Reception ( Naruto )

,In every official Weekly Shōnen Jump popularity poll of the series, Naruto ranks within the top five characters and has positioned in first place twice.[64][65] However, in the sixth poll, in 2006, Naruto lost his top-two status to the characters Deidara, Kakashi and Sasuke.[66] In the last poll, Naruto was once again in first place.[67] Several pieces of merchandise have been made into his likeness, such as plush,[68][69] key chains,[70] and numerous action figures,[71] of both his Part I and Part II appearance. Junko Takeuchi's, Naruto's voice actor in the Japanese series, was the winner in the category "Best Voice Actress (Japanese)" from the 2009 Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation Awards for her work as Naruto.[72] He was also sixth in IGN's Top 25 Anime Characters of All Time with writer Chris Mackenzie saying that although "Naruto actually isn't the most popular character in his own series most of the time", he is "the engine that powers the franchise".[73] In the Guinness World Records Gamer's Edition from 2011, he was voted as the twenty-ninth best character appearing in video games.[74] Mania Entertainment writer Briana Lawerence listed Naruto eighth in the article "10 Male Headaches of Anime" criticizing his will to make Sasuke return to Konoha no matter the pain he could suffer.[75]

Several publications for manga, anime, video games, and other related media provide praise and criticism on Naruto's character. Joseph Szadkowski of The Washington Times noted that Naruto Uzumaki "has become a pop-culture sensation."[76] GameSpot claims Naruto lives the ideal teenage life based on his habits, but, on the other hand, he suffers as a result of being parentless and villagers' treatment.[77]Writers from Anime News Network called Naruto "a bastion of optimistic energy",[78] commenting that while his initial fights were not as good as others fought by their partners,[79] his encounter with Gaara as one of his best moments in the series since it surpassed most shōnenstereotypes.[80] Similar comments were given by Mania Entertainment as such fight help Naruto to be developed as a hero.[81] Active Anime noted, that due to Naruto's traits, he could become "the unlikeliest hero ever".[82] However, another reviewer from the same site noted that Naruto is "always sympathizing with everyone and anyone", like a counselor.[83] T.H.E.M. Anime Reviews disagrees, noting, while Naruto is a "likable enough scamp", his type of character has been done before in many previous anime and manga series.[84] Deb Aoki fromAbout.com labeled Naruto as "practical joker who'll do anything for attention".[85]

Mania Entertainment praised him as a good lead character, although mentioned Naruto's "blind stupidity" and "bullheadedness"[86][87] He is also complimented for "eternally optimistic view of things",[88] and overall character development.[89] Writing for "Popular Culture in Counseling, Pschotherpay, and Play-Based Interventions" Lawrence Rubin calls him "impulsive, hyperactive, attention-seeking and troublesome", adding that Nine-Tailed Demon Fox within Naruto's body is a "metaphor for the struggle to contain and channel intense and often negative emotion". Rubin also reckoned that "vanquishing of enemies in order to bring peace to his village is a powerful redemptive and ultimately transformative act" that helps Naruto to become a "complete and mature person".[90] DVD Talk liked his personality, while calling him an "impeccably boisterous kid".[91][92] DVD Verdict noted that his ego has the "size of a small mountain".[93] IGN commented on his relationships with the other characters to be appealing,[94][95] most notably his rivalry Sasuke, as it shows "signs of maturity" in Naruto.[96]Active Anime agreed with the later as Naruto's fight against Sasuke, while also being entertaining because of their fighting styles, it also showed theirs emotions.[97] The character's growth in Part II was commented by Anime News Network during his fight against Pain as Naruto's comments touch philosophical themes never seen in a shōnen series such as how peace can be achieved and what methods should he use to achieve his goals.[98][99] Additionally, Chris Beveridge from Mania noted a change in Naruto's attitude as he acted more serious and calmer than in the first series. Naruto's new Senjutsu style was praised as how his he carefully prepared it for the fight against Pain, resulting in a big display of Naruto's skills.[98][100]