8 Most Forgettable Villains In Naruto
Despite Naruto’s iconic villains, some adversaries failed to leave a lasting impact.
As one of the most beloved anime series of the 2000s, Naruto has captivated audiences worldwide with its compelling storytelling, well-developed characters, and thrilling battles. The franchise is known for crafting villains who challenge the protagonists and evolve over time, creating memorable conflicts that resonate with fans.
However, not every antagonist in Naruto achieved the same level of notoriety. While characters like Orochimaru and Madara Uchiha cemented themselves as legendary foes, others faded into obscurity. Whether due to underdevelopment, lack of depth, or minimal impact on the overarching narrative, these villains failed to make a significant impression. Excluding movie antagonists and filler episode villains, here are some of the least memorable adversaries in Naruto.
Black Zetsu: A Manipulative Pawn That Lacked Depth
A pivotal figure in Naruto Shippūden, Black Zetsu played a significant role in the Akatsuki’s schemes. Despite his eerie design and strategic cunning, he ultimately functioned as a tool rather than an independent force of villainy. His main purpose was to manipulate events leading to Kaguya’s return, rather than serving as a truly menacing foe. While his betrayal of Madara was shocking, he never fully realized his potential as a standalone antagonist.
Kakuzu: A Greedy Foe Who Failed to Stand Out
First Appearance: Naruto Shippūden Episode #71
Kakuzu had an impressive introduction and boasted an intriguing ability to extend his life through his stolen hearts. However, among the Akatsuki’s lineup of compelling villains, he remained one of the least developed. Motivated purely by financial gain and a hunger for power, Kakuzu lacked a compelling backstory or emotional depth. Despite his impressive combat abilities, his character failed to leave a lasting mark on the series.
Mizuki: The Forgotten First Villain
As the very first antagonist Naruto faced, Mizuki played a role in the protagonist’s early growth. His actions led Naruto to awaken his Shadow Clone Jutsu, a defining ability throughout the series. However, beyond this initial significance, Mizuki quickly became irrelevant. If he had appeared later in the story, he likely would have been even more forgettable. His brief return in a filler arc did little to improve his standing among the series’ villains.
Jugo: The Most Overlooked Member of Team Taka
First Appearance: Naruto Shippūden Episode #116
Sasuke’s formation of Team Taka introduced a group of supposed antagonists, but their impact was minimal compared to the Akatsuki or Orochimaru’s experiments. Among them, Jugo was the least memorable. While his uncontrollable rage made him an occasional threat, he lacked a strong motivation for following Sasuke. His story of seeking a cure for his violent tendencies had potential, but he ultimately faded into the background as a secondary character.
Team Dosu: Overshadowed by Stronger Rivals
First Appearance: Naruto Episode #21
Introduced during the Chunin Exams, Team Dosu primarily existed to showcase Sasuke’s power and serve Orochimaru’s interests. Unlike other rivals introduced in the arc—such as Gaara, Neji, or Rock Lee—this trio had little individuality or lasting impact. With no personal ambition beyond following orders, they were quickly outshined and forgotten.
Hanzo: A Legendary Figure with an Anticlimactic Presence
First Appearance: Naruto Shippūden Episode #128
Hanzo was an important historical figure within the Naruto universe, having influenced the formation of both the Akatsuki and the Legendary Sannin. However, despite his reputation, his on-screen presence was underwhelming. His downfall was abrupt and failed to showcase the power that had earned him such fearsome notoriety. For a character with such a significant backstory, his execution felt lackluster.
Gold & Silver Brothers: Underutilized in a War of Titans
First Appearance: Naruto Shippūden Episode #267
Kinkaku and Ginkaku, known as the Gold and Silver Brothers, had an intriguing history tied to the Nine-Tailed Fox and the Sage of Six Paths. Their survival inside Kurama and subsequent abilities made them unique threats. However, their late introduction in the Fourth Great Ninja War meant they were overshadowed by more established villains. Despite their immense power, they were ultimately underutilized.
Kaguya: A Last-Minute Twist That Undermined the Story
First Appearance: Naruto Shippūden Episode #458
Kaguya Ōtsutsuki was intended to be the ultimate antagonist of Naruto Shippūden, but her sudden introduction near the series' climax made her one of its most controversial characters. Her arrival derailed Madara’s carefully built narrative, and she lacked the personality and depth of previous villains. Despite being the most powerful adversary in the series, Kaguya felt more like a plot device than a well-developed character.
Conclusion: Great Storytelling, but Not Every Villain Shines
While Naruto is renowned for its engaging world-building and unforgettable villains, not all antagonists lived up to their potential. Some failed to leave a lasting impression due to weak development, minimal screen time, or overshadowing by stronger foes. While the series boasts some of anime’s greatest villains, these characters serve as reminders that not every antagonist can achieve legendary status.