10+ Naruto Films To Watch Before Boruto

The Naruto series, created by Masashi Kishimoto, has been a staple of the anime world for decades. With its intricate storyline, memorable characters, and epic battles, it's no wonder that the series has spawned numerous films. If you're planning to dive into the Boruto series, it's essential to watch the Naruto films that provide background information, character development, and a deeper understanding of the Naruto universe. Here are 10+ Naruto films to watch before starting Boruto:
Naruto Films: A Brief Introduction

The Naruto films are a series of animated movies based on the Naruto manga and anime series. These films offer a unique perspective on the Naruto world, often exploring alternate storylines, character backstories, and the consequences of the series’ events. Watching these films will provide you with a richer understanding of the Naruto universe and its characters, making your Boruto viewing experience even more enjoyable.
Naruto: The Movie - Ninja Clash in the Land of Snow
This film, released in 2004, is the first Naruto movie and takes place after the 101st episode of the anime. The story follows Naruto and his teammates, Sakura and Sasuke, as they protect a popular actress from evil ninjas. Although it’s not directly connected to the Boruto series, it showcases the early dynamics between the main characters and sets the tone for the films to come.
Naruto: The Movie - Legend of the Stone of Gelel
Released in 2005, this film occurs after the 160th episode of the anime. The story revolves around Naruto, Shikamaru, and Sakura, who embark on a mission to retrieve a powerful stone. This film introduces the concept of the Will of Fire, a crucial theme in the Naruto series, and explores the characters’ growth and development.
Naruto: The Movie - Guardians of the Crescent Moon Kingdom
This 2006 film takes place after the 196th episode of the anime and follows Naruto, Sakura, and Rock Lee as they protect a prince from assassins. Although it’s a relatively lighthearted film, it showcases the characters’ abilities and teamwork, making it an enjoyable watch before diving into Boruto.
Naruto: Shippuden the Movie
Released in 2007, this film is set after the 32nd episode of Naruto: Shippuden and marks a significant shift in the series’ tone. The story follows Naruto and his friends as they face a powerful demon and explores the consequences of the series’ events. This film introduces the concept of the Akatsuki, a central plot point in the Naruto series, and sets the stage for the events of Boruto.
Naruto: Shippuden the Movie - Bonds
This 2008 film occurs after the 70th episode of Naruto: Shippuden and focuses on the relationship between Naruto and a young ninja named Amaru. The story explores the concept of bonds and friendship, which is a central theme in the Naruto series. Although it’s not directly connected to Boruto, it provides insight into Naruto’s character development and the importance of relationships in the series.
Naruto: Shippuden the Movie - The Will of Fire
Released in 2009, this film takes place after the 120th episode of Naruto: Shippuden and follows Naruto as he faces a powerful enemy who seeks to destroy the Hidden Leaf Village. The story explores the concept of the Will of Fire, which is a crucial theme in the Naruto series, and showcases the characters’ growth and development.
Naruto: Shippuden the Movie - The Lost Story
This 2010 film occurs after the 170th episode of Naruto: Shippuden and follows Naruto and his friends as they face a powerful and ancient enemy. The story explores the concept of the Sage of the Six Paths and the origins of the Naruto world, providing valuable background information for the Boruto series.
Naruto: Shippuden the Movie - Blood Prison
Released in 2011, this film takes place after the 210th episode of Naruto: Shippuden and follows Naruto as he is framed for a crime and must clear his name. The story explores the concept of justice and morality, which is a central theme in the Naruto series, and provides insight into Naruto’s character development.
Naruto: Shippuden the Movie - Road to Ninja
This 2012 film occurs after the 270th episode of Naruto: Shippuden and follows Naruto and his friends as they are transported to an alternate dimension. The story explores the concept of parallel universes and the consequences of the series’ events, providing a unique perspective on the Naruto world.
The Last: Naruto the Movie
Released in 2014, this film takes place after the 369th episode of Naruto: Shippuden and follows Naruto and his friends as they face a powerful enemy who seeks to destroy the Hidden Leaf Village. The story provides a sense of closure for the Naruto series and sets the stage for the events of Boruto.
Boruto: Naruto the Movie
This 2015 film is a direct sequel to the Naruto series and follows Boruto, Naruto’s son, as he faces a powerful enemy and learns the value of being a ninja. The story provides a smooth transition from the Naruto series to the Boruto series and introduces the main characters and plot points of the Boruto series.
Movie Title | Release Year | Connection to Boruto |
---|---|---|
Naruto: The Movie - Ninja Clash in the Land of Snow | 2004 | Early character development |
Naruto: The Movie - Legend of the Stone of Gelel | 2005 | Introduction to the Will of Fire |
Naruto: The Movie - Guardians of the Crescent Moon Kingdom | 2006 | Character growth and development |
Naruto: Shippuden the Movie | 2007 | Introduction to the Akatsuki |
Naruto: Shippuden the Movie - Bonds | 2008 | Exploration of bonds and friendship |
Naruto: Shippuden the Movie - The Will of Fire | 2009 | Character development and the Will of Fire |
Naruto: Shippuden the Movie - The Lost Story | 2010 | Background information on the Naruto world |
Naruto: Shippuden the Movie - Blood Prison | 2011 | Character development and themes of justice |
Naruto: Shippuden the Movie - Road to Ninja | 2012 | Exploration of parallel universes |
The Last: Naruto the Movie | 2014 | Setup for the Boruto series |
Boruto: Naruto the Movie | 2015 | Direct sequel to the Naruto series |

What is the best order to watch the Naruto films in?
+The best order to watch the Naruto films in is the release order, as each film builds upon the previous one and provides a sense of continuity and character development. However, if you’re looking to watch the films in chronological order, you can follow the order presented in the table above.
Are the Naruto films essential to understanding the Boruto series?
+While the Naruto films are not essential to understanding the Boruto series, they do provide valuable background information, character development, and insight into the Naruto universe. Watching the films will enhance your understanding and appreciation of the Boruto series, but it’s not necessary to watch them all to follow the story.