The Naruto film franchise is a thrilling extension of the beloved anime, offering action-packed stories and deeper dives into familiar characters. This guide will provide the definitive order in which to watch the Naruto movies, ensuring optimal enjoyment and understanding of the overarching narrative.
The Correct Order to Watch the Naruto Movies
The key to enjoying the Naruto movies is watching them in chronological order relative to the anime series. This prevents spoilers and enhances the overall viewing experience, as the films often assume familiarity with events that have already transpired in the main storyline. Here’s the recommended viewing order:
- Naruto the Movie: Ninja Clash in the Land of Snow (2004) – Set after episode 101 of the original Naruto series.
- Naruto the Movie 2: Legend of the Stone of Gelel (2005) – Set after episode 160 of the original Naruto series.
- Naruto the Movie 3: Guardians of the Crescent Moon Kingdom (2006) – Set after episode 196 of the original Naruto series.
- Naruto Shippuden the Movie (2007) – Set during the Naruto Shippuden series, after episode 53.
- Naruto Shippuden the Movie 2: Bonds (2008) – Set after episode 105 of Naruto Shippuden.
- Naruto Shippuden the Movie 3: Inheritors of the Will of Fire (2009) – Set after episode 147 of Naruto Shippuden.
- Naruto Shippuden the Movie 4: The Lost Tower (2010) – Set after episode 175 of Naruto Shippuden.
- Naruto Shippuden the Movie 5: Blood Prison (2011) – Set after episode 220 of Naruto Shippuden.
- Road to Ninja: Naruto the Movie (2012) – Set after episode 311 of Naruto Shippuden.
- The Last: Naruto the Movie (2014) – Set between episodes 699 and 700 of Naruto Shippuden, serving as an epilogue to the series.
- Boruto: Naruto the Movie (2015) – Set after the ending of Naruto Shippuden, focusing on Naruto’s son, Boruto.
Following this order ensures a smooth transition between the anime series and the films, minimizing confusion and maximizing enjoyment of the Naruto universe.
Where to Watch the Naruto Movies
Accessing the Naruto movies has become increasingly convenient thanks to the prevalence of streaming services. However, availability can vary by region and platform. Here’s a breakdown of where you might find them:
- Streaming Services: Major platforms like Crunchyroll and Hulu often carry a selection of Naruto movies, particularly those released during the Shippuden era. Availability fluctuates, so it’s best to check each service’s catalog directly.
- Digital Purchase and Rental: Platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies, and Apple TV allow you to purchase or rent individual Naruto movies. This is a reliable option for accessing specific films that might not be available on streaming services.
- Physical Media: For collectors and fans who prefer physical copies, the Naruto movies are available on DVD and Blu-ray. This provides the most consistent access and often includes bonus features.
- Other Streaming Services: Depending on your region, smaller or more specialized anime streaming services might offer some Naruto movies. Check local listings and services to explore all available options.
Tips for Finding Specific Movies
- Use a Movie Search Engine: Sites like JustWatch can help you quickly identify which streaming services or platforms currently offer a specific Naruto movie.
- Check Regional Availability: Availability of streaming content varies by region. A VPN might allow you to access content available in other countries, but be aware of the terms of service of both the VPN and the streaming service.
- Stay Updated: Streaming service catalogs change frequently. Keep an eye on announcements from streaming providers to see when new Naruto movies are added.
Understanding the Timeline: Key Episodes to Watch Before Each Movie
To further refine your viewing experience, here’s a more granular breakdown of which episodes to watch before each movie:
- Ninja Clash in the Land of Snow: Watch episodes 1-101 of Naruto. Focus on the Land of Waves arc and the Chunin Exams.
- Legend of the Stone of Gelel: Watch episodes 1-160 of Naruto. Familiarize yourself with the developments after the Chunin Exams and the search for Tsunade.
- Guardians of the Crescent Moon Kingdom: Watch episodes 1-196 of Naruto. This follows the general timeline before the Shippuden series.
- Naruto Shippuden the Movie: Watch Naruto Shippuden episodes 1-53. This ensures you are familiar with the Akatsuki and the events surrounding Gaara’s capture.
- Bonds: Watch Naruto Shippuden episodes 1-105. Understanding the ongoing conflict with the Akatsuki is essential.
- Inheritors of the Will of Fire: Watch Naruto Shippuden episodes 1-147. This introduces the threat posed by Hiruko and explores Kakashi’s past.
- The Lost Tower: Watch Naruto Shippuden episodes 1-175. This is a time travel adventure, so understanding the main characters’ developments up to this point is important.
- Blood Prison: Watch Naruto Shippuden episodes 1-220. Understanding Naruto’s mastery of the Rasenshuriken is key.
- Road to Ninja: Naruto the Movie: Watch Naruto Shippuden episodes 1-311. This movie is set in an alternate reality, but familiarity with the Fourth Shinobi World War arc is beneficial.
- The Last: Naruto the Movie: Watch Naruto Shippuden episodes 1-699. This movie directly connects to the series finale and explores the relationship between Naruto and Hinata.
- Boruto: Naruto the Movie: Watch the entirety of Naruto Shippuden, including episode 700. This movie sets the stage for the Boruto series.
FAQs: Your Burning Naruto Movie Questions Answered
Here are some frequently asked questions to address common concerns and provide further clarity:
FAQ 1: Are the Naruto movies considered canon?
While most Naruto movies are considered non-canon, meaning they don’t directly impact the main storyline, The Last: Naruto the Movie and Boruto: Naruto the Movie are canon. The Last serves as a vital bridge between the end of Shippuden and the start of the epilogue, while Boruto introduces the new generation of shinobi and directly leads into the Boruto anime series.
FAQ 2: Do I need to watch all the Naruto anime episodes before watching the movies?
Ideally, yes. Watching the anime up to the specified episodes before each movie provides the necessary context and prevents spoilers. However, if you’re primarily interested in the standalone stories, you can watch the movies without prior knowledge, though you might miss some nuances.
FAQ 3: Which Naruto movie has the best animation?
Road to Ninja: Naruto the Movie and Boruto: Naruto the Movie are generally considered to have the best animation quality. They were produced with higher budgets and benefit from advancements in animation technology.
FAQ 4: Are there any dubs available for the Naruto movies?
Yes, all the Naruto movies are available with English dubs, in addition to the original Japanese audio with subtitles. Availability might vary depending on the streaming service or platform you’re using.
FAQ 5: Is there a specific order I should watch the Naruto OVAs (Original Video Animations)?
While the OVAs are separate from the movies, they are best watched in chronological order of release. They typically offer lighthearted side stories and don’t significantly impact the main plot.
FAQ 6: Where can I find information about the production and behind-the-scenes aspects of the Naruto movies?
Websites like Anime News Network, MyAnimeList, and IMDb often provide information about the production staff, voice actors, and behind-the-scenes details of the Naruto movies.
FAQ 7: What is the general consensus on the quality of the Naruto movies?
The general consensus is that the Naruto movies are entertaining extensions of the anime series. While some are considered stronger than others, they offer action-packed stories and opportunities to see familiar characters in new situations. Road to Ninja, The Last, and Boruto are generally highly regarded.
FAQ 8: Are there any special editions or collector’s sets of the Naruto movies available?
Yes, there are various special editions and collector’s sets available on DVD and Blu-ray. These often include bonus features, such as behind-the-scenes footage, interviews, and art galleries. Availability can vary depending on your region.
FAQ 9: Can I watch the Naruto movies with my kids?
The Naruto movies generally carry a PG-13 rating due to action violence. It’s best to review the specific content of each movie to determine if it’s suitable for your children.
FAQ 10: Are there any Naruto movies planned for the future?
As of the current date, there are no officially announced plans for new Naruto movies beyond Boruto. However, given the enduring popularity of the franchise, it’s always possible that more films could be produced in the future. Keep an eye on official announcements from the production companies for any updates.
FAQ 11: How do the Naruto movies compare to the Naruto anime in terms of quality?
The anime has more time to develop character arcs and plotlines than the movies. The movies tend to focus on self-contained stories with more action, but sometimes lack the depth of the anime series. The quality varies, but the anime generally has better character development.
FAQ 12: What is the best way to experience the Naruto franchise overall – anime, movies, or manga?
The anime provides the most comprehensive experience, covering the full storyline with dynamic visuals and sound. However, the manga is the source material and offers a more detailed and nuanced narrative. The movies are supplementary entertainment that should be enjoyed alongside the main series. The best approach is a combination of all three, where possible.