How Many Naruto Movies Are There? A Complete Guide

There are eleven theatrical Naruto movies in total, spanning both the original Naruto and Naruto Shippuden series. This guide will break down each film, offering insights and answering frequently asked questions to help you navigate the expansive cinematic world of Naruto.

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The Naruto Movie Universe: A Comprehensive Overview

The Naruto franchise has captivated audiences worldwide with its compelling characters, intricate storylines, and spectacular action sequences. While the main anime series provides the core narrative, the eleven Naruto movies offer self-contained adventures that often delve into different aspects of the Naruto universe. Understanding the placement and significance of these films within the overall timeline is crucial for any fan.

Naruto Movies: A Detailed List

Here’s a chronological listing of all eleven Naruto movies, including their release dates and brief summaries:

Naruto the Movie: Ninja Clash in the Land of Snow (大活劇!雪姫忍法帖だってばよ!!, Dai Katsugeki! Yukihime Ninpōchō Dattebayo!!) – Released August 21, 2004. Team 7 is tasked with protecting a famous actress, Yukie Fujikaze, on her return to the Land of Snow.
Naruto the Movie: Legend of the Stone of Gelel (大激突!幻の地底遺跡だってばよ!!, Dai Gekitotsu! Maboroshi no Chitei Iseki Dattebayo!!) – Released August 6, 2005. Naruto, Sakura, and Shikamaru find themselves caught in a conflict involving a powerful artifact called the Stone of Gelel.
Naruto the Movie: Guardians of the Crescent Moon Kingdom (大興奮!みかづき島のアニマル騒動だってばよ!!, Dai Kōfun! Mikazuki-jima no Animaru Panikku Dattebayo!!) – Released August 5, 2006. Team 7 is assigned to protect the prince of the Land of the Moon during his travels.
Naruto Shippuden the Movie (劇場版NARUTO-ナルト- 疾風伝, Gekijōban Naruto Shippūden) – Released August 4, 2007. Naruto is tasked with protecting the priestess Shion, who possesses the ability to seal away a powerful demon.
Naruto Shippuden the Movie: Bonds (劇場版NARUTO-ナルト- 疾風伝絆, Gekijōban Naruto Shippūden Kizuna) – Released August 2, 2008. A group of Sky Ninja attacks the Hidden Leaf Village, and Naruto must team up with Sasuke to defend their home.
Naruto Shippuden the Movie: The Will of Fire (劇場版NARUTO-ナルト- 疾風伝火の意志を継ぐ者, Gekijōban Naruto Shippūden Hi no Ishi o Tsugu Mono) – Released August 1, 2009. Ninjas with bloodline limits start disappearing from the Hidden Leaf Village and other nations, leading to suspicion and potential war.
Naruto Shippuden the Movie: The Lost Tower (劇場版NARUTO-ナルト- 疾風伝ザ・ロストタワー, Gekijōban Naruto Shippūden Za Rosuto Tawā) – Released July 31, 2010. Naruto and Yamato are sent back in time to the city of Loran, where they encounter the Fourth Hokage, Minato Namikaze.
Naruto Shippuden the Movie: Blood Prison (劇場版NARUTO-ナルト- 疾風伝ブラッド・プリズン, Gekijōban Naruto Shippūden Buraddo Purizun) – Released July 30, 2011. Naruto is falsely accused of attempting to assassinate the Raikage and is imprisoned in Hozuki Castle, also known as Blood Prison.
Road to Ninja: Naruto the Movie (ROAD TO NINJA -NARUTO THE MOVIE-) – Released July 28, 2012. Naruto and Sakura are trapped in a parallel world created by Obito’s Limited Tsukuyomi, where their personalities and circumstances are dramatically altered.
The Last: Naruto the Movie (THE LAST -NARUTO THE MOVIE-) – Released December 6, 2014. Set two years after the Fourth Great Ninja War, this movie focuses on Naruto and Hinata’s growing relationship as they confront a new threat from the moon.
Boruto: Naruto the Movie (BORUTO -NARUTO THE MOVIE-) – Released August 7, 2015. This movie centers on Naruto’s son, Boruto Uzumaki, and his relationship with his father, as well as his participation in the Chunin Exams. This film is the basis for the Boruto anime series.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are twelve frequently asked questions about the Naruto movies, designed to enhance your understanding and viewing experience:

1. Are the Naruto movies canon?

The canonicity of the Naruto movies is a complex and debated topic. While Masashi Kishimoto, the creator of Naruto, was involved in many of the films, most are considered semi-canon. They often fit loosely within the established timeline but don’t significantly impact the main storyline, with the notable exceptions of The Last: Naruto the Movie and Boruto: Naruto the Movie, which are undeniably canon and crucial to the overall narrative. These two films are considered integral parts of the Naruto story.

2. What order should I watch the Naruto movies in?

It is generally recommended to watch the Naruto movies in their release order. This helps maintain a sense of continuity and avoids potential spoilers. Refer to the detailed list provided above for the correct order. Specifically, make sure to watch the original Naruto films before proceeding to the Naruto Shippuden movies.

3. Where do the Naruto Shippuden movies fit in the anime timeline?

The Naruto Shippuden movies are best viewed between specific anime arcs to avoid inconsistencies. Here’s a suggested placement:

Naruto Shippuden the Movie: After episode 32.
Naruto Shippuden the Movie: Bonds: After episode 71.
Naruto Shippuden the Movie: The Will of Fire: After episode 128.
Naruto Shippuden the Movie: The Lost Tower: After episode 175.
Naruto Shippuden the Movie: Blood Prison: After episode 221.
Road to Ninja: Naruto the Movie: After episode 311.
The Last: Naruto the Movie: After episode 493 and before episode 494. (Crucial to watch before the final episodes and the Boruto series).

4. Are there any Naruto movies that are skippable?

This depends on personal preference. If you’re looking for a purely canonical experience, you could skip the earlier Naruto and Shippuden movies and focus on The Last: Naruto the Movie and Boruto: Naruto the Movie. However, the other films offer enjoyable, self-contained stories and character development opportunities that many fans appreciate. Ultimately, it comes down to what you want to get out of the experience.

5. 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. These later films benefit from advancements in animation technology and larger budgets, resulting in more visually stunning and dynamic action sequences.

6. Are the Naruto movies available on streaming services?

Yes, many Naruto movies are available on popular streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu, Crunchyroll, and Amazon Prime Video. Availability can vary depending on your region, so check your local streaming services for specific titles.

7. Is “The Last: Naruto the Movie” essential viewing?

Yes, The Last: Naruto the Movie is absolutely essential viewing. It bridges the gap between the end of the Naruto Shippuden series and the beginning of the Boruto series, and it provides crucial context for the romantic relationship between Naruto and Hinata. Skipping this movie would leave a significant hole in your understanding of the overall narrative.

8. Is “Boruto: Naruto the Movie” different from the Boruto anime?

Yes, Boruto: Naruto the Movie is the basis for the Boruto anime series, but the anime expands on the events of the movie and introduces new storylines and characters. Watching the movie first is highly recommended as it provides a foundational understanding of the characters and their relationships.

9. Which Naruto movie features Sasuke?

Sasuke makes appearances in several Naruto movies, but his role is most significant in Naruto Shippuden the Movie: Bonds and Road to Ninja: Naruto the Movie. Naruto Shippuden the Movie: Bonds sees Sasuke teaming up with Naruto to fight the Sky Ninja, while Road to Ninja features an alternate-reality version of Sasuke.

10. Are there any Naruto movies based on manga chapters?

No, none of the Naruto movies are directly based on specific manga chapters. They are original stories created for the cinematic medium, often with input from Masashi Kishimoto. While they may draw inspiration from elements within the manga, they are not direct adaptations.

11. What is the overall tone of the Naruto movies compared to the series?

The Naruto movies often feature a lighter, more adventurous tone compared to the main series, especially in the earlier films. They tend to focus on self-contained stories with less emphasis on the overarching plot of the main anime. However, the Shippuden movies, particularly The Last and Boruto, are more closely connected to the main narrative and explore more mature themes.

12. Will there be any more Naruto movies in the future?

While there are no currently announced plans for new Naruto movies, the possibility remains open, especially considering the continued popularity of the Boruto series and the Naruto franchise as a whole. Masashi Kishimoto’s involvement in future projects would be a key factor in determining if more movies are made.

Conclusion

The eleven Naruto movies offer a diverse and engaging cinematic experience for fans of the series. From the early, lighthearted adventures to the more serious and canon-essential films, there’s something for every Naruto enthusiast. By understanding the placement of these movies within the timeline and considering the context of their creation, you can fully appreciate the depth and breadth of the Naruto universe. Remember to watch The Last: Naruto the Movie before diving into the Boruto series for the best possible experience!