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Best ninjas in Naruto ranked from worst to best
The story of Naruto is filled with ups and downs spurred on by the many influential characters within its long narrative. However, a few stand beyond just influence, totally shaping the story with their voice and actions. In this post, I rank the best ninjas in Naruto, from worst to best. Top ninjas in Naruto ranked worst to best This list isn’t just about raw strength or flashy jutsu. Instead, we’re ranking these shinobi based on their accomplishments, legacy, and overall influence on the world and the story of Naruto. Their actions shaped the course of nations, battles, and characters alike. Konohamaru Sarutobi Image via Pierrot Konohamaru may not have the legacy of others on this list, but he’s still left a lasting mark. Beyond being the Third Hokage’s grandson, his most impactful moment came during the Pain Invasion, where he became one of the first characters to defeat a Path of Pain using a perfectly executed Rasengan no less. It was a massively pivotal moment that reflected both his growth and Naruto’s influence on him. His journey continues in Boruto, but his most impactful mark was made quite early in his story. Gaara Image via Pierrot Once a vessel of pure rage and selective isolation, Gaara transformed into one of the most beloved and respected leaders in the shinobi world. His shift from bloodthirsty Jinchuriki (holder of a Tailed Beast) to wise Kazekage defined one of Naruto's most powerful redemption arcs. As a key strategist in the Fourth Great Ninja War and a steadfast ally to Naruto, Gaara became a symbol of unity across villages, something once previously thought impossible. Orochimaru Image via Pierrot Orochimaru’s twisted ambitions cast a long, dark shadow across the whole Naruto series. As one of the Legendary Sannin and the founder of the Hidden Sound, his promise of power began Sasuke’s descent into darkness — a core narrative thread. Even when not directly present, his influence rippled across arcs: from body experimentation to curse marks, and even during the war spawned by Kabuto. Nearly every character was touched by Orochimaru’s legacy, for better or worse, making him one of the most impactful ninjas in the series. Pain (Nagato) Image via Pierrot Many tried to destroy the Hidden Leaf Village throughout Naruto, but only Pain actually succeeded, utterly obliterating most of Konoha during his invasion with an Almighty Push. That alone places him high on this list. But Pain's namesake wasn’t just inflicting pain and suffering. His philosophy of peace through pain forced Naruto — and the entire world — to face their flaws, their mistakes, and their resulting outcomes. Ultimately, he resurrected those he killed in Konoha, inspired by Naruto’s ideals, yet his role as the harbinger of the Akatsuki’s most terrifyingly successful attack earns him undeniable legend status in the narrative. Itachi Uchiha Image via Pierrot Every decision Itachi made rippled through the story. Whether seen as a villain, martyr, or hero, his actions shaped the narrative’s deepest conflicts. From slaughtering his clan to becoming Sasuke’s ultimate motivation, Itachi’s sacrifice kept Konoha intact but also bred immense pain. Even after death, he played a decisive role by breaking Kabuto’s Edo Tensei during the war, weakening the enemy dramatically. His choices were controversial, but his impact is absolutely central to Naruto’s legacy. Sasuke Uchiha Image via Pierrot Sasuke was more than Naruto’s rival — he was a driving force behind entire arcs. His abandonment of Konoha led to some of the series' most emotional battles. His pursuit of power through Orochimaru, his vengeance on Itachi, and even his late-stage declaration to become Hokage himself all fundamentally shaped the world around him. Sasuke’s evolution, from rogue shinobi to hidden protector, reflects Naruto’s core themes of pain, growth, and redemption. The world changed because he changed. Kakashi Hatake Image via Pierrot The infamous Copy Ninja is often underestimated, but he’s the quiet backbone of Naruto’s entire generation. As the leader of Team 7, he mentored Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura through their most formative and endearing years. His calm wisdom guided Naruto’s development and Sasuke’s eventual return. Later, he fought alongside them against Kaguya Ōtsutsuki, helping seal the greatest enemy the ninja world had ever faced. And, as Sixth Hokage, Kakashi shepherded the world into peace, forever shaping the future. Behind the heroes stood a man who made them possible. Naruto Uzumaki Image via Pierrot From pariah to Hokage, Naruto’s rise is the story of the series itself. He unified the Five Great Nations, ended generations of hatred, and converted enemies with sheer belief in connection and empathy. He stopped Pain's rampage, defeated Obito Uchiha, and helped seal Kaguya Ōtsutsuki. More importantly, though, he reshaped the entire shinobi world, proving that even the most broken could be r
The story of Naruto is filled with ups and downs spurred on by the many influential characters within its long narrative. However, a few stand beyond just influence, totally shaping the story with their voice and actions.
In this post, I rank the best ninjas in Naruto, from worst to best.
Top ninjas in Naruto ranked worst to best
This list isn’t just about raw strength or flashy jutsu. Instead, we’re ranking these shinobi based on their accomplishments, legacy, and overall influence on the world and the story of Naruto. Their actions shaped the course of nations, battles, and characters alike.
Konohamaru Sarutobi
Konohamaru may not have the legacy of others on this list, but he’s still left a lasting mark. Beyond being the Third Hokage’s grandson, his most impactful moment came during the Pain Invasion, where he became one of the first characters to defeat a Path of Pain using a perfectly executed Rasengan no less. It was a massively pivotal moment that reflected both his growth and Naruto’s influence on him. His journey continues in Boruto, but his most impactful mark was made quite early in his story.
Gaara
Once a vessel of pure rage and selective isolation, Gaara transformed into one of the most beloved and respected leaders in the shinobi world. His shift from bloodthirsty Jinchuriki (holder of a Tailed Beast) to wise Kazekage defined one of Naruto's most powerful redemption arcs. As a key strategist in the Fourth Great Ninja War and a steadfast ally to Naruto, Gaara became a symbol of unity across villages, something once previously thought impossible.
Orochimaru
Orochimaru’s twisted ambitions cast a long, dark shadow across the whole Naruto series. As one of the Legendary Sannin and the founder of the Hidden Sound, his promise of power began Sasuke’s descent into darkness — a core narrative thread. Even when not directly present, his influence rippled across arcs: from body experimentation to curse marks, and even during the war spawned by Kabuto. Nearly every character was touched by Orochimaru’s legacy, for better or worse, making him one of the most impactful ninjas in the series.
Pain (Nagato)
Many tried to destroy the Hidden Leaf Village throughout Naruto, but only Pain actually succeeded, utterly obliterating most of Konoha during his invasion with an Almighty Push. That alone places him high on this list. But Pain's namesake wasn’t just inflicting pain and suffering. His philosophy of peace through pain forced Naruto — and the entire world — to face their flaws, their mistakes, and their resulting outcomes.
Ultimately, he resurrected those he killed in Konoha, inspired by Naruto’s ideals, yet his role as the harbinger of the Akatsuki’s most terrifyingly successful attack earns him undeniable legend status in the narrative.
Itachi Uchiha
Every decision Itachi made rippled through the story. Whether seen as a villain, martyr, or hero, his actions shaped the narrative’s deepest conflicts. From slaughtering his clan to becoming Sasuke’s ultimate motivation, Itachi’s sacrifice kept Konoha intact but also bred immense pain. Even after death, he played a decisive role by breaking Kabuto’s Edo Tensei during the war, weakening the enemy dramatically. His choices were controversial, but his impact is absolutely central to Naruto’s legacy.
Sasuke Uchiha
Sasuke was more than Naruto’s rival — he was a driving force behind entire arcs. His abandonment of Konoha led to some of the series' most emotional battles. His pursuit of power through Orochimaru, his vengeance on Itachi, and even his late-stage declaration to become Hokage himself all fundamentally shaped the world around him. Sasuke’s evolution, from rogue shinobi to hidden protector, reflects Naruto’s core themes of pain, growth, and redemption. The world changed because he changed.
Kakashi Hatake
The infamous Copy Ninja is often underestimated, but he’s the quiet backbone of Naruto’s entire generation. As the leader of Team 7, he mentored Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura through their most formative and endearing years. His calm wisdom guided Naruto’s development and Sasuke’s eventual return. Later, he fought alongside them against Kaguya Ōtsutsuki, helping seal the greatest enemy the ninja world had ever faced. And, as Sixth Hokage, Kakashi shepherded the world into peace, forever shaping the future. Behind the heroes stood a man who made them possible.
Naruto Uzumaki
From pariah to Hokage, Naruto’s rise is the story of the series itself. He unified the Five Great Nations, ended generations of hatred, and converted enemies with sheer belief in connection and empathy. He stopped Pain's rampage, defeated Obito Uchiha, and helped seal Kaguya Ōtsutsuki. More importantly, though, he reshaped the entire shinobi world, proving that even the most broken could be redeemed. His impact is unparalleled, and that’s why he stands, undeniably, at the top as the number one most unpredictable ninja in all of Naruto.
The post Best ninjas in Naruto ranked from worst to best appeared first on Destructoid.
