Naruto Watch Order: The Ultimate Guide With Movies
So, you want to dive into the world of Naruto, huh? Awesome choice! But with hundreds of episodes and several movies, figuring out where to start can feel like trying to find a needle in a haystack. Don't worry, guys, I've got you covered. This guide will walk you through the ultimate Naruto watch order, including when to watch the movies, so you can experience the story the way it was meant to be told. Get ready for some ninja action!
Why Watch Naruto in the Correct Order?
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let's talk about why watching Naruto in the right order matters. Trust me, it's not just for the sake of being a completionist. The Naruto storyline is intricate, with character development, plot twists, and overarching narratives that build upon each other. Watching episodes or movies out of sequence can lead to major spoilers and a disjointed viewing experience. You might miss crucial details about character relationships, power scaling, or the motivations behind certain events.
Think of it like this: imagine starting a book from the middle chapters. You'd be confused about who the characters are, what their goals are, and why certain conflicts are happening. The same applies to Naruto. By following the correct watch order, you'll fully appreciate the emotional impact of key moments, understand the evolution of the characters, and grasp the significance of the overarching plot. Plus, you'll avoid accidentally spoiling major reveals for yourself, which is always a bummer.
For example, early episodes introduce you to Naruto's loneliness and his dream of becoming Hokage. As you progress, you see him struggle, grow, and form bonds with his teammates. Watching these early episodes is essential for understanding his later decisions and the sacrifices he makes. Similarly, the movies often tie into specific arcs in the series, providing additional context or exploring side stories that enhance the main narrative. Skipping around can leave you feeling lost and disconnected from the characters and their journeys. So, take it from someone who's been there – watching Naruto in the correct order is the way to go.
The Complete Naruto Watch Order
Alright, let's get down to business. Here's the definitive Naruto watch order, including when to sprinkle in those awesome movies. I've broken it down into seasons and specific episodes to make it super easy to follow. Grab your ramen and let's dive in!
Naruto (Seasons 1-5)
This is where it all begins, folks! The original Naruto series introduces us to the Hidden Leaf Village, Team 7, and a whole host of unforgettable characters. Get ready for some classic ninja action and heartwarming moments.
- Season 1: Episodes 1-20
- Season 2: Episodes 21-80
- Season 3: Episodes 81-100
- Season 4: Episodes 101-160
- Season 5: Episodes 161-220
Movie 1: Naruto the Movie: Ninja Clash in the Land of Snow
Watch this movie after episode 101. It's a fun, self-contained story that doesn't spoil any major plot points from the series. It features Team 7 on a mission to protect a famous actress during the filming of her new movie. It's a great way to break up the main storyline and enjoy some extra ninja adventures.
Movie 2: Naruto the Movie 2: Legend of the Stone of Gelel
Catch this one after episode 160. This movie takes Team 7 on a mission to stop a power-hungry knight from using the Stone of Gelel to conquer the world. It's another standalone adventure with some cool fight scenes and interesting characters. It will help you enjoy the lore even more.
Movie 3: Naruto the Movie 3: Guardians of the Crescent Moon Kingdom
Watch this after episode 196. In this movie, Team 7 is tasked with protecting a prince on his journey back to his kingdom. It's a fun and lighthearted adventure with some memorable moments and exciting battles. The movie is worth every minute spent watching, believe it!
Naruto Shippuden
Now we move on to Naruto Shippuden, which is where things get really intense. Naruto returns to the Hidden Leaf Village after two and a half years of training with Jiraiya, and the stakes are higher than ever.
- Season 1: Episodes 1-32
- Season 2: Episodes 33-53
Movie 4: Naruto Shippuden the Movie
Watch this movie after episode 53. It deals with Naruto having to protect a priestess named Shion, who is the only one who can stop a powerful demon from being unleashed upon the world. This movie is a fun side adventure, and it also has a nice underlying message of believing in yourself.
- Season 3: Episodes 54-71
Movie 5: Naruto Shippuden the Movie 2: Bonds
Watch after episode 71. This movie sees the Hidden Leaf Village under attack by a group of aerial ninja, and Naruto and Sasuke must work together to stop them. The action is great and the story is interesting, so it's worth the watch.
- Season 4: Episodes 72-90
- Season 5: Episodes 91-112
Movie 6: Naruto Shippuden the Movie 3: Inheritors of the Will of Fire
Watch this after episode 112. The movie focuses on a ninja named Hiruko, who plans to initiate the Fourth Great Ninja War by stealing the Kekkei Genkai from Hidden Leaf Shinobi. So Naruto and friends must step up to stop him at all costs.
- Season 6: Episodes 113-143
- Season 7: Episodes 144-175
Movie 7: Naruto Shippuden the Movie 4: The Lost Tower
Watch after episode 175. Naruto is sent back in time to when his father was still alive in this time-travel adventure. It provides great action and an emotional story that is a must watch.
- Season 8: Episodes 176-196
- Season 9: Episodes 197-221
Movie 8: Naruto Shippuden the Movie 5: Blood Prison
Watch after episode 221. This movie sees Naruto being framed for an assassination attempt on the Raikage and being sent to a inescapable prison. He must then escape and prove his innocence, along the way he uncovers a sinister plot that could threaten the entire ninja world.
- Season 10: Episodes 222-242
- Season 11: Episodes 243-256
- Season 12: Episodes 257-275
- Season 13: Episodes 276-295
- Season 14: Episodes 296-320
Movie 9: Road to Ninja: Naruto the Movie
Watch this after episode 311. This film explores an alternate reality where Naruto's parents are still alive. It is an emotional ride that adds depth to Naruto's character. It is a fan favorite and has some amazing fight scenes.
- Season 15: Episodes 321-348
- Season 16: Episodes 349-361
- Season 17: Episodes 362-375
- Season 18: Episodes 376-393
- Season 19: Episodes 394-413
- Season 20: Episodes 414-431
- Season 21: Episodes 432-450
- Season 22: Episodes 451-479
- Season 23: Episodes 480-500
Movie 10: The Last: Naruto the Movie
Watch this after episode 493. It is set between the end of the Naruto manga and the beginning of the Boruto manga, and sees Naruto and his friends having to stop Toneri Otsutsuki from destroying the world.
Filler Episodes: To Watch or Not to Watch?
Okay, let's talk about filler. Naruto and Naruto Shippuden have a lot of filler episodes – episodes that aren't based on the original manga. Some fans love them, some hate them. The choice is yours, but here's the lowdown.
Filler episodes often feature side stories, character backstories, or comedic adventures that don't directly advance the main plot. They can be a fun way to spend more time with your favorite characters, but they can also disrupt the pacing and feel irrelevant to the overall narrative. Whether you choose to watch them or skip them depends on your personal preferences. If you're a completionist who wants to soak up every bit of Naruto content, go for it! If you're more interested in the core storyline, you might want to skip them.
If you decide to skip the filler, there are plenty of online resources that list which episodes are considered filler. Just do a quick search for "Naruto filler list" or "Naruto Shippuden filler list," and you'll find plenty of helpful guides. But hey, even if you do skip them, don't feel bad. You're still getting the heart of the Naruto story.
Where to Watch Naruto
Now that you know the correct order, you need to know where to watch it! Luckily, Naruto is widely available on several streaming platforms. Here are a few popular options:
- Crunchyroll: A go-to for anime fans, Crunchyroll has both Naruto and Naruto Shippuden with subtitles. They also offer a premium subscription for ad-free viewing.
- Hulu: Hulu also streams both Naruto and Naruto Shippuden. It's a great option if you already have a Hulu subscription for other shows.
- Netflix: Netflix has a selection of Naruto episodes, but the availability can vary depending on your region. Be sure to check if they have the series in your country.
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it – the ultimate guide to watching Naruto in order with movies! I hope this helps you embark on your ninja journey with confidence. Remember, the most important thing is to enjoy the ride, immerse yourself in the story, and connect with the characters. Naruto is more than just an anime; it's a cultural phenomenon that has touched the hearts of millions around the world. Get ready for action, adventure, and a whole lot of feels!
Now go forth and become the Hokage of your own viewing experience!