When To Watch Naruto Films? Best Order Guide

The Naruto series, created by Masashi Kishimoto, has been a beloved part of many anime fans' lives for decades. With its rich story, memorable characters, and epic battles, it's no wonder that the series has expanded beyond the original manga and anime to include numerous films. However, with so many movies to choose from, it can be overwhelming to determine the best order in which to watch them. In this article, we'll provide a comprehensive guide on when to watch Naruto films, ensuring that you get the most out of your viewing experience.
Introduction to the Naruto Films

The Naruto films are a series of animated movies based on the Naruto franchise. These movies offer a unique perspective on the Naruto universe, often exploring storylines that aren’t covered in the manga or anime. With a total of 11 films, each one provides a distinct viewing experience, ranging from action-packed adventures to emotional character studies. To fully appreciate these films, it’s essential to watch them in the correct order, taking into account their placement within the overall Naruto timeline.
Naruto Film List and Release Order
Here is a list of the Naruto films in release order:
Film Title | Release Year |
---|---|
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 |

Chronological Order of Naruto Films

Watching the Naruto films in chronological order can be a bit tricky, as some movies take place during specific story arcs, while others occur outside of the main storyline. Here’s a breakdown of the chronological order:
Naruto the Movie: Ninja Clash in the Land of Snow - This film takes place after episode 101 of the original Naruto anime.
Naruto the Movie: Legend of the Stone of Gelel - This film occurs after episode 136 of the original Naruto anime.
Naruto the Movie: Guardians of the Crescent Moon Kingdom - This film takes place after episode 170 of the original Naruto anime.
Naruto: Shippuden the Movie - This film occurs after episode 32 of the Naruto: Shippuden anime.
Naruto Shippuden the Movie: Bonds - This film takes place after episode 70 of the Naruto: Shippuden anime.
Naruto Shippuden the Movie: The Will of Fire - This film occurs after episode 120 of the Naruto: Shippuden anime.
Naruto Shippuden the Movie: The Lost Story - This film takes place after episode 170 of the Naruto: Shippuden anime.
Naruto the Movie: Blood Prison - This film occurs after episode 210 of the Naruto: Shippuden anime.
Road to Ninja: Naruto the Movie - This film takes place after episode 270 of the Naruto: Shippuden anime.
The Last: Naruto the Movie - This film occurs after episode 369 of the Naruto: Shippuden anime, during the epilogue of the series.
Boruto: Naruto the Movie - This film takes place after episode 500 of the Naruto: Shippuden anime, during the epilogue of the series, and serves as a bridge to the Boruto: Naruto Next Generations series.
Watching Naruto Films as a New Viewer
If you’re new to the Naruto series, it’s recommended to watch the anime and manga before diving into the films. The Naruto films are designed to be supplementary to the main storyline, and watching them without prior knowledge of the series may lead to confusion. Start with the original Naruto anime, followed by Naruto: Shippuden, and then proceed to watch the films in chronological order.
Benefits of Watching Naruto Films in Chronological Order
Watching the Naruto films in chronological order provides several benefits, including:
- A deeper understanding of the Naruto universe and its characters
- A more immersive viewing experience, as the films are integrated into the main storyline
- Enhanced character development, as the films often explore the characters’ backstories and motivations
- A richer appreciation for the Naruto series as a whole, as the films provide a unique perspective on the story and its themes
Naruto Film Analysis and Comparison
Each Naruto film offers a distinct viewing experience, with some films excelling in action and adventure, while others focus on character development and emotional storytelling. Here’s a comparison of the Naruto films:
Film Title | Genre | Tone |
---|---|---|
Naruto the Movie: Ninja Clash in the Land of Snow | Action-Adventure | Light-hearted |
Naruto the Movie: Legend of the Stone of Gelel | Science Fantasy | Serious |
Naruto the Movie: Guardians of the Crescent Moon Kingdom | Action-Adventure | Humorous |
Naruto: Shippuden the Movie | Action-Adventure | Dark |
Naruto Shippuden the Movie: Bonds | Drama | Emotional |
Naruto Shippuden the Movie: The Will of Fire | Action-Adventure | Intense |
Naruto Shippuden the Movie: The Lost Story | Science Fantasy | Mysterious |
Naruto the Movie: Blood Prison | Action-Adventure | Gritty |
Road to Ninja: Naruto the Movie | Alternate Universe | Experimental |
The Last: Naruto the Movie | Romance | Emotional |
Boruto: Naruto the Movie | Action-Adventure | Light-hearted |
What is the best order to watch the Naruto films?
+The best order to watch the Naruto films is in chronological order, taking into account their placement within the overall Naruto timeline. This ensures a seamless viewing experience and allows you to fully appreciate the story and characters.
Can I watch the Naruto films without watching the anime and manga?
+While it’s possible to watch the Naruto films without watching the anime and manga, it’s not recommended. The Naruto films are designed to be supplementary to the main storyline, and watching them without prior knowledge of the series may lead to confusion. It’s best to watch the anime and manga before diving into the films.