Watching the entire Naruto franchise can feel like scaling Mount Myōboku, but with the right map, it’s a rewarding journey. To experience the complete story of Naruto Uzumaki chronologically, you’ll need to weave through the original series, Naruto Shippuden, and several movies, carefully aligning them with the anime timeline to avoid spoilers and maximize enjoyment.
The Ultimate Naruto Viewing Order: Series, Shippuden, and Movies
Navigating the Naruto universe requires careful consideration of both release and chronological order. While release order ensures you experience the story as intended, chronological order can provide a smoother narrative flow, especially regarding movie placements. This guide prioritizes a blend of both, minimizing spoilers while maintaining story coherence.
Here’s the recommended viewing order:
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Naruto (Episodes 1-135): Begin with the foundational story, introducing Naruto, Sasuke, Sakura, and the world of ninja.
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Naruto the Movie: Ninja Clash in the Land of Snow: Set after episode 101, this movie introduces movie-exclusive characters and sets the tone for future adventures.
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Naruto (Episodes 136-196): Continue through the Chunin Exams arc and other early storylines.
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Naruto the Movie 2: Legend of the Stone of Gelel: Takes place roughly after episode 160.
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Naruto (Episodes 197-220): Finish the original Naruto series. This concludes the first chapter of Naruto’s journey before the time skip.
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Naruto the Movie 3: Guardians of the Crescent Moon Kingdom: Set before Naruto’s departure with Jiraiya, but best viewed after the end of the series to understand character dynamics.
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Naruto Shippuden (Episodes 1-56): Start the sequel series, which sees Naruto return to Konoha after years of training.
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Naruto Shippuden the Movie: Occurs during episode 57. This is a vital movie to start Shippuden’s movie experience.
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Naruto Shippuden (Episodes 57-71): Proceed with the main storyline, focusing on the Akatsuki and their plans.
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Naruto Shippuden the Movie 2: Bonds: Watch this movie sometime between episodes 70 and 71.
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Naruto Shippuden (Episodes 72-128): Continue the fight against Akatsuki, witnessing pivotal moments in Naruto’s growth.
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Naruto Shippuden the Movie 3: Inheritors of the Will of Fire: Set roughly between episodes 126 and 127.
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Naruto Shippuden (Episodes 129-175): Follow the Pain arc, a critical turning point in the story.
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Naruto Shippuden the Movie 4: The Lost Tower: Recommended after episode 143.
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Naruto Shippuden (Episodes 176-256): Enter the Five Kage Summit arc and witness the growing tensions between nations.
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Naruto Shippuden the Movie 5: Blood Prison: Ideally watched after episode 220 but before episode 248.
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Naruto Shippuden (Episodes 257-479): Continue with the Fourth Great Ninja War, the climax of the series. Note: There are several filler arcs within this section. See FAQs for guidance.
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Road to Ninja: Naruto the Movie: The “Road to Ninja” movie is best watched after episode 311.
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Naruto Shippuden (Episodes 480-500): Conclude the series with the final battles and the wedding of Naruto and Hinata.
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The Last: Naruto the Movie: Crucial to understanding the events leading up to Boruto, this movie is set between episodes 493 and 494.
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Boruto: Naruto the Movie: This film leads directly into the Boruto anime series. Note: While Boruto is set in the same universe, it’s a separate series with a new protagonist. It is not required to fully enjoy the Naruto saga.
Decoding the Fillers: A Guide to Skipping (or Enjoying) Them
The Naruto series, like many long-running anime, contains filler episodes: anime-original content not based on the manga. While some fillers are entertaining, others disrupt the main plot. Most viewers choose to skip them to streamline their experience.
Identifying and Skipping Fillers
Reputable online resources like AnimeFillerList.com provide detailed guides to filler episodes in both Naruto and Naruto Shippuden. Check these lists to identify which episodes are considered filler and make an informed decision about watching them.
Embracing the Fillers: A Different Perspective
Some viewers enjoy the filler episodes for the extra character development or lighthearted stories they offer. If you’re a completionist or simply enjoy spending more time with the characters, consider watching at least some of the filler arcs.
Beyond the Screen: Expanding Your Naruto Experience
Once you’ve completed the series, consider exploring other media related to the Naruto universe. This includes manga, novels, video games, and even stage plays. These mediums can provide different perspectives on the story and characters.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions to help you navigate the Naruto viewing order:
FAQ 1: What’s the difference between release order and chronological order?
Release order is the order in which the episodes and movies were originally released, while chronological order arranges them according to the timeline of events within the story. Release order is often preferred for the first viewing, but chronological order can provide a smoother narrative flow.
FAQ 2: Are the Naruto movies canon?
Generally, the Naruto movies are not considered strictly canon to the main manga storyline. However, “The Last: Naruto the Movie” and “Boruto: Naruto the Movie” are essential for understanding the continuation of the story in Boruto: Naruto Next Generations.
FAQ 3: Where can I watch Naruto online legally?
Reputable streaming platforms like Crunchyroll, Hulu, and Netflix (availability varies by region) offer legal streaming of Naruto and Naruto Shippuden. Always prioritize legal viewing options to support the creators.
FAQ 4: Is Boruto necessary to watch after Naruto Shippuden?
Boruto: Naruto Next Generations is a sequel series focusing on Naruto’s son, Boruto. While not essential for understanding the original Naruto story, it expands the universe and features familiar characters. Many find it enhances the Naruto experience, but it’s a separate story in its own right.
FAQ 5: How do I know which movies to watch between specific episodes?
This guide provides specific placement recommendations. However, it’s always a good idea to consult a detailed online timeline to ensure you’re watching the movies in the correct order to avoid spoilers.
FAQ 6: What are the most important filler arcs to skip?
Filler arcs like the “Land of Sea” arc in Naruto (episodes 169-173) and several extended filler sequences during the Fourth Great Ninja War in Shippuden are commonly skipped. However, personal preference plays a significant role.
FAQ 7: Is there a remastered version of Naruto?
While there isn’t a full-scale remastered version, some scenes and episodes have been enhanced over time. Streaming platforms often offer the best available visual quality.
FAQ 8: What about the Naruto OVAs (Original Video Animations)?
The OVAs are side stories and specials that aren’t crucial to the main plot. They can be watched at any point after the series to which they loosely relate.
FAQ 9: Should I watch Naruto Kai?
Naruto Kai is a fan-edited version of Naruto Shippuden that removes filler content and streamlines the pacing. While not an official product, it can be a helpful option for viewers who want to skip filler but aren’t comfortable identifying and skipping it manually.
FAQ 10: How long does it take to watch all of Naruto?
Estimates vary depending on whether you skip filler. Without filler, the combined runtime of Naruto and Naruto Shippuden is hundreds of hours. Including filler adds significantly to the total watch time. Plan accordingly!
FAQ 11: Is the English dub or the original Japanese better?
This is a matter of personal preference. Both English and Japanese voice acting casts are talented. Some viewers prefer the original Japanese with subtitles, while others find the English dub more accessible. Experiment to find what you enjoy most.
FAQ 12: What’s the best way to avoid spoilers while watching?
Be careful about online discussions and social media. Avoid searching for character names or plot points until you’ve reached that point in the story. Use spoiler warnings responsibly if discussing the series with others.