongest Naruto characters, inspired by the female Naruto characters, or just looking to improve your art with Naruto characters drawing, this series has something for everyone.
With new generations emerging in Boruto, the legacy continues — but the original Naruto cast will always hold a special place in anime history.
FAQ: Ultimate Guide to Naruto Characters
Q1: How many main characters are there in Naruto?
The Naruto universe features hundreds of characters, but the primary focus remains on Naruto Uzumaki, Sasuke Uchiha, Sakura Haruno, and Kakashi Hatake — the core members of Team 7. Throughout Naruto and Naruto: Shippuden, more than 300 named characters appear across various villages and story arcs.
Q2: Who is the strongest Naruto character?
Most fans agree that Naruto Uzumaki (in Sage of Six Paths Mode) and Sasuke Uchiha (with Rinnegan abilities) are the strongest characters in the series. Other contenders for this title include Kaguya Otsutsuki, Madara Uchiha, and Might Guy during his Eight Gates transformation.
Q3: Which female Naruto characters stand out the most?
Notable female characters include Tsunade, Sakura Haruno, Hinata Hyuga, and Konan. Each displays unique strengths — from medical ninjutsu and combat skill to emotional resilience and leadership — making them central to the story’s development.
Q4: Are there Black or darker-skinned characters in Naruto?
Yes. The Hidden Cloud Village introduces prominent Black characters such as Killer B, the Fourth Raikage (A), and Darui. These characters play vital roles in the Naruto world and represent progress toward more diverse anime storytelling.
Q5: How can I learn to draw Naruto characters?
To draw Naruto characters, start with basic shapes and proportions, focus on distinct features like clan symbols or hairstyles, and study official references. Online platforms such as Pinterest and YouTube offer step-by-step tutorials and character guides for improving your art skills.
Q6: What are common moral themes in Naruto?
Naruto teaches perseverance, empathy, and friendship. The series emphasizes forgiveness, redemption, and personal growth — values that deeply connect with audiences worldwide and inspire countless forms of fan art and creative projects.
Q7: Is it legal to create fan art or fan fiction about Naruto?
Creating fan art or fan fiction is legal as long as it remains non-commercial and properly credits the original creator, Masashi Kishimoto. Selling unlicensed merchandise, reproducing copyrighted images, or distributing official artwork without permission can lead to copyright violations.
Q8: How can fans support the Naruto community responsibly?
Fans can support responsibly by respecting creator rights, avoiding NSFW reinterpretations, celebrating the story’s positive values, and participating in safe fandom spaces. Sharing educational or artistic content that honors the spirit of Naruto helps keep the community inclusive and inspiring.