8 Most Unlikable Naruto Characters Fans Can’t Stand

Watching Naruto, I was struck by how many great characters there were – both heroes and villains. But not everyone resonated with fans. Some characters immediately annoyed people, while others became increasingly frustrating as the series went on. These characters, through poor choices, wasted potential, or just really bad mistakes, ended up causing more irritation than enjoyment.

This isn’t about the most evil or strongest characters. It’s about the ones fans loved to hate. Whether they were controlling leaders or ruined important storylines, these Naruto characters consistently frustrated viewers and sparked endless debates throughout the series.

8. Kabuto Yakushi

From the start, Kabuto came across as untrustworthy, despite seeming friendly. His arrival and claims of goodwill immediately felt suspicious because of his cynical attitude and obvious dishonesty. Viewers sensed he was hiding something long before his true loyalties were revealed.

As Shippuden progressed, Kabuto became increasingly irritating rather than intimidating. His self-serving actions and constant scheming didn’t inspire fear or pity, just frustration. He lingered in the story far too long, becoming a less compelling villain due to his endless manipulation and ambition.

7. Karin

Karin made a poor first impression, and never managed to overcome it. From the moment she met Sasuke, her life revolved around him, but this obsession felt superficial and became tiresome rather than adding depth to the story.

Fans disliked her character due to her tendency to overreact and her lack of importance to the main story. Even potentially good moments for her were ruined by over-the-top acting and dull writing. As the story continued, her presence became increasingly frustrating.

6. Sakura Haruno

Sakura is a particularly divisive character in the series, and understandably so. Early on, she often treated Naruto badly – being mean, harsh, and unnecessarily cruel to someone who consistently supported her. Adding to viewers’ frustration, she relentlessly pursued Sasuke despite his clear disinterest.

While Shippuden gave Sakura more strength, resolve, and a chance to really help the team, some of her earlier behavior continued to draw criticism – like when she wasn’t honest with Naruto about her feelings or claimed to be on par with Naruto and Sasuke. Despite eventually winning over many fans, that first impression stuck with a lot of people.

5. Hiruzen Sarutobi

Hiruzen, as Hokage, has received a lot of criticism for failing to protect Naruto. Instead of ensuring Naruto had a stable and supportive upbringing, he allowed him to grow up neglected and in poverty. Many fans found this frustrating, especially considering Hiruzen often ignored problems throughout the series that he seemingly could have easily fixed with more effective leadership.

Some believe he acted to protect Naruto, but that doesn’t quite hold up. Naruto was forced to face hardship alone while the village elders lived comfortably without worry. His inaction seems less like a calculated decision and more like a simple failure. It’s frustrating because he was consistently shown to be a wise and caring leader, making his lack of support for Naruto a significant flaw in his character.

4. Sasuke Uchiha

Sasuke is a complex character who inspires strong reactions – some people love him, while others dislike him. It’s clear he’s been through a lot of pain, and many fans sympathize with his struggles. However, his impulsive decisions and constant need to handle things alone often pushed others away.

Sasuke’s behavior before the Fourth Great Ninja War actually made people dislike him more. He acted in ways that completely disregarded the sacrifices Itachi made for him, and his story followed a predictably negative path. While his motivations were complex, his choices were more frustrating than heartbreaking.

3. Hanzo Of The Salamander

Hanzo’s part in the story of Naruto was brief, but its consequences were devastating. His betrayal led to the death of Yahiko, the original leader of the Akatsuki, which shattered Nagato’s beliefs and ultimately created the dangerous Akatsuki that the world would come to fear.

I’ve noticed a lot of fans really dislike Hanzo, and it’s not just what he did, but the ripple effect it caused. He didn’t just take a life; he tainted a whole way of thinking within the story. His violence felt especially pointless, and it ended up being the foundation for some of the series’ most upsetting scenes. It’s remarkable how much negativity he generated, especially considering he wasn’t even on screen for very long.

2. Danzo Shimura

Danzo is widely disliked by Naruto fans, and for good reason. While he believed he was acting in the best interests of the Hidden Leaf Village, his methods were harsh, controlling, and ultimately damaging. He orchestrated many of the betrayals seen throughout the series, forced Itachi into an impossible situation, and poisoned Konoha’s leadership with distrust.

Even understanding his motives doesn’t make it easy to forgive the suffering he caused. Danzo’s schemes harmed nearly all the beloved characters. Unlike Madara and Black Zetsu, who aimed for world-altering goals, Danzo operated on a personal level, making him particularly frustrating.

1. Black Zetsu

Black Zetsu is often considered one of the most frustrating characters in Naruto due to the letdown his reveal caused. Learning he was the true puppet master undermined years of build-up surrounding Madara, who had been established as an incredibly powerful, almost god-like figure.

Rather than making the story more impactful, Black Zetsu actually diminished its weight. His character lacked depth, his motivations felt weak, and he reduced a potentially great villain to a mere pawn. For many fans, Black Zetsu represents the biggest stumble in the entire Naruto series, and the story never fully recovered.

2025-12-31 18:45