Based on the extremely popular manga by Masashi Kishimoto, Naruto centers its namesake, Naruto Uzumaki, and his friends as they strive to become the best ninjas in the village. Naruto's ultimate goal, as he saves and changes lives, is to be Hokage, the leader of his village. It’s a world of ninjas, action, magic, family and friendship. And although Kishimoto completed the manga’s run in 2014 after 15 years, Naruto popularity shows no signs of waning.
Whether you’re new to the world of Naruto or settling in for an epic rewatch of this great shonen anime series, we’ve got you covered. Take a look at our guide on the best order to watch the movies alongside the series; luckily, chronological order and release order are the same.
Jump To:
- How to watch in chronological order
- How to watch by release order
How Many Naruto Movies are There?
The story spans the young ninja’s life starting with him as a young orphan and on into adulthood. A total of eleven (11) movies occur along the timeline of the franchise’s series: Naruto (1999), Naruto Shippuden (2007), and Boruto: Naruto Next Generations (2017).
It’s important to note, however, that all but the last two movies (The Last: Naruto the Movie (2014) and Boruto: Naruto the Movie) are filler, based on original stories rather than events of the Naruto series. They’re not considered canon. Despite that, the films acknowledge the events in the series and deepen the worldbuilding and character development as they chronicle his adventures. All-in, there are 720 anime episodes in the franchise. So for the full experience, it’s still best to watch the movies not only in order but where they occur along the timeline.
The Naruto Movies In Order
Ninja Clash in the Land of Snow (watch after episode 101)
The first movie follows young Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura (known as Team 7) as they protect and escort an actress to the Land of Snow. The actress doesn’t really want to go despite it being to get the final shots needed to finish her movie. The actress has a secret and as her past rears its head along their trip, the team must deal with the fallout and keep her from being captured. Ninja Clash deepens the dynamic between the crew and offers insight to their family. The events take place after episode 101 of the Naruto arc.
Legend of the Stone of Gelel (watch after episode 160)
The second movie sees Naruto, Sakura, and Shikamaru caught up in the battle for a powerful mineral, the Stone of Gelel. Team Seven must work to keep this stone that grants its user immense power from falling into the wrong hands. It’s best seen after episode 106 of the Naruto arc.
Naruto The Movie 2: Legend of the Stone of Gelel
Viz Media
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Guardians of the Crescent Moon Kingdom (watch after episode 220)
The third movie is Team 7 on a mission to protect a young prince, Hikaru Tsuki and his father Michiru back to their homeland. The prince is spoiled and materialistic. His behavior is a thorn in the teams’ side and they try to teach him to be humble. This mission occurs after the events in episode 196 of the Naruto arc.
Naruto Shippuden Movies in Order
Naruto Shippuden the Movie (watch after episode 32)
Taking place after the events in episode 32 of the Naruto Shippuden arc, Naruto Shippuden the Movie follows Naruto, Sakura, Rock Lee, and Neji on a mission to protect and escort a priestess to the body of a demon before the returned demon reclaims it. It's in this movie that Naruto learns it's his fate to ultimately die fighting a monster.
Bonds (watch after episode 71)
Naruto, Hinata, and Sakura must work with a young boy, Amaru, who shows up with a warning. The Land of the Sky plans to attack Konohagakure in retaliation for their attack during the battle of the Second Great Ninja War. This movie takes place after episode 71 of the Shippuden arc.
The Will of Fire (watch after episode 126)
With ninjas with kekkei genkai abilities disappearing, Naruto sensei, Kakashi, is the next likely target. Naruto’s determined to save his sensei’s life while others seem determined to simply blame one another for the disappearances. The movie takes place after episode 121 of the Shippuden arc.
Naruto Shippuden the Movie 3: The Will of Fire
Warner Home Video
NR
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The Lost Tower (watch after episode 143)
A mission to capture a powerful Shinobi named Mukade. The mission takes the team, Naruto, Yamato, Sakura, and Sai, to a ruined city. Mukade intends to go back in time and conquer the Five Great Shinobi counties with the power of the Ryūmyaku, an ancient chakra flow hidden deep underground Rōran. The team ends up 20 years in the past. Watch this movie after episode 143 of the Shippuden arc.
Blood Prison (watch after episode 196)
Framed for a crime he didn’t commit, Naruto gets arrested and sent to Hozuki Castle, also known as the “Blood Prison.” Naruto must escape what’s considered one of the most secure prisons in the world to clear his name and expose the threat lurking inside the prison. This movie’s best seen after episode 196 of the Shippuden arc.
Naruto Shippuden: The Movie - Blood Prison
Viz Media
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Road to Ninja (watch after episode 251)
Naruto and Sakura are captured and end up in an alternate world when someone attempts to steal the Nine-Tails from Naruto. It’s a journey into parallel lives and possibilities. This takes place after episode 251 of the Shippuden arc.
The Last: Naruto the Movie (watch after episode 493)
Based on a story by Masashi Kishimoto, The Last is an epilogue to the Shippuden arc. It should be seen after episode 493. Taking a turn away from being an all out action adventure, Naruto and friends discover the moon will collide with the Earth. While on a mission to avert this disaster, Naruto confronts his feelings for Hinata Hyuuga and must deal with the fallout of confessing them to her. Yes, The Last movie is a romance.
Boruto: Naruto Next Generations in Order
Boruto: Naruto the Movie (watch after episode 52)
Based on a story co-written by Kishimoto, Boruto takes place after Naurto achieves his goal of becoming Hokage of his village. . People with tailed-beasts are being assassinated. Naruto is a target and only his old friend Sasuke Uchiha and his son Boruto can save him. This movie introduces his son Boruto Uzumakiand the next generation of Shinobi watch it after the finale (chapter 500) of the Shippuden arc and before Boruto: Naruto Next Generations.
How to Watch Naruto Movies in Release Order
- Ninja Clash in the Land of Snow (August 21, 2004)
- Legend of the Stone of Gelel (August 6, 2005)
- Guardians of the Crescent Moon Kingdom (August 5, 2006)
- Naruto Shippuden the Movie (August 4, 2007)
- Bonds (August 2, 2008)
- The Will of Fire (August 1, 2009)
- The Lost Tower (July 31, 2010)
- Blood Prison (July 30, 2011)
- Road to Ninja (July 28, 2012)
- The Last: Naruto the Movie (December 6, 2014)
- Boruto: Naruto the Movie (August 7, 2015)
The Future of Naruto
In terms of the animated Naruto series, the Naruto anime ran from 2002-2007, while Naruto Shippūden (the sequel) premiered in 2007, ending in 2017. Although the series ends with Naruto ushering in an era of peace, it looks as though fans have a few more episodes to look forward to in a Boruto Part 2. While we don't yet have an official release date for Boruto: Next Generations Part 2, it's definitely possible we could be getting new episodes sometime in 2025.
Meanwhile, it looks like the iconic ninja is next up in the list for a live-action treatment. Lionsgate is producing a new Naruto movie with Destin Daniel Cretton (Shang-Chi) on board to direct. The film's script is complete as of 2024, but we have no word yet on casting announcements or a potential release date.
Ro is a freelance film and television critic who’s definitely going to suggest you read Fonda Lee’s Green Bone Saga because she needs that television adaptation. You can always find her talking about villain agendas, invasive species, costume dramas, or with her nose in a book.
