Navigating the Naruto Universe: a Complete Canon Viewing Guide for Series, Movies, and Spin-offs

The Naruto universe is vast and intricate, filled with a rich tapestry of characters, storylines, and lore. For fans and newcomers alike, navigating through the series, movies, and spin-offs can be a daunting task. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive viewing order, focusing on the canon material to enhance your experience.

Understanding the Naruto Series

Naruto, created by Masashi Kishimoto, follows the journey of Naruto Uzumaki, a young ninja with dreams of becoming the strongest leader of his village, the Hokage. The series is divided into two main parts: the original Naruto series and its sequel, Naruto: Shippuden.

Canon Viewing Order

Naruto

The original Naruto series consists of 220 episodes that introduce viewers to the world of ninjas, their techniques, and the relationships that shape Naruto’s journey.

  • Naruto Episode 1 – 220

Naruto: Shippuden

Naruto: Shippuden picks up the story two and a half years later, showcasing Naruto’s growth and the escalating conflicts in the ninja world. This series contains 500 episodes.

  • Naruto: Shippuden Episode 1 – 500

Movies

Several movies were released during the original Naruto series and Naruto: Shippuden. While many of these films are not considered canon, a few fit within the timeline and can be enjoyed alongside the series.

  • 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 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: The Last

The Naruto franchise has expanded with several spin-offs and related series that explore different aspects of the ninja world.

Boruto: Naruto Next Generations

Boruto follows the next generation of ninjas, focusing on Naruto’s son, Boruto Uzumaki. This series offers a fresh perspective on the legacy of the original characters.

  • Boruto: Naruto Next Generations Episode 1 – Present

Spin-off Manga and Novels

In addition to the animated series, there are several spin-off manga and novels that delve deeper into the lore and character backgrounds.

  • Rock Lee & His Ninja Pals
  • Naruto: The Seventh Hokage and the Scarlet Spring
  • Naruto: The Last Novel

Conclusion

Navigating the Naruto universe can be an exciting journey for both new and long-time fans. By following this canon viewing guide, you can fully immerse yourself in the adventures of Naruto and his friends, experiencing the growth of characters and the evolution of the story. Whether you choose to watch the series, movies, or explore the spin-offs, the world of Naruto promises a captivating experience.