The Naruto series, created by Masashi Kishimoto, is a cornerstone of modern anime and manga.
Originating as a manga in 1999, it quickly garnered immense popularity, leading to the production of an anime series.
The franchise is divided into two main parts: ‘Naruto‘ and ‘Naruto Shippuden‘.
The original ‘Naruto’ series introduces us to the young ninja, Naruto Uzumaki, and his quest to become the strongest ninja, or Hokage, while dealing with the challenges and adventures of his formative years.
🌟Chronological Watching Order
When embarking on the journey of watching the Naruto series, it’s essential to follow a structured order to fully appreciate the storyline and character development.
The series is divided into two primary parts: “Naruto” and “Naruto Shippuden,” each containing numerous arcs, movies, and OVAs (Original Video Animations) that contribute to the overarching narrative.
Begin with “Naruto,” which introduces us to the young ninja, Naruto Uzumaki
- Start with episodes 1-5 that set the stage for his journey.
- The first major arc, “Land of Waves,” spans episodes 6-19 and introduces significant plot points and characters like Zabuza and Haku.
- Following this, the “Chunin Exams” arc (episodes 20-67) is crucial, showcasing Naruto and his friends competing in a high-stakes tournament.
- Next, watch the “Konoha Crush” arc (episodes 68-80), followed by
- The “Search for Tsunade” arc (episodes 81-100), where Naruto meets one of the legendary Sannin.
- The final arc in “Naruto” is the “Sasuke Recovery Mission” (episodes 107-135), which leads directly into “Naruto Shippuden.”
Before diving into “Naruto Shippuden,” it’s recommended to watch the first three Naruto movies:
- “Ninja Clash in the Land of Snow,”
- “Legend of the Stone of Gelel”
- “Guardians of the Crescent Moon Kingdom,” as they are set during the original series timeline.
- beginning the “Kazekage Rescue” arc (episodes 1-32).
- Key arcs to follow include the “Sasuke and Sai” (episodes 33-53).
- “Hidan and Kakuzu” (episodes 72-88), and “Itachi Pursuit” (episodes 113-118).
- The “Pain’s Assault” arc (episodes 152-175) and the “Fourth Shinobi World War” arc (episodes 261-270, 296-310, 321-344, 362-375, 378-388) are essential for understanding the series’ climax.
Several movies and OVAs fit into the “Naruto Shippuden” timeline.
- Watch “Naruto Shippuden the Movie,”
- “Bonds,”
- “The Will of Fire,” “The Lost Tower,” “Blood Prison,” “Road to Ninja,” and “The Last: Naruto the Movie.”
To complete your viewing, the final episodes
- “Naruto Shippuden” (episodes 476-500) brings closure to Naruto’s story.
leading into the next generation with “Boruto: Naruto Next Generations,” which continues the legacy.
Following this chronological order ensures a comprehensive understanding of Naruto’s world and the intricate plotlines that define this beloved series.
🗒Filler Episodes and how to skip them
For those looking to watch Naruto and Naruto Shippuden efficiently.
skipping filler episodes can save time and maintain focus on the central plot.
Below is a comprehensive list of filler episodes for both ‘Naruto’ and ‘Naruto Shippuden’ that can be skipped without missing critical story developments.
Naruto:
- Episodes 26, 97, 102-106, 137-140, 143-219
Shippuden:
- Episodes 57-71, 91-112, 144-151, 170-171, 176-196, 223-242, 257-260, 271, 279-281, 284-289, 290-296, 303-320, 347-361, 376-377, 388-390, 394-413, 416-417, 422-423, 427-450, 464-468, 480-483.
While these episodes can be skipped to streamline the viewing experience, there are some filler episodes that fans often recommend due to their quality or entertainment value.
For instance, Naruto Episode 101, “Gotta See! Gotta Know! Kakashi-Sensei’s True Face!” is widely enjoyed for its humor and character development.
Similarly, Naruto Shippuden Episode 290-296, the “Chikara” arc, offers an engaging story with impressive animation quality.
