Best fit
Use story order for a first run
This route is designed for viewers who want to start the franchise without turning every movie, OVA, special, or recap into a required step.
Suggested viewing order
Naruto Watch Order: Story, Release, Movies & OVAs
The clean Naruto path is Naruto, Naruto: Shippuden, then later sequel material. Movies and specials are optional unless you are doing a completionist run. Use this as a franchise map, not a replacement for official release information.
Quick answer
Naruto in 4 main steps
The clean Naruto path is Naruto, Naruto: Shippuden, then later sequel material. Movies and specials are optional unless you are doing a completionist run.
Naruto → Naruto: Shippuden → The Last: Naruto the Movie → Boruto: Naruto Next Generations
Main route4 entries
Core movies1
Can wait or skip11 extras
Not required
Completionist material can wait
Release order and optional entries are included for context, but the recommended route is the safer default when you care about story flow.
Before starting
Check movie and OVA labels
Movies, OVAs, specials, spin-offs, and recap entries do different jobs. Use the optional notes before assuming a format is essential.
Legal watching note
Route only, not playback
Airing Atlas does not host episodes, downloads, or unofficial streams. Use official services and regional rights holders when you are ready to watch.
Release order
Original release path
Use this if you prefer to watch the franchise as audiences encountered it over time.
Oct 3, 2002 · NarutoAug 21, 2004 · Naruto the Movie: Ninja Clash in the Land of SnowAug 6, 2005 · Naruto the Movie: Legend of the Stone of GelelAug 5, 2006 · Naruto the Movie: Guardians of the Crescent Moon KingdomFeb 15, 2007 · Naruto: ShippudenAug 4, 2007 · Naruto Shippuden the MovieAug 2, 2008 · Naruto Shippuden the Movie: BondsAug 1, 2009 · Naruto Shippuden the Movie: The Will of FireJul 31, 2010 · Naruto Shippuden the Movie: The Lost TowerJul 30, 2011 · Naruto Shippuden the Movie: Blood PrisonDec 6, 2014 · The Last: Naruto the MovieApr 5, 2017 · Boruto: Naruto Next Generations
Skip and OVA notes
Optional material
Most Naruto movies are optional side stories. The Last is more useful than the average movie because it bridges character context after Shippuden.
Side Story · Naruto the Movie: Ninja Clash in the Land of SnowSide Story · Naruto the Movie: Legend of the Stone of GelelSide Story · Naruto the Movie: Guardians of the Crescent Moon KingdomSide Story · Naruto Shippuden the MovieSide Story · Naruto Shippuden the Movie: BondsSide Story · Naruto Shippuden the Movie: The Will of FireSide Story · Naruto Shippuden the Movie: The Lost TowerSide Story · Naruto Shippuden the Movie: Blood PrisonSide Story · NARUTO: Akaki Yotsuba no Clover wo SagaseSide Story · Naruto: The Lost Story - Mission: Protect the Waterfall Village
Legal watching note
Airing Atlas does not host episodes or link to unauthorized streams. Use official streaming, broadcaster, or publisher links where they are available in your region.
Watch order FAQ
Naruto watch order questions
What is the Naruto watch order?
The recommended first-watch route is Naruto → Naruto: Shippuden → The Last: Naruto the Movie → Boruto: Naruto Next Generations. Optional movies, OVAs, specials, and recap entries can wait unless the route labels them as core story material.
How many Naruto movies are in the main watch order?
The current recommended route contains 1 core movie: The Last: Naruto the Movie. Other movie-format entries listed as optional or recap material are not required for the main route.
Should I watch Naruto before Shippuden?
Yes. Naruto sets up the characters, rivalries, and village politics that Shippuden builds on.
Are Naruto movies filler?
Most are optional side stories. Save them for later unless you want a full franchise run.
Where does Boruto fit?
Boruto is sequel-era material and should come after Naruto and Naruto: Shippuden.