Naruto and Pokemon remain some of the biggest Japanese properties to release in the last twenty years. Surprisingly, there has rarely ever been a crossover between the two. The two series share some key traits such as placing a big value on forging connections with people (and Pokemon).
Pairing these Naruto characters with Pokemon is a natural thing – especially with someone as outgoing as Naruto himself. Understanding a character’s personality and what they’re drawn to can be different depending on the fan, so the team of Pokemon attached to that character varies.
10 Ninjask - The Big, Quick Bug
The idea of a Pokemon that’s extremely fast and also has a name with the word “ninja” in it seems like the perfect fit for Naruto. Unlike many trainers in the world of Pokemon, it seems pretty clear that Naruto doesn’t have a fear of bugs or insects, but that might change when he sees one the size of Ninjask.
What’s unclear is if Ninjask could use its ability called “Speed Boost” to help Naruto become faster in battle. Either way, it seems like this bullet of a bug could find a home with Naruto as partners for life.
9 Ninetales - For The Plot Points
Naruto has a storied past with the spirit known as Nine-Tails, so it’s uncertain how he’d feel about the idea of a Pokemon reflecting it. It would be neat to see him enter a battle with the Fire-type Pokemon known as Ninetales by his side when he enters Nine-Tails chakra mode.
The anime, in general, has a connection to foxes, so the idea of its main character training and developing a bond with a Pokemon reflective of this spirit that’s been a part of him his whole life seems pretty special.
8 Flareon - A Great Personality Match
With Eevee having so many different evolutionary forms, it’d be hard to find a trainer who doesn’t own and train a single form of the beloved ball of fur. For Naruto, it seems as though Flareon makes the most sense for the iconic ninja.
Not only does it match the colors of his iconic outfit and hair, but the Fire-type matches his inner passion perfectly. It would also come in handy when Naruto would need to warm up or cook some food and wouldn’t require him to start a fire and keep it going.
7 Lycanroc - A Loyal And Speedy Companion
Lycanroc is a fascinating Pokemon because it has three possible forms depending on what time its base form named Rockruff evolves. For Naruto, he’d likely find the Dusk form of Lycanroc the most appealing though it wouldn’t be shocking if he opted for either the Midday or Midnight forms.
Known as the Wolf Pokemon, this Rock-type is best when it comes to speed and physical attacks. It would feel right at home journeying alongside Naruto and helping him whenever the time calls for it.
6 Dragonite - The Secretly Powerful Goofball
Despite being a capable fighter, Naruto is also quite a goofball and is a bit awkward at times. Dragonite is the type of Pokemon that expresses the levity Naruto can show when things aren’t at their most dire.
The Dragon and Flying-type Pokemon from the Kanto region may look more like a kid’s cartoon than a capable fighter, but that’s simply a facade. Dragonite can learn a variety of moves and is born with a strong set of natural base stats that allow it to flourish in battle despite the misconceptions based on its appearance.
5 Blaziken - Happiest In Battle Against Challenging Foes
When it comes to fighters in the world of Pokemon, it’s hard to find a creature that matches up to Blaziken. The final form of the Fire-type Pokemon starter from the 3rd generation is a Fighting-type in addition to its blazing core abilities and finds comfort on the battlefield.
It revels in fighting stronger opponents and the fire from its wrists will match that intensity. Naruto will appreciate this Pokemon’s combat readiness and its willingness to take on whatever stands in front of it no matter the obvious power gap that is present.
4 Lucario - The Intuitive Ally
Naruto may be a bit awkward and off-putting initially, but he has this aura about himself that seems to draw others to him. In that same breadth, Lucario is a Pokemon that can feel the aura of other beings and would likely connect with Naruto on this front.
It may be a Fighting and Steel-type that comes across as a formidable force, but Lucario’s true power lays in its ability to understand other living creatures on a level that’s much deeper than the outside emotions people display in their day-to-day life.
3 Growlithe - A Kindred Spirit
Growing up as an orphan informed Naruto’s personality and approach to life in several ways. Though he may not commit to Japanese societal norms when it comes to addressing people, he likely loves dogs just like most other humans do.
This article has already talked about Ninetales, Flareon, and Lycanrock, but there’s one other canine/feline-like Pokemon that possibly pairs best with Naruto. The Kanto native Fire-type Pokemon known as Growlithe is a lovable puppy who evolves into a powerful and stoic beast known as Arcanine.
2 Pikachu - A Competitive Teammate
Pairing the main character of an anime with Pikachu may seem a bit trite, but it’s hard to deny how good of a pairing it is in this case. Naruto is known for being competitive and driven which matches the type of energy the Electric-type Pokemon that happens to be the face of the franchise outputs.
Growing pains will likely occur due to the two butting heads often. But, just like Ash Ketchum’s relationship with his Pikachu, it will likely result in them forming an unbreakable bond that’s nigh impossible to shake.
1 Raboot - Hoodie Bros
It’s hard to deny how similar Raboot looks to Naruto. Outside of having the same overall color scheme to their design, they both communicate the anime aesthetic quite strongly. The Fire-type starter from Pokemon Sword & Shield is meant to imitate a soccer player, but it also happens to be the closest thing to a Naruto-looking Pokemon the franchise has seen.
It’s clear that the two are a perfect match and could easily be seen going into battle next to each other, willing to take out whatever stands in their way.
NEXT: 15 Best Naruto Video Games, Ranked
