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Start with Naruto. For the anime, watch Naruto, then Naruto Shippuden, then Boruto: Naruto Next Generations. For the manga, read Naruto before Boruto. That order gives you the original story and the context for its sequel, which follows Naruto’s son.
What order should you watch the series in?
- Watch Naruto.
- Continue with Naruto Shippuden.
- Then watch Boruto: Naruto Next Generations.
This is the straightforward order for a first-time viewer; you do not need to add every film, filler arc, novel, or spin-off to understand the basic series progression. Crunchyroll News’ 2024 beginner guide gives 220 episodes for the original Naruto anime alone—not for the entire franchise. See Crunchyroll’s watch-order guide.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Naruto, Vol. 1: Uzumaki Naruto | $9.59 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Naruto: 3-in-1 Edition, Vol. 1 (Uzumaki Naruto / The Worst Client / Dreams) | $11.98 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Naruto, Vol. 2: The Worst Client | $9.59 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Naruto Box Set 1: Volumes 1-27 with Premium | $138.90 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Naruto (3-in-1 Edition), Vol. 2: Includes vols. 4, 5 & 6 | $12.34 | Buy on Amazon |
What order should you read the manga in?
- Begin with Naruto, starting at volume 1.
- After the original story, continue with Boruto if you want the next-generation story.
VIZ lists the original Naruto manga through chapter 700 and catalogs Boruto separately. Its Boruto page credits Masashi Kishimoto with creation and supervision, Mikio Ikemoto with art, and Ukyo Kodachi with the script. View VIZ’s Naruto manga catalog and its Boruto catalog.
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Boruto is a sequel centered on Naruto’s son, not a replacement starting point for the original story. The official franchise synopsis places Naruto in the role of Seventh Hokage and Boruto at the Ninja Academy as he begins his own journey. Starting with Naruto lets you encounter the protagonist and setting before the story moves to the next generation. Read the official Boruto synopsis.
#1 Best Overall
- Viz Media
- The world’s most popular ninja comic
- Naruto is a young shinobi with an incorrigible knack for mischief.
VIZ describes the original manga as Masashi Kishimoto’s series and notes that it concluded in late 2014. Its franchise page also presents the Boruto stories as continuing adventures focused on Naruto’s son. VIZ’s Naruto page.
Should you watch, read, or mix formats?
| Choice | Best fit | Order |
|---|---|---|
| Anime | You want voice acting, music, and animated action, and are comfortable with a long viewing commitment. | Naruto → Naruto Shippuden → Boruto |
| Manga | You prefer reading at your own pace and following the story panel by panel. | Naruto → Boruto |
| Mixed | You want to use different formats for different installments. | Finish the original Naruto story before beginning Boruto; the series relationship does not require matching anime and manga one-to-one. |
There is no need to choose one format for the whole franchise. The decision is whether you would rather experience the original story through animation or read it at your own pace, and whether you want to begin with Naruto’s story before following his son.
Rank #2
- Viz Media
- LLC Naruto 3-in-1 Edition
- Includes Volume 1, 2 and 3
Where can you watch or read them?
VIZ lists anime distribution partners that include Crunchyroll, Hulu, Netflix, Pluto TV, TubiTV, VUDU, HBO Max, Roku, Peacock, YouTube, and Amazon Prime Video. These are not guarantees that all three series are currently available on each service. VIZ says availability varies by platform, country, and dub or subtitle version, and may change. Check the local catalog for the exact series and language you want. See VIZ’s anime streaming information. The official Boruto page also notes that streaming services depend on region.
VIZ’s Boruto manga page points readers to MANGA Plus by SHUEISHA for the latest free chapters available in their location and lists collected volumes. Check the current catalog for your region rather than assuming a chapter or volume is available everywhere. Check VIZ’s Boruto manga information.
Quick Recap
Best Value
Rank #4
- Naruto box set 1: volumes 1-27 with premium (naruto box sets)
- brand: VIZ Media LLC
- manufacturer: Viz LLC
Rank #3
- New
- Mint Condition
- Dispatch same day for order received before 12 noon
- Guaranteed packaging
- No quibbles returns
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.
