If you’ve ever stepped into the world of anime, chances are you’ve heard the name Naruto. Written by Masashi Kishimoto, this legendary shōnen series has shaped the childhood (and adulthood) of millions of fans worldwide.
But if you’re just starting out, there’s always one big question:
“What is the correct Naruto watch order?”
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Don’t worry — I’ve been there. When I first tried to dive into Naruto years ago, I got lost between fillers, movies, and sequels. That’s why I’m putting together this guide: so you can experience Naruto the way it was meant to be enjoyed.
Why Naruto Still Matters
Naruto isn’t just another anime — it’s a cultural phenomenon. It’s about chasing dreams, never giving up (“Dattebayo!” still rings in every fan’s head), and forming bonds that outlast battles.
Even in 2025, new viewers are discovering Naruto every single day. And with its spin-offs, remasters, and global fan following, Naruto is still one of the top entry points into anime.
Ratings across platforms speak for themselves:
- Naruto (2002–2007): ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.8/5
- Naruto Shippuden (2007–2017): ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.9/5
- Boruto: Naruto Next Generations (2017–2023): ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ 4.2/5
Naruto Watch Order (Step by Step)
Here’s the clean, recommended watch order for beginners in 2025:
Naruto (2002–2007)
- Episodes: 220
- Covers Naruto’s childhood and his journey to becoming a ninja.
- Tip: Episodes 136–220 are mostly fillers. You can skip or watch selectively.
Naruto Shippuden (2007–2017)
- Episodes: 500
- The heart of the series, showing Naruto’s growth, epic battles, and the Fourth Great Ninja War.
- This is where most fans truly fall in love with the story.
Movies (Optional but fun)
- Naruto Shippuden the Movie (and others) are side stories.
- They don’t impact the main plot but give more action and bonding moments.
Boruto: Naruto Next Generations (2017–2023)
- Follows Naruto’s son, Boruto, and the new generation of ninjas.
- Opinion is divided — some fans love it for the next-gen characters, others miss the original Naruto vibes.
My Personal Experience With the Watch Order
When I first started, I made the mistake of watching the movies in between the main series, and honestly, it broke the flow for me. My advice? Stick to the main anime arcs first. Once you’re invested, dive into the movies if you want extra content.
Another common mistake is trying to binge everything. Naruto + Shippuden together is over 700 episodes. Take your time — it’s a journey, not a sprint.
Should You Skip Fillers?
Here’s the truth: fillers get a bad reputation. While many are skippable, some are actually enjoyable if you want more light-hearted Naruto moments. If you’re short on time, use a filler guide online and skip straight to canon episodes.
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Final Thoughts
Naruto is more than just anime; it’s a story about perseverance, friendship, and chasing impossible dreams. If you’re starting your Naruto journey today, consider yourself lucky — you’re about to experience one of the greatest stories anime has ever told.
My recommendation:
- Start with Naruto,
- Move on to Shippuden,
- Add movies only if you’re hooked,
- And explore Boruto if you want to see how the legacy continues.
No matter how you watch, one thing is certain — Naruto will stay with you long after the final episode.
