The Ultimate Ranking: 10 Naruto Characters Who Deserved Better Screen Time
Naruto, the popular anime series by Masashi Kishimoto, features a diverse cast of characters This article explores the characters who deserved more screen time, including Rock Lee and Itachi Uchiha, and those who received excessive focus, such as Sakura Haruno and Kabuto Yakushi
Naruto, crafted by Masashi Kishimoto, is a highly acclaimed anime series boasting a diverse cast. Within the Narutoverse, profound personalities emerge, equipped with extraordinary talents, enthralling pasts, and boundless potential.
Regrettably, certain characters have received limited exposure, leaving devoted fans yearning for further exploration into their evolution and significance within the narrative.
This article will explore five characters from the Naruto series who should have received more attention, as well as five others who may have dominated the rest of the cast. Please note that this article expresses the author's viewpoint and may include spoilers.
Minato, Itachi, and three other characters that deserved more screen time in Naruto
1.) Rock Lee
Rock Lee depicted in the anime (Image courtesy of Studio Pierrot)
Renowned for his unyielding spirit and unparalleled skill in taijutsu, Rock Lee emerges as a captivating anime character deserving of greater recognition. Yet, within the original Naruto series, Lee's remarkable potential often lingered in the shadows.
Lee had occasional moments of brilliance, like his unforgettable clash with Gaara in the Chunin Exams, which deeply impacted fans. However, his prominence in the story seemed somewhat diminished compared to other characters.
Lee's character possessed untapped potential for delving into his ambitions, training, and personal development. This could have elevated the story and made him even more endearing to the audience.
2.) Itachi Uchiha
Itachi Uchiha as shown in anime (Image via Studio Pierrot)
The character of Itachi Uchiha, an enigmatic and mesmerizing individual in the Naruto series, deserved greater screen time to truly exhibit his immense importance. Despite his captivating nature within the narrative, he is unfortunately not featured prominently throughout the series.
Itachi's character undergoes a profound evolution within the intricate world of Naruto, which encompasses his selfless sacrifices for the greater good and his intricate bond with his younger brother Sasuke.
With an extensive backstory and a pivotal role in influencing the trajectory of the narrative, Itachi's character demanded more than mere limited screen time. Not only did his presence bring added layers of complexity to the series, but it also played a significant part in the personal development of Naruto as a character.
3.) Minato Namikaze
Displayed in anime is Minato Namikaze, also known as the Fourth Hokage of the Hidden Leaf Village. He undoubtedly deserved greater prominence throughout the series, considering his pivotal role in shaping the Naruto universe. Unfortunately, he was only afforded a fraction of the recognition he truly deserved.
Minato's influence on the series is intricately linked to his son, Naruto, amplifying the disappointment of his limited appearance on screen. His extraordinary abilities, including his mastery of the Rasengan and unparalleled speed, left us longing for more intense clashes and tactical moments showcasing his prowess.
With only spin-offs or flashbacks offering the prospect of gaining further understanding of his life, it is evident that Minato's character has indelibly marked the Naruto universe. He truly merits more than fleeting glimpses on screen.
4.) Tenten
Tenten as shown in anime (Image via Studio Pierrot)
Tenten, the series' weapons specialist, was underappreciated and in need of further attention and development. Regrettably, her appearances were sporadic and brief compared to the other characters who experienced grand adventures and personal growth. As a result, Tenten's potential to evolve and showcase her distinctive abilities revolving around weapons was insufficiently explored. Hindered by limited screen time throughout the extensive run of the series, Tenten's backstory and her journey were left unexplored.
It is a reflection of Naruto's expansive cast that promising characters like Tenten sometimes went unnoticed or overlooked.
5.) Shisui Uchiha
Image: Studio Pierrot
Shisui Uchiha, an incredibly dynamic persona in the Naruto franchise, unequivocally warrants an increased presence on the screen. Despite his pivotal contributions, his appearances throughout the series remain curtailed.
Shisui demonstrated remarkable talent by awakening his Sharingan at an early age and becoming a member of the ANBU Black Ops as a teenager, showcasing his exceptional abilities.
Although his reputation instilled fear in nations, the series did not delve into his intricate background and skills extensively. It is regrettable that Shisui's unwavering loyalty and sacrifices for the leaf village did not receive more attention, leaving fans craving additional insight into this enigmatic Uchiha and his connection to the broader storyline of the series.
Sakura, Yamato, and three other characters who got way too much screentime in Naruto
1.) Sakura Haruno
In the anime, Sakura Haruno is depicted in a vibrant manner (Image via Studio Pierrot).
Sakura Haruno's screen time throughout the series was undeniably significant. Notably, she played a prominent role in the early arcs as a member of Team 7. However, as the series progressed, fans increasingly felt that her character development became stagnant.
Sakura's growth and display of strength were occasionally overshadowed by her relentless obsession and emotional turmoil surrounding Sasuke. This imbalance in her storyline gave the impression that she received an excessive amount of screen time, compared to other characters who had more compelling narratives. While some fans admired her character development, others longed for a more equitable distribution of focus among the entire series' cast.
2.) Kabuto Yakushi
Kabuto Yakushi as shown in anime (Image via Studio Pierrot)
Kabuto Yakushi, a character in this series, is known for his remarkable talent and important role in the storyline. However, some viewers argue that his presence becomes overly prominent, especially in the later arcs of the series.
Throughout the series, Kabuto's character goes through numerous transformations. He starts as a loyal subordinate to Orochimaru but eventually becomes a self-proclaimed sage and mastermind behind various schemes. While his development is captivating, it occasionally steals the spotlight from other characters.
During the Fourth Great Ninja War arc, Kabuto emerges as a prominent character, commanding considerable screen time. Engaging in battles, he displays his newfound powers and undergoes a redemption arc. Although his character's complexity is undeniable, the extensive focus on him occasionally eclipses the development of other character’s storylines.
3.) Yamato
Yamato as shown in anime (Image via Studio Pierrot)
Yamato, a mysterious user of wood-style, enthralls viewers in the series with his exceptional powers and his position as the captain of Team Kakashi in Naruto Shippuden.
Nevertheless, a few viewers may contend that Yamato is given an excessive amount of screen time compared to other characters, particularly considering his lack of significant character development. This excessive emphasis seems unwarranted given his minimal background story and frequent utilization solely as a means to drive Naruto's progress.
Although Yamato's wood-style jutsu and composed manner were awe-inspiring,
4.) Tsunade
this series could have attained even greater heights by delving deeper into the lives and expeditions of other characters. Such an approach would have rendered the narrative with exceptional intricacy and depth.
In the anime depiction of Tsunade, showcased by Studio Pierrot, her character holds immense prominence in the Naruto series. Undoubtedly, she commands a substantial portion of screen time, appearing consistently across multiple episodes, as her character undergoes extensive development.
Although Tsunade's role as Hokage is pivotal to the storyline, it tends to overshadow other intriguing narratives within the series. It would have been beneficial for the series to delve deeper into alternative perspectives. While Tsunade's continuous presence adds complexity to her character, some fans might have hoped for a more extensive exploration of the Narutoverse. Achieving a harmonious balance between her significance and other elements of the story could have elevated the overall viewer experience.
5.) Kiba Inuzuka
Kiba Inuzuka as shown in anime (Image via Studio Pierrot)
Kiba Inuzuka, a beloved character, had a significant role in the series, appearing frequently on screen. However, there are fans who argue that his presence may have been too much. Throughout the series, Kiba had various storylines that focused on his growth as a shinobi and his strong bond with his loyal canine partner, Akamaru.
Kiba's lively personality and his role in Team 8 made him an important part of the Narutoverse. He brought charm and diversity to the overall storyline. While his presence added depth, some felt that it overshadowed other characters who deserved more development.
