Naruto & Boruto Watch Order: Ultimate Guide
Hey anime fans! If you're diving into the epic world of Naruto and Boruto, or maybe you're a seasoned ninja looking to rewatch, you might be wondering, how to watch Naruto and Boruto in order? Fear not, my friends! This comprehensive guide will walk you through the entire saga, from the very beginning of Naruto's journey to the latest Boruto adventures, including all the movies. Get ready for a whirlwind of ninja action, emotional moments, and epic battles! We'll cover everything, so you can enjoy the Naruto and Boruto series without missing a single thing. So, grab your ramen and let's get started!
The Naruto Saga: From Academy Dropout to Hokage Hopeful
Naruto Series
Naruto is where it all begins. This series follows the early adventures of Naruto Uzumaki, a young ninja who dreams of becoming Hokage, the leader of his village. The initial Naruto series, also known as the original Naruto, is a fantastic starting point for understanding the universe. It sets up the core characters, the ninja world, and the basic concepts of chakra and jutsu. Naruto's journey is filled with heartwarming friendships, intense rivalries, and a whole lot of hilarious moments. You'll meet his teammates, Sasuke and Sakura, and their sensei, Kakashi, who will become some of the most important people in his life. The series establishes the primary antagonists, like the rogue ninja, and the Akatsuki, setting up the larger conflicts that drive the story forward. Watching the original Naruto is important for understanding the Naruto Shippuden series, as it lays the foundation for all the character development and the emotional depth of their relationships.
- Episodes: 220
- Watch Order: Start with episode 1 and go chronologically. There's not much to confuse the order, just go through it. There's plenty of fillers, we will provide you with a filler list at the end.
Naruto Movies
During and after the original Naruto series, several movies were released. While they are enjoyable, most of them are not crucial to the main story. They are mostly standalone adventures that provide additional background. They can be watched in the order of release, but honestly, it doesn't matter much. If you want a more focused experience, feel free to skip them on your first run and come back later. But, if you like the main characters, you should give it a try because each movie focuses on the main characters.
- Naruto the Movie: Ninja Clash in the Land of Snow (2004): Set after episode 101.
- Naruto the Movie: Legend of the Stone of Gelel (2005): Set after episode 137.
- Naruto the Movie: Guardians of the Crescent Moon Kingdom (2006): Set after episode 160.
Naruto Shippuden: The Next Chapter
Naruto Shippuden picks up after a time skip, with Naruto returning to the Hidden Leaf Village after training with Jiraiya. This is where the story gets really serious, with higher stakes, and more intense battles. Naruto, now older and stronger, continues his quest to bring Sasuke back to the village and protect his friends. Naruto Shippuden delves deeper into the ninja world, exploring the history of the villages, and the origins of the Akatsuki. The series features amazing battles, emotional character arcs, and a lot of development for the supporting characters. It's a must-watch for any Naruto fan, as it brings the main storyline to a conclusion. This series marks a significant shift in tone and complexity, offering a more mature narrative with darker themes. Prepare for intense combat, dramatic revelations, and a lot of emotional moments.
- Episodes: 500
- Watch Order: As with the original Naruto, watch in chronological order. Same with Naruto, we will provide you with a filler list at the end.
Naruto Shippuden Movies
Naruto Shippuden also features a series of movies, which are generally more integrated into the overall storyline than the original Naruto films. Some of them can be watched in the order of release without any major issues. These movies provide extra depth to the main story, exploring the character development and some other side stories that you may not find in the series.
- Naruto Shippuden the Movie (2007): Set between episodes 53 and 54.
- Naruto Shippuden the Movie: Bonds (2008): Set between episodes 100 and 101.
- Naruto Shippuden the Movie: The Will of Fire (2009): Set between episodes 143 and 144.
- Naruto Shippuden the Movie: The Lost Tower (2010): Set between episodes 175 and 176.
- Naruto Shippuden the Movie: Blood Prison (2011): Set between episodes 222 and 223.
- Naruto Shippuden the Movie: Road to Ninja (2012): Set between episodes 291 and 292.
- The Last: Naruto the Movie (2014): Set after episode 493. This movie is crucial as it leads directly into Boruto.
The Boruto Era: A New Generation of Ninjas
Boruto: Naruto Next Generations
Boruto: Naruto Next Generations shifts the focus to Naruto's son, Boruto, and the next generation of ninjas. The series begins with Boruto and his friends attending the ninja academy, training under their own senseis, and forming bonds. This series follows the same structure as its predecessor. While it maintains the established universe, it introduces new threats, characters, and challenges. Boruto's character is the driving force behind the series' narrative. While the story focuses on Boruto's development, it also explores the dynamic of Naruto as Hokage and his relationship with his son. It explores themes of family, legacy, and the struggles of a new generation. Boruto has its own story arc and a unique style.
- Episodes: Ongoing
- Watch Order: Start from episode 1 and go chronologically. Just like its predecessors, there are plenty of fillers, so we will provide the list at the end.
Boruto Movies
There is only one Boruto movie so far, and it's essential for understanding the transition between Naruto and Boruto.
- Boruto: Naruto the Movie (2015): This movie serves as the introduction to the Boruto series and sets the stage for the anime. Watch this before starting the Boruto series. It provides you with the basic understanding of the new characters and the setting.
Filler Episodes: To Watch or Not to Watch?
One of the trickiest parts of how to watch Naruto and Boruto in order is dealing with filler episodes. Filler episodes are original content that isn't from the manga. They can sometimes disrupt the flow of the main story. Whether or not to watch the filler is a matter of personal preference. Some people enjoy them for extra content and character development, while others prefer to skip them. If you prefer to skip the fillers, here are links to filler lists:
Summary: The Perfect Naruto & Boruto Watch Order
So, here's a quick recap of the perfect watch order. Remember that the best way to watch Naruto and Boruto is the way that you enjoy the most!
- Naruto (Episodes 1-220)
- Naruto Movies: (Optional, watch in release order after the corresponding episodes)
- Naruto the Movie: Ninja Clash in the Land of Snow
- Naruto the Movie: Legend of the Stone of Gelel
- Naruto the Movie: Guardians of the Crescent Moon Kingdom
- Naruto Shippuden (Episodes 1-500)
- Naruto Shippuden Movies: (Watch in release order after the corresponding episodes)
- Naruto Shippuden the Movie
- Naruto Shippuden the Movie: Bonds
- Naruto Shippuden the Movie: The Will of Fire
- Naruto Shippuden the Movie: The Lost Tower
- Naruto Shippuden the Movie: Blood Prison
- Naruto Shippuden the Movie: Road to Ninja
- The Last: Naruto the Movie
- Boruto: Naruto the Movie
- Boruto: Naruto Next Generations (Episodes ongoing)
Final Thoughts: Enjoy the Ninja Adventure!
That's it, folks! You're now well-equipped to embark on this epic ninja journey! Remember, the most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the ride. The world of Naruto and Boruto is filled with great moments. I hope this guide helps you to navigate the series. Enjoy the fights, the feels, and the incredible story of Naruto, Boruto, and their friends. Believe it!