Naruto, a timeless anime classic, debuted in 2002, captivating fans across the globe and maintaining its popularity over the years. In addition to the main series, a sequel and numerous movies have been released, leaving fans wondering about how to watch Naruto in order with movies.
Naruto Movies in Chronological Order
The original Naruto anime series aired for five years, spanning 220 episodes full of action, friendship, and badass Shinobi. Three Naruto movies were released during its run, introducing alternate stories and enriching the overall viewing experience. Here is the best order to watch Naruto:
- Naruto - Episodes 1-101
- Naruto The Movie: Ninja Clash in the Land of Snow
- Naruto - Episodes 102-160
- Naruto The Movie 2: The Legend of the Stone of Gelel
- Naruto - Episodes 161-196
- Naruto The Movie 3: Guardians of the Crescent Moon Kingdom
- Naruto - Episodes 197-220
While watching this series in its entirety is completely fine, some fans may find the filler episodes troublesome. With approximately 41% of the episodes unrelated to the manga's main storyline, there's a significant amount of side stories that can be skipped. To properly do so, using a reliable filler and movie guide is a must.
When to Watch the Naruto Shippuden Movies?
Naruto Shippuden continues the journey of the original series perfectly, starting right where its highly acclaimed predecessor left off. With the addition of new epic characters, captivating stories, and even more movies, this next chapter of Naruto elevated the series to new levels that remain unmatched. Here's how to watch Naruto Shippuden in chronological order, including the movies:
- Naruto: Shippuden (1-32)
- Naruto Shippuden: The Movie
- Naruto: Shippuden (33-71)
- Naruto Shippuden The Movie: Bonds
- Naruto: Shippuden (72-126)
- Naruto Shippuden The Movie 3: The Will of Fire
- Naruto: Shippuden (127-143)
- Naruto Shippuden: The Lost Tower
- Naruto: Shippuden (144-196)
- Naruto Shippuden The Movie: Blood Prison
- Naruto: Shippuden (197-251)
- Road to Ninja: Naruto the Movie
- Naruto: Shippuden (252-493)
- The Last: Naruto The Movie
- Naruto: Shippuden (494-500)
Just like the original Naruto series, Shippuden continued the trend with filler episodes, comprising 41% of its content. While there are some very good filler episodes in Naruto Shippuden, skipping most of them is advisable. Checking out a filler and a movie guide can help fans determine which episodes to watch and which ones to skip for a better viewing experience.
Every Naruto Movie in Release Order
As of now, there are a total of 11 Naruto movies, with the first one released in 2005. While some excellent movies offer entertaining plots where the series' characters encounter new and unique challenges, others may feel like boring fillers. Here's a list to help every fan decide which Naruto movies are worth watching.
Naruto the Movie: Ninja Clash in the Land of Snow
Ninja Clash in the Land of Snow is the first Naruto movie, following Team 7 on a unique and highly entertaining mission. Instead of battling evil organizations or rogue ninjas, Naruto, Sasuke, Sakura, and their sensei Kakashi are tasked with escorting a movie star, Yukie, into the Land of Snow.
However, Yukie proves to be a difficult girl, refusing to enter the village and turning what seemed like a simple mission into a challenging one. Despite the initial lightheartedness and laughter during the journey, the tone shifts dramatically as Team 7 encounters rogue ninjas, leading to non-stop action until the credits roll.
Naruto the Movie 2: Legend of the Stone of Gelel
The Legend of the Stone of Gelel is a movie that can be easily skipped, offering a straightforward and not very enjoyable storyline. Set in the aftermath of Sasuke's departure from Team 7, the squad finds themselves on a seemingly simple mission - transporting a dog.
However, the plot takes a turn when they encounter Temujin, a knight in need of assistance to guard the Stone of Gelel - a stone with immense powers that must be kept safe. While the movie doesn't bring anything particularly new to the table, it still provides a typical Naruto adventure that many fans may or may not find worth experiencing.
Naruto the Movie 3: Guardians of the Crescent Moon Kingdom
While the two previous movies featured only members from Team 7, Guardians of the Crescent Moon Kingdom sees Rock Lee accompanying the team on a rather easy B-ranked mission. While simple, this mission gives the Shinobi two separate objectives: escorting the spoiled prince of the Moon Kingdom and teaching him important human values.
This task quickly turns into a series of challenges as they soon face multiple obstacles, including battling powerful rogue ninjas to ensure the prince's safe arrival in the kingdom. Nonetheless, the movie lacks significant action and, being a filler story not crafted by Masashi Kishimoto, it remains entirely optional for viewers.
Naruto Shippuden: The Movie
Naruto Shippuden: The Movie kicks off the continuation of the Naruto journey on a high note, offering fans a refreshing and improved storyline compared to its predecessors. The film follows a dangerous demon's release who poses a serious threat to the world, especially Naruto. Later, when the boy encounters Priestess Shion, he learns of his ominous destiny—to be slain by this very monster.
Fortunately, Priestess Shion offers a glimmer of hope by promising to save Naruto and embarks on a mission to seal the demon, cautioning the Shinobi to steer clear of her path. Despite her warnings, Naruto joins her, and together they strive to save his life and defeat the demon. With its gripping action scenes and compelling storyline, this movie delivers a tense and thrilling adventure that is definitely worth watching.
Naruto Shippuden the Movie: Bonds
Years have passed since the Second Great Shinobi War, yet the Land of the Sky seeks revenge, planning an assault on the Hidden Leaf Village. As Amaru alerts the village to the impending danger, the original members of Team 7, aided by Hinata, unite to defend Konoha.
This movie introduces a formidable enemy, a master of his technique, and explores mature themes, setting Bonds apart from the simple stories of the first few Naruto movies. Watching this film is highly advisable for every fan of themes like friendship, enhanced by captivating animation and exciting combat sequences.
Naruto Shippuden the Movie 3: The Will of Fire
The Will of Fire stands out as one of the best Naruto movies, containing nearly every major character as they team up to protect their village and sensei. Konoha faces a mysterious crisis as many ninjas with kekkei genkai abilities begin to vanish, placing Kakashi’s well-being in jeopardy. To save himself and his townsfolk, the Copy Ninja embarks on a dangerous mission to defeat this threat.
True to its name, the movie emphasizes the importance of the will of fire, a principle ingrained in every shinobi, particularly Naruto. Upon learning of Kakashi's mission, Naruto insists on joining his sensei, uniting his friends to combat the enemy together. This is a hopeful and heartfelt film that is, without a doubt, a must-watch for every Naruto fan.
Naruto Shippuden: The Lost Tower
This Naruto movie stands out as one of the most entertaining, exploring the intriguing concept of time travel. The newly formed Team 7, comprising Naruto, Sakura, Sai, and Yamato, journeys 20 years into the past to stop the plans of a rogue ninja named Mukade. Along the way, they encounter young Kakashi and Minato Namikaze, forming an alliance to confront the threat.
As Naruto battles Mukade and looks for a way to return to the present, he remains unaware that he fights alongside his father, the Yellow Flesh of the Leaf himself. This movie is packed with thrilling action sequences and long-awaited moments, such as witnessing Naruto and Minato teaming up and seeing how skilled young Kakashi actually is.
Naruto Shippuden: Blood Prison
Blood Prison deviates from the typical Naruto storyline by introducing a prison break theme to the anime. Falsely accused of attempting to assassinate the Fourth Raikage, Naruto gets sent to Hozuri Castle. Also known as the Blood Prison, this facility is where the most dangerous rogue shinobi are locked up, placing him in a difficult situation.
To add to his challenges, the prison's warden strips Naruto of his chakra, making his escape even more difficult. While the plot of this movie is relatively straightforward, it offers entertaining new elements and a setting that many fans love. Moreover, the ending delivers thrilling fighting sequences that are not to be missed, making it one of the best Naruto movies.
Road to Ninja: Naruto the Movie
Road to Ninja is undoubtedly the most engaging Naruto movie to date, captivating fans with its alternate storyline. In this film, Madara transports Naruto and Sakura to a different reality, where everything is much different from their own world. Here, Naruto's parents, Minato and Kushina, are alive, Hinata is not a shy girl, Sakura has no parents, and Sasuke remains part of Team 7.
With a lot of captivating scenes, unexpected plot twists, and a very creative and entertaining story, this movie sets itself apart in terms of quality. Exploring the concept of a world where Naruto has always had his parents and Sasuke by his side is a fascinating idea, and Road to Ninja executes it brilliantly.
The Last: Naruto the Movie
If there's one must-watch Naruto movie, it's definitely The Last, as it offers much more than the others—it's a romance too. Set in the aftermath of the Fourth Great Ninja War, Konoha is rebuilding and enjoying some hard-earned peace. However, two new threats emerge: the moon hurtling towards Earth and another Otsutsuki attacking the village.
In Naruto's final movie, Team 7, joined by Hinata and Shikamaru, embarks on their last mission to save the world and secure lasting peace. While there are thrilling action scenes, the main focus is on Naruto and Hinata's relationship. Their bond deepens throughout the movie, leading to the couple finally getting together and setting up the stage for the finale of Naruto.
Boruto: Naruto the Movie
Boruto: Naruto Next Generations is the latest addition to Kishimoto’s Shinobi universe, introducing a modern story led by Naruto’s son and his close friends and squadmates. However, since it’s fairly new, the Boruto series has fewer movie adaptations.
The only Boruto movie, Boruto: Naruto the Movie, revolves around the Chunin Exams, mirroring the storyline covered in the anime between episodes 51 and 66. Given this overlap, watching the movie is entirely optional. However, it may serve as a convenient choice for those looking to “squeeze” 15 episodes into a single hour and a half.
Final Thoughts on the Naruto Movies
The Naruto movies offer fans an exciting expansion of the already great series, providing unique adventures and deeper insights into the characters' journeys. With a total of 11 movies to choose from, standout projects like The Last: Naruto Movie and Blood Prison significantly enhance the Naruto experience. On the other hand, films such as The Legend of the Stone of Geleland Guardians of the Crescent Moon lack quality and can be easily skipped.
Nevertheless, enjoying the ninja world in a slightly different light is always welcome, so watching all movies may be a good choice. No matter how good or bad they are, they all introduce many new characters and amazingly animated scenes. Moreover, they focus on friendship and determination - themes Naruto is famous for.
