A good test of an anime's popularity is the number of Fan Subbing groups that support the anime. Fan subs are people skilled in multiple languages which translate the spoken native language into subtitles. The greater the number of subbing groups, the higher the popularity of the animation. There are numerous subs supporting Naruto.

Here are five reasons why Naruto is the best anime.

First, Naruto can be easily perceived as a real person, instead of a cartoon character. It's easy to relate to Naruto as a real person because he experiences things that many of us have experienced in our own lives. His personal struggle with acceptance for being different is something many of us can relate to. Because of his ability to get people to like him, Naruto wins the loyalty of everyone he interacts with.

Next, each of the main characters have a deep personal story that intertwines with the main plot. A deep sense of duty and loyalty is present in each episode, and the viewers are allowed to determine the emotional strength and weaknesses of each character. When one character is hurting, their comrades comfort them and share in their pain. This allows the viewer the opportunity to feel for the characters.

Third, a thriving internet community supports Fan Subbing on a commercial scale. Naruto has literally exploded into the world of mainstream animation, comics and full-length feature film. Franchise sales for Naruto merchandise are staggering, growing each year. Naruto headbands, keychains, dvd's, posters and wallpaper are everywehere on the internet.

The fouth reason for Naruto's popularity is that a complex storyline connects past and future events. Each character has a unique story that adds to the over-all Naruto experience. There are many instances in which a scene in one season may have some significant relationship to a major event happening in a later season. The writers are professionals who know exactly what they are doing.

Finally, it is a program for children and adults. While containing occasional profanity and adult situations, Naruto is generally very child friendly. There are usually valuable lessons to be learned from each episode. Episodes featuring someone being teased, or a bully that picks on smaller kids are very relative to what normal people experience.

These are just a few examples of why I think Naruto is the best anime. There are other reasons as well.