Naruto is one of the longest anime ever made — and one of the most padded with non-canon filler. This guide gives you the optimised watch order, the exact filler episodes to skip in both series, the films worth watching, and where to stream legally, so you follow Naruto Uzumaki's story without wasting a minute.
Global Watch Order
The Naruto saga splits into two main series plus an optional sequel:
- Naruto (2002–2007) — 220 episodes. Naruto's childhood, the Ninja Academy, early missions, the Chunin Exams and key revelations. Note: episodes 136–220 are almost entirely filler.
- Naruto Shippuden (2007–2017) — 500 episodes. Naruto two and a half years later, the Akatsuki threat and the ninja war. Contains roughly 40% filler spread across several blocks.
- Boruto: Naruto Next Generations (2017–2023) — optional sequel focusing on Naruto's son. Heavy filler; follow only if you are a dedicated fan.
Filler Episodes to Skip
These episodes are non-canon — they do not exist in the manga and add nothing to the main story:
| Series | Episodes to Skip | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Naruto Classic | 136–220 | Entire final filler block |
| Shippuden | 57–71 | Twelve Guardian Ninja Arc |
| Shippuden | 91–112 | Three-Tails Arc |
| Shippuden | 144–151 | Miscellaneous filler |
| Shippuden | 170–171 | Filler |
| Shippuden | 176–196 | Post-Pain filler |
| Shippuden | 223–242 | Pre-War filler |
| Shippuden | 257–260, 271, 279–281 | War filler (flashbacks) |
| Shippuden | 347–361 | Edo Tensei filler |
| Shippuden | 376–377, 389–390 | Filler |
| Shippuden | 416–417, 422–423 | Late-war filler |
| Shippuden | 428–450 | Pre-final arc filler |
| Shippuden | 480–483 | Final filler |
Films: Which Ones to Watch
Of the 11 Naruto films, only two are tied to the main story:
| Film | When to Watch | Essential? |
|---|---|---|
| Road to Ninja: Naruto the Movie (2012) | After Shippuden ep. 270 | Recommended (Obito lore) |
| The Last: Naruto the Movie (2014) | After Shippuden ep. 493 | Yes — closes the main romance arc |
| Boruto: Naruto the Movie (2015) | After The Last | If continuing with Boruto |
| Other films (1–6, etc.) | Anytime | No — non-canon, for fun only |
Where to Stream Naruto Legally
| Platform | Content | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Crunchyroll | Naruto, Shippuden, Boruto | Most complete; sub + dub |
| Netflix | Varies by region | Check current catalogue |
| Amazon Prime Video | Select seasons | Region-dependent |
The complete Naruto manga by Masashi Kishimoto runs 72 volumes — no filler, 100% canon. The fastest way to experience the whole story.
See Naruto Manga on AmazonAffiliate link: we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Ninja Culture and Japan Behind Naruto
Real Shinobi (Ninja)
The shinobi — espionage and sabotage agents of feudal Japan — were real during the Sengoku and Edo periods. Konoha's clan system (Uchiha, Hyuga, Nara) echoes the structure of actual ninja guilds like the Iga and Koga. Kishimoto transformed those secret guilds into nation-states with their own political hierarchies.
Chakra and Yogic Traditions
Naruto's chakra borrows its name from the Indian concept of energy centres in the body. In the series it is reimagined as a blend of physical and spiritual energy that ninjas shape through hand signs (mudra) — themselves inspired by Buddhist and Taoist ritual gestures.
Nakama: the Philosophy of Bonds
The concept of nakama (companions you protect) is central to the entire show. Naruto's nindo (ninja way) — the idea that past suffering forges future strength — reflects deeply Japanese values of ganbaru (persevere no matter what) and collective redemption.
Frequently Asked Questions
What order should I watch Naruto in?
Naruto Classic (skip episodes 136-220) → Naruto Shippuden (skip the filler blocks listed above) → The Last after episode 493. That's the optimal order to follow the story without filler.
Which Naruto filler can I skip?
Naruto Classic: episodes 136-220. Shippuden main blocks: 57-71, 91-112, 144-151, 176-196, 223-242, 347-361, 416-417, 422-423 and 428-450.
Where can I watch Naruto legally?
Crunchyroll has the most complete catalogue (Naruto, Shippuden, Boruto) with subs and dub. Check Netflix and Amazon Prime for availability in your region.
Do I need to watch Naruto before Shippuden?
Yes. Shippuden is a direct continuation. Characters, relationships and narrative stakes only make sense after watching Naruto Classic — at minimum the main arcs.
What is chakra in Naruto?
Chakra is the fundamental energy ninjas use for techniques (jutsu). It blends physical and spiritual energy, inspired by Indian yogic traditions and reinterpreted by Kishimoto in a Japanese ninja setting.