To truly appreciate the Naruto Shippuden movie saga, it’s vital to watch them in relation to the anime series’ timeline, not simply by release date. This ensures minimal spoilers and maximum narrative impact, weaving the movies seamlessly into Naruto’s overall journey and preventing plot inconsistencies.
The Optimal Viewing Order: Integrating Movies with the Anime Series
Determining the correct viewing order involves understanding when each movie takes place relative to the Shippuden storyline. Simply watching by release date can lead to spoilers and a less coherent viewing experience. Here’s the recommended chronological order for watching the Naruto Shippuden movies:
-
Naruto Shippuden the Movie (Release Year: 2007) – Watch after episode 53 of Naruto Shippuden. This placement avoids spoilers related to the Wind Release: Rasenshuriken and other advancements Naruto achieves later in the series.
-
Naruto Shippuden the Movie: Bonds (Release Year: 2008) – Watch after episode 70 of Naruto Shippuden. It’s best placed after the Hidan and Kakuzu arc to prevent spoilers regarding Naruto’s Sage Mode training.
-
Naruto Shippuden the Movie: The Will of Fire (Release Year: 2009) – Watch after episode 128 of Naruto Shippuden. This ensures you’ve witnessed the Pain Invasion arc up to a certain point, which is crucial for understanding the power scaling and character development presented in the movie.
-
Naruto Shippuden the Movie: The Lost Tower (Release Year: 2010) – Watch after episode 175 of Naruto Shippuden. This placement avoids spoilers related to the events following the Pain arc, particularly the developments with Sasuke.
-
Naruto the Movie: Blood Prison (Release Year: 2011) – Watch after episode 221 of Naruto Shippuden. This allows for a proper understanding of the events related to the Fourth Shinobi World War’s preparation phase.
-
Road to Ninja: Naruto the Movie (Release Year: 2012) – Watch after episode 311 of Naruto Shippuden. This placement is crucial as it occurs during the Fourth Shinobi World War arc but is technically a filler story. It’s best enjoyed with the context of the war already established.
-
The Last: Naruto the Movie (Release Year: 2014) – Watch after episode 493 of Naruto Shippuden. This movie bridges the gap between the end of the Fourth Shinobi World War and the epilogue, providing crucial character development and relationship progression. It’s essential viewing for understanding the world leading up to Boruto.
-
Boruto: Naruto the Movie (Release Year: 2015) – While technically a Boruto movie, it serves as the epilogue to Naruto’s story. Therefore, watch it after The Last for a complete ending. Note that the Boruto anime series covers the events of this movie and expands upon them.
Why Chronological Order Matters
Avoiding Spoilers and Maintaining Narrative Cohesion
The primary benefit of watching in chronological order is the prevention of spoilers. The movies often introduce abilities, characters, or plot points that haven’t been revealed in the main anime series at the time of their release. Watching them out of order can diminish the impact of these revelations in the series itself.
Understanding Character Development
The movies frequently feature significant character development for Naruto, Sasuke, and other key figures. Watching them in the correct order ensures that you witness this development naturally and appreciate the nuances of their relationships and motivations as they evolve throughout the Shippuden storyline.
Maximizing Emotional Impact
The emotional impact of certain scenes and storylines is greatly enhanced when you’ve already established a connection with the characters and events leading up to the movie’s plot. Watching in chronological order allows you to build this connection and fully immerse yourself in the emotional journey.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
FAQ 1: What if I’ve already watched the movies out of order?
It’s not the end of the world! While spoilers might have been revealed, you can still re-watch the series and movies in the correct order to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for the narrative. Focus on how the movies enrich the anime’s story.
FAQ 2: Are the Naruto Shippuden movies canon?
This is a complex question. While they are not considered strictly canon to the main storyline as presented in the manga by Masashi Kishimoto, many elements within the movies don’t contradict the main plot and can be considered soft canon or filler that expands the Naruto universe. The Last is the only movie considered true canon as it directly contributes to the sequel series, Boruto.
FAQ 3: Where can I watch the Naruto Shippuden movies legally?
The Naruto Shippuden movies are available on various streaming platforms, including Crunchyroll, Hulu, and Netflix (availability may vary depending on your region). You can also purchase digital copies on platforms like Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV.
FAQ 4: Do I need to watch the original Naruto series before Shippuden?
Absolutely. Naruto Shippuden is a direct continuation of the original Naruto series. Understanding the characters, relationships, and backstory from the first series is essential for appreciating the Shippuden storyline.
FAQ 5: What’s the difference between watching the movies dubbed vs. subbed?
This is a matter of personal preference. Dubbed versions are in English, while subbed versions are in Japanese with English subtitles. Some prefer the original voice acting and cultural nuances of the subbed version, while others find the dubbed version easier to follow. Consider trying both to see which you prefer.
FAQ 6: Should I watch the Naruto movies (pre-Shippuden) before starting Shippuden?
While not essential, watching the pre-Shippuden Naruto movies can enhance your overall experience. They provide additional character development and world-building but are generally considered less important than the Shippuden movies for understanding the core storyline.
FAQ 7: Are there any filler episodes in Naruto Shippuden that I should skip?
While skipping filler is a common practice, it’s a matter of personal preference. Some filler episodes offer valuable character development or comedic relief. Websites and fan forums provide comprehensive lists of filler episodes, allowing you to decide which to skip based on your interests.
FAQ 8: How does Road to Ninja fit into the overall timeline given it occurs during the war arc?
Road to Ninja is presented as a hypothetical scenario within the Fourth Shinobi World War arc. It explores an alternate reality and allows for unique character interactions, but its events are not considered to have actually occurred within the main timeline. It offers a lighthearted break from the intensity of the war.
FAQ 9: Is The Last: Naruto the Movie truly necessary to watch?
Yes, absolutely! The Last is essential for understanding the romantic relationships between the main characters, particularly Naruto and Hinata. It also reveals the threat facing the Earth before the events of Boruto and provides crucial character development leading into the next generation.
FAQ 10: Does Boruto: Naruto the Movie spoil the Boruto anime series?
While the movie covers the events of the initial arc of the Boruto anime, the anime series expands upon these events with greater detail and character development. Watching the movie first won’t ruin the anime experience, but knowing the movie’s plot beforehand is unavoidable if you choose to watch it first.
FAQ 11: What is the best way to avoid spoilers online?
The best way to avoid spoilers is to limit your exposure to online forums and social media related to Naruto Shippuden until you have caught up with the series and movies. Use spoiler filters and avoid searching for specific characters or events until you’re ready to encounter them.
FAQ 12: Where can I find a detailed chronological list of Naruto episodes and movies?
Many reliable websites and fan forums offer comprehensive chronological lists of Naruto episodes and movies, including information on filler episodes, movie placement, and relevant manga chapters. Use search terms like “Naruto Shippuden chronological order guide” or “Naruto viewing order list” to find these resources.
By following this guide, you’ll be able to embark on a journey through the world of Naruto Shippuden movies with a clear understanding of their place within the grand narrative, maximizing your enjoyment and appreciation for this beloved anime saga.