Key Takeaways
- Naruto’s enduring popularity is evident through a recent global character popularity poll.
- Characters like Minato, Itachi, and Sakura ranked high due to their complex stories and fanbase loyalty.
- Shisui, a minor character, surprisingly ranked high, showcasing fans’ appreciation for the depth of Naruto’s world.
As someone who has been deeply immersed in the captivating world of Naruto for many years now, I must say that the results of this global popularity poll are truly fascinating! The journey of these characters, their growth, and the profound impact they’ve had on millions of fans worldwide is nothing short of amazing.
Naruto is considered one of the greatest stories ever penned, chronicling the journey of Naruto Uzumaki, a spirited youth with grand aspirations who aspires to be the most powerful ninja in his village, referred to as the Hokage. This tale was serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump magazine for more than a decade and garnered an enormous global fanbase.
Concluding in 2014, the fanbase for Naruto has remained as robust as ever, if not more so. In celebration of the 20th anniversary of the Naruto anime, a popularity poll was announced to mark the occasion. Unlike previous polls, this one was unique because it was the very first global Naruto popularity poll. The voting period spanned from December 17th, 2022, to January 31st, 2023 (Japan Standard Time), and the results were recently unveiled.
20 Rock Lee
Votes: 39,325
Rock Lee, mastering Taijutsu, has won over countless hearts in the initial phases of Naruto, cementing his status as a beloved figure among fans. Despite the narrative failing to fully explore his storyline later on, Rock Lee continues to be highly favored by many.
In the worldwide vote, Rock Lee garnered 39,325 votes, securing him the 20th spot among the most popular characters.
19 Sasori
Votes: 40,732
In the realm of Naruto Shippuden, I, Sasori, took on the part of a formidable antagonist, stirring up chaos during the Kazekage Rescue arc. I crossed swords with Kankuro in that tale, and later engaged in battles against the dynamic duo of Chiyo and Sakura.
From the perspective of a passionate fan, Sasori’s portrayal as a villain was simply mesmerizing, and he presented an engaging challenge for Sakura. In his character, Kishimoto crafted a deeply complex antagonist whose poignant background resonated deeply with fans, making him a beloved figure among us.
18 Neji Hyuga
Votes: 49,526
It’s no wonder that Neji Hyuga from Konoha was widely admired too. Being part of the prestigious Hyuga Clan, Neji was naturally gifted, but he faced discrimination because he belonged to the branch family. His story in Naruto Part 1 is compelling and inspiring, but regrettably, his narrative didn’t receive as much attention later on.
Nevertheless, he stood as a highly honorable ninja, with deep affection for his kin and comrades. His selfless actions during the Fourth Ninja War remain indelible, significantly contributing to Konoha’s victory. Without him, it is conceivable that Naruto and Hinata might not be alive now, a fact that underscores the magnitude of his sacrifice.
17 Deidara
Votes: 56,320
As an ardent fan, let me tell you, Deidara was undeniably one of the Akatsuki members who captured our hearts. His eccentric charm paired with his boastful demeanor truly set him apart. Not only did Deidara possess a unique personality, but he also had the skills to match his confidence, which made for thrilling battles that left us on the edge of our seats.
Initially in the narrative, spectators witnessed him engaging Gaara in combat, an encounter that ultimately led to the Kazekage’s defeat, leaving many astonished. Later on, he squared off against Sasuke, providing yet another intriguing bout of combat. In the end, Deidara met his match against Sasuke and departed with a dramatic flair, holding steadfast in his belief in his artistic pursuits until the very end.
16 Hashirama Senju
Votes: 66,519
Readers grew fonder of Hashirama, the First Hokage of Konoha, as they delved deeper into his history. Initially not heavily featured in the early stages of the series, Hashirama became a captivating element that elevated Naruto Shippuden for fans. His power and every aspect about him were intriguing.
It’s not surprising that this person received numerous votes from fans, which propelled them to the 16th spot in the popularity poll with a total of 66,519 votes. This demonstrates the strong desire among fans for a standalone story featuring this character, and their anticipation for an enjoyable reading experience. In the future, it’s hoped that the author will share more intriguing details about Hashirama’s life as a ninja. Additionally, fans would be thrilled if the enigmas surrounding his life and demise are eventually revealed.
15 Gaara – 70,557
The Fifth Kazekage
15th in a worldwide popularity survey finds none other than Gaara, the Fifth Kazekage of Sunagakure. A pivotal character in the story, Gaara was initially portrayed as a villain but changed his ways following an impactful encounter with Naruto. Their friendship led to Gaara utilizing his One Tail powers for good instead of evil.
I can’t help but feel saddened by the loss of his iconic One Tail when the Akatsuki began meddling with his life. Thankfully, Chiyo saved him from certain doom, and ever since then, he’s been tirelessly working to rescue as many souls as he could manage. Gaara is undeniably a captivating character that leaves fans yearning for more of him in the Naruto storyline. It’s no wonder that he remains one of the most beloved characters within the series.
14 Tobirama Senju – 87,442
The Second Hokage
Tobirama ranked 14th in the Global Popularity Poll for Naruto, and it’s not hard to see why. This Hokage was enshrouded in mystery, as fans were only given glimpses of him during his rule. Yet, we are aware that he played a crucial role in shaping the narrative, with both positive and negative impacts. The fact that Konoha is as advanced and orderly as it is today can be attributed to Tobirama, who was instrumental in establishing institutions such as the Konoha Police Force, the Konoha Academy, and even the Chunin Exams.
Simultaneously, Tobirama was associated with some of the most horrific acts, including the unfair treatment and eventual massacre of the Uchiha clan. Despite his questionable actions, Tobirama’s complexity seems to be what attracts fans to him. Many fans have expressed a desire for a spin-off centered around this character, but he failed to secure a top spot in popularity.
13 Shikamaru – 87,838
The Eighth Hokage
Shikamaru Nara is a cherished character from Naruto that fans adore, particularly during the initial phases. Compared to other characters in terms of combat abilities like Jutsu, he was relatively weak. Yet, what set him apart was his exceptional intellect, boasting an IQ of over 200 before turning 13. Shikamaru proved himself to be a skillful ninja, often outsmarting enemies by strategizing 10 moves ahead, even before they realized the battle had started.
What made him well-liked by the fans was this particular trait of his. Regrettably, as the story unfolded, the character Shikamaru didn’t receive as much focus, which left many fans feeling he wasn’t given enough attention. Yet, the memories he created for them ensured his popularity remained strong, explaining why he garnered as many votes as he did in the Naruto global popularity poll.
12 Jiraiya – 117,825
One Of The Legendary Sannin
It’s no wonder that Jiraiya ranks among the top 15 most popular characters worldwide. Adored by fans across the globe, Jiraiya holds a special place in many hearts due to his role as Naruto’s mentor and significant influence on Naruto’s life. Known for his legendary ninja skills, Jiraiya experienced numerous tragedies throughout his life. Yet, his impact on the Ninja World was profound, as he raised the Prophesied Child correctly, thereby shaping the course of the world’s destiny.
He’s one of the biggest reasons why Naruto is the way he is today and, for that, fans will always be thankful to him. His own story was also incredibly exciting for the fans to witness and it goes without saying that Jiraiya deserves the 12th spot on the list.
11 Obito Uchiha – 132,252
The Mastermind Of The 4th Great Ninja War
Among all the memorable characters from Naruto, Obito ranks at number 11 in terms of popularity. Known for his complex transformation from a good character into a villain, fans see Obito as a figure deeply affected by life’s hardships. Moreover, he was influenced by Madara and ultimately assumed his role in orchestrating the Fourth Great Ninja War.
He became a very powerful villain who simply wanted the world to stay the same as it was before tragedy struck him. Obito cared a lot about his friends and had the goal of becoming the Hokage, however, in the end, grief consumed him. Thankfully, Naruto touched his heart in the 4th Great Ninja War and brought him back to the good side, before he ended up sacrificing his life for the greater good. Obito is one of the most popular characters and that is certainly not a surprise to anyone.
10 Hinata Hyuga – 144,484 Votes
A User of Byakugan
In the anime “Naruto,” Hinata Hyuga initially falls under the watch of Kurenai Yuhi. Right from the start, Hinata is unveiled as a wielder of the unique Byakugan ability. Over time, as the story unfolds, she develops greater courage and becomes more vocal.
In due course, Hinata admitted her feelings for Naruto, and following the end of their shared battle, they tied the knot. Notably, Hinata garnered a massive 144,484 votes from her devoted fanbase.
9 Madara Uchiha – 144,947 Votes
The Ghost of The Uchiha Clan
In the Naruto series, Madara Uchiha, often referred to as the spirit of the Uchiha Clan, held a crucial position. He was among the most formidable adversaries and, without a doubt, one of the most beloved antagonists throughout the entire show.
Being part of the Uchiha clan makes Madara particularly cherished by fans. If Madara had gotten his ideal ending, he could have garnered even more support. Nevertheless, in the Naruto global popularity poll, he earned 144,947 votes.
8 Sasuke Uchiha – 170,665 Votes
The Strongest After Naruto
In the Naruto saga, Sasuke Uchiha is among the primary characters. Together with Naruto Uzumaki and Sakura Haruno, he forms Team 7, under the guidance of Kakashi.
As far as Naruto’s adversaries go, it’s Sasuke who stands out as the most notable. It may seem odd to see him place so low, but considering he’s the strongest Uchiha ever, eighth position isn’t too shabby. In the end, he managed a total of 170,665 votes in the poll.
7 Sakumo Hatake – 170,940 Votes
A Legendary Ninja
Sakumo Hatake, a character whom fans are not well-acquainted with, has been only briefly touched upon in Kakashi’s backstory. It was later disclosed to the audience that he was an exceptional ninja who tragically took his own life following the unsuccessful completion of a mission.
There’s always been a lot of curiosity among fans about Sakumo, which likely contributed to the high number of votes he received in the global popularity poll for the Naruto series. Many people were eager to explore a spin-off manga focused on him. Although he didn’t secure the top spot, he still managed to get 170,940 votes and finished in 7th place himself.
6 Naruto Uzumaki – 182,911 Votes
The Protagonist
In a surprising turn of events, Naruto Uzumaki, a globally recognized figure and a cherished character within the realm of anime, ended up placing sixth.
Despite boasting a strong and loyal fanbase, Naruto fell short of reaching the top five positions in the poll, amassing a total of 182,911 votes.
5 Kakashi Hatake – 212,403 Votes
The Beloved Teacher of Team 7
Leading in the top five of the worldwide Naruto poll is Kakashi Hatake, the instructor for Team 7. Known as a favorite character, Kakashi has been instrumental in guiding the youngsters like Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura, along with many others.
With his Sharingan seal, Kakashi – a renowned ninja and widely beloved character – accumulated an impressive 212,403 votes in the poll, symbolizing a lifelong commitment to his friend.
4 Shisui Uchiha – 279,062 Votes
Itachi’s Best Friend
In an unexpected turn of events, it was Shisui Uchiha who claimed the fourth spot in the worldwide Naruto popularity survey. Known as Itachi’s closest companion, Shisui later took his own life and passed on his remaining Sharingan to his friend.
Itachi’s demise triggered the emergence of his Mangekyo Sharingan. Shisui served mainly as a device for Itachi’s growth and the tragic Uchiha Clan incident. Yet, he managed to secure 279,062 votes in popularity polls.
3 Sakura Haruno – 489,619 Votes
An Incredible Healer
In third position, just behind the one who came second, Sakura Haruno amassed an impressive total of 489,619 votes in the poll. Known for her captivating personality and being a member of Team 7 alongside Naruto and Sasuke, Sakura is a standout female character within the Naruto series.
Her devoted followers stand steadfast by her side, demonstrating their loyalty, and her ascension to the third spot underscores this devotion. With more time in the poll, Sakura might have reached even greater heights.
2 Itachi Uchiha – 505,014 Votes
Sasuke’s Beloved Older Brother
Second in line is none other than the brilliant Uchiha, Itachi, a fact that doesn’t surprise his fans given his widespread popularity among them. In truth, an overwhelming majority of Naruto enthusiasts hold a deep affection for this character and the significant impact he’s made on the narrative.
Apart from portraying a formidable adversary, Itachi Uchiha was also unveiled as a compassionate and wise individual who selflessly assisted his village in every possible way. In the global Naruto popularity poll, Itachi garnered a whopping 505,014 votes.
1 Minato Namikaze – 792,257 Votes
The Fourth Hokage
As a dedicated gamer and ardent Naruto enthusiast, I’ve got to say it: The title for the most beloved Naruto character undeniably goes to none other than the Fourth Hokage, Minato. Unfortunately, his time as a ninja was often shrouded in mystery, with not much of him being shown in the original series.
It turns out that Minato garnered an impressive number of votes because Kishimoto is planning to create a spin-off manga focusing on him, and this was due to Minato winning the Naruto global popularity poll with a total of 792,257 votes.
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2024-09-08 15:54