Who hasn't heard of Naruto? One of the most emblematic animated series of our time. Created by the brilliant Masashi Kishimoto, this saga never ceases to fascinate. Courage, willpower and unbreakable bonds, it has it all. But here's the rub: with so many Episodes, films and OVAs, knowing which order to dive into without spoiling the main plot presents a dilemma. Whether you're at the start of your adventure or looking for the last film in the series, it's vital to understand the chronology. When Boruto follows in his father's footsteps, or when Naruto is locked up in the Lost Tower as if in prison, every moment has its place.
Before you see the blood and fire of battle, or discover the secret history of the Gelel Stone, follow our guide.
Understanding the Naruto universe
Naruto, a legend in the anime world, is an animated series created by the incomparable Masashi Kishimoto. Following the chronological order of its episodes, the manga tells the story of a young ninja named Naruto Uzumaki. From an early age, he has had one goal: to be recognized by the people of his village. Raised without parents in the Hidden Village of the Leaf, Naruto is often seen as an outcast, because he carries the Nine-Tailed Fox demon within him. However, his unshakeable will and his desire to be among the Hokage pushes him to overcome many obstacles.
Over the course of the series, from Shippuden to Boruto, we discover a host of main characters: Sasuke Uchiha, the enemy brother, Sakura Haruno, the kind-hearted medical ninja, and Kakashi Hatake, the masked mentor.
Without wishing to spoiler, the themes addressed in the manga are profound, such as:
- The search for recognition;
- The value of links ;
- Determination to go beyond one's limits;
- The importance of family.
Difference between Naruto, Naruto Shippuden and Boruto and chronological sequence
These are three distinct generations and segments of the universe created by Masashi Kishimoto. Here's an overview of their fundamental differences:
Naruto
It's the beginning of everything. This series introduces Naruto Uzumaki, a young orphan who dreams of becoming the most powerful ninja, the leader, of his village, in order to gain recognition from the villagers. Throughout the series, viewers follow Naruto's adventures, training, friendships, challenges and quest to find his place in the world. The central themes revolve around camaraderie, rivalry and the quest for identity.
Naruto Shippuden
This direct sequel to Naruto begins after an ellipse of several years. Naruto returns to the village after intensive training with Jiraiya, one of the legendary Sannin. The series delves deeper into the protagonist's origins, the growing threats posed by the Akatsuki criminal organization, and the complex, tumultuous relationship between Naruto and his friend Sasuke Uchiha. The themes become darker, dealing with loss, betrayal and the search for peace.
Boruto
Naruto Next Generations moves into a new generation, centered on Boruto Uzumaki, Naruto's son. While the father is now the powerful one, the son tries to make his way away from his imposing shadow. While dealing with modern challenges and new threats, the series explores the relationship between parents and children, as well as the evolution of ninjas in the modern era.
Each of these series, while rooted in the same universe, offers a unique perspective on ninja life, growth and the challenges faced by characters at different stages of their lives.
Watch Naruto in order
For those wishing to view this work in its entirety, between films, OVAs and special episodes, chronology is essential. From the mission in the Land of Snow to the legendary Gelel Stone, each element has its specific place, and discovering it in the proper way allows you to savor everything as it was meant to be experienced.
Guide to watching Naruto (Anime)
| Title | Film / Series |
| Naruto | Episodes 1 to 105 |
| Naruto and the Snow Princess | Film |
| Naruto | Episodes 106 to 160 |
| Naruto: Legend of the Gelel Stone | Film |
| Naruto | Episodes 161 to 196 |
| Naruto: Special Mission to the Land of the Moon | Film |
| Naruto | Episodes 197 to 220 |
Guide to watching Naruto Shippuden (Anime)
| Title | Film / Series |
| Naruto Shippuden | Episodes 1 to 23 |
| Naruto Shippuden: An ill omen | Film |
| Naruto Shippuden | Episodes 24 to 70 |
| Naruto Shippuden: The Links | Film |
| Naruto Shippuden | Episodes 71 to 121 |
| Naruto Shippuden: The Flame of Will | Film |
| Naruto Shippuden | Episodes 121 to 169 |
| Naruto Shippuden: The Lost Tower | Film |
| Naruto Shippuden | Episodes 170 to 221 |
| Naruto Shippuden: Blood Prison | Film |
| Naruto Shippuden | Episodes 222 to 271 |
| Naruto Shippuden: Road to Ninja | Film |
| Naruto Shippuden | Episodes 272 to 493 |
| Naruto the Last, the Movie | Film |
| Naruto Shippuden | Episodes 494 to 500 |
Guide to watching Boruto (Anime)
| Title | Movie / Series |
| Boruto | Episodes 1 to 50 |
| Boruto: Naruto, the movie | Film |
| Boruto | Episodes 51 to today |
Guide to watching OVAs and special episodes :
- Find the Four-Leaf Red Clover! : To be watched after seeing the first episodes of Naruto.
- Mission: Protect the Waterfall Village! : To be watched somewhere in the middle of the first Naruto series.
- Hidden Leaf Village Grand Sports Festival : To be seen between the Naruto Shippuden counterpart.
- Naruto: The Cross Roads: To be viewed in the early seasons of Shippuden.
- Naruto x UT: Perhaps to be seen after "The Lost Tower".
- Naruto Shippuden: Sunny Side Battle!!! An original, comic OVA without much relevance to the main plot.
- The day Naruto became Hokage: Canon, to be viewed after "The Last".
This article is sure to have helped you, whether you're already a fan of this manga or just want to get started.
