How to Watch Naruto Shippuden Movies: A Definitive Guide

The Naruto Shippuden movies offer exhilarating side stories that expand upon the anime’s main narrative, featuring stunning animation and intense battles. To watch them in the optimal way, prioritize chronological order within the Naruto Shippuden timeline for a richer, less confusing viewing experience, and utilize legitimate streaming services to support the creators and enjoy the best possible quality.

Table of Contents

The Best Way to Experience the Shippuden Movies

Understanding the context of the Naruto Shippuden movies within the broader anime storyline is crucial for a satisfying viewing experience. While not strictly canon, these films offer valuable insights into the characters’ growth and feature unique battles not seen in the main series.

The most effective method is to watch the movies in chronological order relative to the anime episodes. This prevents spoilers and allows you to appreciate the characters’ development as intended. Simply watching them in the order they were released, while straightforward, may not align perfectly with the events depicted within the Shippuden storyline.

Before diving into the specifics, it’s important to note that the movies are generally considered non-canon. This means that while they add to the overall Naruto experience, their events typically don’t directly impact the main plot progression. However, they are still highly entertaining and provide excellent action sequences.

Chronological Viewing Order & Streaming Platforms

Here’s a suggested viewing order of the Naruto Shippuden movies, aligned with the anime timeline:

Naruto Shippuden the Movie (Generally considered to be set between episodes 53 and 71, although placement can be debated)
Naruto Shippuden the Movie: Bonds (Set roughly around episodes 84-87)
Naruto Shippuden the Movie: The Will of Fire (Ideally watched after episode 126)
Naruto Shippuden the Movie: The Lost Tower (Can be watched almost anytime after episode 143, as it involves time travel and doesn’t significantly impact the main storyline)
Naruto the Movie: Blood Prison (Ideally watched after episode 220)
Road to Ninja: Naruto the Movie (Generally watched after episode 271, as it deals with themes and developments established around that point in the series)
The Last: Naruto the Movie (Essential viewing, set two years after the end of the Fourth Great Ninja War and directly leads into Boruto: Naruto Next Generations. Best watched after episode 479)
Boruto: Naruto the Movie (While officially a Boruto movie, it provides important context for the Boruto series and directly follows the events of The Last. Can be watched after the main Shippuden series concludes.)

Where to Find the Movies

Several streaming platforms offer Naruto Shippuden movies. Popular options include:

Crunchyroll: A dedicated anime streaming service, often offering a vast library of Naruto content.
Hulu: Another popular option that frequently includes anime series and movies.
Netflix: While the availability varies by region, Netflix sometimes carries specific Naruto movies.
Amazon Prime Video: Offers rental or purchase options for many anime films, including Naruto Shippuden movies.

Avoiding Unofficial Sources

It’s crucial to avoid illegal streaming or downloading of these movies. Supporting official streaming platforms ensures that the creators and animators are compensated for their work. Unofficial sources often provide inferior video quality and may even contain malware.

Understanding the Movie Timeline and Canon

The canon status of Naruto Shippuden movies has always been a subject of debate among fans. While the events in these films are generally not considered part of the main Naruto storyline, some character relationships and themes explored within the movies are referenced in the main series, adding a layer of depth to the overall narrative.

Masashi Kishimoto, the creator of Naruto, was involved in the production of some of the movies, especially in character design and story concepts. His involvement suggests that the films, although non-canon, carry a level of authenticity.

The movie timelines don’t always perfectly align with the anime series, which can lead to confusion. Using the suggested chronological order helps mitigate this, but ultimately, it’s up to the viewer how strictly they adhere to the timeline.

Enhancing Your Viewing Experience

To maximize your enjoyment of the Naruto Shippuden movies:

Watch in HD: The stunning animation deserves to be viewed in the highest possible quality.
Use Subtitles: If you’re watching in Japanese, subtitles can ensure you don’t miss any crucial dialogue.
Watch with Friends: Sharing the experience with fellow Naruto fans can make it even more enjoyable.
Don’t Be Afraid to Pause: If you need to look up character names or understand a particular plot point, pause and do some quick research.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are 12 frequently asked questions regarding watching Naruto Shippuden movies:

Are the Naruto Shippuden movies canon?

No, the Naruto Shippuden movies are generally considered non-canon. They offer side stories that don’t directly affect the main plot of the series.
In what order should I watch the Naruto Shippuden movies?

The best order is chronological relative to the anime episodes. Refer to the order listed above for a detailed breakdown.
Where can I stream the Naruto Shippuden movies?

Platforms like Crunchyroll, Hulu, Netflix, and Amazon Prime Video often carry the movies, although availability varies by region.
Are all the Naruto Shippuden movies available on one streaming platform?

Unfortunately, no single platform consistently carries all the Naruto Shippuden movies. You might need to use multiple services or purchase/rent some films.
Do I need to watch the original Naruto series before the Shippuden movies?

Yes, it is highly recommended. The Shippuden movies assume you have a foundational understanding of the characters, world, and storyline established in the original Naruto series.
Is The Last: Naruto the Movie important to watch?

Absolutely. The Last is considered essential viewing as it bridges the gap between Naruto Shippuden and Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, showing the development of key relationships and setting the stage for the next generation.
Is Boruto: Naruto the Movie worth watching if I’ve already seen Boruto: Naruto Next Generations?

Yes, watching Boruto: Naruto the Movie provides a more detailed and visually stunning rendition of the events covered in the early episodes of the Boruto anime.
What’s the best video quality for watching the Naruto Shippuden movies?

Aim for HD (High Definition) or even 4K, if available. The movies have beautiful animation that’s best appreciated in higher resolutions.
Are there any Naruto Shippuden movies with English dubs?

Yes, all the Naruto Shippuden movies have English dubs available on most streaming platforms and physical media releases.
Are there any differences between the theatrical releases and the versions available on streaming platforms?

Generally, there are no significant differences. However, occasionally, streaming platforms might have slightly edited versions or offer additional bonus content.
Is it better to rent or buy the Naruto Shippuden movies?

If you plan to watch the movies multiple times, buying them might be more economical. If you only want to watch them once, renting is a better option.
Will watching the Naruto Shippuden movies spoil the main anime series?

Watching the movies out of chronological order can potentially lead to spoilers. Following the suggested viewing order will minimize this risk. As mentioned before, avoid watching The Last: Naruto the Movie before finishing Naruto Shippuden.

By following this guide, you can ensure an enjoyable and comprehensive viewing experience of the Naruto Shippuden movies, appreciating their unique stories and stunning visuals without compromising your understanding of the main series. Enjoy the journey!