Naruto Watch Order: A Complete Guide To Anime & Movies
Hey Naruto fans! Ever wondered how to watch Naruto in order and catch all the action, from the very beginning to the epic battles? You're in the right place! This guide breaks down the Naruto and Naruto Shippuden anime series, plus all the movies, so you don't miss a thing. Whether you're a fresh-faced ninja in training or a seasoned Hokage, this is your ultimate roadmap to the Naruto universe.
The Foundation: Naruto (Original Series)
Let's kick things off with the Naruto original series. This is where it all started, folks! We meet Naruto Uzumaki, a rambunctious young ninja with big dreams and an even bigger heart. This series is all about his journey to become Hokage, the leader of his village, the Hidden Leaf. He faces challenges, makes friends, and grows into a true ninja. The Naruto series primarily focuses on Naruto's younger years and sets the stage for everything that follows. The original series lays the groundwork for the entire Naruto saga. It introduces us to the core characters, the world of ninjas, and the key conflicts that will shape the future. It’s also where you'll get to see the initial bonds between Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura, the members of Team 7. This team dynamic is the heart of the series. The original series is full of action, comedy, and heartwarming moments that will have you hooked from episode one. It also has some of the most iconic moments in anime history, like Naruto’s Rasengan and the battles with the rogue ninja Zabuza. The original series is an essential watch before diving into Shippuden, as it provides the backstory and character development that enhances your understanding and appreciation of the whole franchise. In this phase, we have Naruto's journey to prove himself. Naruto wants to be recognized, and he trains hard to achieve his dreams. We also see the introduction of other important characters like Kakashi, Iruka, and the other members of Naruto's class, who will play significant roles later on.
Naruto Series Episodes
The original Naruto series has 220 episodes. It's a great starting point for any fan. Here is the order:
- Season 1: Episodes 1-25
- Season 2: Episodes 26-53
- Season 3: Episodes 54-78
- Season 4: Episodes 79-100
- Season 5: Episodes 101-135
- Season 6: Episodes 136-159
- Season 7: Episodes 160-196
- Season 8: Episodes 197-220
Naruto Movies (in chronological order)
- Naruto the Movie: Ninja Clash in the Land of Snow (2004): Watch this movie after episode 101.
- Naruto the Movie: Legend of the Stone of Gelel (2005): Watch this movie after episode 135.
- Naruto the Movie: Guardians of the Crescent Moon Kingdom (2006): Watch this movie after episode 196.
Level Up: Naruto Shippuden
Now, let's fast forward a few years to Naruto Shippuden. This is where Naruto is all grown up and ready to take on even bigger challenges. This series deals with themes of loss, betrayal, and the cost of war. The story picks up where the original Naruto series left off, following Naruto's return to the Hidden Leaf Village after two and a half years of training with Jiraiya. Naruto Shippuden is where the stakes get higher, the battles get more intense, and the characters face more complex emotional struggles. The series sees the return of Sasuke, who has turned to the dark side, and the formation of the Akatsuki, a group of rogue ninjas who pose a massive threat to the world. Naruto must confront these threats while also learning to master his own powers and understanding his destiny. The narrative evolves in depth, exploring the ramifications of the ninja world, including the origins of various characters, the ongoing conflicts, and the moral dilemmas faced. Expect a lot of emotional moments. You will see both triumphs and tragedies for our favorite characters, making this series even more compelling. The animation quality and the fight sequences are also significantly improved, making Naruto Shippuden a visual treat. In this stage, Naruto is no longer a kid; he is a skilled ninja who must face the evils that threaten the world. This is the series where Naruto learns about his parents and the Nine-Tailed Fox inside him.
Naruto Shippuden Series Episodes
Naruto Shippuden consists of 500 episodes, so grab your snacks and get ready for a long ride! The order is as follows:
- Season 1: Episodes 1-53
- Season 2: Episodes 54-77
- Season 3: Episodes 78-112
- Season 4: Episodes 113-143
- Season 5: Episodes 144-169
- Season 6: Episodes 170-196
- Season 7: Episodes 197-222
- Season 8: Episodes 223-242
- Season 9: Episodes 243-260
- Season 10: Episodes 261-285
- Season 11: Episodes 286-302
- Season 12: Episodes 303-320
- Season 13: Episodes 321-348
- Season 14: Episodes 349-372
- Season 15: Episodes 373-393
- Season 16: Episodes 394-416
- Season 17: Episodes 417-431
- Season 18: Episodes 432-450
- Season 19: Episodes 451-479
- Season 20: Episodes 480-500
Naruto Shippuden Movies (in chronological order)
- Naruto Shippuden the Movie (2007): Watch this movie after episode 53.
- Naruto Shippuden the Movie: Bonds (2008): Watch this movie after episode 77.
- Naruto Shippuden the Movie: The Will of Fire (2009): Watch this movie after episode 112.
- Naruto Shippuden the Movie: The Lost Tower (2010): Watch this movie after episode 143.
- Naruto Shippuden the Movie: Blood Prison (2011): Watch this movie after episode 196.
- Road to Ninja: Naruto the Movie (2012): Watch this movie after episode 297.
Boruto: Naruto Next Generations
After Naruto Shippuden, the story continues with Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, which follows Naruto's son, Boruto, and his generation of young ninjas. While this series centers on a new generation, it still expands the world of Naruto and revisits familiar characters, albeit in supporting roles. Boruto delves into new adventures, new characters, and a new era. It explores themes of legacy, duty, and the challenges faced by the next generation of ninjas. The series offers a fresh perspective, exploring the impact of the past on the future and presenting the evolving dynamics of the shinobi world. This series is still ongoing, so get ready for a lot of content! It gives fans a glimpse into what life is like for Naruto as Hokage and shows how the legacy of the original characters continues. It brings a new perspective to the story. It explores how the new generation interacts with the old one, providing both nostalgia and new experiences for the fans. You can see how the world has changed since Naruto's time. The story shows a new perspective of the ninja world and how the new generation deals with the challenges of their time. It also focuses on the growth and development of Boruto and his friends.
Boruto Series Episodes
Boruto is still ongoing. Here's the watch order for what's out so far:
- Part 1: Early Days: Episodes 1-155
- Part 2: Kara Arc: Episodes 156-218
- Part 3: Code Arc: Episodes 219-293
Boruto Movies
- Boruto: Naruto the Movie (2015): This movie serves as a prologue to the Boruto series. Watch this after completing Naruto Shippuden.
Filler Episodes: To Watch or Not to Watch?
Ah, the dreaded filler episodes. Filler episodes are original stories that aren’t based on the manga and don’t significantly contribute to the main plot. They can be a welcome break from the intense storyline or a drag that slows things down. Some people choose to skip them entirely to get straight to the main story. Others enjoy them for the extra character development and side stories. The decision is yours! If you're eager to get to the main story, you can use a filler list online to skip these episodes. But if you're like me, a big fan, and you want to enjoy every episode of the series, filler episodes can be okay. It is up to you if you want to watch it or skip it. It's a personal preference.
Movie Placement: When to Watch the Movies?
As you can see above, the Naruto movies are meant to be watched in between certain episodes. If you're a purist, you'll want to watch them in the order provided above. But keep in mind that the movies are not always canon, meaning they aren't part of the main storyline. The movies are usually standalone stories that don't heavily impact the main plot. Therefore, if you want to watch the movies without interrupting the flow of the main story, you can watch them after you've completed their respective series.
In Conclusion: Your Naruto Adventure Awaits!
And there you have it, folks! Your complete guide on how to watch Naruto in order, including the movies. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned veteran, I hope this helps you navigate the amazing world of Naruto. So grab your ramen, settle in, and get ready for an epic journey filled with ninjas, friendships, and incredible battles. Enjoy the ride, and may the power of youth be with you!