5 Reasons Why Naruto Is Secretly the Best Anime of the Shonen Big Three
Even though several years have passed and a new era of the anime and manga industry has begun, the legacy of the Shonen Big Three remains the same. Serialized in the Weekly Shonen Jump Magazine around the same time, these series were later adapted into anime series. Each of these series has unique premises and power systems, which helped set the standards for the new generation. While One Piece is currently ongoing and in its Final Saga, Naruto and Bleach have long been concluded. All these series have a wide global fanbase, and the debate over which is best never ends. After all, liking one story more than the other is completely a subjective matter, so this debate has no chance of ever being resolved.
Even so, there are qualities that one can have over the other. There are elements and tropes where one stands out more than the other. While One Piece is often praised for the best world-building, Bleach is known for its aesthetic visuals and character designs. On the other hand, Naruto excels in far more things where One Piece and Bleach fall behind, and it has more than enough great qualities that deserve just as much recognition, maybe even more.
5) Naruto Has The Best Rivalry
Let’s face it, neither One Piece nor Bleach ever did rivalry as good as Naruto. Both Luffy and Ichigo don’t even have a friend who is on the same level to be considered a rival. While One Piece focuses on the rivalry between Zoro and Sanji as a side gag, Naruto’s rivalry with Sasuke is a central part of the narrative. While Sasuke aimed to avenge his clan, Naruto’s goal since the beginning was to become a Hokage. The two barely tolerated each other in the beginning, but as part of Team 7, they learned to get along.
Sasuke is arguably the biggest reason why Naruto became so much stronger, as their intense rivalry pushed both of them to their limits. Unfortunately, it doesn’t take long before Sasuke becomes a rogue ninja and follows Orochimaru in order to acquire more power. This deeply upsets Naruto, who does everything he can to bring him home. We see Naruto desperately trying to change Sasuke’s mind through the entirety of Shippuden, and the two even clashed against each other after the final battle, concluding the main story.
4) Naruto Is The Most Inspiring Shonen Big Three Protagonist
Of course, there’s no denying how inspiring Luffy is as a symbol of freedom, with One Piece flag holding a special meaning to fans across the world. Whether it’s the characters or even real-life fans, Luffy’s entire existence is a ray of hope against oppression. However, while One Piece took years to gain global recognition, Naruto raised an entire generation of anime fans.
Naruto’s journey from an underdog to a Hero is something that continues to inspire fans to this day. Whether it’s his motivations, dialogues, or his ideals, he created an example by breaking the cycle of hatred. Throughout his journey, fans see his struggles to improve and to be accepted by those without ever knowing why he was ostracized in the first place. He also has the power to bring anyone to his side, and this applies to his enemies as well.
3) Naruto’s Villains Are the Most Iconic
Bleach and Naruto have the most iconic villain organizations, not to mention that both these series have Sosuke Aizen and Madara Uchiha; it’s difficult to ever reach a conclusion over which series fans might prefer. However, Naruto has an advantage in the number of incredible antagonists that always win everyone’s hearts. Most of them weren’t necessarily evil, but simply broken heroes who also had dreams of living honorable lives as Shinobi. Their ideologies change after they live in a broken world filled with war that compels them to walk on the wrong path.
The series is so much more nuanced than simply showcasing a hero and villain fighting their battles. We don’t see the protagonist simply defeating the villains and calling it a day; instead, it’s often a clash of ideologies among them. The story often redeems its antagonists, such as Zabuza dying with Haku by his side and Obito finding peace in their dying, highlighting that no one is beyond saving.
2) Naruto’s Fights Are The Best in Shonen Big Three
It’s not just One Piece or Bleach; Naruto surpasses most Shonen series when it comes to epic fights. Even to this day, not many series are on par with Naruto in terms of scaling scope, magnitude, and fight choreography. The fights don’t rely only on simple power display, but also because they’re driven by emotional and personal bonds. Everything from the techniques to the close combat choreography is a treat to the eyes, especially for fans who love the thrill of the battle. Whether it’s hand-to-hand battles or the unique ninjutsu techniques almost every character offers, each fight offers something to keep you on the edge of your seat.
Not to mention, the hype just elevates if someone uses genjutsu, which, to be honest, is the coolest power in the show, treating viewers to mind-bending, illusory warfare often conducted by many of Naruto’s most elite shinobi. The anime was released several years ago, when animation quality was nothing compared to what it is now. Even so, Studio Pierrot never held back in key battles as they blended fluid animation, cinematic angles, and impressive choreography that further elevated the intensity of these battles.
1) Naruto’s Emotional Core Is Unparalleled
The emotional depth in Naruto leaves most series in the dust, and it’s the most defining quality of Naruto, although One Piece is certainly laying down its own pathos cards week after week. The fights are always thrilling, but what truly captured fans’ hearts is how the series heavily focuses on themes such as loneliness, betrayal, and grief caused by the broken world these Ninjas are forced to live in. It’s etched into every part of the story, whether it’s the backstories or the fights.
Naruto Uzumaki, being the center of the show, represents all these themes and more. Naruto’s journey from being an outcast to becoming the village’s most revered hero is not only inspiring but also highlights his determination. His empathy often treads into heartbreaking emotions, and that’s why everything he says hits deep. Because he knows what they feel, Naruto is able to connect with Gaara, Nagato, Obito, even Kurama, and reach out his hand to give them the peace they yearn for.
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