Naruto Watch Order: Ultimate Guide (Movies Included!)

Hey Naruto fans! So, you're ready to dive into the ninja world, huh? Awesome! Naruto is an epic anime, and the story is filled with action, heart, and some truly unforgettable characters. But with hundreds of episodes and a bunch of movies, figuring out the perfect Naruto watch order can feel like trying to master the Rasengan for the first time. Don't worry, guys, I've got you covered! This guide will break down the ideal way to watch Naruto, including all the movies, so you can enjoy the entire saga from start to finish. Get ready to embark on a ninja journey that you won't forget!

The Core Series: Naruto and Naruto Shippuden

Before we jump into the movies, let's nail down the core series. There are two main parts to the Naruto anime: the original Naruto and Naruto Shippuden. This is where the main story unfolds, following Naruto Uzumaki's journey from a mischievous kid to a respected ninja and beyond. Watching these series in order is essential for understanding the plot, character development, and all the epic battles. Trust me, you don't want to miss a single episode, especially when you're just starting out in the Naruto universe. This is where it all begins. And the emotional connection to these characters will keep you hooked. Let's make sure you don't miss out on any of those important story details!

Part 1: Naruto (Episodes 1-220)

Naruto introduces us to Naruto, Sasuke, Sakura, and the rest of the Konoha 11. These early episodes are a great introduction to the world, the ninja way of life, and the various characters. You'll get to know Naruto's backstory, his dreams, and his unwavering determination. You'll also witness some early epic battles and the development of the iconic Team 7 dynamic. These foundational episodes will set the stage for everything that follows. It also introduces the main themes of the show: friendship, perseverance, and the struggle to overcome adversity. The first 100 episodes are the heart of the series. So, take your time and enjoy the experience. This series is full of great character arcs. The Chunin Exam Arc is iconic, and the Sasuke Retrieval Arc is packed with action and emotional moments that'll keep you on the edge of your seat. It's a fantastic blend of action, comedy, and drama, and you'll find yourself rooting for Naruto and his friends every step of the way. Make sure to watch all 220 episodes, as they are crucial for understanding the characters and the plot before moving on to Shippuden.

Part 2: Naruto Shippuden (Episodes 1-500)

Naruto Shippuden picks up after a time skip, with Naruto returning to the Hidden Leaf Village after two and a half years of training. The stakes are higher, the threats are more significant, and the characters have matured (well, most of them!). Naruto Shippuden is where the real action happens, the main story progresses, and the world of Naruto expands with new characters, villains, and conflicts. Naruto Shippuden is packed with intense battles, emotional moments, and major plot twists that will keep you guessing. This series dives deeper into the Naruto world, with more complex character arcs and powerful enemies. You'll witness the Akatsuki's rise, the Fourth Great Ninja War, and Naruto's growth into a true hero. This series has the biggest challenges, and Naruto’s growth will amaze you. So, get ready for a rollercoaster of emotions. The Naruto Shippuden is the heart of the Naruto saga, offering a thrilling conclusion to Naruto's journey and answering the many questions raised in the original series. Watch all 500 episodes to fully appreciate the conclusion of Naruto's story and the resolution of the many conflicts and story arcs established in the first series.

Naruto Movies: When to Watch Them?

Now, let's talk about the Naruto movies! These movies are essentially side stories that usually don't impact the main plot too much, but they offer extra action and character development and are a lot of fun. The best way to watch these movies is to fit them in between specific story arcs in the main series. This way, you won't disrupt the flow of the core story but still get to enjoy the extra content. It is important to know which movies belong to which series. Now, let’s see the list.

Naruto Movies (Between Naruto Episodes)

These movies are set during the original Naruto series. They don't have major plot implications, so you can watch them in any order, but it’s best to watch them after a certain number of episodes. These are the filler episodes that expand the Naruto universe, introducing new characters, adventures, and perspectives on the world. You’ll find that these movies add some fun and excitement to the narrative. They add extra context, so you won’t feel like you've missed something. Here's when you should watch the movies.

• Naruto the Movie: Ninja Clash in the Land of Snow (After episode 101): This is the first Naruto movie, and it's a great way to start your movie journey. It is a stand-alone story, and it is a good introduction to the movie format. It doesn't spoil anything that happens later in the series. This movie is a good start to watching the movies, as it offers a quick escape.
• Naruto the Movie: Legend of the Stone of Gelel (After episode 160): This movie has a self-contained story that doesn't significantly impact the main narrative of the series. It's set during the original Naruto series, so you won’t encounter spoilers. It's best to watch this movie after you have gained a sense of the Naruto world and its characters. It's a simple, enjoyable story that fits in well with the series.
• Naruto the Movie: Guardians of the Crescent Moon Kingdom (After episode 193): This movie is set within the original series, so it does not contain spoilers for the Naruto Shippuden arc. It's best to watch this movie after you've developed an attachment to the characters and the ninja world. This movie's a nice adventure, giving you a break from the main storyline. It's a self-contained adventure, meaning it does not heavily impact the overarching plot, making it a good addition.

Naruto Shippuden Movies (Between Shippuden Episodes)

The Naruto Shippuden movies are more exciting than the original Naruto movies. They offer higher stakes, and the animation has also improved. It is important to watch them in the right order to avoid spoilers. These movies often feature more intense action sequences and further explore the characters' development. The movie's placement within the series can enhance the viewing experience, providing a better flow to the main storyline.

• Naruto Shippuden the Movie (After episode 53): This movie introduces the characters of Shippuden. It's a great way to experience the world of Shippuden. This movie is the first of many movies that make up the Shippuden arc. This movie offers an exciting adventure, setting the stage for the rest of the films. It offers a good introduction to the new dynamics.
• Naruto Shippuden the Movie: Bonds (After episode 97): This movie is an addition to the story, and it is set during the Naruto Shippuden series, specifically in the timeline where Naruto is still a teenager. This movie introduces some new characters and a unique story that is set apart from the main narrative. This movie is a must-watch for fans who want to dive deeper into the series.
• Naruto Shippuden the Movie: The Will of Fire (After episode 120): This movie is best watched around this point in the series. It offers a fun and action-packed story, so it is a good addition to the series. It provides a unique blend of adventure and character moments. It is set between the main events of Naruto Shippuden, offering an exciting adventure that complements the series.
• Naruto Shippuden the Movie: The Lost Tower (After episode 143): This movie offers a time-traveling adventure, and it is a fun addition to the series. It's best to watch this movie after you are familiar with the characters and the world of Naruto. It's a unique story that will keep you engaged throughout the experience. It offers an adventure that is set apart from the main narrative.
• Naruto Shippuden the Movie: Blood Prison (After episode 196): This movie offers a thrilling adventure, and it will keep you engaged with the world of Naruto. It is best to watch this movie after you have gotten to know the characters and the world of Naruto. It is a thrilling addition to the series, offering more context. It provides a unique blend of adventure and character moments, and it is set between the main events of the Naruto Shippuden.
• Road to Ninja: Naruto the Movie (After episode 251): This movie is one of the most popular movies in the series. It is a good addition to the series. It is best to watch this movie after you are familiar with the main characters and their development. It offers a unique story that is set apart from the main narrative. It is an exciting adventure, which is set between the main events.
• The Last: Naruto the Movie (After episode 493): This movie is set after the events of the Fourth Great Ninja War. It's a good way to see where the characters' lives are going. The Naruto franchise often ends with a film that ties up the loose ends. It is best to watch it after you have seen the Naruto Shippuden series. This film is the direct sequel to the Naruto Shippuden series. It is the perfect movie to end the series.
• Boruto: Naruto the Movie (After episode 500): This movie introduces the next generation of ninjas. This movie is a good way to start watching the new Boruto series. This movie is a great way to enjoy the continuation of the Naruto story. It expands on the Naruto world and introduces the next generation of characters. It’s a nice bridge to the new era of ninjas.

Summary: The Ultimate Naruto Watch Order

Okay, guys, here's a quick recap of the perfect Naruto watch order:

1. Naruto (Episodes 1-220)
2. Naruto the Movie: Ninja Clash in the Land of Snow (After episode 101)
3. Naruto the Movie: Legend of the Stone of Gelel (After episode 160)
4. Naruto the Movie: Guardians of the Crescent Moon Kingdom (After episode 193)
5. Naruto Shippuden (Episodes 1-500)
6. Naruto Shippuden the Movie (After episode 53)
7. Naruto Shippuden the Movie: Bonds (After episode 97)
8. Naruto Shippuden the Movie: The Will of Fire (After episode 120)
9. Naruto Shippuden the Movie: The Lost Tower (After episode 143)
10. Naruto Shippuden the Movie: Blood Prison (After episode 196)
11. Road to Ninja: Naruto the Movie (After episode 251)
12. The Last: Naruto the Movie (After episode 493)
13. Boruto: Naruto the Movie (After episode 500)

Enjoy the Journey!

There you have it, folks! Your complete guide to watching Naruto in order, including the movies. Remember, this is just a suggestion, and you can always watch the movies at your own pace. The most important thing is to enjoy the epic story of Naruto Uzumaki and his friends. So, grab your ramen, find a comfy spot, and get ready for an amazing adventure in the world of ninjas. Believe it!