Navigating the world of Naruto, Naruto Shippuden, their accompanying movies, and OVAs can feel like mastering a complex jutsu. This guide provides a clear and chronological viewing order to ensure you experience the story as intended, minimizing confusion and maximizing enjoyment.
The Chronological Naruto Viewing Order: Anime, Movies, and OVAs
Understanding the correct order for watching Naruto is crucial for appreciating the storyline’s evolution, character development, and avoiding plot holes. The following list presents the optimal viewing sequence, incorporating both the anime series and the associated films and OVAs:
- Naruto (Episodes 1-101): Begin with the foundation of the Naruto universe, introducing key characters, setting the stage, and establishing the core themes.
- Naruto the Movie: Ninja Clash in the Land of Snow (2004): This movie takes place after the Land of Waves Arc, fitting between episodes 101 and 102. Enjoy the team 7’s first big-screen adventure!
- Naruto (Episodes 102-196): Continue the series, following Naruto and his friends as they navigate the Chunin Exams and face new threats.
- Naruto the Movie 2: Legend of the Stone of Gelel (2005): Set during the Sasuke Retrieval Arc, this movie expands on the world and features exciting new battles. Best placed between episodes 196 and 197.
- Naruto the Movie 3: Guardians of the Crescent Moon Kingdom (2006): This film can be enjoyed after the Sasuke Retrieval Arc, providing a lighthearted adventure. Consider watching it directly after Movie 2.
- Naruto (Episodes 197-220): Finish the original Naruto series, concluding the first major story arc. Note that this part contains significant filler content.
- Naruto Shippuden (Episodes 1-53): The story resumes with Naruto’s return to Konoha after training with Jiraiya. Experience the growth and maturity of the characters.
- Naruto Shippuden the Movie (2007): This movie is best viewed after episode 53, introducing a new and powerful enemy.
- Naruto Shippuden (Episodes 54-71): Continue the main story arc, delving deeper into the Akatsuki organization.
- Naruto Shippuden the Movie 2: Bonds (2008): Set before Kakashi’s mask is seen damaged by Pain, and after Naruto learns a new jutsu from Jiraiya. Watching between episodes 71 and 72 is recommended.
- Naruto Shippuden (Episodes 72-126): Witness key battles and character developments as the Akatsuki’s plans unfold.
- Naruto Shippuden the Movie 3: The Will of Fire (2009): A thrilling entry into the movie franchise, best enjoyed between episodes 126 and 127.
- Naruto Shippuden (Episodes 127-175): Experience the tragic arc of Pain’s assault on Konoha and Naruto’s confrontation with him.
- Naruto Shippuden the Movie 4: The Lost Tower (2010): The Lost Tower is best viewed between episodes 175 and 176.
- Naruto Shippuden (Episodes 176-221): Concluding the Five Kage Summit arc and building up to the Fourth Great Ninja War.
- Naruto Shippuden the Movie 5: Blood Prison (2011): Set before the Fourth Great Ninja War truly begins, it’s best watched after episode 221.
- Naruto Shippuden (Episodes 222-493): Plunge into the epic Fourth Great Ninja War and witness the final confrontation against Madara Uchiha and Kaguya Otsutsuki. This is the core of Shippuden.
- Road to Ninja: Naruto the Movie (2012): Some argue this movie can be viewed at any point in the war arc, but it’s generally recommended between episodes 271 and 272 for thematic consistency.
- The Last: Naruto the Movie (2014): This movie serves as a crucial epilogue to the main story, bridging the gap between Shippuden and Boruto. Place it after episode 493.
- Naruto Shippuden (Episodes 494-500): Enjoy the heartwarming final episodes that wrap up loose ends and celebrate the end of the war.
- Boruto: Naruto the Movie (2015): While not technically part of the Naruto Shippuden storyline, this movie introduces the next generation and sets the stage for the Boruto anime series. Consider watching this before Boruto begins.
- Boruto: Naruto Next Generations (Anime): The story continues with Naruto’s son, Boruto, as he forges his own path and faces new challenges.
Understanding OVAs in the Naruto Universe
Original Video Animations (OVAs) are special episodes typically released on DVD or Blu-ray, often featuring standalone stories or side adventures. While not essential to the main plot, they offer additional character development and enjoyable content. The most relevant OVAs are:
- Naruto: Find the Crimson Four-Leaf Clover! (2003): This OVA is a lighthearted side story that can be enjoyed at any point after the Land of Waves Arc.
- Naruto: Mission: Protect the Waterfall Village! (2003): Another standalone adventure, typically watched after the Land of Waves Arc.
- Naruto: Konoha Annual Sports Festival (2004): A comedic short that can be watched at any point after the Chunin Exams.
- Naruto Shippuden: Hurricane! “Konoha Academy” Chronicles (2008): A parody OVA that can be viewed anytime after the Pain Arc.
- Naruto: The Cross Roads (2009): The first part of three part series featuring a recap.
- Naruto: Naruto, the Genie, and the Three Wishes!! (2010): The second part of three part series featuring a recap.
- Naruto: Chūnin Exam on Fire! Naruto vs. Konohamaru!! (2011): The last part of three part series featuring a recap.
Integrating these OVAs into the main timeline isn’t critical, as they often don’t directly impact the central plot. However, watching them around their release dates provides a fun diversion from the main storyline.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some of the most common questions about watching Naruto in chronological order:
H3 FAQ #1: What’s the difference between Naruto and Naruto Shippuden?
Naruto covers the first part of Naruto Uzumaki’s journey as a genin, focusing on his early training and the Chunin Exams. Naruto Shippuden picks up the story after a two-and-a-half-year time skip, showcasing Naruto’s growth and the escalating conflict with the Akatsuki. Shippuden is generally darker and more action-packed than the original series.
H3 FAQ #2: Do I need to watch the filler episodes?
Filler episodes are anime-original content that doesn’t appear in the manga. While some fillers can be entertaining, they often interrupt the main storyline and can be safely skipped without missing critical plot points. Many online resources provide filler lists to help you navigate the series. Skipping filler episodes can drastically shorten your watch time.
H3 FAQ #3: Are the Naruto movies canon?
Most Naruto movies are considered non-canon, meaning they don’t directly impact the main storyline of the anime or manga. However, The Last: Naruto the Movie is an exception, as it’s considered canon and bridges the gap between the end of Shippuden and the beginning of Boruto. Road to Ninja is sometimes considered semi-canon, as it was heavily supervised by series creator Masashi Kishimoto.
H3 FAQ #4: Where can I watch Naruto legally?
Naruto and Naruto Shippuden are available on various streaming platforms, including Crunchyroll, Hulu, and Netflix (availability may vary by region). Always choose legal streaming services to support the creators and ensure high-quality viewing experiences.
H3 FAQ #5: What is the best way to skip filler episodes?
Numerous websites and online communities provide detailed filler lists for both Naruto and Naruto Shippuden. These lists identify which episodes are filler, allowing you to skip them easily.
H3 FAQ #6: Is it necessary to watch the Boruto movie before starting the Boruto anime series?
While not strictly necessary, watching Boruto: Naruto the Movie before starting the Boruto: Naruto Next Generations anime provides valuable context and introduces key characters and plot elements. It’s highly recommended for a smoother transition into the Boruto storyline.
H3 FAQ #7: What is the most important OVA to watch?
None of the OVAs are critically important to the main storyline. They are all standalone stories or comedic shorts that can be enjoyed for fun. However, Naruto Shippuden: Hurricane! “Konoha Academy” Chronicles offers some laughs and is considered a fan favorite.
H3 FAQ #8: How much time will it take to watch all of Naruto, Shippuden, movies, and OVAs?
Watching everything, including filler, can take hundreds of hours. Skipping filler episodes can significantly reduce the viewing time. Plan accordingly and pace yourself!
H3 FAQ #9: Is the order of watching the movies crucial?
While the recommended order enhances the overall experience, watching the movies out of order won’t completely ruin the plot. However, following the suggested order ensures you won’t encounter spoilers or inconsistencies with the main storyline.
H3 FAQ #10: What should I watch after finishing Naruto Shippuden?
After completing Naruto Shippuden, you should watch The Last: Naruto the Movie and Boruto: Naruto the Movie before diving into the Boruto: Naruto Next Generations anime series. This provides a natural progression into the next chapter of the Naruto universe.
H3 FAQ #11: Why are some episodes repeated on different streaming platforms?
This can occur due to different versions of the anime being available (e.g., remastered versions) or due to licensing agreements. Ensure you’re watching the correct episode numbers to avoid repetition.
H3 FAQ #12: Where can I find the OVA episodes to watch?
The OVAs are often included as bonus features on DVD and Blu-ray releases of the Naruto series. Some streaming platforms may also offer them as part of their Naruto catalog, but availability can vary. Check specific streaming platforms and retail stores to find them.