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Naruto Uzumaki showcases some of the best character development in anime history, which is what made Naruto's protagonist stand out from so many of his peers. Character development plays a crucial role in capturing and retaining fans’ interest in a series. While many characters evolve to become compelling, only a few manage to maintain that growth consistently. Naruto stands out among most, if not all, shōnen protagonists in this regard.
Although his character isn’t without flaws—fans can point out imperfections—there’s no denying that Naruto’s growth drives the series forward. Naruto’s journey, from an outcast to a respected leader, highlights his determination, making him an iconic figure in anime. His consistent evolution keeps fans engaged and establishes his legacy as one of the greatest shonen characters
Shonen Jump's Heroes Are Iconic, But They Are Too Often Static
A Clear and Defined Character Arc Is Evident in Naruto
Saying Naruto is the best Shonen Jump character might sound biased or even overhyped. After all, plenty of heroes in the genre, like Monkey D. Luffy (One Piece), have unique and memorable qualities that fans love. However, not all main characters manage to show steady, meaningful growth that sticks with viewers. Some rely more on action or supporting characters to keep the story going, which can hold them back from stronger personal development.
Naruto Uzumaki’s growth stands out because it moves the story forward while showing real progress, unlike the more static paths of many shonen leads. While being static doesn’t make a character bad, characters like Luffy and Yuji Itadori (Jujutsu Kaisen) often grow mainly through their external achievements. Though they face their internal struggles, these aren’t explored as deeply as Naruto’s, whose hardships shaped his dreams and how he pursued them.
Naruto Uzumaki is not considered the best hero solely for his external achievements, but mainly for his internal ones.
Luffy and Yuji improve over time, but their views and ideals slightly change when compared to the Seventh Hokage. In Naruto Shippuden, Naruto’s journey digs into his loneliness and the discrimination he faced as an orphan, making his growth feel more personal and impactful. Naruto Uzumaki’s painful past and deep-seated trauma drive both the story and his dynamic character growth, ensuring he never remains stagnant.
Naruto's Character Arc Makes Him One of Shōnen Jump's Best Heroes
From Angry Orphan to Beloved Hokage
It is not only the plot of the series that unfolds as the story progresses but also Naruto's dynamic character arc. Naruto was literally and emotionally isolated as a kid, lacking parents or friends he could truly rely on. As the jinchuriki of the Nine-Tailed Fox, he was also discriminated against and ridiculed by the villagers, who blamed him for Kurama’s earlier destruction of the village, which killed many, including his parents. Despite how traumatically depressing this experience was, it was the first arc that cemented his admirable development as a shōnen protagonist.
As he pursued his dream of becoming a Hokage, Naruto's circle grew when he joined Team 7 and made lasting bonds with other shinobis, such as Shikamaru, Choji, Kiba, Neji, Guy, Ino, Ten-Ten, Hinata, and Shino. His friends, as well as his mentors from the academy, saw the sincerity and optimism in him that made him stand out despite not being the best student. Having his friends around him made him more motivated to grow stronger together, especially with his strong rivalry against Sasuke, to protect those he cares about.
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Naruto’s development is what makes him the best shōnen protagonist. His growth from an outcast to a respected leader proves how far hard work, optimism, and determination can take you. His strength is not just physical but also emotional, as he never gives up, even in the darkest times. Throughout the series, his dreams evolve from seeking acceptance to creating bonds and protecting those he loves. This makes his character arc not just one that stems from his abilities, but from heart and resilience, showing why Naruto differs and stands out from most shōnen protagonists.
Even Naruto's Powers & Forms Show His Growth as a Hero
The Internal Journey Is Reflected in the External Power-Ups
While some shōnen protagonists emphasize their external struggles and victories more than their internal ones, Naruto Uzumaki perfectly balances both. Naruto's internal pain and challenges are also represented by his powers, as the rage he felt inside meant he initially lacked the ability to control them. As cliché as it may sound, his journey to self-acceptance was the key to unleashing his full potential as a hero. Naruto’s transformations also depict his character development and reflect his growth.
His Nine-Tails Chakra Cloak represents his deep anger and the pain from his experiences, which he tries to conceal. On the other hand, Sage Mode signifies his willingness to master discipline, showcasing to the villagers the true strength and genuineness he possessed all along. Similarly, the Sage of Six Paths Mode and Kurama Chakra Mode symbolize the close bond of friendship and acceptance that he and Kurama have fostered.
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Naruto Uzumaki's Strongest Form Proves the Ninja Is the Most Powerful Hokage in History: Here's Why
Naruto's most powerful form, his Baryon Mode, is much more than just an ultimate technique, it is a representation of his role as a Hokage.
Naruto Uzumaki’s ability to overcome his internal struggles, along with his relationships with the people around him, including his parents, enabled him to reach his ultimate peak as a hero among ninjas. This immense character growth in Naruto allowed him to defeat Isshiki Ōtsutsuki. The Baryon Mode, his strongest and most formidable form, can be considered as the ultimate result of his internal and external triumphs.
Fans May Complain About Boruto, But It's The Natural Endpoint of Naruto's Character Arc
Some Naruto fans continue to argue that Boruto: Naruto Next Generations will never match the same hype and success as the original Naruto franchise, which has led some to avoid watching it altogether. However, as a fan of the Seventh Hokage, skipping Boruto feels like a missed opportunity to see Naruto finally live the dream he has yearned for since childhood. As the leader of the village, a husband, and a father, Naruto Uzumaki in the Boruto series embodies, in the simplest way, why he is the best hero.
To skip the Boruto series means not witnessing the endpoint of Naruto's remarkable character development.
For fans who witnessed Naruto’s loneliness as a child, seeing him thrive after overcoming countless struggles is incredibly fulfilling. Naruto being labeled the best shōnen hero isn’t solely because of the opponents he’s defeated or the power he’s gained over time. At the start of the series, he sought attention by mischievously painting the Hokage Rock, masking his pain behind playful acts. Yet, through perseverance and determination to carve his ninja way and build a better life, Naruto's face now proudly joins the Hokage Rock—a lasting symbol of his hardships and incredible growth.
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Naruto
Naruto is a franchise spawned from the manga series penned by Masashi Kishimoto that began in 1999. Generating several tv series, games, movies, and more, Naruto follows the exploits of a young outcast ninja harboring the spirit of a demon fox who seeks to become the Hokage, the leader of his ninja village, to break the stigma against him. Upon the conclusion of the initial series, Naruto expanded into Boruto, following many series protagonists' children and returning faces.
First Episode Air Date October 3, 2002
Character(s) Naruto Uzumaki , Sasuke Uchiha , Sakura Haruno , Kakashi Hatake , Itachi Uchiha , Hinata Hyuga , Gaara , Jiraiya , Tsunade , Orochimaru
English (US) ·