How to Watch Naruto in Order: A Comprehensive Guide

Jared Wolf
·5 min read
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Naruto, the beloved anime series, has captured the hearts of fans worldwide with its captivating story, memorable characters, and thrilling action. With countless episodes and movies in this epic warrior saga, we set out to answer the question of how to watch Naruto in order, properly.

In this guide, we will explore two viewing orders, chronological and release order, for both Naruto and Naruto Shippuden, and discuss what lies ahead for the Naruto franchise. Additionally, we'll provide information on where you can stream Naruto and embark on this incredible journey.

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Image credit: Pierrot

How to Watch Naruto in Chronological Order

Amidst the vast landscape of anime, Naruto stands as a timeless masterpiece that has left an indelible mark on the hearts of fans worldwide. Created by Masashi Kishimoto, Naruto first debuted as a manga in 1999 before being adapted into an anime series from 2002 to 2007.

Its popularity skyrocketed, captivating audiences with its compelling narrative, complex characters, and dynamic fight scenes.

Since then, Naruto has become a cultural phenomenon, spawning not only sequel series but also a dedicated fanbase that continues to grow to this day. Its influence can be seen in various forms of media, from video games to cosplay events, solidifying its status as a beloved franchise.

Now, let's delve into the intricacies of watching Naruto in the optimal order to fully appreciate its sprawling story.

Naruto (2002 - 2007)

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  • Begin with "Naruto" episodes 1 to 5, introducing the main characters and the world they inhabit.

  • Continue with episodes 6 to 19, delving into Naruto's early missions and challenges.

  • Proceed with episodes 20 to 96, exploring Naruto's growth as a ninja and his journey to become Hokage.

  • Continue with episodes 97 to 105, witnessing Naruto's battles against powerful adversaries and his triumphs.

The Naruto Movies

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  • After completing episode 105 of Naruto, watch the first Naruto movie, "Naruto the Movie: Ninja Clash in the Land of Snow."

  • Next, watch episodes 106-160 of Naruto, followed by the second movie, "Naruto the Movie: Legend of the Stone of Gelel."

  • After episodes 161-196, watch the third Naruto movie, "Naruto the Movie: Guardians of the Crescent Moon Kingdom."

How to Watch Naruto Shippuden (2007 - 2017) in Order

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  • Begin with "Naruto Shippuden" Episode 1, titled "Homecoming," which picks up where the original Naruto series left off.

  • Continue the episodes sequentially, following the story arc structure until Episode 53.

  • After Episode 53, watch the first Naruto Shippuden movie, "Naruto Shippuden the Movie.”

  • Resume watching the episodes until Episode 70.

  • After Episode 70, watch the second movie, "Naruto Shippuden the Movie: Bonds"

  • Return to the episodes until Episode 121.

  • After Episode 121, watch the third movie, "Naruto Shippuden the Movie: The Will of Fire."

  • Continue with the episodes until Episode 169.

  • After Episode 169, watch the fourth movie, "Naruto Shippuden the Movie: The Lost Tower."

  • Proceed with the episodes until Episode 221.

  • After Episode 221, watch the fifth movie, "Naruto Shippuden the Movie: Blood Prison."

  • Resume watching the episodes until Episode 271.

  • After Episode 271, watch the sixth movie, "Naruto Shippuden the Movie: Road to Ninja."

  • Continue with the episodes until Episode 479.

  • After Episode 479, watch the seventh movie, "The Last: Naruto the Movie” and finish the series.

  • After Episode 493, watch the remaining episodes in sequential order until the series' conclusion at Episode 500 with a grand finale.

How to Watch Naruto in Release Order

Naruto:

Start with "Naruto" episodes 1 to 5, introducing the main characters and the world they inhabit. Continue with the remaining episodes in release order, following the original airing sequence. Note that this order may involve occasional flashbacks and non-linear storytelling elements.

As with the chronological order, watch the Naruto movies after specific episodes to maintain continuity and context.

Naruto Shippuden:

After completing the original Naruto series, transition to "Naruto Shippuden."

Begin with episodes 1 to 53, focusing on Naruto's return to the Hidden Leaf Village and his encounters with Akatsuki. Continue with the remaining episodes, exploring Naruto's quest to rescue Sasuke and the unfolding events in the ninja world.

Between episodes 53 and 54 of Naruto Shippuden, watch "Naruto Shippuden the Movie."

Afterward, watch the remaining Naruto Shippuden episodes before delving into the subsequent movies.

What's next for Naruto?

While the Naruto manga and anime series may have concluded, the franchise thrives through spin-offs and sequels. "Boruto: Naruto Next Generations" follows the adventures of Naruto's son, Boruto, and his friends. This series presents a fresh perspective on the Naruto universe, featuring new characters and captivating storylines.

Where to Stream Naruto

For fans eager to embark on the Naruto journey, here are popular streaming platforms where you can watch the series:

Crunchyroll

Offers both Naruto and Naruto Shippuden, providing access to the entire saga.

Hulu

Features Naruto and Naruto Shippuden, allowing viewers to stream the complete story.

Netflix

Currently hosts Naruto Shippuden, offering a significant portion of the series.

The best order to watch Naruto is…

Watching Naruto in the chronological order ensures that you experience the story's progression and character development to the fullest, while watching in release order means you can relive the original viewers' experiences. Whether you follow the chronological or release order, the Naruto series promises an epic adventure filled with action, friendship, and personal growth.

By following our comprehensive guide, you can immerse yourself in the rich world of ninjas, uncover the secrets of the Hidden Leaf Village, and witness Naruto's journey from an underdog to a true hero.

We recommend watching in chronological order for the optimal viewing experience.

As the Naruto franchise continues to expand, with the introduction of "Boruto: Naruto Next Generations," fans can look forward to new stories and exciting adventures within the Naruto universe. The legacy of Naruto lives on, captivating both longtime fans and newcomers alike.

So, grab your popcorn, choose your preferred viewing order, and get ready to witness the extraordinary tale of Naruto. Whether you stream it on Crunchyroll, Hulu, or Netflix, the world of Naruto awaits, ready to transport you to a realm where dreams and determination intertwine.

Happy watching and enjoy your journey through the ninja-filled world of Naruto!