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For the main story, watch Naruto episodes 1–220, then Naruto: Shippuden episodes 1–493, The Last: Naruto the Movie, and finally Shippuden episodes 494–500. Most earlier films are optional side adventures. For Boruto, choose either the movie or its expanded anime retelling in episodes 51–66.
Recommended order for the main story
- Watch Naruto episodes 1–220.
- Watch Naruto: Shippuden episodes 1–493.
- Watch The Last: Naruto the Movie.
- Finish Shippuden with episodes 494–500.
- Continue with Boruto: Naruto Next Generations.
This is the simplest route if you want the story-relevant film without interrupting the series for optional adventures. The official Naruto series description frames Shippuden as beginning after “Almost two and a half years have passed since the intense battle at the Final Valley,” and opens with Naruto’s return and the mission to rescue Gaara.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
![Naruto Shippuden The Movie Rasengan Collection (4pk/BD) [Blu-ray]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/5104kIKNLDL._SL160_.jpg)
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Naruto Shippuden The Movie Rasengan Collection (4pk/BD) [Blu-ray] | $17.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Naruto Shippuden Set 2 (BD) | $22.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Naruto Shippuden Blu-ray Set 11 | $34.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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Naruto Shippuden (Set 10)(BD) | $34.29 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
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Naruto Shippuden BD Set 9 | $36.00 | Buy on Amazon |
Where the theatrical films fit
If you want to include all eleven theatrical films as you watch, the following episode slots are a practical, spoiler-aware recommendation from a current viewing guide, not an official chronology. The first three Naruto films and six Shippuden-era films are generally treated as optional side stories; The Last is the key film bridge near the end of Shippuden.
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- Watch Naruto episodes 1–101, then Naruto the Movie: Ninja Clash in the Land of Snow.
- Watch episodes 102–160, then Naruto the Movie: The Legend of the Stone of Gelel.
- Watch episodes 161–196, then Naruto the Movie: Guardians of the Crescent Moon Kingdom.
- Watch episodes 197–220.
- Watch Shippuden episodes 1–32, then Naruto Shippuden: The Movie.
- Watch episodes 33–71, then Naruto Shippuden the Movie: Bonds.
- Watch episodes 72–126, then Naruto Shippuden the Movie: The Will of Fire.
- Watch episodes 127–143, then Naruto Shippuden the Movie: The Lost Tower.
- Watch episodes 144–196, then Naruto the Movie: Blood Prison.
- Watch episodes 197–251, then Road to Ninja: Naruto the Movie.
- Watch episodes 252–493, then The Last: Naruto the Movie.
- Watch episodes 494–500.
Guides sometimes use slightly different cutoffs—for example, placing a film after Shippuden episode 53 rather than at the boundary above. Treat these placements as viewing advice, not definitive canon chronology.
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Choose one version of the Boruto story
Boruto: Naruto the Movie covers the Chūnin Exams and Momoshiki storyline. Boruto: Naruto Next Generations retells and expands that story in episodes 51–66. Watch either version if you want to avoid covering the same broad storyline twice; the anime adaptation is expanded and is not identical scene for scene to the film.
Release order or episode-interspersed order?
For a first viewing, finishing each series arc without film breaks is a straightforward choice: follow the main-story route, then watch optional films afterward. If you want the theatrical experience in the context of the franchise’s rollout, release order is reasonable. Guides differ on exactly how to interleave movies with episodes that aired around the films, so label your method rather than treating one schedule as uniquely correct.
Rank #2
How to place OVAs and short specials
“OVA” can refer to bonus animation released through home video, events or promotions, and game-related tie-ins. Lists vary because they do not all count the same kinds of short. The sources do not establish one complete, authoritative inventory or an exact chronological slot for every special, so watch optional shorts in release or discovery order after the relevant series context.
The Day Naruto Became Hokage
The Day Naruto Became Hokage is an OVA associated with limited-edition home-media releases of Boruto: Naruto the Movie. It works as a bonus after the Shippuden ending and around the transition into Boruto, but an exact required position is not established.
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Keep shorts separate from theatrical films
Do not count theatrical movies as OVAs. Whether a list includes Jump Festa specials, promotional animation, game tie-ins, and home-video extras affects how many entries it reports; without a consistent scope, different “complete” lists are not directly comparable.
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Which viewing method fits your goal?
| Method | Best for | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Main-story route | Following the essential continuity with minimal interruptions | Leaves optional film adventures for later |
| Episode-interspersed route | Watching optional movies near suggested series context | Episode cutoffs are editorial recommendations and vary by guide |
| Release order | Franchise-history viewing or a rewatch | Guides may differ on how to interleave a film with nearby episodes |
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
