The Naruto series, renowned for its compelling characters, intricate storylines, and breathtaking action sequences, extends beyond the main anime and manga into a collection of captivating movies. To fully appreciate the narrative flow and avoid spoilers, watching these films in chronological order relative to the anime’s timeline is essential. This article provides a definitive guide to navigating the Naruto movies, ensuring a seamless and immersive viewing experience.
The Essential Naruto Movie Order
The key to watching the Naruto movies in order is aligning them with their intended place within the anime’s overarching storyline. This minimizes confusion and maximizes enjoyment by preserving the established character arcs and plot developments. Here’s the chronological order, including the crucial anime episode ranges for context:
- Naruto the Movie: Ninja Clash in the Land of Snow (2004) – Between episodes 101 and 102 of the original Naruto anime.
- Naruto the Movie 2: Legend of the Stone of Gelel (2005) – After episode 160 of the original Naruto anime.
- Naruto the Movie 3: Guardians of the Crescent Moon Kingdom (2006) – After episode 196 of the original Naruto anime.
- Naruto Shippuden the Movie (2007) – During the Naruto Shippuden anime, specifically between episodes 50 and 71.
- Naruto Shippuden the Movie 2: Bonds (2008) – Between episodes 91 and 112 of Naruto Shippuden.
- Naruto Shippuden the Movie 3: Inheritors of the Will of Fire (2009) – Between episodes 143 and 151 of Naruto Shippuden.
- Naruto Shippuden the Movie 4: The Lost Tower (2010) – Between episodes 171 and 175 of Naruto Shippuden.
- Naruto Shippuden the Movie 5: Blood Prison (2011) – Between episodes 220 and 221 of Naruto Shippuden.
- Road to Ninja: Naruto the Movie (2012) – Between episodes 271 and 281 of Naruto Shippuden.
- The Last: Naruto the Movie (2014) – Takes place between episodes 699 and 700 of Naruto Shippuden, essentially serving as an epilogue.
- Boruto: Naruto the Movie (2015) – Set after the conclusion of Naruto Shippuden and acts as an introduction to the Boruto series.
Adhering to this sequence ensures you experience the Naruto universe as intended, witnessing character growth and plot progression without inadvertently stumbling upon spoilers.
Understanding the Importance of Chronological Viewing
Why is chronological viewing so vital? The answer lies in the cumulative narrative of the Naruto franchise.
Avoiding Spoilers
The most compelling reason for watching in order is to avoid spoilers. Each movie, while often possessing a self-contained plot, can subtly or overtly reference events from the anime. Watching a later movie before reaching that point in the series can ruin character reveals, plot twists, and emotional moments. Imagine learning about a crucial power-up before witnessing the challenges that led to its acquisition – the impact is significantly diminished.
Character Development
The Naruto characters evolve throughout the series, maturing both physically and emotionally. The movies often reflect these changes. Watching out of order can create disconnects, where a character’s actions or abilities seem incongruent with their portrayed state at a specific point in the anime. Maintaining chronological consistency allows you to appreciate the nuanced development of beloved characters like Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura.
Appreciating Narrative Arcs
The Naruto universe is rich with interconnected storylines. While the movies are generally considered non-canon, they often complement or expand upon themes explored in the anime. Understanding the context of the ongoing narrative arcs enhances your appreciation for the movie’s plot and its relevance to the broader story. Chronological viewing ensures you have the necessary background knowledge to fully grasp these connections.
Where to Watch the Naruto Movies
Finding where to stream the Naruto movies can sometimes feel like a genjutsu trap. Availability varies depending on your region and current licensing agreements. However, here are some common platforms where you can often find them:
- Crunchyroll: A primary source for anime streaming, often hosting a selection of Naruto movies.
- Funimation: Another leading anime streaming service with a library that sometimes includes Naruto films.
- Netflix: While availability fluctuates, Netflix occasionally offers a range of anime movies, including some Naruto titles.
- Hulu: Similar to Netflix, Hulu’s anime selection can vary, but it’s worth checking for Naruto movies.
- Amazon Prime Video: You may find certain Naruto movies available for purchase or rental on Amazon Prime Video.
Remember to check the availability in your region on each platform, as licensing agreements can change frequently.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Naruto Movies
To further assist you in navigating the world of Naruto movies, here are twelve frequently asked questions with detailed answers:
1. Are the Naruto movies canon?
Generally, the Naruto movies are considered non-canon. This means they are not part of the official storyline established in the original manga by Masashi Kishimoto. However, some elements from the movies, such as certain character abilities or minor plot points, may occasionally be referenced in later anime episodes, creating a semi-canon status for some aspects. “The Last: Naruto the Movie” is a major exception and is considered canon, bridging the gap between Shippuden and the Boruto series.
2. Do I need to watch the Naruto movies to understand the main storyline?
No, the Naruto movies are not essential for understanding the core storyline of the anime. The main plot of the Naruto series, including the character arcs and significant events, is fully contained within the anime and manga. The movies primarily serve as side stories or supplemental entertainment.
3. Is “Boruto: Naruto the Movie” important for understanding the Boruto series?
Yes, “Boruto: Naruto the Movie” is highly important as it serves as the foundation for the Boruto: Naruto Next Generations anime and manga. It introduces the new generation of ninja, including Boruto, and sets the stage for the conflicts and themes explored in the Boruto series. Watching this movie provides crucial context for understanding the subsequent storylines.
4. What is the best Naruto movie to start with?
The best Naruto movie to start with is “Naruto the Movie: Ninja Clash in the Land of Snow.” This is the first Naruto movie released and chronologically fits early in the original series, providing a good introduction to the movie universe without spoiling later developments.
5. Where does “Road to Ninja: Naruto the Movie” fit into the Naruto timeline?
“Road to Ninja: Naruto the Movie” takes place between episodes 271 and 281 of Naruto Shippuden. It explores an alternate reality and features significant character development, making it a valuable addition to the viewing experience within this timeframe.
6. Are all the Naruto Shippuden movies worth watching?
While personal preferences vary, most Naruto fans consider all the Shippuden movies worth watching. They offer unique storylines, expanded character interactions, and visually stunning animation. However, “The Last: Naruto the Movie” is generally regarded as essential due to its canonical status and importance in bridging the gap between the two series.
7. How do I know where to watch the movies legally?
The best way to ensure you’re watching the movies legally is to subscribe to reputable anime streaming services like Crunchyroll, Funimation, or Hulu. You can also purchase or rent the movies digitally on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies, or the Apple TV app. Always check the availability in your region and be wary of unofficial streaming sites that may infringe on copyright.
8. What’s the difference between the original Naruto and Naruto Shippuden?
Naruto is the first part of the anime series, covering Naruto’s early years and training as a ninja. Naruto Shippuden picks up after a two-and-a-half-year time skip, focusing on Naruto’s adolescence and the escalating conflicts surrounding the Akatsuki organization and the Fourth Great Ninja War.
9. Are there any Naruto OVAs (Original Video Animations)?
Yes, there are several Naruto OVAs, most of which are comedic shorts or side stories. While not directly related to the main plot, they offer additional entertainment and character insights. Some popular OVAs include Naruto: Find the Crimson Four-Leaf Clover! and Naruto: The Cross Roads.
10. Does the movie order change if I’m skipping filler episodes in the anime?
Even if you’re skipping filler episodes, the recommended movie order remains the same. The key is to align the movie with the overarching story progression, regardless of whether you’ve watched every single episode. Use the anime episode ranges provided earlier to determine the appropriate placement for each movie.
11. Is “The Last: Naruto the Movie” a must-watch?
Absolutely. “The Last: Naruto the Movie” is a must-watch for any Naruto fan. It’s considered canon and fills in the narrative gap between the end of Naruto Shippuden and the beginning of the Boruto era. It delves into the romantic relationships of key characters and provides crucial context for the world established in the Boruto series.
12. Will watching the movies out of order ruin the experience?
Yes, watching the movies out of order can significantly diminish the overall experience. As mentioned before, it can lead to spoilers, character inconsistencies, and a reduced appreciation for the narrative flow of the Naruto universe. Adhering to the recommended chronological order is strongly advised to ensure maximum enjoyment.
By following this comprehensive guide, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate the Naruto movies in order and immerse yourself fully in the world of ninjas, jutsu, and unforgettable adventures. Enjoy the journey!