What is the Optimal Sequence for Viewing the Naruto Seasons? - MovieMaker Magazine

      Starting your adventure with the Naruto series can be challenging due to the inconsistent categorization of its episodes on streaming platforms. When you look for the number of seasons in Naruto across different sites, you may encounter figures varying from 5 to 27.

      The most reliable viewing order is based on episode numbers instead of platform-specific season labels. By following the chronological sequence of all 720 episodes, you can experience the entire storyline without missing critical moments or becoming confused by changes in licensing.

      The Official Naruto Season and Episode Overview

      In official terms, Naruto consists of a total of 27 seasons, split into two series: the original Naruto has 5 seasons, while Naruto: Shippuden contains 22 seasons. The complexity in determining the number of seasons arises because Western streaming platforms often rearrange episodes for licensing reasons.

      Understanding these variations helps prevent the misconception that episodes are missing when switching between different providers.

      Series | Total Episodes | Official Seasons | Streamer Season Range

      ---|---|---|---

      Original Naruto | 220 | 5 | 5 to 9 Seasons

      Naruto: Shippuden | 500 | 22 | 29 to 22 Seasons

      Combined Franchise | 720 | 27 | Varies by platform

      Although international DVD releases and TV Tokyo broadcasts confirm the 27-season count, digital platforms frequently change these classifications. Thus, always prioritizing episode numbers over season titles is the best method for tracking your viewing journey. Adhering to the numerical order ensures a smooth experience, regardless of how services like Netflix or Hulu arrange their offerings.

      The Suggested Naruto Viewing Order in Sequence

      The best way to watch is through the chronological progression of the main series and one essential movie. Start with the original Naruto series, followed by Naruto: Shippuden, then watch The Last: Naruto the Movie in between, and conclude with the remaining episodes.

      This structured approach allows you to experience every significant event in accordance with the creators' intentions.

      Step 1: Naruto (Episodes 1–135; optional filler episodes 136–219; then watch Episode 220).

      Step 2: Naruto: Shippuden (Episodes 1–493).

      Step 3: The Last: Naruto the Movie (necessary for canon continuity).

      Step 4: Naruto: Shippuden (Episodes 494–500).

      Step 5: Boruto: Naruto Next Generations (sequel series).

      Watching in this order eliminates spoilers and ensures you enjoy all emotional sequences without wasting time on non-essential stories.

      Why It's Better to Watch by Episode Count Instead of Seasons

      It's crucial to track your progress by episodes rather than seasons, as streaming services often divide anime seasons arbitrarily. While Netflix segments part of Naruto into 9 seasons, each with approximately 24 episodes to align with the American TV format, Hulu maintains the traditional 5-season structure.

      The 100th episode remains the 100th episode regardless of how a streaming service categorizes it, so engaging with other fans and utilizing guides online can help you navigate the complex interfaces of different applications.

      How to Deal with Naruto Filler Episodes

      Over 40% of the Naruto series consists of filler episodes, which can be ignored without missing vital plot information. In the original series, filler episodes range from 136 to 219.

      By skipping filler episodes, you can jump straight from Episode 135 to the start of Shippuden without losing any plot or character developments. Filler episodes are interspersed during war arcs in Shippuden, so using an online filler episode guide can be beneficial.

      Where to Fit The Last: Naruto the Movie

      The Last: Naruto the Movie is the only feature film that is considered pure canon and should be watched just before the final episodes of Shippuden. It is positioned between Episodes 493 and 494 and addresses important romantic and narrative developments occurring post-Fourth Shinobi World War and before the series conclusion.

      Skipping The Last would leave a noticeable gap before entering the wedding arc in the final seven episodes. The other ten Naruto films are non-canonical and can be enjoyed at any time without affecting the main storyline.

      Where to Stream the Complete Naruto Series

      Both the original and Shippuden series are available on platforms like Crunchyroll, Hulu, and Netflix, depending on your region. Crunchyroll offers the entire collection of both series with dubbed and subbed options, making it the most comprehensive platform for watching.

      Hulu has the complete original series and Shippuden in North America, while Netflix varies its seasons per location. If certain seasons aren’t available on your preferred streaming service, you can opt to purchase the seasons digitally.

      Is Boruto Worth Watching After Completing Naruto: Shippuden?

      You don't have to watch Boruto: Naruto Next Generations since Naruto: Shippuden perfectly encapsulates Naruto Uzumaki's journey. The Boruto series provides a glimpse into the lives of Naruto's son and new ninjas from the Hidden Leaf village in