The question of in what order do you watch naruto is one of the most common inquiries from new fans entering the expansive world created by Masashi Kishimoto. With multiple series, numerous filler episodes, and a complex timeline, the path forward can seem daunting. This guide cuts through the noise to provide the definitive strategy for experiencing the story exactly as intended, maximizing emotional impact and narrative coherence.
Understanding the Two Core Canons
Before diving into the sequence, it is essential to distinguish between the two primary pillars of the franchise: the original series (Naruto) and the sequel (Boruto). The original series covers the journey of Naruto Uzumaki from a mischievous orphan to the hero of his village, culminating in the Fourth Great Ninja War. Boruto, set approximately two decades later, follows the next generation, focusing on Naruto’s son, Boruto Uzumaki. While both are part of the official storyline, watching them out of sequence can lead to confusion regarding character motivations and the state of the world.
The Optimal Viewing Sequence
For the purest and most recommended experience, you should watch the original series in its entirety before moving to the sequel. This ensures you build the necessary emotional investment and understand the foundational history that drives every conflict in the newer material. Jumping into Boruto without this context is akin to reading the final chapter of a mystery novel; you will recognize the characters, but the weight of their struggles and the significance of their victories will be lost.
Navigating the Filler Challenge
One of the most significant hurdles in determining the order of Naruto is the presence of filler episodes. These are non-canon stories created to allow the anime to progress faster than the manga. During the original run, filler arcs were often inserted between major manga story arcs. The golden rule is to skip these filler episodes whenever possible. They do not advance the main plot and can disrupt the pacing established by Kishimoto. Utilize online resources to identify and skip these episodes, ensuring you only watch the canonical story.
Series | Content Type | Recommended Action
Naruto (Part I) | Canon | Watch in chronological order
Naruto Shippuden | Canon + Filler | Watch, but skip filler episodes
Boruto: Naruto Next Generations | Canon | Watch after original series is complete
The Role of the Movies
Scattered throughout the timeline are the feature films, which offer self-contained adventures separate from the main saga. The general consensus among purists is to watch these movies in the order they were released. While they rarely contain critical plot points necessary for understanding the core narrative, watching them chronologically helps maintain the visual and thematic evolution of the animation style and keeps the experience aligned with the real-time release schedule.
The Manga Advantage
For those asking in what order do you watch naruto, the answer is often found in the pages of the manga. The manga is the source material, and the anime adaptation, while high quality, sometimes rushes or alters storylines. Reading the manga ensures you get the story exactly as Kishimoto intended, without filler or animation constraints. If you prefer the anime for its voice acting and soundtrack, reading the manga first or alongside the series provides a comprehensive understanding of the plot, making the anime viewing experience significantly richer.
