Anime contains so many different types of ninja characters. There are those who provide comic relief and there are those who help move the story forward. Some are spies for their masters while others are ruthless killers. It was difficult for me to choose which ninjas would make my top 5 list but I was able to narrow it down to these talented characters (Not in any particular order).

Recca Hanabishi (Flame of Recca)
Who is he? Recca is one of two sons of a ninja clan leader and has the ability to control fire. However, due to some complications, he was sent 400 years into the future (the present) and didn’t learn about his special past and talent until the age of 16.

Why is he on this list? He becomes crazy powerful after learning how to control and summon 8 flame dragons that are living within him. He is also kind-hearted and very loyal to his friends.

Jubei Kibagami (Ninja Scroll)
Who? Jubei is a wandering ninja who takes up odd jobs from time to time to get by life. During his travels, Jubei is entrusted to deliver an important object to a priestess and protect her which would lead to dire consequences if he failed.

Why? Jubei has mad sword skills and quick reflexes that would make samurai and ninja alike jealous. However, he’s very laid back which makes him likable but, unfortunately, trouble always has a way of finding him.

Susumu Yamazaki (Peacemaker)
Who? Yamazaki is a skilled ninja who spies for 19th century Japan’s special police force, the Shinsengumi. He also has a complicated relationship with his older sister who is also a ninja.

Why? Yamazaki is very loyal to his master and carefully covers his tracks. He is helpful as an information gatherer and has a knack for disguise, even as a female (which is quite successful).

Kakashi Hakate(Naruto)
Who? In the beginning of Naruto, Kakashi becomes the teacher and leader of Team 7 (consisting of Naruto, Sasuke, Sakura). He is a helpful teacher who cares deeply for his friends and students.

Why? Kakashi possesses the powerful sharingan eye which allowed him to copy over 1,000 attacks that he can initiate at any given time. He also created 2 unique techniques of his own:a spiffy attack involving blue “lightning” and a summoning of talking dogs. It also doesn’t hurt that he’s my favorite character from Naruto.

Aoshi Shinomori (Rurouni Kenshin)
Who? Aoshi was raised to be a ninja for the Oniwabanshu and became its leader at age 15. He has a soft spot for those close to him, though he rarely shows it. He is often a level-headed person but becomes a man obsessed with revenge after his first major battle with Kenshin.

Why? Aoshi uses a weapon known as a kodachi (a type of small sword) which is good for defense and, if given the right moment, can be a deadly offense. His talent is evident when he takes up the leadership for the Oniwabanshu as a teenager and usually thinks before he acts (fighting wise).