Top 10 Most Evil Naruto Villains

They betrayed comrades, devastated villages, experimented on people like lab rats, and talked about pain like it was a perfectly normal personality trait. Naruto has no shortage of villains, but some went above and beyond in the villainy department. These are the worst of the worst, the ones who made you pause the episode just to ask, "Did they really just do that?"

What makes a Naruto villain truly evil is not just how strong they are or how many jutsu they have mastered. It comes down to motive, cruelty, and how far they are willing to go to get what they want.

Some do it for power. Some do it for revenge. Some seem to enjoy turning the shinobi world into their own personal disaster zone.

Some villains were clearly meant to be hated from the start. Others pulled a fast one and flipped the switch when you least expected it. And even if they had a tragic backstory, that does not excuse the whole "killed innocent people and smiled about it" routine. There is a big difference between a misunderstood antihero and a full-blown nightmare with a chakra stash.

So scroll through the list, vote for the villains who made your blood boil, and see where your choices stack up. Maybe you think the big-name villains earned their evil status. Or maybe you are still haunted by that one side character who went way too far.

The Top Ten

Orochimaru

Orochimaru is a fictional character from the Naruto universe created by Masashi Kishimoto. He is known as one of the series' most powerful and dangerous antagonists, obsessed with gaining immortality and mastering forbidden jutsu. The Naruto franchise includes manga, anime, soundtracks, OVAs, movies... read more

Orochimaru is the most sadistic. Experimenting on other people, messing with kids' minds, and basically being a not-nice person. I have hardly started watching Naruto, but I read about it because although I don't like a lot of the characters, the potential there is amazing.
But anyway, Orochimaru is like THE bad guy. The rest are just ninjas. Being sneaky and betraying people is the norm in the ninja world. Besides, most bad guys just brood. Are they evil? I mean, power-hungry... yeah. Evil? Compared to a whole village being built upon ninjas doing missions, villages that have kids learning how to kill at a young age... no, I don't think so.
Besides, Orochimaru is badass. If he stopped all the talking before his fights, that is.
Madara Uchiha

Madara Uchiha is a fictional character in the Naruto manga and anime series created by Masashi Kishimoto. He first appears in "Part II" of the manga and the Naruto: Shippuden anime adaptation as one of the main antagonists.... read more

Madara's intent was twisted, but it wasn't sadistic. Madara is manipulative, ruthless, violent, but not sadistic. Madara's goal was: "end suffering by ending free will." Horrifying? Yes. But not the same flavor of evil as Orochimaru.

Madara is definitely the most evil of all the Naruto villains. This guy is actually a bit scary. He uses all the people around him to get ahead and tries to turn Sasuke, and likely Pain/Nagato, into evil villains to gain more power. He can act any part to make others trust him. And for the love of God, the man is immortal without having to steal other people's bodies.
I would have picked Pain or Orochimaru, but I didn't for a couple of reasons. Pain is just a massively powerful human being bent on revenge, much like every other villain on this show, and he had a very troubled past like every character on this show.
The reason I didn't pick Orochimaru is because, as the show went on, he got more and more annoying and less threatening. This happened mainly because so many other villains arose that seemed more interesting and more threatening than him.
Hidan

Hidan is a fictional character from Naruto, a series created by Masashi Kishimoto. He is an S-rank missing-nin from Yugakure and a member of the criminal organization Akatsuki, where he is partnered with Kakuzu. Hidan is known for his immortality and his devotion to the cult-like Jashin religion, which... read more

He does what he does for fun, has no morals whatsoever, and he doesn't feel guilty for anything. He considers murdering others a sacred offering to his god and truly enjoys their suffering. He especially likes taking time with his victims. Along with his partner Kakuzu, he is known for ruthless destruction. He mocks his victims and their loved ones, even taunting Shikamaru and Choji about killing Asuma. That deserves to put him a little higher.

Most Akatsuki members, even the dangerous ones, have an ideology, goal, or twisted justification. Hidan? DUDE. He kills just because he enjoys it and worships a freaking god that literally revolves around sacrifice and slaughter. He doesn't regret anything he has done, nor does the sadistic madman ever reflect on his actions. Pain hates the suffering but believes it's necessary. This dude loves suffering itself.
Black Zetsu

Zetsu is a fictional character in the anime and manga franchise Naruto, created by Masashi Kishimoto. He is composed of two beings, Black Zetsu and White Zetsu, merged into a single entity. Zetsu serves as a spy for the Akatsuki organization, with Black Zetsu acting as the will of Kaguya Ōtsutsuki and... read more

He is literally a sentient curse, created for one purpose: To manipulate history for Kaguya's return. That alone puts him high on any "evil" ranking.
Zetsu manipulated the ENTIRE HISTORY of the Naruto world. He rewrote the Uchiha Stone Tablet, manipulated Indra into his darkness, manipulated the Uchiha clan for centuries, manipulated the Akatsuki, manipulated the Fourth Great Ninja War, manipulated the Ten-Tails revival, manipulated the Infinite Tsukuyomi. He is the root cause of almost every major tragedy in the series.
Zetsu has no empathy, no remorse, no hesitation. Zetsu is the single most consequential villain in the entire series.
Obito Uchiha

Obito Uchiha, also known by his alias Tobi, is a fictional character from the Naruto universe. He was created by Masashi Kishimoto and is a central antagonist in the series. The Naruto franchise includes manga, anime, movies, OVAs, video games, and various forms of merchandise.

Yes, Obito was manipulated by Madara, but he consciously chooses what to become after that breaking point. Obito goes far beyond reacting to pain. This man causes mass casualties indirectly and directly, manipulates Nagato, causes the deaths of Kushina and Minato, and drives two global wars! Who is justifying that? He knows what he's doing is wrong, and does it anyway. This is what separates him from a "purely broken victim." I'm sure others can agree with me. Obito understands the values of bonds, recognizes Naruto as a reflection of his old self, but rejects that version of himself and doubles down on his ideology.

A rampage that involves butchering child soldiers (Mist Ninja) and attempting to kill his former mentor and that mentor's infant child (Naruto) cannot be rationally justified as "necessary" or purely "for the sake of others." His rage made him act as a heartless, merciless villain, regardless of his ultimate, twisted goal. There is no reason he is defended over a girl passing away. Obito did, in fact, become the very thing he once fought against, acting as a "cold-hearted man without remorse" for the majority of his life.
Danzo Shimura

Danzō Shimura is a fictional character from the Naruto universe created by Masashi Kishimoto. He appears in both the manga and anime adaptations as a high-ranking ninja from the Hidden Leaf Village. Known for leading the secretive organization Root, Danzō plays a central role in the series' political... read more

Danzo's so sick and twisted! He kidnapped and forced children away from their homes to join the Root, erased who they are, and didn't allow them to show any signs of emotion. He forced Sai and his brother Shin against each other to let the strongest survive and force the weaker one to his death. He was the reason why Itachi and Obito caused genocide against the Uchiha clan, and he plucked Shisui's eye out!

I just don't get how he got to remain in the position he did, even though the Third, Fourth, and Fifth all knew he was dirty. Sure, the main attribute of his Anbu was "darkness," but that guy was way too dark, all for the village. That can't be good, and it really wasn't.
Nagato Uzumaki

Nagato, also known by his alias "Pain," is a fictional character from the manga and anime franchise Naruto. He was created by Masashi Kishimoto and serves as a major antagonist in the series. Through his leadership of the Akatsuki organization, he plays a significant role in several of the series' major... read more

The best villains are the ones who strike the perfect balance between intimidating and intriguing. Pain manages to balance these two traits perfectly. He is every bit as ruthless as he is intelligent. What makes him really stand out is that despite all his power, he is still human. He makes mistakes, can be surprised, and can even be tricked.
For instance, when Hinata fought him in the anime, she chose to break the rods holding Naruto down instead of fighting Pain directly like she did in the manga. Pain was clearly surprised by her actions, but instead of panicking, he quickly adapted and forced her away from Naruto.
That's something you don't often see in villains in any series. They always stay one step ahead of the heroes and are almost never surprised. As a result, many of them border on the edge of becoming a villain sue. But not Pain. He is extremely powerful and intelligent, but he is not invincible or omnipotent, which makes him more human. This helps to make him not only a better villain but also a better character. So few villains ever manage to achieve that.
Deidara

Deidara is a fictional character from the Naruto universe created by Masashi Kishimoto. He is a member of the Akatsuki organization and uses explosive clay-based techniques in combat. The Naruto franchise includes manga, anime, movies, soundtracks, OVAs, video games, and a wide range of merchandise and... read more

I really like Deidara, and I think that the way he died was just a cop-out. Hell, that entire fight was a cop-out! In what universe is lightning strong against earth? Kishimoto should play some Pokémon.
I hate that he doesn't have much of a backstory, unlike Sasori, who was in it way less but had a background and everything. His jutsu and powers were unique to his personality traits too (hot-headed, explosive, etc.).
Again, I will say I'm disappointed he ended up just another Akatsuki to get killed for no real reason.

Deidara rules for eternity! But he's not that much of a villain to me. Sucks that he was forced into Akatsuki.
Kisame Hoshigaki

Kisame Hoshigaki is a fictional character from the Naruto universe created by Masashi Kishimoto, which developed into a media franchise consisting of manga, anime, soundtracks, OVAs, movies, video games, and collectibles.
Kisame is one of the major antagonists in the series. He defected from his... read more

He went crazy for no reason. Deidara loved bombing stuff but blamed it on the villagers he lived with. Deidara mainly wanted attention.
Deidara never wanted to kill anyone or join the Akatsuki. They forced him in. Kisame, on the other hand, just loves eating people, and he's sadistic.

Definitely my favorite villain. He killed just about everybody he knew, including his boss, then joined the Akatsuki and became a core member of the group. He also had special abilities and unbelievable capabilities. Kisame has my vote!
Kakuzu

Kakuzu is a fictional character in the anime and manga franchise Naruto, created by Masashi Kishimoto.

Kakuzu is the only villain who consistently thinks only of himself, stays evil, and has no good reason for killing. He even tried to go after Hashirama and kill him for money.
He even said he'd kill people for no reason, and he said he had a killing instinct when he's annoyed or around kids.

Well, he didn't even care when they cut Hidan's head. With a little help from Hidan, he destroyed the Temple of Ninja Monks and massacred almost everyone there, just for a high bounty. The only reason he helped Hidan with Asuma, when Asuma cut Hidan's head, was because he wanted money. He almost killed Kotetsu, Izumo, Ino, Chouji, and Kakashi. And who knows how many people he killed for money? I think very many.

The Newcomers

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Izuna Uchiha

I don't see why Izuna got put on this list? While Madara showed moments of doubt and a desire for peace (at first), Izuna was far more stubborn and anti-Senju. He was a fierce warrior who, even when mortally wounded, urged his brother not to trust Hashirama's truce proposals. But most of Izuna's behavior was influenced from his clan and father. zuna was a product of the environment Tajima helped create.
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Tajima Uchiha

He was a ruthless strategist, mirroring his rival Butsuma Senju (Hashirama's father). He willingly sent his children to battle, sought to use his children to spy on/kill enemy children (like Tobirama), and viewed the Senju with absolute contempt. He was a harsh father with little care for his children other than their power, he had no qualms about killing children or encouraging his own children to become killers.

The Contenders

Kaguya Otsutsuki

Kaguya doesn't just isolate herself. She wanted to absorb all chakra back into herself and ENSLAVE all of humanity! Unlike some villains who still see people as people, Kaguya reduces humans to biological material and strips them of identity completely.

Not my favorite villain, but she's definitely the most evil.
Madara, Obito, Nagato, Konan, and Kisame wanted peace. They don't belong here.
In the end, Sasori had a change of heart. No longer a villain in my book.
The same goes for Orochimaru and Kabuto. However, Orochimaru still takes my number 2 spot, since his evils can't be forgiven.
Kaguya takes the number 1 spot. She used Zetsu to mess up the lives of everyone, everywhere, every time.
Zabuza Momochi

Zabuza Momochi was the first major antagonist of the Naruto manga and anime series. He was an S-class rogue ninja from the Hidden Mist Village in the Land of Water. Zabuza was the master and mentor of Haku Yuki and was known as the Demon of the Hidden Mist.

He deserves to be higher on this list, not because of his cruelty or inhumanity, but because of how he reformed and managed to make the audience truly care about his death in the end.
R.I.P. Zabuza.

Zabuza was a cruel villain who wore baggy pants - a terrible crime. He was a rogue ninja from Kirigakure. He had a sword that could slice a cow in half, and it took Kakashi to wound him. Impressive.
Sasori

Sasori is a fictional character from the manga and anime franchise Naruto, created by Masashi Kishimoto. He is a member of the criminal organization Akatsuki and is known for his mastery of puppetry techniques. Sasori is a powerful rogue ninja who turned his own body into a puppet to enhance his combat... read more

Sasori had a hard life. He was left without parents at a young age (like Orochimaru). He focused his attention on puppets to avoid thinking much about others. I guess he became a chunin at age 8 (unlike in Konoha). He showed many skills, like knowing medical ninjutsu - because how else could he turn himself and others into puppets, make poisons, and, when he was alive, create antidotes? Also, he was shown to be a great master of seals and secret techniques. I think his name is worth being in at least the 6th or 7th place.

His human puppets are so creepy.
Hanzo of the Salamander

Hanzo's actions were driven by a twisted, selfish desire to preserve his home and his absolute rule. While he committed heinous acts (like taking Konan hostage to force Nagato to kill Yahiko), he was ultimately a foil to Naruto's philosophy.

Wasn't he the one who kidnapped Konan and tried to make Nagato/Pain kill her or Yahiko? He's the reason why Yahiko had to kill himself, and he busted up Nagato's body.

Hanzo ruled over the Hidden Rain for decades. He is the reason Nagato turned evil and why Yahiko ended up dead.
Kimimaro Kaguya

Kimimaro is a fictional character from the anime and manga franchise Naruto, created by Masashi Kishimoto. He is a member of the Kaguya clan and serves as one of Orochimaru's followers. Kimimaro is known for his kekkei genkai ability to manipulate his own bone structure as a weapon in battle.

Kimimaro was amazing! When he faced Naruto while bringing Sasuke to Orochimaru, it took not only Naruto to fight him but also Rock Lee and Gaara just to defeat him. On top of that, he technically didn't even get defeated. Kimimaro almost killed Gaara and Rock Lee! If it weren't for his sickness, he probably would've lived longer, joined the Taka with Jugo, and killed Gaara and Rock Lee that day he faced them. Kimimaro should be higher on the list!

I loved Kimimaro! I thought he was pretty cool.
Mizuki

This jerk just likes going after kids. What is wrong with him?
He tried killing a kid, Naruto, but Naruto still defeated this dude. At least Haku has sense.

How is Haku more evil than him? Sure, Zabuza is cruel, but he had a reason to kill the bridge builder. His boss, Gato, made him do it. If Zabuza failed, he could have been killed by Gato's thugs.

Tried to kill little Naruto in the first episode just because he contained the Nine Tails.
Gato

His death was the best death in the entire show. He deserved to die.
He was even more despicable when he poked Haku's dead body with his cane and mocked Zabuza about Haku's death.

Gato is a bastard with no motives or ideals beyond kidnapping, enslaving, and dealing drugs!

Gato was the most satisfying death in the show and should not be ranked behind Haku.
Indra Otsutsuki

He was manipulated, but Indra doesn't lose everything, and his downfall was caused by pride and how jealousy consumed him. He hated how Ashura was the opposite of him and believed power and talent should decide leadership. He KNEW he was a prodigy and was admired by many, but he begins seeing others (especially Ashura and his followers) as lesser. He's willing to fight his own brother to prove his worldview.

Indra, in the Naruto universe, is generally depicted as morally ambiguous rather than completely evil. While he is not a villain in the traditional sense, his actions and beliefs, particularly his focus on power and his disdain for his brother Asura, contribute to a somewhat dark portrayal.
His later incarnations, such as Madara Uchiha, often display more clearly evil tendencies. Indra himself, however, is a complex character with a mixture of positive and negative traits. He would fight Asura but not let anyone else touch him. He is more broken, and people try to ignore the fact that Madara and Obito were more sadistic than Indra.
Karin Uzumaki
Kabuto Yakushi

Kabuto Yakushi is a fictional character in the anime and manga franchise Naruto, created by Masashi Kishimoto. He initially appears as a medical-nin and spy working for Orochimaru. Kabuto later becomes a major antagonist during the Fourth Great Ninja War.

Kabuto dug up dead bodies and stole DNA to bring people back from the dead, and he forced them to fight! He enslaved all these people just to have an army! Edo Tensei alone is enough to put him on trial for life. Kabuto didn't just experiment on adults, he tested on orphans and little kids for his sick pleasure! He was basically the chief medical officer of a terrorist organization by helping Orochimaru with human trafficking.

How the heck did his war crimes get excused? His reanimation jutsu actively desecrated the graves of legendary figures, forcing them to fight against their own loved ones and descendants. That's just cruel!
Akaboshi
Raiga Kurosuki

He is the third coolest member of the Seven Swordsmen of the Mist. The coolest is Kisame, then Zabuza.
Nango
Fūka
Momoshiki Otsutsuki

He doesn't torture or hurt people for fun like Isshiki does, but just doesn't care for life and kind of fakes emotions like Douma from Demon Slayer does. He wants to harvest Earth without hesitation and sees people as bugs, but doesn't try to enslave them.

Momoshiki is widely considered a significant antagonist in the Boruto series, and his motivations and actions paint a picture of a character who is deeply evil. He views all life forms as inferior and sees the world as a means to achieve his own power goals, specifically becoming a god.
He actively seeks to destroy the world for his own gain, showing a callous disregard for the well-being of others. He just desires power and control.