Step into the captivating world of Naruto, where the line between good and evil blurs in a mesmerizing dance of darkness.
From the sinister depths of the Hidden Villages to the schemes that threaten peace, the Naruto series has introduced a plethora of evil characters that have left an indelible mark on the hearts of fans worldwide.
In this blog post, we embark on a thrilling journey through the pages of the Naruto universe, unveiling the top 20 most popular evil characters to have ever graced its mythical landscape.
Brace yourself as we delve into the shadows and explore the depths of their captivating tales of malice and redemption.
Naruto Evil Characters
In this section, we immerse ourselves in the intricate web of darkness that envelopes the Naruto universe. From power-hungry villains seeking world domination to tormented souls consumed by revenge, we encounter various evil characters.
Each one possesses a unique blend of cunning, ambition, and tragedy that has resonated with fans and made them unforgettable within the rich tapestry of Naruto’s narrative.
1. Deidara
Deidara, a skilled and enigmatic member of the notorious criminal organization Akatsuki, captivated Naruto fans with his explosive artistry. Wielding the power of explosive clay, he transformed ordinary materials into deadly weapons that left destruction in their wake.
Deidara’s unwavering belief in the beauty of destruction pushed him to create awe-inspiring and devastating art. His battles against Naruto and his allies showcased his strategic brilliance and unyielding resolve.
However, beneath his boisterous demeanor lay a complex character haunted by the consequences of his actions. Deidara’s tragic backstory revealed the Pain and longing that fueled his obsession with creating “art” through destruction. His explosive techniques and conflicted nature made him one of the most memorable and intriguing villains in the Naruto series.
2. Mizuki
Mizuki has a long and convoluted history that makes her an exciting villain. She is the daughter of the Third Hokage, who was disgraced and killed after he was discovered working with the enemy during the Second Shinobi World War.
Mizuki was then put in charge of his village and made its leader. However, she turned against her people, led them into a civil war, and eventually became the strongest ninja in the town.
Mizuki’s goals also changed over time: originally, she wanted to bring peace to the village and restore its leadership, but later she only cared about herself and sought to become the strongest ninja. In the end, Mizuki was defeated by Naruto Uzumaki and died in battle.
3. Nagato/Pain
Better known as Pain, Nagato emerged as a central figure in the Naruto saga, embodying the tragic consequences of a life marred by Pain and loss. As the leader of Akatsuki, Pain could manipulate gravity and unleash devastating attacks.
His belief in achieving peace through Pain led him to unleash widespread destruction upon the Hidden Leaf Village. However, as the layers of his character were unveiled, his motivations became more complex.
Nagato’s journey from a traumatized child to a disillusioned adult seeking a twisted version of peace showcased the profound impact of loss and suffering.
Ultimately, Nagato’s story served as a powerful exploration of the consequences of war and the complexities of the human heart, making him a captivating and morally ambiguous character within the Naruto universe.
4. Sasori
According to a recent poll, Sasori is the most popular Naruto evil character. He ranks first in terms of popularity with fans and second in terms of villainy. In the survey, Sasori was only beaten by Sasuke Uchiha.
What makes Sasori so popular? For one, he is one of the more complex characters in the series. He has layers to him that make him enjoyable to watch and contemplate. He is also quite powerful and dangerous, which contributes to his appeal. Lastly, Sasori is a great role model for villains: he shows that it’s possible to be successful without being friendly or forgiving.
5. Hidan
Hidan, also known as the Yondaime’s Left Hand, is one of the Naruto franchise’s most popular and hated characters. He is a sadistic and maniacal member of Akatsuki who enjoys inflicting Pain on others. Hidan is arguably one of the most unpleasant antagonists in anime history. His presence on this list only confirms that fact.
Despite his repulsive character traits, Hidan has found a large following among fans of Naruto due to his eccentric and often humorous personality. Despite his wickedness, however, Hidan is not without redeeming qualities. He is loyal to Akatsuki and respects Jiraiya greatly, making him an exciting foe for Naruto.
6. Danzō Shimura
Danzō Shimura is one of the most popular and recognizable villains in the Naruto series. He is a powerful shinobi who has served numerous organizations, including the Konohagakure, Suna, and Kirigakure. Shimura is infamous for his sadistic nature, which has led him to be one of the most feared and hated characters in manga and anime.
Regarding rankings, Shimura ranks as the nineteenth most popular character in Naruto. His popularity stems from his complicated backstory and his compelling villainy. Shimura is known for his hatred of Ōnoki, which fuels much of his actions in the series. His interactions with other characters are often intense and memorable, making him an all-around compelling character.
7. Kakuzu
Kakuzu (カクザ) is one of the most popular and evil characters in Naruto’s popular anime and manga series. He is a member of Akatsuki, an organization of villains, and is known for his incredible strength and speed. Despite his criminal actions, Kakuzu has a large fan base due to his unique character traits.
According to TheTopTens.com, Kakuzu is the seventeenth most popular character on the website. His popularity is likely due to his unique abilities and fearsome appearance. He also has a dark side that makes him even more exciting and mysterious. Fans love Kakuzu’s conflicted persona, as he is both sadistic and merciful.
Despite being one of Akatsuki’s most dangerous members, Kakuzu is not without redemption. He occasionally showed compassion for others, such as when he protected Torune from capture by Akatsuki. Kakuzu has a soft spot for children; in one instance, he saved a young girl from falling into a pitfall. Regardless of his good or bad deeds, fans always seem drawn to him because of his mysterious nature and robust skillset.”
8. Kabuto Yakushi
Kabuto Yakushi, a cunning and enigmatic antagonist, skillfully played the role of a spy and manipulator within the Naruto series. Initially introduced as a loyal servant of Orochimaru, Kabuto’s true intentions and abilities remain in mystery.
Possessing immense medical knowledge and the power to mimic others’ abilities, Kabuto proved to be a formidable adversary. His complex character unfolded as he struggled with his identity and sought to find his place in the world.
Kabuto’s evolution from a mere pawn to a master manipulator showcased his resourcefulness and adaptability. With his relentless pursuit of power and secrets, Kabuto left a lasting impression as a character-driven by a desire to understand and control the ever-shifting world around him.
9. Kisame Hoshigaki
Kisame Hoshigaki, known as the “Tailless-Tailed Beast,” embodied the ferocity and brutality of a true villain. As a member of the Akatsuki, Kisame possessed immense physical strength and wielded the legendary Samehada sword, which fed on chakra.
His shark-like appearance and relentless nature made him a formidable opponent in battle. Kisame’s loyalty to his partner, Itachi Uchiha, was unwavering, and together, they executed their mission to capture the Tailed Beasts.
Despite his fearsome reputation, Kisame’s complex character was unveiled through his interactions with others. He exhibited unexpected camaraderie and philosophical musings, challenging the traditional notion of good and evil.
Kisame’s memorable presence in the Naruto series highlighted the duality of humanity and the complex nature of loyalties in a world consumed by conflict.
10. Zabuza Momochi
For a good reason, Zabuza Momochi is easily one of Naruto’s most popular and evil characters. He’s a skilled swordsman with high vitality and incredibly durable. He’s also got a nasty sense of humor, which can make him even more dangerous.
Here are 3 reasons why Zabuza Momochi should be your top choice when it comes to playing the role of villain in your Naruto fanfiction:
1. His Skills Are Deadly: Zabuza is an incredibly skilled swordsman, and his signature move is the “Kage Bunshin no Jutsu” (Shadow Clone Technique). This move allows him to create multiple copies of himself that can fight on his behalf. This technique is deadly in combat and can also escape danger or ambush unsuspecting enemies.
2. His Vitality Is Unrivaled: Zabuza is known for being extremely durable and capable of taking a lot of punishment before going down. This makes him an ideal opponent for characters who rely on physical attacks to take them down.
3. He Has A Wicked Sense Of Humor: One of the things that makes Zabuza so dangerous is his wicked sense of humor. He’s not afraid to mock his opponents or play games with them – which can lead to unexpected losses if you don’t watch out.
11. Orochimaru
There is no doubt that Orochimaru is one of the most popular and evil characters in the Naruto series. He was originally a nice young man, but he became twisted and evil after being traumatized by the death of his parents. Orochimaru is very calculating and manipulative and has a vast knowledge of ninjutsu and Sasuke’s abilities.
Orochimaru has also played a big role in several major episodes of the Naruto series, including his battle with Sasuke at the Kage Summit, attempt to take over Konoha, and participation in the Fourth Shinobi World War. Overall, Orochimaru is one of Naruto’s most complex and compelling villains.
12. Obito Uchiha
Obito Uchiha is one of the most popular and hated characters in Naruto. He is often considered one of the evilest villains in the series. His death is one of the most controversial moments in the manga.
Despite his villainous reputation, many fans consider him a compelling and complex character. Many of his peers initially saw him as a nuisance. Still, he grew into a powerful ninja due to his unique abilities.
Obito’s tragic story makes him an attractive figure. His interactions with other characters are some of the strongest in the series. He is also known for his emotional speeches, which often deeply impact readers.
13. Black Zetsu
Naruto’s black Zetsu is one of the series’ most popular and controversial villains. He first appeared in “Naruto Shippūden” episode 304 and has since been a major antagonist.
Zetsu was created when Kabuto used Parts of the Nine-Tails to create ten artificial bodies, each controlled by a different jinchūriki. Zetsu was created from the Part that Kabuto used on Naruto Uzumaki.
While initially loyal to Sasuke, after discovering Sasuke’s alliance with Itachi and Orochimaru, Zetsu became one of Naruto’s most potent allies, working behind the scenes to help him achieve his goals.
Zetsu can use various techniques, including covering himself in blades or releasing energy waves that can damage or kill opponents. He also can cast illusions and control other people’s minds, making him a dangerous opponent for anyone he encounters.
In recent years, Zetsu has become increasingly unstable due to his lack of a body and his conflicting loyalties, resulting in several confrontations with fellow villain Madara Uchiha that have weakened both men and exhausted him.
14. Kaguya Ōtsutsuki
Kaguya Ōtsutsuki, the primordial goddess and the origin of all chakra, stood as one of the most influential and enigmatic villains in the Naruto universe. Awakened from her millennia-long slumber, Kaguya sought to regain control over the world she once ruled.
Her abilities were beyond comprehension, allowing her to manipulate space and time, and she possessed a fearsome array of devastating techniques. As the mother of Hagoromo and Hamura Ōtsutsuki, Kaguya’s story delved into the mythology of the Naruto world, unveiling the ancient roots of its conflicts.
While initially portrayed as an unstoppable force of evil, Kaguya’s character gradually revealed shades of vulnerability and longing, offering glimpses into the tragic consequences of power and ambition. Kaguya’s presence in the Naruto series introduced a mythic dimension that expanded the narrative’s scope and left an indelible mark on the saga’s overarching mythology.
15. Madara Uchiha
The fabled head of the Uchiha clan was known as Uchiha Madara. With his adversary and boyhood buddy Hashirama Senju, he established Konohagakure to usher in a peaceful period. When the two couldn’t agree on how to make that peace, they struggled for control of the village, which resulted in Madara’s passing.
But Madara changed the details of his demise and fled to cover while working on his schemes. He gave Obito his knowledge and ideas just before his death because he couldn’t finish them during his natural life. Years later, Madara would be brought back to life only to have his schemes thwarted. Ultimately, he would come to his senses and apologize to Hashirama before his demise.
16. Pain
Pain, the enigmatic leader of Akatsuki, emerges as a complex and multi-faceted character within the Naruto series. With his ability to control multiple bodies, known as the Six Paths of Pain, Pain wreaks havoc upon the Hidden Leaf Village, leaving a trail of devastation in his wake.
However, as the layers of Pain’s character are gradually peeled away, a tragic tale of loss, vengeance, and, ultimately, redemption unfolds. Pain’s true identity as Nagato, a once-innocent child transformed by Pain and suffering, is a profound exploration of the cyclical nature of violence and the pursuit of true peace.
Through intense philosophical debates and poignant interactions with Naruto, Pain challenges conventional notions of good and evil, raising thought-provoking questions about the nature of justice, forgiveness, and the human capacity for change.
17. Menma Uzumaki
Menma Uzumaki is a character from the popular anime and manga series Naruto. She is classified as evil due to her sadistic, bloodthirsty, and cannibalistic nature. Despite this, Menma has a large fanbase due to her quirky personality and dominance in the Demon Arts tournament.
Menma was born into the Uzumaki clan, one of the most powerful clans in the world. However, Menma became estranged from her family after she revealed that she could use demonic powers. Menma decided to become a professional assassin because it was the only job that allowed her to live outside her family’s control.
During her career as an assassin, Menma met Naruto Uzumaki and became his instructor in the art of ninjutsu. Due to their shared interests in assassination and demon summoning, Naruto and Menma quickly became enemies. Despite this, they continued to work together until shortly before Naruto’s departure for training with Jiraiya.
After Naruto leaves for training, Menma begins working on a project called “The Book of Three Swords.” The book is an encyclopedia containing information on all known demons and their weaknesses. However, while researching the book, Menma comes into contact with Sarutobi Hiruzen’s zombie corps, known as “Konohagakure no Sato.” The zombies can corrupt Menma’s mind and turn her into a ruthless killer who desires nothing more than humanity.
18. Akatsuki (Naruto)
Akatsuki, the notorious criminal organization in the Naruto series, embodies darkness and chaos. Comprised of rogue ninjas from various backgrounds, Akatsuki’s primary goal is to capture the Tailed Beasts and unleash havoc upon the world. The group’s members, each possessing unique abilities and tragic pasts, represent a diverse spectrum of villainy.
From the calculating strategies of Itachi Uchiha to the explosive artistry of Deidara, Akatsuki captivates audiences with its roster of formidable adversaries. While driven by personal ambitions and twisted ideals, the complex dynamics within Akatsuki highlight the blurred lines between good and evil.
The organization’s existence challenges the notion of absolute morality, offering a deeper exploration of the human condition and the choices individuals make when confronted with the shadows that lurk within their hearts. Akatsuki’s presence adds depth and intrigue to the Naruto narrative, leaving an indelible mark on the series’ enduring legacy.
19. Dosu Kinuta
Dosu Kinuta, or Jinchuriki no Mesi, is a character from Naruto’s manga and anime series. He was first introduced in the second episode of the series and debuted in action during a battle between Team 7 and Team 8. Dosu is a powerful ninja who can control an animal’s mentality, making him one of the most feared members of Akatsuki.
Despite his formidable abilities, Dosu has weaknesses. He is susceptible to psychological manipulation, which occasionally impairs his performance. Furthermore, he also has poor vision, which forces him to use Chakra sensing techniques to track down opponents.
Despite these flaws, Dosu remains one of the most lethal threats in Akatsuki; he killed two members of the Six-Tails’ jinchuriki team with just a few blows.
20. Doto Kazahana
Doto Kazahana is the leader of the Kage Bunshin, who Orochimaru created to assassinate Konoha’s Third Hokage. She was later captured and imprisoned in the Dead Demon Country alongside her fellow members of the Kage Bunshin.
When Sasuke Uchiha was released from his imprisonment, he invaded the country and freed Doto and her comrades. Doto then helped Sasuke locate Naruto Uzumaki, who was fighting against Jiraiya and Tsunade. After Sasuke left to continue his fight with Naruto, Doto joined forces with Jiraiya and Tsunade to stop Sasuke.
Final Thoughts
The Naruto series has given us a rich tapestry of evil characters that have fascinated and captivated audiences around the globe. From the explosive artistry of Deidara to the tragic complexity of Pain, each villain has left an indelible mark on the Naruto universe.
These characters challenge our perceptions of good and evil, exploring the depths of human nature and the consequences of power and ambition. Whether driven by revenge, a desire for control, or a quest for understanding, the popular evil characters of Naruto remind us that darkness exists within us all.
Their compelling stories and complex motivations continue to resonate, making them an integral part of the legacy of Naruto’s enduring appeal.
