The Best Anime Role Models From NARUTO (Ranking Order)

Naruto is the kind of anime that is designed for anime role models because it’s about justice, pain, positivity, hardship, self-improvement, among other things.

With that said, let’s focus on anime role models from:

• Side characters.
• Main characters.

And everyone in between who deserves the title!

Best anime role models from Naruto in RANKING order:

1. Iruka Sensei

Iruka Sensei (Iruka Umino) is the first person in the series to recognise Naruto Uzumaki. The whole LEAF village, in essence, rejected him because of the Jinchiruki inside him, and because they’re ignorant.

In reality, Naruto could have ended up in a similar position as Sasuke or PAIN if not for Iruka’s influence, positivity, acceptance, love, and the motivation to push forward.

Naruto mentions this later in the series in a conversation with Sasuke, as well, in some respect.

2. Kakashi Hitake

Kakashi is essentially the more mature,  experienced version of Sasuke Uchiha, the latter which is much younger and less of a role model, despite his struggles being understandable.

For Kakashi, he had every excuse to go down the so called wrong path. But he chose a different path and did his absolute best in the process, making him one of the best role models produced in the Naruto franchise.

His laid back, a bit of a clown, initially feared. and most of all, respected from all walks of life and has a balanced view on life.

3. Might Guy

Might Guy is a beam of positivity in the series. He’s one of those guys people find annoying because no matter what a person does, he finds a way to make it a positive experience and refuses to become depressed or down in the dumps.

He uplifts everyone around him, even if those people can’t match his energy, enthusiasm, or extroverted personality.

Even Kakashi, a guy whose personality is different, gets along well with Might Guy and Might Guy is also powerful as well as influential beyond his role model status.

Related: 27+ Inspiring Anime Characters You Can Learn Something From

4. Naruto Uzumaki

Naruto Uzumaki, the anime’s protagonist, is, of course, the main focus of the show and also one of the most influential of all time down the line.

He achieves his ultimate goal and is sensible enough to become strong enough to do it as he realizes STRENGTH is key, not just preaching the gospel for change without anything to back it up.

Naruto’s positivity is enough to make his entire village change their mind about him, and Naruto was strong enough to overlook this “double standard” to focus on the bigger picture he had in mind.

This makes him a strong role model unlike any other.

5. Ramen shop owner

He might seem like a comical character or one who isn’t too relevant in the actual story, but in reality, the ramen shop owner had a strong influence on Naruto’s journey.

He’s positive, accepting, caring, and, of course, created lots of memories for Naruto with his good food, which Naruto often shared (not literally) with his friends.

6. Rock Lee

Rock Lee is the student of Might Guy, and he shares a lot of his energy and passion for hard work, fighting, training, and making something of yourself every day in spite of differences in talent, upbringing, or luck.

Naive in many ways, but innocent, pure, and sincere in so many other ways.

Rock Lee is a Naruto favourite for a reason and is most definitely a role model when all is said and done.

7. Tenten

Tenten is often an ignored character in the Naruto franchise despite her being an obvious role model and easily one of the best female characters of the series.

She just didn’t get the airtime she truly deserved.

She’s hard working, far from toxic, even in the initial stage, compared to her counterparts like SAKURA, has a healthy mindset, on top of being calm and inspiring.

After all, her goal was to show the world that women can play their part as well (like Tsunade), and she wasn’t the type to make excuses or play the blame game in the slightest.

She’s a woman of character.

8. Hinata Hyuga

Hinata Hyuga is one of the biggest supporters and cheerleaders for Naruto Uzumaki. Had her own complications not gotten in the way, she would have been right there alongside Iruka in supporting Naruto in his childhood.

She’s the kind of person who puts others first and deeply cares about those around her (assuming they deserve empathy), and has one of the highest levels of emotional intelligence.

She’s also one of the best waifus and mothers of the anime for a reason outside of her obvious role model status.

9. Nara Shikamaru

Shikamaru is chill as F. He doesn’t bother other people and minds his business, especially in the initial franchise.

Too laid back to be stressed, and this plays into why he’s so easy to get along with, is non judgmental, is open minded, and when he makes an effort, is a good role model for others.

Based on his character alone, he’s one of the best role models the anime has to offer.

Which anime character inspired you the most?

10. Jiraiya

Jiraiya might have his flaws when it comes to his “perverted ways”, but aside from this type of trop,e he is a seriously influential character both in his role, his power, his experience, wisdom, and intentions.

And most of all, he was very influential in shaping Naruto’s character, his outlook, and his approach to dealing with people like PAIN without succumbing to murder to achieve his goals.

Jiraiya is a MUST Mention.

11. Minato

Minato is the father of Naruto, and is simultaneously the reason Naruto suffered in his childhood, but it wasn’t intentional. In fact, it’s partially because of the threat Madara and his ally caused.

In a lot of ways, they share habits, traits, and energy. Minato just happens to be more skilled, experienced, legendary (initially), and influential, which is to be expected.

Still a role model, but in a different kind of way.

12. Itachi Uchiha

And lastly, Itachi is a surprising role model in the Naruto franchise despite his role in the series and the kinds of things he was willing to do to accomplish his goals.

Yes, Itachi definitely did kill many of his own kin, leaving Sasuke to suffer more than he needed to. But in the grand scheme of things given his position, he became somewhat of a silent savior and a man many respected behind the scenes.

Itachi is complex and is a more well rounded and realistic role model instead of a cliche one who only ticks the right boxes.