The best Naruto watch order is simple: watch Naruto, then Naruto Shippuden, then the movie The Last: Naruto the Movie, then Boruto: Naruto the Movie, and finally Boruto: Naruto Next Generations if you want to continue with the next generation. Most other movies are optional side stories. This AnimeKai guide explains each step and how to handle the filler.
Key Takeaways
- Core order: Naruto, Naruto Shippuden, The Last, Boruto movie, Boruto series.
- The original series has a long filler run from episode 136 to 220.
- Most Naruto movies are side stories you can watch any time.
- The Last and Boruto: Naruto the Movie matter for the main story.
The Complete Naruto Watch Order
| Step | Title | Type | Required? |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Naruto | TV series (2002 to 2007) | Yes |
| 2 | Naruto Shippuden | TV series (2007 to 2017) | Yes |
| 3 | The Last: Naruto the Movie | Movie (2014) | Recommended |
| 4 | Boruto: Naruto the Movie | Movie (2015) | Recommended |
| 5 | Boruto: Naruto Next Generations | TV series (2017 to 2023) | Optional sequel |
Step 1: Naruto
The original series follows Naruto Uzumaki, a loud, lonely ninja who dreams of becoming Hokage, the leader of his village. It covers his early missions with Team 7, the Chunin Exams and his rivalry with Sasuke.
The filler question
Filler means episodes that are not adapted from the manga. In the original Naruto, the main story ends at episode 135, and episodes 136 to 220 are almost entirely filler. Many viewers skip from 135 straight to Naruto Shippuden. Others enjoy a few filler arcs for extra time with the characters. Either choice is fine because the main plot continues in Shippuden.
Step 2: Naruto Shippuden
Shippuden picks up after a time skip, with an older Naruto returning to the village. The story becomes darker and bigger in scale, building toward the Fourth Great Ninja War. Shippuden also has filler arcs mixed between canon episodes. A good approach is to watch canon episodes in order and only sample filler arcs whose premise interests you. Long battle franchises like this are a core part of our best action anime list.
Step 3: The Last: Naruto the Movie
The Last takes place after the Fourth Great Ninja War and is part of the main story. It focuses on Naruto and Hinata’s relationship and connects to the final stretch of Shippuden. Most fans watch it right after finishing the series.
Step 4: Boruto: Naruto the Movie
This film introduces Naruto’s son, Boruto, and shows Naruto as Hokage. It works as a bridge between the two generations and adapts story events that the Boruto TV series later revisits.
Step 5: Boruto: Naruto Next Generations
The sequel series follows Boruto and his teammates. It is optional for anyone who only wants Naruto’s story, but it adds new villains and lore for fans who want more of the ninja world. The manga continues the story in Boruto: Two Blue Vortex.
What About the Other Naruto Movies?
The other films, from Ninja Clash in the Land of Snow to Road to Ninja, are mostly standalone adventures. They do not change the main story, so you can watch them whenever you want a bonus adventure. Road to Ninja is a fan favorite and fits best after you are well into Shippuden.
Naruto’s Main Story Arcs
Knowing the major arcs helps you track progress through such a long series.
Naruto (original series):
- Land of Waves
- Chunin Exams
- Konoha Crush
- Search for Tsunade
- Sasuke Recovery Mission
Naruto Shippuden:
- Kazekage Rescue
- Tenchi Bridge
- Hidan and Kakuzu
- Itachi Pursuit
- Pain’s Assault
- Five Kage Summit
- Fourth Great Ninja War
Pain’s Assault is often named as one of the strongest arcs in the whole franchise, and the Fourth Great Ninja War brings almost every major character together for the finale.
Pacing yourself
Because the canon arcs are separated by filler, it helps to treat each arc as its own short season. At AnimeKai we suggest finishing an arc, taking a short break, then deciding whether to watch the filler that follows or jump to the next canon arc.
Tips for a Long Franchise
- Set a realistic pace, such as a few episodes a day.
- Use a filler list if you want a faster route through the story.
- Try the dub for long battle arcs, as explained in our subbed vs dubbed guide.
- Take breaks between arcs to avoid burnout.
For other franchises, our Demon Slayer watch order shows how movies and seasons fit together, and the full watch order category covers more series. Curious how long franchises are produced and released? Our anime guides explain the basics, and the University of Texas at Dallas keeps a helpful manga and anime library guide for deeper reading. Find more on the AnimeKai anime guides homepage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I skip the original Naruto and start with Shippuden?
You can, but it is not recommended. The original series sets up Naruto’s goals, his bond with Sasuke and many relationships that pay off later. If time is short, watch the canon episodes of the original (up to episode 135) and then move to Shippuden, skipping most of the filler.
How many filler episodes does Naruto have?
In the original Naruto, episodes 136 to 220 are almost entirely filler, and Naruto Shippuden also contains many filler arcs spread throughout the series. Exact counts vary between fan lists because some episodes mix canon and new material. Use a filler guide if you want to watch only the manga story.
Do I need to watch Boruto?
No. Naruto’s main story is complete after Shippuden and The Last. Boruto: Naruto Next Generations is a sequel focused on the next generation of ninja. It is worth trying if you want more of the world, but it is completely optional for understanding Naruto’s journey.
Where does The Last fit in the timeline?
The Last takes place after the Fourth Great Ninja War, around the end of Naruto Shippuden. It connects closely to the final arcs of the series, so the simplest approach is to watch it right after you finish Shippuden and before moving on to Boruto: Naruto the Movie.
