Highlights

• Naruto's wide variety of villains had enough depth to justify their existence in the show, making them some of the most respected anime villains of all time.
• Kakuzu, a member of the Akatsuki, was an unkillable master ninja who killed for money, considering it the most dependable thing in the world.
• Gaara, initially portrayed as an evil jinchuriki, became Suna's Fifth Kazekage, but his early days were filled with villainy due to his brutal and dangerous nature.

The tale of Naruto Uzumaki is not the most heartwarming, but it is a daring one, to say the least. Since their graduation from the Ninja Academy, Naruto, and his fellow ninjas have faced off against many powerful foes, the likes of which have rarely been seen in anime.

One of the major appeals of the Naruto series has always been its wide variety of villains, each of which had enough depth to their characters to justify their existence in the show. From rogue ninjas to terrorists, and even alien beings, the best villains in Naruto are in a league of their own.

Updated on February 5, 2024, by Oluwatokiloba Folami: The Naruto anime series undoubtedly portrays some of the most respected anime villains of all time. Whether it be pure evil, master combatants, or sages of wisdom, the Naruto anime series portrays them all. Although the series aired countless years ago, many of the villains still live in the hearts of many due to their unique circumstances and abilities. From major villains who almost ended the world to minor villains who lasted a few episodes, many of Naruto’s villains are sympathized with, while others are loved for their sheer pragmatism and desire to change the world, even through absurd means.

21 Kakuzu

This Akatsuki Member Killed For Money

• Debut Episode: Naruto Shippuden Episode 71

As a member of the legendary Akatsuki, Kakuzu was an S-rank missing-nin. Like his partner, Hidan, Kakuzu was considered unkillable as he had five hearts, and he could only be killed if all five were destroyed. Because of his five hearts, Kakuzu also has access to all five elements, making him a master ninja.

Apart from brawn, Kakuzu also had brains, as he was considered a master analyst who always devised ways to counter his opponents' techniques. As a villain, Kakuzu only took on missions that gave him a profit, as he mainly killed for money, calling it the most dependable thing in the world.

20 Gaara

From Evil Jinchuriki To Kazekage

• Debut Episode: Naruto Episode 20

Although Gaara became Suna’s Fifth Kazekage at the end of the series, his early days were filled with villainy. As a child Jinchuriki, Gaara grew up as an outcast, with nobody in Sunagakure trying to connect with him. He was viewed as a weapon and object of destruction by many, causing many more to fear him and distance themselves.

With the treatment he received, Gaara began to hate society and personify the monster that many others took him for. As he grew to hate the world, Gaara became increasingly brutal and dangerous, and his exceptional control over sand gave him the power to do as he liked, up until he met Naruto.

19 Konan

Nagato’s Greatest Supporter

• Debut Episode: Naruto Shippuden Episode 125

As Nagato’s biggest supporter, Konan’s role in the story was by no means small. She was a member and founder of the original Akatsuki, led by Yahiko. After Yahiko’s death, Konan began supporting Nagato with everything she had, and together, they grew the Akatsuki into a feared and respected organization.

As a villain, Konan served as more of a supporter for Nagato than she did as an evil mastermind. Her skill and technique in utilizing her paper ninjutsu made her a powerful kunoichi whom others feared. Moreover, as she was trained by Jiraiya and the three legendary Sannin, Konan was many times more powerful than her peers, but even so, she hardly spoke during Akatsuki meetings and made supporting and protecting Nagato her top priority.

18 Kimimaro

Orochimaru’s Devoted Lackey Was Powerful But Led A Tragic Life

• Debut Episode: Naruto Episode 118

Kimimaro is one of the more interesting Naruto villains. He wasn’t motivated by a desire for vengeance or the thrill of battle. He blindly respected and followed Orochimaru, carrying out his orders without a care in the world. As a child, Kimimaro became the sole survivor of the Kaguya clan and felt his life had lost all purpose.

However, after Orochimaru took him under his wing, Kimimaro found his life purpose to be serving his master. Unfortunately, even that purpose was taken from him by an unknown disease, which ultimately led to his death. As a villain, Kimimaro was a very powerful but sympathetic individual who wanted only to serve his master.

17 Sasori

This Master Puppeteer Was Incredibly Skilled At His Craft

• Debut Episode: Naruto Shippuden Episode 2

After losing his parents early in his life, Sasori’s grandmother, Chiyo, introduced him to the art of puppetry. He then proved to be greatly talented at making puppets and became a puppet master. To eliminate the loneliness he felt, Sasori then created puppets in the likeness of his father and mother.

However, he did not feel the familial love he longed for from them, and he became cold and detached from human life. As he grew up, Sasori left his village and became known as Sasori of the Red Sand. He later joined the Akatsuki as Orochimaru’s partner and eventually partnered with Deidara.

16 Itachi

Massacring One’s Entire Clan Takes Immense Grit

• Debut Episode: Naruto Episode 80

Itachi Uchiha is definitely one of the most badass characters portrayed in the Naruto series. While he was later revealed to be a loyal ninja of Konohagakure to the end, his ‘villain arc’ was filled with atrocities that few could imagine. At age 13, Itachi massacred his entire clan with his own hands, sparing only his little brother Sasuke.

Shortly after, he joined the Akatsuki, a rogue group of Shinobi that sought world dominance. Before his death, Itachi made everyone believe he was an unrepentant villain, even urging Sasuke to become someone who could avenge his parents and kill him (Itachi) with his own hands.

15 Kisame

The Monster Of The Hidden Mist Was Known As A Comrade Killer

• Debut Episode: Naruto Episode 80

Originally one of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist, Kisame gained the moniker the Monster of the Hidden Mist. Even before joining the Akatsuki, Kisame was known for killing his allies in order to protect information. Because of this, many considered him a ‘comrade killer’ and were always wary of him.

This unique attitude of killing his allies after a mission came from his training to protect information no matter the cost. And the best way Kisame knew to do that was to silence people. Alongside his ‘comrade killing’ way of life, Kisame was widely known for his ruthlessness in handling his enemies and his affiliation with the Akatsuki.

14 Deidara

Deidara’s 'Art' Was Destruction

• Debut Episode: Naruto Shippuden Episode 2

Unlike many other Naruto villains, Deidara did not do the things he did for a greater purpose or a greater good but simply to fulfill his carnal desires. Even before joining the notorious Akatsuki, Deidara was an S-rank missing-nin (Shinobi that deserted their village). This made him wanted as a rogue ninja who deserted his village and abandoned his duties.

Deidara then joined the Akatsuki as the youngest member, where he got to express his ‘art’ wholeheartedly. Deidara loved the destruction that came with using his explosive clay, and he always sought to reach greater heights, taking his explosions to new levels.

13 Zabuza

The First Main Antagonist Of The Naruto Series Is Not To Be Forgotten

• Debut Episode: Naruto Episode 6

Zabuza served as the first main antagonist for the Naruto series, and though most early enemies featured in shonen shows are forgettable, this villain successfully hooked fans and served as a great plot point for setting up the stakes of the shinobi world. Zabuza, along with his sidekick Haku were greatly skilled in the ninja arts which made them great first bosses and showed the main trio of genin exactly how outclassed they initially were.

Fortunately for them, Kakashi sensei was able to defeat Zabuza thanks to his vast fighting experience and his Sharingan's copy abilities. However, by the end of the clash, Zabuza redeemed himself as a person as he mourned the death of his partner Haku and ultimately died taking revenge on those who hired him.

12 Hidan

Killing Asuma Sarutobi Was An Accomplishment

• Debut Episode: Naruto Shippuden Episode 71

Hidan was an Akatsuki member obsessed with recruiting people over to his occult beliefs and punishing those who rejected them. He proved that he was not to be taken lightly after he mercilessly killed Asuma Sarutobi on their first confrontation.

Hidan's awful personality and seemingly immortal abilities made him an impeccable threat, but one that Shikamaru had to deal with for the sake of his fallen master. The final clash between Shikamaru's genius and Hidan's occult powers made for an epic showdown with an even more satisfying conclusion that saw Hidan literally biting the dust.

11 Toneri Otsusuki

He Almost Exterminated The Earth And The Moon

• Debut Episode: The Last: Naruto the Movie

Toneri Otsusuki was introduced as the main antagonist for Naruto the Movie: The Last. Toneri was the last surviving member of the branch family of the Kaguya clan that resided on the moon and a blood relative of Hamura Otsusuki. After misinterpreting the will of his ancestors, Toneri set out to exterminate mankind by forcing the Moon to collide with the Earth. To do this he kidnapped Hanabi Hyuga and took her eyes for himself to awaken the Tenseigan, which had the power to control the moon.

He also kidnapped Hinata and planned to marry her, but Naruto ended up spoiling all his plans and eventually defeated him with aid from his friends. After Naruto beat some sense into him, Toneri decided to change his ways and continued to remain on the Moon and watch over Earth as its protector against any foreign threats.

10 Kabuto

His Reanimation Jutsu Made Him Highly Relevant

• Debut Episode: Naruto Episode 23

Kabuto was an orphan turned rogue ninja, who ended up under the wing of Orochimaru. From spying and infiltrating to killing ninjas, this character truly did it all. Kabuto even took advantage of Tsunade's trauma of blood to paralyze her. He learned everything from Orochimaru and eventually surpassed his master in spreading chaos in the shinobi world.

Kabuto was also a key instigator of the Fourth Shinobi World War and used the forbidden Reanimation Jutsu to bring back the dead. He was eventually made to reflect on his ways by Itachi's unparalleled Genjutsu after which the mad genius changed sides.

9 Black Zetsu

Paving The Way For Kaguya Otsutsuki Required Serious Planning

• Debut Episode: Naruto Episode 134

It came as quite a shock when it was revealed that Black Zetsu was actually the will incarnate of Kaguya Otsusuki herself. The revelation that Black Zetsu was the main manipulator behind the majority of the events that shaped the ninja world up until that point in the series left fans shocked to their core.

Zetsu wanted to bring his mother back into the world and plotted for years on end to see it finally happen. He eventually succeeded in manipulating Madara Uchiha to use the Infinite Tsukuyomi to release Kaguya Otsusuki. In the end, though, he got sealed together with his mother by Naruto and Sasuke.

8 Orochimaru

This Snake Villain Is Truly Slippery In His Doings

• Debut Episode: Naruto Episode 27

The big bad of the original series, Orochimaru is truly one of the best and the most terrifying villains of the Naruto franchise. He attacked the leaf, killed the third Hokage, reanimated the first two Hokage, betrayed his friends, abducted and experimented on Leaf ninja, and cursed Sasuke's body with a terrifying seal. Orochimaru's atrocities knew no bounds as he cared for no one but himself.

Orochimaru even planned on taking over Sasuke's body which he eventually failed at, thanks to Itachi's efforts. The Allied Shinobi Forces were lucky that Orochimaru had a change of heart during the Fourth World War, or else they would not have lasted for as long as they did against Madara Uchiha.

7 Kaguya Otsusuki

Her Powers Left Many Feeling Hopeless

• Debut Episode: Naruto Shippuden Episode 458

Kaguya Otsusuki was revealed to be the final boss of the Naruto series in a somewhat questionable manner. However, Kaguya was still a worthy villain and eventually set up the future of the series as well by showcasing the power of the Otsusuki clan. Though her own story was no less tragic, the tragedies that she unleashed upon the world were truly unforgivable.

In an effort to prepare against more invading Otsusukis, Kaguya created an army of zombified Zetsus by killing people. Upon her release from her seal, she presented herself as an unstoppable threat with her dimension-shifting powers and immense strength. Kaguya's attacks also killed Obito Uchiha, who sacrificed himself in a bid to save Naruto.

6 Isshiki Otsusuki

Isshiki Could Only Be Defeated By Kurama’s Sacrifice

• Debut Episode: Boruto Episode 202

The story of the original Naruto manga may have wrapped up, but its success made it inevitable for a sequel story to be introduced. The Boruto series brought with it new foes, expanding upon the lore of the Shinobi world. One of the most fearsome villains introduced in this sequel was Isshiki Otsusuki who single-handedly defeated Sasuke and Naruto in their ultimate forms.

Naruto was finally able to put a stop to Isshiki's menacing plans with help from Kawaki's tenacity, but the effects of this battle lingered on even after Isshiki's defeat. During the clash, Kurama sacrificed himself to pave the way for Naruto to tap into the Baryon mode, while Sasuke also lost the Rinnegan due to Momoshiki's interference.

5 Momoshiki Otsusuki

It Took A Serious Naruto And Sasuke To Defeat Momoshiki

• Debut Episode: Boruto Episode 15

Momoshiki Otsusuki was yet another member of the mysterious Otsusuki clan that came to devour the Earth. Momoshiki proved to be quite the foe for not just Naruto and Sasuke but all of the other Kages as well, as he easily dealt with every one of them. He left Killer Bee on the verge of death after extracting the 8 tails from him and then proceeded to abduct Naruto.

With the help of the chakra fruit, Momoshiki became even stronger, and it took everything in Naruto and Sasuke's arsenal to defeat him. Even after being defeated, he lingered on within Boruto, awaiting the chance to revive himself.

4 Obito Uchiha

Obito Declared The Start Of The Fourth Shinobi World War

• Debut Episode: Naruto Shippuden Episode 32

Obito was a sweet and normal boy who just wanted to impress the love of his life. However, Obito's childhood was cut short when he got crushed by a boulder during a mission. It was later revealed that Obito was saved by none other than Madara Uchiha who went on to manipulate him into doing his bidding. After witnessing the death of Rin, Obito became enraged and felt betrayed by the world.

He then proceeded to capture and unleash the nine tails on the Hidden Leaf village which resulted in the deaths of Kushina Uzumaki and Minato Namkiza. Later on in the series, he controlled the Akatsuki from the sidelines and eventually declared the start of the Fourth Shinobi World War. It took Naruto multiple attempts with his Talk no Jutsu to finally win Obito over to the good side.

3 Danzo Shimura

Danzo Is Arguably Naruto’s Most Irredeemable Villain

• Debut Episode: Naruto Shippuden Episode 32

Danzo Shimuran is one of the few major villains in the Naruto franchise that can never be redeemed due to his vile nature. Ever since Danzo was young, he worked from behind the shadows to manipulate people for his own goals and always labeled it to be in the best interest of the Leaf Village. He orchestrated the Uchiha Massacre, drove Shisui Uchiha to kill himself, stole multiple Sharingans from the Uchiha, and exploited the shadow Anbu organization.

The iconic Naruto villain even had a hand in organizing the events that led to the eventual downfall of the original Akatsuki. He went as far as taking the mantle of Hokage for himself multiple times. Even in his final moments, his ways didn't change as he took Karin hostage against Sasuke Uchiha, who ended up killing him anyway.

2 Nagato Uzumaki

Few Villains Match Nagato’s Build-Up

• Debut Episode: Naruto Shippuden Episode 128

Nagato Uzumaki, also feared as Pain, was the leader of the Akatsuki and was being controlled by Obito to collect the chakra of all the tailed beasts. He was by far the best villain in Naruto and had one of the best character arcs ever seen for a villain. Despite originally hunting for the Nine-Tails, his feud with Naruto became personal, as he wanted to reject the teachings and ideologies of his master.

Nagato's resentment of Jiraiya resulted in him killing his former master. He then proceeded to destroy the Hidden Leaf Village completely to draw out Naruto, killing hundreds of Leaf citizens in the process. Like Madara, Nagato became misguided by his rage and was convinced that peace could exist in this world. Thankfully, Naruto was able to show him another path just in time for the character to redeem himself.