To experience Naruto Shippuden and its accompanying movies in the most coherent and impactful way, viewers should weave the films into the series timeline based on their release dates and narrative fit, avoiding major plot spoilers. This approach ensures character arcs and power levels are consistent with the events unfolding on screen, maximizing enjoyment and minimizing confusion.
The Chronological Watch Order Explained
Naruto Shippuden is a long and winding road, and knowing where the movies fit into that journey is crucial. Simply watching them after finishing the series diminishes their impact and can lead to narrative discrepancies. This guide presents a recommended order that maximizes enjoyment and minimizes continuity errors.
Here’s the breakdown:
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Naruto (2002-2007): First, watch the original Naruto series. This is fundamental as Shippuden is a direct sequel.
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Naruto the Movie: Ninja Clash in the Land of Snow (2004): Set after episode 101 of the original Naruto series.
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Naruto the Movie 2: Legend of the Stone of Gelel (2005): Set after episode 160 of the original Naruto series.
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Naruto the Movie 3: Guardians of the Crescent Moon Kingdom (2006): Set after episode 196 of the original Naruto series.
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Naruto Shippuden (2007-2017): Begin the Shippuden series.
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Naruto Shippuden the Movie (2007): Watch after Shippuden episode 53.
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Naruto Shippuden the Movie 2: Bonds (2008): Watch after Shippuden episode 71.
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Naruto Shippuden the Movie 3: The Will of Fire (2009): Watch after Shippuden episode 128.
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Naruto Shippuden the Movie 4: The Lost Tower (2010): Watch after Shippuden episode 175.
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Naruto Shippuden the Movie 5: Blood Prison (2011): Watch after Shippuden episode 220.
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Road to Ninja: Naruto the Movie (2012): Watch after Shippuden episode 271. This movie is considered largely non-canon but fun nonetheless.
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The Last: Naruto the Movie (2014): Watch after Shippuden episode 493. This movie is crucial for understanding the events leading up to Boruto. It’s considered canon.
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Boruto: Naruto the Movie (2015): Watch after Shippuden episode 500 or after finishing the Shippuden series entirely. This movie sets the stage for the Boruto series.
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Boruto: Naruto Next Generations (2017-Present): Begin watching the Boruto series.
Why This Order Matters
Following this order provides a more cohesive viewing experience. Characters develop at the pace intended by the creators. Power scaling remains consistent, preventing confusion when characters exhibit abilities they haven’t yet learned in the main series. Most importantly, it ensures you avoid significant spoilers that can ruin key plot points. The movies often contain references or build upon events that occur in specific arcs within the series, so watching them out of order can disrupt the flow.
Addressing the Filler Problem
Naruto and Naruto Shippuden are notorious for their abundance of filler episodes. While some find enjoyment in these side stories, others prefer to stick to the canon storyline. It’s up to each viewer to decide how much filler they want to watch. However, it’s important to be aware of which episodes are filler to avoid confusion when integrating the movies into the viewing order. There are many resources online that list all the filler episodes for both series. Consider using a filler guide to skip episodes if you prefer a streamlined experience.
Identifying Canon vs. Non-Canon Content
Understanding the difference between canon and non-canon material is essential. Canon material directly contributes to the main storyline and is considered officially part of the Naruto universe. Non-canon material, also known as filler, is created by the animation studio and typically doesn’t impact the overall plot. Movies, with the exception of The Last and Boruto: Naruto the Movie, are generally considered non-canon. While not essential for understanding the main plot, they often offer entertaining side stories and character interactions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Are the Naruto movies canon?
Generally, no. Most Naruto movies, including those in Shippuden, are non-canon. The Last: Naruto the Movie and Boruto: Naruto the Movie are the notable exceptions. The Last fills a crucial gap between the end of Shippuden and the start of Boruto, while Boruto: Naruto the Movie serves as the prologue to the Boruto series.
2. What happens if I watch the movies out of order?
Watching the movies out of order can lead to minor spoilers and confusion regarding character development and power levels. While the impact varies depending on the movie, following the recommended order provides the smoothest and most coherent viewing experience.
3. Should I skip the filler episodes in Naruto Shippuden?
This is a matter of personal preference. Some filler episodes offer entertaining side stories and character development, while others are considered skippable. If you’re primarily interested in the main storyline, using a filler guide to skip those episodes is perfectly acceptable.
4. Is “The Last: Naruto the Movie” essential viewing?
Absolutely. The Last: Naruto the Movie is crucial for understanding the romantic development between Naruto and Hinata and provides context for the characters and relationships depicted in the Boruto series. It’s considered canon and bridges the gap between Shippuden and Boruto.
5. Where can I watch Naruto Shippuden and the movies?
Naruto Shippuden and the movies are available on various streaming platforms, including Crunchyroll, Hulu, and Netflix (availability may vary depending on your region). You can also purchase episodes or entire seasons on platforms like Amazon Prime Video and iTunes.
6. Does the Boruto anime follow the Boruto movie?
Yes, the Boruto anime adapts the events of Boruto: Naruto the Movie early on in its run. However, the anime expands upon the movie’s storyline, adding new characters and plot points.
7. Is there a specific episode number I should watch before “Road to Ninja”?
While placed after episode 271, Road to Ninja is largely non-canon and doesn’t heavily rely on specific preceding events. It’s best viewed after the Pain arc for maximum enjoyment, but before the Fourth Shinobi World War intensifies.
8. Are the Naruto OVAs (Original Video Animations) worth watching?
Naruto OVAs are generally lighthearted and humorous side stories. They don’t contribute to the main plot but offer entertaining character interactions and comedic relief. They are not essential viewing but can be enjoyable for fans of the series.
9. How does the Naruto Kai version affect the watch order?
Naruto Kai is a fan-edited version of the original Naruto series that removes filler and streamlines the storyline. If you choose to watch Naruto Kai, the movie placement remains the same, as the movies are separate entities from the series itself.
10. What about the “Naruto SD: Rock Lee’s Springtime of Youth” spin-off?
“Naruto SD: Rock Lee’s Springtime of Youth” is a comedic spin-off series that parodies the Naruto world. It’s completely non-canon and can be watched at any time, regardless of your progress in the main series.
11. Is there a manga equivalent to the Naruto Shippuden movies?
No, the Naruto Shippuden movies are original stories created for the animated format. There is no corresponding manga adaptation for most of these films, with the exceptions being adaptations of The Last: Naruto the Movie and Boruto: Naruto the Movie.
12. If I’m rewatching Naruto, should I follow the same order?
Yes, following the recommended watch order is beneficial even on a rewatch. It allows you to appreciate the nuances of the story and character development, especially considering the foreshadowing and references that appear throughout the series.