The Ultimate Guide to Watching Naruto Movies and Skipping Filler Arcs

So, you’re diving into the world of Naruto! Awesome choice! But let’s be real, with hundreds of episodes, navigating the series can feel like trying to find your way through the Forest of Death. Fear not, aspiring ninja! This guide will help you watch all the Naruto movies in the correct order and, more importantly, expertly dodge those pesky filler arcs that can derail your training (or binge-watching session). Ready to level up your Naruto experience?

How to Watch the Naruto Movies in Chronological Order

Alright, let’s get down to business! Watching the Naruto movies in the correct order is crucial to avoid spoilers and maintain a cohesive storyline. Think of it like trying to understand the Avengers movies – watching them out of order will leave you scratching your head. Below is a chronological listing of the Naruto movies, aligned with their placement within the anime series. Note: movie placement is generally between arcs, so it’s best to pinpoint the episode number. The movies offer a fun, cinematic break from the main storyline, but they’re mostly considered non-canon.

Naruto the Movie

This movie falls between episodes 101 and 102 of the original Naruto series. It’s a fun adventure where Team 7 is tasked with protecting a famous actress during a film shoot in the snowy Land of Snow. Expect plenty of action, comedic moments, and a good dose of heartwarming teamwork. It’s a lighthearted escape from the main storyline and introduces some cool new characters and jutsu. Great introduction to the Naruto movie universe!

Naruto the Movie 2

This one slots in after episode 160 in the original Naruto series. Naruto, Shikamaru, and Sakura are on a mission to find a missing ferret (yes, really!) when they get caught up in a conflict over a mysterious stone with immense power. This movie is a bit darker than the first, exploring themes of war and the corrupting influence of power. It’s a solid action flick with some intriguing world-building.

Naruto the Movie 3

Place this movie after episode 196 of the original Naruto series. Team 7 is assigned to protect the prince of the Land of the Moon during his travels. This movie has a fun, adventurous vibe, with a focus on family and loyalty. It’s got some great fight scenes and explores the importance of protecting those who are vulnerable. Think of it as a classic bodyguard movie, but with ninjas and cool jutsu!

Naruto Shippuden the Movie (2007)

This is where we officially enter the Naruto Shippuden era. Watch this movie after episode 71 of Naruto Shippuden. Naruto has a disturbing vision of his own death and is assigned to protect a priestess who can foresee the future. This movie sets a darker tone compared to the original Naruto movies, highlighting the dangers Naruto faces and the weight of his destiny. Prepare for some serious feels!

Naruto Shippuden the Movie 2

This movie goes after episode 128 of Naruto Shippuden. A group of Sky Ninja attack Konoha, and Naruto teams up with Sasuke (yes, Sasuke!) to defend their village. This movie is all about the bonds of friendship and the importance of protecting those you care about. Seeing Naruto and Sasuke fight side-by-side is always a treat for fans. Plus, the Sky Ninja have some pretty cool abilities.

Naruto Shippuden the Movie 3

Watch this after episode 175 of Naruto Shippuden. Ninja with kekkei genkai are disappearing from various villages, and Kakashi is suspected of being behind it. Naruto and his friends must uncover the truth and stop a potential war. This movie explores themes of sacrifice and the meaning of being a ninja. It’s a compelling story with some fantastic action sequences.

Naruto Shippuden the Movie 4

Place this after episode 220 of Naruto Shippuden. Naruto and Yamato are sent on a mission to capture a missing ninja, but they get transported back in time to the past. This movie is a time-travel adventure that features a younger Kakashi and introduces some new and interesting characters. It’s a fun and engaging story with some great fight scenes and a nostalgic look at the past.

Naruto Shippuden the Movie 5

Watch this movie after episode 256 of Naruto Shippuden. Naruto is falsely accused of attempting to assassinate the Raikage and is imprisoned in Hozuki Castle, a high-security prison. He must prove his innocence and uncover a conspiracy that threatens the entire ninja world. This movie is a bit of a departure from the usual Naruto formula, with a focus on mystery and suspense. It’s a thrilling ride from start to finish.

Road to Ninja

This one goes after episode 311 of Naruto Shippuden. Naruto and Sakura are trapped in an alternate reality created by Obito, where their parents are still alive and their lives are completely different. This movie explores the “what if” scenario and allows us to see a different side of Naruto and Sakura. It’s a heartwarming and emotional story that resonates with fans.

The Last

This movie happens after episode 493 of Naruto Shippuden. This is a crucial movie, as it takes place between the end of the main Shippuden storyline and the start of Boruto: Naruto Next Generations. The moon is threatening to crash into the Earth, and Naruto and his friends must find a way to stop it. This movie is a love story between Naruto and Hinata, and it’s a must-watch for any Naruto fan. Bring tissues!

Boruto

While technically a Boruto movie, it’s still an essential part of the Naruto saga. Watch this one after “The Last.” This movie introduces Boruto, Naruto’s son, and sets the stage for the Boruto: Naruto Next Generations anime series. It’s a great introduction to the new generation of ninja and explores the themes of legacy and family. This movie features an updated animation style and exciting new abilities.

A Guide to Skipping Naruto Filler Arcs

Okay, now for the part you’ve all been waiting for: dodging the filler! Filler episodes are anime-original content that doesn’t advance the main plot based on the manga. They can be entertaining, but if you’re trying to get through the story quickly, they can feel like a slog. Imagine trying to race a marathon, but having to stop every mile to take a detour – frustrating, right? Thankfully, many resources online offer comprehensive lists of filler episodes. Here’s the best approach to identifying and skipping them.

Identifying Filler Episodes

The easiest way to identify filler is to consult a reliable online guide, such as AnimeFillerList or NarutoFiller. These websites provide detailed lists of filler episodes for both Naruto and Naruto Shippuden. Typically, a filler list will indicate whether an episode is “filler,” “canon,” or “mixed canon/filler.” Stick to the “canon” or “mixed canon/filler” episodes to stay on the main storyline. Remember to cross-reference multiple sources to ensure accuracy, as opinions on what constitutes filler can sometimes vary.

Why Skip Filler Arcs?

Skipping filler arcs allows you to focus on the core narrative of Naruto, experiencing the major plot points, character development, and epic battles without unnecessary distractions. This can significantly shorten your watch time and prevent burnout. For example, if you only want to see the pivotal moments of the Fourth Great Ninja War, skipping the filler arcs in that section will save you hours of viewing. It also prevents plot confusion as many filler arcs tend to contradict established canon elements.

When to Consider Watching Filler Arcs

While skipping filler is beneficial for pacing, some filler arcs can be enjoyable for their lightheartedness, character interactions, or exploration of side characters. If you’re a completionist or simply enjoy spending more time in the Naruto universe, consider watching some of the highly rated filler arcs. For instance, some fans appreciate the “Power” arc in Shippuden for its unique animation style and compelling storyline, despite it being non-canon. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference.

How to Skip Filler Effectively

Once you’ve identified a filler episode, the easiest way to skip it is to simply fast-forward to the next episode. Most streaming platforms allow you to skip forward in 10-second increments, making it easy to jump over the opening and closing credits as well. When watching on physical media, you can consult the episode guide to find the start and end times of the filler arc and skip directly to the next canon episode. Be diligent and always double-check your list to avoid accidentally skipping crucial plot points!

FAQ

Are the Naruto movies canon?

Generally, the Naruto movies are considered non-canon, meaning they don’t directly impact the main storyline presented in the manga. They offer self-contained adventures that are fun to watch but don’t necessarily need to be seen to understand the primary narrative. The only possible exception is “The Last: Naruto the Movie,” which bridges the gap between the end of Shippuden and the beginning of Boruto.

What is the best Naruto filler arc to watch?

While opinions vary, many fans enjoy the “Power” arc in Naruto Shippuden. It features a unique animation style and a compelling story involving a mysterious village and a powerful enemy. Other noteworthy filler arcs include the “Kakashi Chronicles” which delves into Kakashi’s backstory, and some of the episodes focused on specific characters like Itachi or Jiraiya. These filler episodes often provide interesting insights into character motivations and relationships.

Will skipping filler episodes affect my understanding of the main Naruto storyline?

No, skipping filler episodes should not negatively affect your understanding of the core Naruto storyline. Filler is designed to be self-contained and does not contribute to the overarching plot or character development. In fact, skipping filler can often improve your viewing experience by keeping the pace brisk and avoiding unnecessary tangents. Focus on the episodes marked as “canon” to ensure you’re following the main narrative without any interruptions.