There are seven Naruto Shippuden movies that supplement the main anime storyline. These films offer exciting standalone adventures, introducing powerful new antagonists and showcasing the incredible growth of Naruto Uzumaki and his comrades.
A Definitive Guide to the Shippuden Films
The Naruto Shippuden movie series began after the transition from the original Naruto anime and explores themes and characters introduced in the Shippuden arc. While not strictly canonical (meaning they don’t directly influence the main plot), they offer compelling alternate scenarios and character development, and provide a different flavor of action for Naruto fans. Each film, while mostly self-contained, is designed to be enjoyed by viewers already familiar with the Shippuden storyline up to a certain point.
Here is the complete list of Naruto Shippuden movies:
- Naruto Shippuden: The Movie (2007)
- Naruto Shippuden the Movie: Bonds (2008)
- Naruto Shippuden the Movie: The Will of Fire (2009)
- Naruto Shippuden the Movie: The Lost Tower (2010)
- Naruto Shippuden the Movie: Blood Prison (2011)
- Road to Ninja: Naruto the Movie (2012)
- The Last: Naruto the Movie (2014)
This article will dive into the specifics of each film, exploring their place in the Naruto timeline, their relative importance, and common questions surrounding them.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Shippuden Movies
Here’s a breakdown of some of the most common questions surrounding the Naruto Shippuden movies, answered to provide a comprehensive understanding.
Chronological Placement & Where to Watch
Understanding where each movie fits into the Shippuden timeline can enhance your viewing experience.
FAQ 1: What is the best order to watch the Shippuden movies?
While the movies are mostly standalone, watching them in release order aligns with the perceived power scaling and narrative progression of the series. The best order to watch is:
- Naruto Shippuden: The Movie
- Naruto Shippuden the Movie: Bonds
- Naruto Shippuden the Movie: The Will of Fire
- Naruto Shippuden the Movie: The Lost Tower
- Naruto Shippuden the Movie: Blood Prison
- Road to Ninja: Naruto the Movie
- The Last: Naruto the Movie
FAQ 2: Where can I watch the Naruto Shippuden movies?
Many streaming services offer the Naruto Shippuden movies. Popular options include Crunchyroll, Funimation, and digital purchase/rental platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies, and Apple TV. Availability can vary by region.
Canon and Relevance
The debate surrounding the movies’ place in the official Naruto story is ongoing.
FAQ 3: Are the Shippuden movies canon?
Officially, the Naruto Shippuden movies are generally considered non-canon. This means they aren’t integral to the main storyline established in the manga and anime. However, The Last: Naruto the Movie is an exception and acts as a canonical epilogue to the series, bridging the gap between the end of the Shippuden anime and the sequel series, Boruto: Naruto Next Generations.
FAQ 4: Are the Shippuden movies worth watching?
Absolutely! Despite their non-canon status (with the exception of The Last), the movies offer exciting adventures, new characters, and impressive animation. They provide a fun and engaging extension of the Naruto universe and are a worthwhile experience for fans. They explore different themes and power levels, offering a refreshing break from the main plot.
Understanding Individual Films
Each movie offers a unique perspective on the world of Naruto.
FAQ 5: What is Naruto Shippuden: The Movie about?
The first Shippuden movie involves a priestess named Shion who possesses the ability to foresee a person’s death. Naruto is tasked with protecting her from a demon resurrected to kill her, showcasing his growing power and determination.
FAQ 6: What is the significance of The Last: Naruto the Movie?
The Last is crucial because it’s considered canonical. It details the romantic relationship between Naruto and Hinata, ultimately leading to their marriage and the birth of their children, Boruto and Himawari. It also features a compelling threat to the Earth’s moon and demonstrates Naruto’s progress towards mastering his powers.
FAQ 7: How does Road to Ninja: Naruto the Movie differ from the others?
Road to Ninja presents an alternate reality created by Obito Uchiha, where Naruto’s parents are still alive, and the other characters have drastically different personalities. It’s a fascinating exploration of what could have been, and allows for some humorous and heartwarming character interactions.
Power Scaling & World Building
The movies occasionally introduce new concepts and power dynamics.
FAQ 8: Do the movies introduce any new Kekkei Genkai or Jutsu?
Yes, the movies often feature unique abilities and techniques not seen in the main series. For example, Naruto Shippuden: The Movie introduces the power of Shion’s foresight. While these abilities are not canon, they add to the overall variety and excitement of the movies.
FAQ 9: Are the antagonists in the Shippuden movies stronger than those in the main series?
The power levels of the antagonists in the movies are often inflated to create a greater sense of danger and excitement. While they might appear to be incredibly strong, it’s important to remember that the movies are not canon, so their power levels shouldn’t be directly compared to the villains in the main storyline.
Miscellaneous
Addressing other common queries.
FAQ 10: Do I need to watch the original Naruto movies before the Shippuden movies?
It’s not essential, but it can enhance your overall enjoyment of the franchise. The original Naruto movies establish the world and characters, and some themes might carry over, albeit subtly. Ultimately, the Shippuden films are designed to be understood on their own, provided you have a working knowledge of the Shippuden storyline.
FAQ 11: Are there any extended cuts or special editions of the Shippuden movies?
Typically, the Shippuden movies are released in a standard theatrical version. While home video releases might include bonus features like trailers or behind-the-scenes footage, extended cuts are not commonly available.
FAQ 12: Will there be more Naruto movies in the future?
With the ongoing Boruto series, there is always a possibility of future movies exploring the next generation of ninjas. However, no official announcements have been made regarding any new Naruto-related films beyond the Boruto series’ movie. The Naruto franchise continues to evolve through its anime and manga, leaving open the potential for future cinematic endeavors.