Naruto
Start with Naruto's academy and early ninja missions.
Watch order
Naruto
A viral shonen route through Naruto, Shippuden, key films, and Boruto-era optional material.
Quick answer
Watch Naruto, then Naruto Shippuden, using a filler guide only if you want to shorten the 720-episode television run. Place The Last: Naruto the Movie late in Shippuden, after episode 493 and before the final wedding episodes. Boruto is a separate next-generation continuation and can wait until Naruto's story is complete.
Reviewed 2026-06-28Naruto the Movie: Ninja Clash in the Land of Snow
Optional early movie.
Naruto Shippuden
Main continuation after the time skip.
The Last: Naruto the Movie
Canon-adjacent film best near the end of Shippuden.
Boruto: Naruto the Movie
Bridge into the next generation.
Boruto: Naruto Next Generations
Optional sequel-era watch.
First-time viewer guide
Why this order works
The two television series form one journey
Naruto introduces Team 7, the villages, and the Chunin Exams; Shippuden resumes after the training time skip and resolves the long-running conflicts. Starting with Shippuden sacrifices relationships that its reunions and rivalries depend on. The simplest route is therefore the original series followed by Shippuden, with optional movies placed around them.
Filler is a time choice
Both series contain anime-original missions, especially toward the end of original Naruto and during gaps in Shippuden. They are not needed to understand the manga storyline, but some expand side characters or provide lighter adventures. A first viewer with limited time can skip clearly marked filler, while someone who enjoys the cast may keep selected arcs.
Order explained
Release order or chronological order?
Release order
Watch Naruto episodes 1-220 and Naruto Shippuden episodes 1-500. Most early theatrical films are self-contained and optional. The Last is the exception most viewers should include: place it after Shippuden episode 493, before episodes 494-500. After finishing Naruto's conclusion, choose whether to continue with Boruto: Naruto Next Generations and its related film-era material.
Chronological order
The core chronology is Naruto, the training time skip, and Naruto Shippuden. Standalone films have approximate placements but rarely affect later episodes, so forcing each into a precise week is unnecessary. The Last occurs near Shippuden's ending and has meaningful relationship development. Boruto follows the adult generation later and should not interrupt Naruto's own final episodes.
Movies, OVAs and filler
What is optional?
Original Naruto filler
Anime originalLarge late-series blocks can be skipped before moving to Shippuden.
Shippuden anime-original arcs
MixedSome provide enjoyable backstory; select them based on character interest.
The Last: Naruto the Movie
Main storyRecommended near the end of Shippuden after episode 493.
Earlier Naruto films
OptionalMostly standalone adventures that do not alter the main plot.
Before you start
Common watch-order mistakes
Jumping directly to Shippuden
The sequel expects you to understand Team 7, the exams, village politics, and Naruto and Sasuke's bond.
Watching The Last too early
The film assumes late-war developments and belongs close to the end, not after the original Naruto series.
Quick reference
Frequently asked questions
Can I skip Naruto filler?
Yes. Clearly anime-original episodes are optional, though some viewers keep favorite character arcs.
When should I watch The Last?
After Shippuden episode 493 and before episodes 494-500.
Are the other Naruto movies required?
No. Most are standalone side adventures.
Should I watch Boruto immediately?
Finish all of Shippuden first. Boruto is a next-generation continuation and can be approached separately.