Figuring out the right order to watch the sprawling Naruto anime can be almost as challenging as mastering the Shadow Clone Jutsu. Between two long-running television series, multiple theatrical films, OVAs, and a sequel that picks up with the next generation, new fans often find themselves confused before they even press play. This guide cuts through the noise and gives you a straightforward, chronological path through the entire Naruto universe—from Naruto Uzumaki's first days at the Ninja Academy through his rise as the Seventh Hokage and beyond. You’ll also find practical tips on handling filler episodes, recommendations for streaming services, and a complete placement list for the feature films.

A Brief Overview of the Naruto Franchise

Masashi Kishimoto’s manga, originally serialized in Weekly Shōnen Jump from 1999 to 2014, laid the foundation for one of the most successful anime franchises of all time. The television adaptation began in 2002 under the simple title Naruto, following a young ninja ostracized by his village because of the Nine-Tailed Fox sealed inside him. After 220 episodes, the series jumped ahead two and a half years with Naruto: Shippuden, a 500-episode epic that expanded the world’s political intrigue, introduced the sinister Akatsuki organization, and brought the long-simmering rivalry between Naruto and Sasuke Uchiha to a boil. Yet the story didn’t end there. The sequel series Boruto: Naruto Next Generations shifts focus to the children of the original cast, while a library of movies, spin-off manga, and light novels fill in the gaps. Knowing where each piece fits is essential for preserving the narrative’s emotional beats and avoiding spoilers.

The Complete Naruto Watch Order (Chronological)

If you want the full experience with minimal confusion, follow this sequence. It integrates the main TV series, essential movies, and the sequel in the order the story unfolds.

1. Naruto (2002–2007) — Episodes 1–220

Start with the original Naruto series. It runs for 220 episodes and introduces the core trio—Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura—along with their mentors Kakashi, Iruka, and Jiraiya. The narrative covers the Land of Waves, Chūnin Exams, Invasion of Konoha, Search for Tsunade, and Sasuke Retrieval arcs, closing with a large stretch of filler episodes that can be skipped or sampled at your discretion. Pay close attention to the first 135 episodes in particular, as they establish the relationships and motivations that drive the entire franchise. Later filler arcs, while not canon, explore secondary characters like Hinata, Shino, and Kiba, and can be enjoyable if you’re not in a hurry.

Filler note: After episode 135, the series contains long runs of anime-original content until episode 220. For a streamlined viewing, consult a filler guide such as AnimeFillerList to know which episodes you can skip without missing main story beats.

2. Naruto Shippuden (2007–2017) — Part 1: Episodes 1–479

Begin Naruto: Shippuden immediately after finishing the original series. The first 479 episodes cover the bulk of the sequel’s plot, starting with Naruto’s return to the Hidden Leaf Village and leading through the Kazekage Rescue, Tenchi Bridge, Akatsuki Suppression, Itachi Pursuit, Invasion of Pain, Five Kage Summit, and the colossal Fourth Shinobi World War arcs. Episode 479 adapts the final chapter of the manga up through the resolution of the war arc, including the climactic battle between Naruto and Sasuke at the Valley of the End. This is the perfect point to pause the TV series and watch the canon film that takes place soon after the war.

3. Naruto the Movie: The Last (2014)

After episode 479 of Shippuden, watch The Last: Naruto the Movie. This film is set two years after the Fourth Shinobi War and acts as an official bridge between the manga’s conclusion and its epilogue. It focuses heavily on the romance between Naruto and Hinata Hyuga, reveals the fate of the moon-dwelling Ōtsutsuki clan member Toneri, and provides critical context for the family dynamics seen in Boruto. Watching it before the final Shippuden episodes preserves the narrative flow and gives emotional weight to the series’ closing moments. The movie is available on most major digital platforms and sometimes included in streaming catalogues like Crunchyroll.

4. Naruto Shippuden — Part 2: Episodes 480–500 (The Final Chapters)

Return to Shippuden and watch episodes 480 through 500. These episodes adapt the light novels set during the “blank period” after the war, covering character moments like Shikamaru’s backstory, the wedding preparations for Naruto and Hinata, and Sasuke’s redemptive journey. Episode 500 offers a heartfelt conclusion that mirrors the manga’s final chapter, leading directly into the Boruto era. Skipping these episodes will leave you missing the emotional epilogue that ties a bow on over a decade of storytelling.

5. Boruto: Naruto Next Generations (2017–2023)

With Naruto and Shippuden complete, move on to Boruto: Naruto Next Generations. The series follows Boruto Uzumaki, Naruto’s son, along with the new generation of shinobi as they face threats that blend advanced technology with ancient powers. While the anime starts with a unique academy arc and plenty of anime-original stories, it adapts the Boruto manga from episode 51 onward, beginning with the “Versus Momoshiki” arc. You can skip Boruto: Naruto the Movie if you plan to watch the TV series, because the film’s events are fully retold with expanded detail in episodes 51–66. For a more focused experience, many viewers watch only the manga-canon episodes—guides for that are readily available on filler-tracking sites.

Sequel note: The anime paused in early 2023 after 293 episodes, and a Part 2 titled Boruto: Two Blue Vortex is currently only available as a manga. No anime adaptation date has been announced.

The Naruto Movies — Where They Fit In

While most theatrical films are considered non-canon, they can be entertaining side adventures that don’t disrupt the main story if placed correctly. Here is the full list of Naruto and Shippuden movies with their recommended viewing points based on the episode timeline.

  • Ninja Clash in the Land of Snow — Watch after Naruto episode 101 (end of the original Chūnin Exams arc).
  • Legend of the Stone of Gelel — Watch after Naruto episode 160.
  • Guardians of the Crescent Moon Kingdom — Watch after Naruto episode 196.
  • Naruto Shippuden the Movie — Watch after Shippuden episode 32.
  • Bonds — Watch after Shippuden episode 71.
  • The Will of Fire — Watch after Shippuden episode 121.
  • The Lost Tower — Watch after Shippuden episode 143.
  • Blood Prison — Watch after Shippuden episode 175.
  • Road to Ninja: Naruto the Movie — Watch after Shippuden episode 251. This alternate-universe story features familiar characters in reversed roles and was co-created by Kishimoto, offering a fascinating “what if” scenario.
  • The Last: Naruto the Movie — As detailed above, after Shippuden episode 479.

All of these films are optional, but if you’re a completionist, fitting them in according to this list will avoid accidental spoilers and keep the timeline coherent.

Spin-Offs and Side Stories Worth Your Time

Beyond the main timeline, a handful of spin-offs expand the world in new directions. Rock Lee & His Ninja Pals (2012) is a chibi-style comedy series that parodies the original cast, placing Rock Lee front and center in hilarious, overblown gags. It’s pure fluff but a delightful change of pace. For readers, the manga side story Naruto: The Seventh Hokage and the Scarlet Spring (2015) covers Sarada Uchiha’s search for her origins and leads directly into the Boruto manga’s plot. The light novel series—Kakashi Hiden, Shikamaru Hiden, Sakura Hiden, etc.—are adapted in the final Shippuden episodes but also exist in expanded book form for deeper lore dives.

How to Handle Filler Episodes Without Losing Your Mind

Both Naruto and Naruto: Shippuden are infamous for their filler content. Roughly 40% of the original series and 41% of Shippuden consist of episodes that do not advance the main manga-based story. While some filler arcs are genuinely entertaining, long stretches can kill momentum. Using a filler guide is the simplest way to stay on track. Websites like AnimeFillerList break down every episode into “canon,” “mixed canon/filler,” and “filler” categories. For a first watch, many fans recommend sticking to canon and mixed episodes, then returning later if you crave more character interactions. That approach cuts Shippuden down from 500 to about 290 story-critical episodes, making the journey far more manageable.

Tips for Newcomers

Diving into a series of over 700 episodes can feel intimidating, but a few smart strategies will make it rewarding.

  • Start with the original Naruto. Skipping straight to Shippuden or Boruto robs you of the emotional foundation that makes later moments land.
  • Give yourself permission to skip filler. You can always revisit lighter episodes after you’ve finished the main narrative. No one will revoke your otaku card.
  • Watch with subtitles first. The Japanese voice cast delivers performances that are closely tied to the director’s intent, though the English dub is also beloved. Pick whichever keeps you engaged, but be aware that some emotional scenes carry a different weight in the original language.
  • Take breaks between major arcs. The story covers years of in-universe time, and your own viewing experience benefits from occasional pauses to let character developments sink in.
  • Connect with the community. Online forums on Reddit, MyAnimeList, and fan Discord servers are full of spoiler-tagged discussions that can enrich your understanding without ruining surprises.

Streaming Services and Availability

Legally accessing the entire Naruto saga is easier than ever. Crunchyroll holds the streaming rights for both Naruto and Naruto Shippuden in most regions, complete with subtitle and dub options. Visit Crunchyroll’s Naruto page to start watching. Depending on your country, Netflix and Hulu may carry partial seasons, while Amazon Prime Video offers episodes for purchase. The sequel Boruto: Naruto Next Generations is also on Crunchyroll and periodically surfaces on Toonami. For a full list of availability per territory, bookmarking a service like JustWatch can help you locate the exact platform currently streaming each title.

Final Thoughts

Navigating the world of Naruto doesn’t have to be a maze. By following the chronological order—original Naruto episodes 1–220, Shippuden 1–479, The Last movie, Shippuden 480–500, and finally Boruto: Naruto Next Generations—you’ll experience the story as it was intended to unfold. Sprinkle in the movies at the suggested points if you like, lean on filler guides to keep the pace tight, and enjoy one of the most beloved coming-of-age tales in anime history. The ninja way is long, but every step is worth it.