The Ultimate Ranking of the Strongest Naruto Characters

Despite its official conclusion several years ago, Naruto continues to capture the hearts of fans who appreciate Masashi Kishimoto's original series. Packed with a compelling narrative and a diverse cast of characters, each possessing unique qualities, skills, and quirks, the franchise has left a lasting impact on its audience. This thread aims to compile the mightiest characters from the series, organizing them from least to most powerful.

It's important to note that the strength of fighters in the series can vary depending on different power-ups. As a result, this ranking will only take into account the single most powerful version of each character as depicted in the Naruto manga. Feats and abilities from Boruto will not be taken into consideration.

From Hanzo to Kaguya Otsutsuki, the 40 most powerful Naruto characters, ranked weakest to strongest

40) Hanzo

Hanzo, also known as "Of the Salamander," was a fearsome poison user and a prominent leader of the Hidden Rain before the Six Paths of Pain took over. At the height of his power, Hanzo achieved a remarkable feat by single-handedly defeating Jiraiya, Orochimaru, and Tsunade. Despite sparing their lives, he acknowledged them as the "Three Legendary Ninjas" for surviving his initial assault.

39) Zetsu

Zetsu (Image via Studio Pierrot, Naruto)

Zetsu comprised two halves: White, infused with Hashirama Senju's DNA by Madara, and Black, the embodiment of Kaguya's will. Despite not being a showy combatant, Zetsu possessed unique abilities that made him a fast and nearly invincible opponent.

38) Sasori

Sasori, also known as "Red Sand" Sasori, was responsible for defeating and ultimately killing the Third Kazekage, who was widely regarded as the most powerful ninja in the history of the Sand Village. Using his mastery of puppetry, Sasori turned the Kazekage's body into a puppet, allowing him to manipulate the Iron Sand and enhance its deadly effect by infusing it with poison.

Sasori, a master puppeteer, had the ability to control a hundred puppets simultaneously. He had also turned his own body into a living puppet, rendering himself nearly invulnerable, with his core as his sole weak point. His defeat at the hands of Chiyo and Sakura was only because he chose to let them prevail.

37) Kakuzu

Kakuzu, depicted in the image via Studio Pierrot, is an S-rank missing-nin who became a member of the notorious Akatsuki. Utilizing the Earth Grudge Fear technique, he transformed his body into tendrils, granting him the ability to freely separate his body parts and mend injuries. Additionally, this transformation provided him with five hearts, allowing him to wield multiple chakra natures simultaneously.

36) Deidara

Deidara (Image via Studio Pierrot, Naruto)

35) Danzo Shimura

The formidable Akatsuki operative known as Deidara possessed the ability to utilize Explosion Release to decimate entire villages or create deadly microscopic bombs. Despite facing Gaara in the desert, the Kazekage's preferred battleground, Deidara managed to triumph. Additionally, he applied significant pressure on Cursed Seal-enhanced Sasuke, even though he was at a distinct disadvantage in their confrontation.

Danzo (Image via Studio Pierrot, Naruto)

Utilizing his crafty tactics, Danzo orchestrated his way into becoming the candidate for Sixth Hokage. Proficient in Wind Release, he infused himself with Hashirama Senju's DNA and multiple Sharingan eyes, granting him the ability to wield Wood Release and even the forbidden technique Izanagi.

Despite holding back the usage of Shisui's Kotoamatsukami, which he had at his disposal, Danzo fought evenly with Mangekyo Sharingan Sasuke, even dealing him a potentially fatal wound.

34) A the Fourth

The image above showcases the Fourth Raikage as depicted by Studio Pierrot in the popular anime, Naruto.

A formidable warrior known for his unique blend of ninjutsu and taijutsu, the Fourth Raikage harnesses the Lightning Release Chakra Mode to enhance his abilities, granting him power akin to that of a Tailed Beast. This augmentation provides the Raikage with impressive speed, resilience, and physical prowess.

33) Onoki

"Fence-sitter" Onoki (Image via Studio Pierrot, Naruto)

32) Gaara (Fourth Ninja War)

Despite being over 80 years old, Onoki, the Third Tsuchikage, remained a formidable shinobi who was recognized by Madara as the greatest threat among the Five Kage. Known for his mastery of Earth Release techniques, Onoki also possessed the extremely rare Dust Release ability, which enabled him to disintegrate his targets into dust.

Gaara, the Fifth Kazekage (Image via Studio Pierrot, Naruto)

Even after the One Tail was removed from his body, Gaara continued to grow stronger, reaching a level where his sand-manipulating ability was likened to that of the Tailed Beast itself.

31) Gengetsu Hozuki

With his sand, Gaara successfully nullified Sasuke's Amaterasu flames. In the battle against Kabuto's revenants, Gaara emerged victorious against his own father, the Fourth Kazekage, and also provided assistance to Onoki in overcoming the formidable Mu.

Gengetsu, also known as the Second Mizukage, was a highly skilled user of genjutsu and Water Release techniques. One of his most formidable techniques was the Steaming Danger Tyranny, which involved a water clone enveloped in a layer of oil, resulting in a continuous barrage of explosive attacks.

30) Mu

Mu (Image via Studio Pierrot, Naruto)

Mu, the Second Tsuchikage, was a formidable user of Earth Release and Dust Release. He possessed the ability to divide himself into two duplicates in order to evade a fatal attack, although this resulted in a reduction of his power by half. A display of Mu's tremendous strength was his successful defeat of the Second Mizukage, despite the ultimately fatal consequences for himself.

29) Kisame Hoshigaki

Kisame was known as the "Tailed Beast without a Tail" due to his immense chakra reserves. A prominent member of Akatsuki, he utilized his sword, Samehada, and formidable Water Release abilities to defeat and capture Roshi, the jinchuriki of the Four Tails. He even managed to overpower Killer B before ultimately being defeated by Might Guy.

28) Orochimaru

Orochimaru (Image via Studio Pierrot, Naruto)

27) Jiraiya

Orochimaru, one of the Three Legendary Ninjas and a former member of Akatsuki, is driven by the pursuit of immortality. He has leveraged his expertise in ninjutsu to manipulate his own body and master a wide range of extremely dangerous techniques. His reckless actions ultimately resulted in the death of the Third Hokage.

Jiraiya (Image via Studio Pierrot, Naruto)

Jiraiya, one of the Leaf's Three Legendary Ninjas, served as the personal teacher of the main protagonist. A highly skilled ninja, he was offered the position of Hokage multiple times. Jiraiya was known for his expertise in various jutsu, such as Rasengan, Summoning: Toad Mouth Bind, Wild Lion's Mane, Fire Release: Flame Bullet, and Earth Release: Swamp of the Underworld.

He could also employ Sage Mode to further enhance his techniques and physical abilities, although his mastery of this skill was only partial.

26) A the Third

The Third Raikage (Image via Studio Pierrot, Naruto)

The Third Raikage possessed an incredibly resilient body, enhanced by the Lightning Release Chakra Mode and the formidable Hell Stab technique, making him an exceptionally formidable force. He successfully held off an entire army of ten thousand ninjas single-handedly and even managed to engage in a standstill battle with Gyuki, the Eight Tails.

25) Shisui Uchiha

Shisui (Image via Studio Pierrot, Naruto)

24) Izuna Uchiha

Shisui, known as "Of the Body Flicker" for his extraordinary speed, was a master of genjutsu and a user of the Sharingan from the Uchiha clan. With his Mangekyo Sharingan, Shisui had the ability to unleash Kotoamatsukami, a technique that allowed him to take complete control of his targets' minds without them being aware of it.

Izuna (Image via Studio Pierrot, Naruto)

Izuna, a formidable member of the Uchiha clan, possessed mysterious ocular techniques and was skilled in using Mangekyo Sharingan. In their younger days, Izuna's abilities were on par with those of his brother Madara.

23) Sakumo Hatake

"Konoha's White Fang" Sakumo (Image via Studio Perrot, Naruto)

22) Hiruzen Sarutobi (prime)

Sakumo, also known as "Konoha's White Fang," was a highly formidable ninja celebrated worldwide. His son, Kakashi, looked up to him and aspired to become a ninja of equal greatness. Sakumo's strength and renown were said to exceed even the Leaf's Three Legendary Ninjas.

In his prime, Hiruzen was an exceptionally talented shinobi who later became the Third Hokage. Even in old age, he was able to fend off Orochimaru, who admitted that Hiruzen would have defeated him if he had been ten years younger. Though his skills deteriorated with age, in his prime, Hiruzen was a formidable and powerful warrior.

"The Professor," renowned for his mastery of numerous techniques such as proficient taijutsu and shurikenjutsu moves, all five elements, and the Dead Demon Consuming Seal, was a formidable opponent on the battlefield.

21) Killer B

Killer B (Image via Studio Pierrot, Naruto)

Utilizing the power of the Eight Tails Gyuki, Killer B is able to fully harness his Tailed Beast's abilities. Through his symbiotic relationship with Gyuki, B gains immunity to most genjutsu and can unleash the immense strength of the Eight Tails through a range of transformations.

20) Itachi Uchiha

At his peak, B can harness Gyuki's abilities to create powerful tornadoes, unleash Tailed Beasts Bombs, and use ink to seal his enemies. Even without tapping into Gyuki's chakra, B is a formidable combatant, wielding seven blades at once and capable of enhancing them with Lightning Release.

Itachi, known for his Mangekyo Sharingan abilities, had the power to wield Amaterasu, Tsukuyomi, and Susanoo. He was also capable of enhancing his Susanoo with the Sword of Totsuka and the Yamata Mirror.

Itachi outmatched most of his fellow Akatsuki members in terms of strength, but an incurable illness diminished his abilities. Despite this, he managed to fend off a Cursed Seal-enhanced Sasuke and could have defeated him if he had chosen to do so. After being revived, Itachi was able to combat Sage Mode Kabuto, relying on crucial assistance from Sasuke. He also took advantage of his reincarnated state, which granted him an immortal body and unlimited chakra.

19) The Six Paths of Pain

The Six Paths of Pain (Image via Studio Pierrot, Naruto)

18) Kabuto Yakushi (Sage Mode)

Nagato's Rinnegan powers allowed him to control six bodies remotely, using their shared vision to coordinate them into a fearsome force. Of the Six Paths, the Deva Path was the most formidable fighter.

Kabuto (Image via Studio Pierrot, Naruto)

Once Orochimaru's trusted assistant, Kabuto evolved into a formidable combatant with his mastery of medical ninjutsu. His acquisition of the White Snake Sage Mode allowed him to challenge both Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan Sasuke and the reincarnated Itachi in a 1v2 battle, applying immense pressure on them.

Kabuto had the ability to utilize Orochimaru's methods and bodily enhancements, along with Suigetsu, Karin, Jugo, and the unique abilities of the Sound Five. Through the Impure World Reincarnation, he had the potential to summon some of the most powerful deceased ninjas to fight on his behalf.

17) Tobirama Senju

Known for his deadly skills, Tobirama, the Second Hokage, developed the Flying Thunder God technique, using it to deliver a fatal blow to Izuna Uchiha. Renowned for his mastery of Water Release, Tobirama combined the Impure World Reincarnation with Mutually Multiplying Explosive Tags to summon corpses for devastating kamikaze-like attacks.

16) Kurama, the Nine Tails

Kurama (Image via Studio Pierrot, Naruto)

15) Minato Namikaze

The Nine Tails reigned as the mightiest of all the Tailed Beasts. Even operating at only half its potential, it remained formidable enough to ruthlessly dominate the combined efforts of five other Tailed Beasts. At full strength, Kurama had the power to level mountains and unleash tsunamis with a single flick of one of its tails.

"Konoha's Yellow Flash" Minato (Image via Studio Pierrot, Naruto)

By utilizing the Flying Thunder God technique, Minato, also known as the "Yellow Flash," was able to swiftly teleport to any location marked with his seal, easily surpassing the speed of the Raikage. He single-handedly defeated Obito and successfully held off the Nine-Tails, ultimately sacrificing his own life to seal half of the beast within his newborn son.

Minato developed the Rasengan and mastered Jiraiya's toad summonings, along with barrier, sensing, and sealing techniques such as the Dead Demon Consuming Seal. While he had some proficiency in Sage Mode, he admitted it was limited. As the Fourth Hokage, he became the jinchuriki of half of the Nine Tails before his death, but only gained access to this power after being reincarnated.

14) Nagato

Nagato (Image via Studio Pierrot, Naruto)

13) Hashirama Senju

Nagato, the founder and de facto leader of Akatsuki, was also its most powerful member after Obito. His mastery of the Rinnegan surpassed even that of the Six Paths of Pain. Among all the individuals revived by Kabuto, Nagato was second in strength only to Madara Uchiha.

The legendary figure known as the "God of Shinobi" Hashirama (Image via Studio Pierrot, Naruto)

Renowned for his unparalleled skills, Hashirama was the first to master the formidable Wood Release technique. With expertise in ninjutsu and taijutsu, along with extraordinary chakra and vitality, he was distinguished by his exceptional endurance and remarkable ability to regenerate.

12) The Ten Tails

Prior to the Fourth Ninja War, Hashirama was the only one capable of competing with Madara, and even the renowned Uchiha paled in comparison to him. With the use of Sage Mode, Hashirama was able to overpower the formidable duo of Madara's Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan and the Nine Tails.

The image above showcases the Ten Tails, as depicted in Studio Pierrot's adaptation of Naruto. Even Kurama, known as the strongest of the Tailed Beasts, acknowledged that it would not be able to withstand the immeasurable power of the Ten Tails, which was created through the fusion of Kaguya's chakra and the God Tree.

11) Indra Otsutsuki

Gathering its chakra, the Ten Tails has the power to unleash devastating natural disasters across an entire continent. Its Tailed Beast Bombs can obliterate mountains and entire cities with just one strike.

Indra, as depicted in the image via Studio Pierrot in Naruto, was the eldest son of Hagoromo Otsutsuki. He was the original ancestor of the Uchiha clan and was known for his powerful visual abilities, inheriting his father's eyes which allowed him to access Hagoromo's chakra and spiritual energy.

10) Ashura Otsutsuki

Ashura (Image via Studio Pierrot, Naruto)

9) Hamura Otsutsuki

Ashura, the youngest son of Hagoromo Otsutsuki, was the originator of the Senju and Uzumaki clans. By inheriting his father's life force and physical energy, Ashura gained the ability to use the Six Paths Sage Mode and ultimately surpass his older brother, Indra.

Hamura (Image via Studio Pierrot, Naruto)

The progenitor of the Hyuga clan, Hamura was the son of Kaguya and the brother of Hagoromo. With his immense powers as a Six Paths Sage mode user, he played a crucial role in assisting Hagoromo in sealing Kaguya.

8) Obito Uchiha (Ten Tails jinchuriki)

Obito (Image via Studio Pierrot, Naruto)

By utilizing Kamui to transport his body into an alternate dimension, Obito was able to seamlessly evade all attacks as if he was incorporeal. This same Mangekyo Sharingan skill also enabled him to instantly teleport and ensnare his enemies.

After implanting himself with the Rinnegan, Obito gained the ability to summon Gedo Mazo. He also bolstered his physical abilities by integrating Hashirama Senju's DNA, which provided him with heightened attributes and the capability to use Wood Release, as well as an extended Izanagi.

Obito's ability with Kamui enabled him to effortlessly face off against Naruto, Kakashi, Might Guy, and Killer B all at the same time. As the Ten Tails jinchuriki, Obito's power surged, surpassing even Hashirama's.

7) Might Guy (Eighth Gate)

"Konoha's Sublime Green Beast" Might Guy (Image via Studio Pierrot, Naruto)

Might Guy is renowned for his exceptional speed, endurance, and physical prowess, making him the most formidable taijutsu combatant in the series. His remarkable abilities were demonstrated when he successfully defended himself from Obito's Kamui without unlocking the Eighth Gates. Additionally, by accessing the Sixth Gate, Guy was able to obliterate Kisame's 30% clone and repel the Six Tails.

6) Sasuke Uchiha (Six Paths Rinnegan)

Upon accessing the Seventh Gate, he obliterated Kisame, despite facing him in his preferred environment and without the intention to kill. Activating the Eighth Gate, Guy's abilities surged to divine proportions. He effortlessly handled Ten Tails jinchuriki Madara and came close to defeating him with a strike that bent space.

Sasuke (Image via Studio Pierrot, Naruto)

Sasuke has acquired numerous power-ups during the series, such as the Cursed Seal, the Mangekyo, and the Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan. Following the reception of a unique Rinnegan from Hagoromo, Sasuke mastered the various techniques of the Six Paths.

5) Naruto Uzumaki (Six Paths Sage Mode)

Sasuke's Rinnegan bestowed upon him the ability to use Amenotejikara, a space-time technique that enables him to instantly switch places with any target. Upon achieving the Perfect Form of his Susanoo, Sasuke was able to merge it with Chidori. One of his most devastating attacks was known as Indra's Arrow.

Naruto Uzumaki (Image via Studio Pierrot, Naruto)

By the conclusion of the series, Naruto ultimately achieves his long-held aspiration of becoming Hokage. Displaying unpredictability and unwavering determination, he successfully attains the complete abilities of the Nine Tails, which have been sealed within him since birth.

Being the host of the Nine Tails, Naruto possesses vast amounts of chakra which enables him to unleash powerful techniques like Rasengan, Rasenshuriken, and Tailed Beast Bomb.

After attaining the formidable Six Paths Sage Mode, Naruto's abilities were greatly amplified. He gained access to new skills such as Truth Seeking Balls, Multiple Tailed Beast Bomb Rasenshuriken, and the ability to fly.

4) Kakashi Hatake (Six Paths Double Mangekyo Sharingan)

Kakashi "Of the Sharingan" (Image via Studio Pierrot, Naruto)

After multiple considerations, "Copy Ninja" Kakashi was eventually appointed as the Sixth Hokage. Known for his exceptional tactical skills, speed, and mastery of taijutsu, Kakashi is particularly skilled in Lightning Release ninjutsu.

Thanks to Obito's left eye, Kakashi has the ability to use Kamui to transport targets to another dimension simply by focusing his gaze on them. With practice, he has also become adept at using his Mangekyo Sharingan with incredible speed, even earning praise from Madara.

Even without the Uchiha bloodline, Kakashi outperformed all other Sharingan users. After acquiring Obito's eyes and Six Paths chakra, Kakashi's fighting abilities surpassed even Naruto and Sasuke. He mastered a Perfect Susanoo with Kamui powers and could unleash a Six Paths-enhanced Raikiri attack while remaining intangible.

Displaying impeccable defense and unrivaled offense, Kakashi stylishly repelled Kaguya, ultimately leading to her downfall. Even the Sage of Six Paths praised his extraordinary accomplishments as godlike.

3) Madara Uchiha (Ten Tails jinchuriki)

Madara (Image via Studio Pierrot, Naruto)

During the Fourth Ninja War, Madara was resurrected in his physical prime but retained the abilities he only had in his old age, such as the Wood Release stolen from Hashirama and the Rinnegan. His Perfect Susanoo was a display of his immense power, capable of destroying entire mountains, and he effortlessly defeated the Five Kage in a 1v5 battle despite holding back significantly.

2) Hagoromo Otsutsuki

After acquiring the power of the Ten Tails as its jinchuriki, Madara demonstrated the ability to execute a Chibaku Tensei of immense scale, as well as utilize Linbo to create imperceptible duplicates of himself. Upon attaining the Rinne Sharingan, Madara unleashed the Infinite Tsukuyomi, enveloping the entire world.

Hagoromo, also known as the Sage of Six Paths, inherited his mother Kaguya's formidable chakra. He joined forces with his brother Hamura to vanquish Kaguya and then went on to seal the Ten Tails inside himself, becoming its jinchuriki.

Hailed as the "Sage of the Six Paths" for his godlike deeds, Hagoromo possessed immense powers that transcended time, enabling him to observe and interact with the world long after his death. The exceptional abilities acquired by Naruto and Sasuke in the final moments of the Fourth Ninja War are merely a fraction of Hagoromo's powers.

1) Kaguya Otsutsuki

Kaguya (Image via Studio Pierrot, Naruto)

As the ultimate antagonist and most powerful figure in the series, Kaguya was an immortal entity. As the original wielder of chakra on Earth, she possessed unprecedented abilities that exceeded even those of Madara as the Ten Tails' jinchuriki.

The only way to defeat Kaguya permanently was to trap her using the Six Paths Chibaku Tensei. Her Rinne Sharingan granted her the ability to teleport by creating space-time rifts and performing Amenominaka, instantly rewriting reality to replace her surroundings with one of her personal dimensions.

Using only chakra fists, Kaguya was able to overpower Sasuke's Perfect Susanoo. With her All-Killing Ash Bones technique, she could disintegrate any target into ash. Her most powerful attack, the Expansive Truth-Seeking Ball, had the ability to erase the world entirely.

Naruto's powerscaling, explained

The strongest characters in Masashi Kishimoto's original series (Image via Studio Pierrot, Naruto)

The franchise's most powerful individuals possess eye powers like Rinnegan and Mangekyo Sharingan, while others are skilled martial artists or harness the chakra of Tailed Beasts. In the final part of the story, new characters are introduced, and the main protagonists gain significant strength through special power-ups.

Kaguya, Hagoromo, and their relatives belong to the Otsutsuki clan, a group more formidable than Madara. Naruto, Sasuke, Kakashi, Might Guy, and Obito are among the few ninjas who can rival the Otsutsuki. Among them, the "Copy Ninja" is known for having the most powerful techniques.

Hashirama Senju is considered the strongest shinobi, surpassing even those with godly powers. Other prominent ninjas include Tobirama, Minato, Nagato, The Six Paths of Pain, Kabuto, and Itachi. While the remaining Kage and Akatsuki members have interesting abilities, they do not match up to the might of these top warriors.

Editor's P/S

As a Naruto fan, I am thrilled to see the ultimate ranking of the strongest characters in the series. It brings back memories of the intense battles and captivating storylines that made Naruto such a beloved anime and manga. The power-scaling in Naruto is truly remarkable, with each character possessing unique abilities and techniques that make them formidable opponents.

The inclusion of characters like Hanzo, Zetsu, Sasori, Kakuzu, Deidara, and Danzo showcases the depth and diversity of the Naruto universe. Each of these characters has played a significant role in the story, and their powers and abilities have left a lasting impact on fans. It's fascinating to see how these characters' strengths compare to each other, and it sparks discussions and debates among fans about who would emerge victorious in a hypothetical battle.