Uchiha Obito is essentially the anime version of Darth Vader, and the similarities are impossible to ignore. Kishimoto has openly expressed his love for Star Wars, and Obito’s entire story arc feels like a direct tribute or a chakra-filled copy.
Obito and Darth Vader: Kishimoto’s Star Wars Obsession
Both Uchiha Obito and Anakin Skywalker follow the same narrative pattern. They start out as kind-hearted, talented children, not the rebellious type like Sasuke.
Their worlds shatter when they lose the girl they care about most, Padmé for Anakin and Rin for Obito. After that, their stories unfold almost identically.
Both are manipulated by an older villain. They suffer severe injuries and lose parts of their bodies but survive thanks to mechanical or artificial replacements. Both wear masks and adopt new identities as main antagonists. Ultimately, they find their way back to the light with help from a blonde-haired hero.
In Star Wars, Palpatine turns Anakin into Vader, while in Naruto, Madara transforms Obito into Tobi. In the end, Naruto pulls Obito back just like Luke does with Vader.
When fans call Obito the “anime Darth Vader,” they aren’t exaggerating. They’re stating the truth.
The Star Wars Shadow Over Naruto: Unmissable Influences
Putting Obito next to Vader reveals many other Star Wars elements scattered throughout Naruto Shippuden.
Naruto resembles Luke Skywalker, the hopeful blonde orphan destined to “bring balance,” shunned by his village but crucial to the world.
The mentors Jiraiya and Obi-Wan share similar roles. Both are quirky, wise guides who lead the hero and die at pivotal moments.
Even the way their powers work is alike. Chakra and The Force both rely on spiritual energy, with strength tied to emotions and the risk of falling into darkness.
We also see Pain leading an army of identical bodies, much like the White Zetsu army, which closely resembles Star Wars’ Clone Troopers. The masterminds Madara and Palpatine both play long, cunning games where everyone else is just a pawn.
Clearly, Naruto pays homage to Star Wars, especially through Obito’s story. However, calling it a “copy” isn’t fair. Most great fantasy stories build on familiar archetypes. Star Wars itself draws from samurai films and timeless templates. Kishimoto skillfully adapted these dramatic beats into a unique ninja world.