Naruto, a popular Japanese manga and anime series created by Masashi Kishimoto, has been a staple of the anime world for decades. The series follows the journey of Naruto Uzumaki, a young ninja from the Hidden Leaf Village, as he strives to become the leader of his village. In addition to the anime series, several Naruto films have been produced, offering fans a unique perspective on the Naruto universe. However, with multiple films and storylines, it can be challenging to determine when to watch the Naruto films in relation to the anime series. This article will provide a comprehensive viewing guide for the Naruto films, ensuring that fans can fully appreciate the story and its characters.
Introduction to the Naruto Films
The Naruto films are a series of animated movies that expand on the Naruto universe, often featuring original storylines and characters. There are currently eleven Naruto films, each with its own unique story and setting. While the films can be enjoyed as standalone stories, they are deeply connected to the anime series and offer additional insights into the characters and their world. To fully appreciate the Naruto films, it is essential to understand the context and timeline of the anime series.
Naruto Film Release Order vs. Chronological Order
The Naruto films were released in a specific order, but their chronological order within the Naruto universe differs. The release order of the Naruto films is as follows:
- Naruto the Movie: Ninja Clash in the Land of Snow (2004)
- Naruto the Movie: Legend of the Stone of Gelel (2005)
- Naruto the Movie: Guardians of the Crescent Moon Kingdom (2006)
- Naruto: Shippuden the Movie (2007)
- Naruto: Shippuden the Movie: Bonds (2008)
- Naruto: Shippuden the Movie: The Will of Fire (2009)
- Naruto: Shippuden the Movie: The Lost Story (2010)
- Naruto the Movie: Blood Prison (2011)
- Road to Ninja: Naruto the Movie (2012)
- The Last: Naruto the Movie (2014)
- Boruto: Naruto the Movie (2015)
However, the chronological order of the Naruto films within the anime series is different. The recommended viewing order is:
- Naruto the Movie: Ninja Clash in the Land of Snow (after episode 101 of Naruto)
- Naruto the Movie: Legend of the Stone of Gelel (after episode 136 of Naruto)
- Naruto the Movie: Guardians of the Crescent Moon Kingdom (after episode 196 of Naruto)
- Naruto: Shippuden the Movie (after episode 32 of Naruto: Shippuden)
- Naruto: Shippuden the Movie: Bonds (after episode 70 of Naruto: Shippuden)
- Naruto: Shippuden the Movie: The Will of Fire (after episode 120 of Naruto: Shippuden)
- Naruto: Shippuden the Movie: The Lost Story (after episode 170 of Naruto: Shippuden)
- Naruto the Movie: Blood Prison (after episode 210 of Naruto: Shippuden)
- Road to Ninja: Naruto the Movie (after episode 270 of Naruto: Shippuden)
- The Last: Naruto the Movie (after episode 369 of Naruto: Shippuden)
- Boruto: Naruto the Movie (after episode 52 of Boruto: Naruto Next Generations)
| Movie Title | Release Order | Chronological Order |
|---|---|---|
| Naruto the Movie: Ninja Clash in the Land of Snow | 1 | after episode 101 of Naruto |
| Naruto the Movie: Legend of the Stone of Gelel | 2 | after episode 136 of Naruto |
| Naruto the Movie: Guardians of the Crescent Moon Kingdom | 3 | after episode 196 of Naruto |
| Naruto: Shippuden the Movie | 4 | after episode 32 of Naruto: Shippuden |
| Naruto: Shippuden the Movie: Bonds | 5 | after episode 70 of Naruto: Shippuden |
| Naruto: Shippuden the Movie: The Will of Fire | 6 | after episode 120 of Naruto: Shippuden |
| Naruto: Shippuden the Movie: The Lost Story | 7 | after episode 170 of Naruto: Shippuden |
| Naruto the Movie: Blood Prison | 8 | after episode 210 of Naruto: Shippuden |
| Road to Ninja: Naruto the Movie | 9 | after episode 270 of Naruto: Shippuden |
| The Last: Naruto the Movie | 10 | after episode 369 of Naruto: Shippuden |
| Boruto: Naruto the Movie | 11 | after episode 52 of Boruto: Naruto Next Generations |
Main Story Arcs and Character Development
The Naruto films often explore different story arcs and character developments that are not present in the anime series. These storylines provide additional insights into the characters and their world, making them an essential part of the Naruto universe. Some films, such as Naruto: Shippuden the Movie and The Last: Naruto the Movie, are deeply connected to the main storyline of the anime series, while others, like Naruto the Movie: Ninja Clash in the Land of Snow and Road to Ninja: Naruto the Movie, offer unique and standalone stories.
Character Development and Relationships
The Naruto films also focus on character development and relationships, often exploring the bonds between characters and their emotional growth. Films like Naruto: Shippuden the Movie: Bonds and Boruto: Naruto the Movie delve into the relationships between characters, providing a deeper understanding of their personalities and motivations. These character-driven storylines make the Naruto films an essential part of the Naruto universe, offering fans a more comprehensive understanding of the characters and their world.
What is the recommended viewing order for the Naruto films?
+The recommended viewing order for the Naruto films is in chronological order, which is different from the release order. The chronological order is as follows: Naruto the Movie: Ninja Clash in the Land of Snow (after episode 101 of Naruto), Naruto the Movie: Legend of the Stone of Gelel (after episode 136 of Naruto), and so on.
Are the Naruto films essential to the main storyline of the anime series?
+While the Naruto films are not essential to the main storyline of the anime series, they do provide additional insights into the characters and their world. Some films, like Naruto: Shippuden the Movie and The Last: Naruto the Movie, are deeply connected to the main storyline, while others offer unique and standalone stories.
Can I watch the Naruto films as standalone stories?
+Yes, the Naruto films can be watched as standalone stories. However, watching them in chronological order and in relation to the anime series will provide a more comprehensive understanding of the characters and their world.
In conclusion, the Naruto films offer a unique perspective on the Naruto
