You're standing in the middle of a massive library, but all the books are shuffled. That’s basically what it feels like trying to figure out the naruto movie and show order for the first time. With over 700 episodes and 11 movies, it is a beast.
Honestly, most people just tell you to "watch it as it came out." That is terrible advice.
If you do that, you'll hit a movie that mentions a technique Naruto hasn't even learned yet. Or worse, you'll see a character who is supposed to be "away" just chilling in the Hidden Leaf village. It breaks the magic. To get the most out of Masashi Kishimoto’s world, you need to thread the needle between the seasons and the films.
The Original Series: Where it All Starts
Before you even think about the movies, you start with the 2002 original series. Just call it "Classic Naruto." You've got 220 episodes here, but don't let that number scare you. About 40% of it is filler that has zero impact on the main plot.
You should watch the first 101 episodes straight through. This covers the iconic Zabuza arc and the Chunin Exams. Once you hit episode 101, pause. This is where your first movie slots in.
Ninja Clash in the Land of Snow happens right about here. It’s technically non-canon, meaning it doesn't change the main story, but it fits the power levels of the characters perfectly at this stage. After that, go back to the show until episode 160.
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Fitting in the Rest of Part One
After episode 160, you can jump into Legend of the Stone of Gelel. It’s a weird one with some "western" style knights, but it’s a fun diversion. Then, finish up to episode 196. Here, you watch Guardians of the Crescent Moon Kingdom.
Now, here is a pro tip: Episodes 143 to 219 are almost entirely filler. If you're a completionist, go for it. If you want the "real" story, skip to the last half of episode 220. That is the bridge to the next series.
Moving Into the Shippuden Era
This is where the naruto movie and show order gets actually complicated. Naruto Shippuden is 500 episodes long. It’s darker, the stakes are higher, and the movies start coming out almost every year.
- Naruto Shippuden: The Movie – Watch after episode 32.
- Bonds – Watch after episode 71. This one is cool because Sasuke shows up, even though he's technically a "bad guy" at this point.
- The Will of Fire – Best watched after episode 121. It focuses heavily on Kakashi’s past.
- The Lost Tower – Watch after episode 175. This is a time-travel plot where Naruto meets his dad, Minato. It's easily one of the best movies.
- Blood Prison – Watch after episode 176. It’s a bit of a "side story" that doesn't fit perfectly anywhere, but here is the least confusing spot.
The "Road to Ninja" Paradox
When you get to episode 251, stop. You need to watch Road to Ninja: Naruto the Movie.
This film is special because Masashi Kishimoto actually wrote the story. It deals with an alternate reality where Naruto’s parents are alive. It is incredibly emotional. However, the anime actually has a "prologue" episode for this movie (Episode 271), so some people prefer watching it then. Personally, I think watching it around the 250-mark keeps the momentum of the War Arc from being totally ruined.
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The Only Movie That Actually Matters
If you skip every other movie, you cannot skip The Last: Naruto the Movie.
Most of the movies are "fillers"—fun but irrelevant. The Last is 100% canon. It takes place after the final battle in episode 479 but before the very last episodes of the series.
It explains how Naruto and Hinata actually end up together. Without it, the jump to the final wedding arc feels like you missed a whole season of character development. It’s essentially "Naruto Episode 493.5."
- Watch Shippuden up to Episode 479.
- Watch The Last: Naruto the Movie.
- Finish Shippuden (Episodes 480-500).
What About Boruto?
After you finish the 720 total episodes of the first two series, you move to Boruto: Naruto Next Generations.
There is a movie called Boruto: Naruto the Movie. Here is the weird part: the anime actually remakes the entire movie as a TV arc (episodes 51-66). The TV version is better. It has more detail and a much better final fight.
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So, if you're watching the show, you don't actually need the Boruto movie. Just watch the anime. If you do want to see the movie version for the higher animation budget, watch it after episode 50.
The Absolute Order at a Glance
If you want a quick checklist for the naruto movie and show order, here is the most streamlined path for a human being who doesn't want to be confused:
- Naruto (Episodes 1-101)
- Movie: Ninja Clash in the Land of Snow
- Naruto (Episodes 102-160)
- Movie: Legend of the Stone of Gelel
- Naruto (Episodes 161-196)
- Movie: Guardians of the Crescent Moon Kingdom
- Naruto (Episodes 197-220)
- Naruto Shippuden (Episodes 1-32)
- Movie: Naruto Shippuden the Movie
- Naruto Shippuden (Episodes 33-71)
- Movie: Bonds
- Naruto Shippuden (Episodes 72-121)
- Movie: The Will of Fire
- Naruto Shippuden (Episodes 122-175)
- Movie: The Lost Tower
- Naruto Shippuden (Episodes 176-251)
- Movie: Blood Prison
- Naruto Shippuden (Episodes 252-311)
- Movie: Road to Ninja
- Naruto Shippuden (Episodes 312-493)
- Movie: The Last (CRITICAL)
- Naruto Shippuden (Episodes 494-500)
- Boruto: Naruto Next Generations
Final Expert Insights
Don't stress about the OVAs (Original Video Animations). Stuff like Find the Crimson Four-Leaf Clover! or The Cross Roads are mostly just 20-minute shorts released at jump fest events. They are cute but they don't add anything to the lore.
The biggest mistake I see fans make is trying to watch all the movies at the very end. If you wait until after episode 500 of Shippuden to watch the first movie, you'll be watching a kid Naruto struggle to do a basic Rasengan while you've already seen him literally fight gods. It’s jarring.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Audit your filler: Use a site like "Anime Filler List" alongside this order. If you're short on time, skip the red-marked episodes in the original series (143-219) but keep the movies listed above.
- Prioritize "The Last": If you only have time for one movie, make it this one. It’s the only one that changes the status quo of the characters permanently.
- Check your streaming platform: Most platforms like Crunchyroll have the shows, but the movies are often on separate services like Netflix or available for digital rent on Amazon. Verify where the movies are located before you start a binge so you don't hit a wall at episode 101.