Naruto Uzumaki and his son, Boruto Uzumaki, are both very popular names in the world of anime. Both are the stars of their own anime series and both have distinct characteristics that make both unique from one another, despite being father-and-son. However, for this very same reason, it is also inevitable that both characters have qualities that make them familiar with one another.

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Naruto is a very beloved anime character, and rightfully so. Although the reception for Boruto was mixed at the beginning, more and more fans have warmed up towards Boruto, not only because they remind him of Naruto even just for a tad, but also because he is an entirely unique character that shines under his own light.

10 Similarity: Pranked To Gain Attention

Boruto in Boruto film

Very early in Boruto's series, a lot of people immediately picked up one distinct characteristic that makes him very similar to his father: he loves pulling pranks. Both even do the same pranks at times, like vandalizing the Hokage rock faces.

Although both characters love pulling pranks, their motivation for doing so is what sets them apart. Naruto loved to pull pranks because he wants to be acknowledged in his village, while Boruto did so simply to gain his father's attention.

9 Difference: Boruto Doesn't Want To Be Hokage

naruto hokage

From the get-go, Boruto has made it very clear that he has no intentions of being Hokage. In fact, when Sarada Uchiha voiced her desire to follow in Naruto's footsteps and become Konoha's next Hokage when she grows up, Boruto was very supportive of this idea.

Naruto, on the other hand, spent his entire life building towards becoming the Hokage, which he, of course, succeeded in doing so in the end.

8 Similarity: Loyalty To Friends

Boruto, Sarada, and Mitsuki

One characteristic Boruto seems to have inherited from his father is how loyal and protective he is of his friends. Naruto's relationship with his friends was endearing at best, and often destructive at worst, and it seems Boruto has this level of loyalty within him as well.

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Time and time again, Boruto has put his life on the line just to save those he calls friends. This is also one reason why a lot of characters are so drawn to him, like Kawaki, Shikadai, and Mitsuki.

7 Difference: Level Of Dedication

Naruto anime screenshot

Naruto is one of the most powerful characters in the Naruto universe. Although some of Naruto's powers can be attributed to Kurama and him being the reincarnation of Asura, the amount of time and effort Naruto has dedicated to becoming stronger is nothing short of astounding. Despite starting out as an uncooperative student, those who mentored Naruto later cited how hardworking and dedicated he is with training, and he often frowns upon taking the easy way out.

Boruto, on the other hand, has no problems with using shortcuts just to achieve his goals, which often puts him in conflict with his father. Despite this, Boruto has slowly learned the value of hardship, but his willingness to play smart instead of playing hard also often puts him at an advantage in certain situations.

6 Similarity: Jutsus

 

One of the most clear-cut portrayals of the "like-father-like-son" trope between Naruto and Boruto is their choice of ninja techniques. Both characters are very proficient in using the Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu and, of course, the Rasengan.

Both characters have also shown the tendency to learn advanced techniques in such a short period of time. Both have mastered the Rasengan at such a young age, and in just a matter of weeks, when those who came before them have dedicated years just to learn the technique.

5 Difference: Boruto's Emotions Are More Repressed

Naruto Boruto Shinki and Boruto

Boruto is a little bit more emotionally mature than his father was at his age. Unlike Naruto, Boruto has often shown restraint while his father was always prone to outbursts when he was growing up.

Boruto's tendency to keep things to himself isn't always a good thing for him, though, as he often is put in a position where he takes a long way around just to put his point across instead of just saying it out loud.

4 Similarity: Verbal Quirk

Naruto in Shippuden the Movie

Both Naruto and Boruto have involuntary verbal tics that somewhat reflect their personality, and make their dialogues distinct. Interestingly, Naruto's mother, Kushina Uzumaki, had a verbal tic as well.

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Dattebane, dattebayo, and dattebasa are verbal tics used by Kushina, Naruto, and Boruto, respectively. Although, this character trait is not unique to the Uzumaki line, as many other characters in the series also have their own verbal tics.

3 Difference: Goals For Getting Stronger

A Star Guard Squad of Naruto, Neji, Rock Lee, and Tenten

Naruto and Boruto are both proficient ninjas. When Naruto was young, he has always aspired to be as strong as he can be, and Boruto, although thought to be a prodigy, eventually learns the value of training and aspires to be even stronger. While both are similar in this manner, their motivations differ.

Naruto has always wanted to be stronger in order to protect his friends and so he can become a powerful Hokage. Boruto, on the other hand, simply wants to become stronger than his father.

2 Similarity: Confidence

If there's one thing both characters don't lack, it's confidence in battle. Both are very brave and headstrong. Growing up, Naruto has always been faced with enemies stronger than him, and though he has waned on few occasions, he has since learned to trust in his abilities. Boruto is the same.

This is why both constantly get the upper hand during combat. They always trust their abilities and are confident all the way through, which is important for a ninja.

1 Difference: Upbringing

Iruka - Naruto

The most glaring difference between Naruto and Boruto is their upbringing. Naruto had a very rough childhood. Most of those in the village hated him and he grew up without parents. He often looked for parental guidance in his mentors and brotherhood bonds with his friends.

Boruto was raised properly and he is known and loved all around the village because his father is the village's Hokage. Although it is obvious that Naruto had it rough growing up, Boruto has had his fair share of struggles as well, such as the struggle of being unable to live out of his father's massive shadow.

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