With its extensive run of over 500 episodes, Naruto Shippuden introduced audiences to a rich world of shinobi and their adventures. However, the main storyline is just the beginning. The Naruto movies offer fans additional stories and deeper insights into the ninja universe.
These movies get into various aspects of the Naruto world, featuring unique plots and scenarios that expand upon the main story. They provide opportunities to explore the lives of beloved characters and experience new adventures.
Each Naruto movie typically fits into the broader timeline of the series, offering side stories or standalone adventures that complement the main storyline. These films usually occur between specific arcs or events in the anime, which are added to the Naruto Watch Order List.
Naruto Movies in Order
1. Naruto, the film Battle Ninja in the Land of Snow! (2004)
The first Naruto feature film premiered in Japanese cinemas in 2004 during the classic saga. This movie is set between the Seeking Tsunade arc and the Escort Mission in the Land of Tea when the members of Team 7—Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura—were still Genins.
In the story, Kakashi assigns Team 7 to escort actress Yukie Fujikaze to the Land of Snow, where she will film her next movie. Unbeknownst to them, Yukie is a princess, and her necklace holds a crucial secret that many are eager to obtain.
While the film doesn’t directly connect to the series’ main plot, it offers intriguing insights for fans, such as showing Kakashi as a member of Anbu.
2. Naruto the film: The Ghost Ruins in the Depths of the Earth (2005)
The success of the first Naruto film paved the way for a new franchise to unfold. Set just before Sasuke departs from Konoha and his alliance with Orochimaru, the storyline occurs towards the end of the first part of the anime series.
In this film, Naruto, Sakura, and Shikamaru are tasked with retrieving a village’s ferret mascot. During their mission, the group encounters attacks from a mysterious horseman. As they delve deeper, they uncover that the village possesses a unique power source, the Gelel stones, distinct from the traditional chakra.
The movie introduces audiences to shinobi from other nations, reflecting characteristics reminiscent of European cultures. These shinobi rely more on technology and do not utilize chakra in combat, providing an intriguing contrast to the ninja world familiar to viewers.
Overall, the film expands the Naruto universe by exploring new territories, cultures, and power dynamics, offering fans a fresh perspective on the world of shinobi beyond the borders of Konoha.
3. Naruto the Film: Animal Panic on Crescent Moon Island! (2006)
The final Naruto movie, Guardians of the Crescent Moon Kingdom, is a classic “animal panic” adventure set on Crescent Moon Island. Chronologically, it occurs after episode 196, aligning with Sasuke’s departure to join Orochimaru. While the film debuted in Japanese theaters, it was released directly to DVD in Western markets.
The plot follows Naruto, Sakura, and Rock Lee as they embark on a B-rank mission to escort the prince of the Land of the Moon during his worldwide journey. The mission takes a dangerous turn when a coup d’état in the prince’s homeland jeopardizes his life, making him a prime target.
4. Naruto Shippuden the Movie: The Death of Naruto (2007)
The first film of the second phase of the Naruto anime series is Naruto Shippuden: The Movie. It occurs after episode 53 of Naruto Shippuden, right after Naruto, Sakura, Sai, and Yamato return to the Hidden Leaf Village.
The story centers on the efforts of Konoha’s ninjas to thwart Moryo, a powerful demon intent on conquering the shinobi world. The only hope of stopping him lies with Shion, a priestess capable of sealing Moryo’s spirit. Naruto and his team are tasked with protecting Shion as they fight to prevent the demon’s resurgence and the destruction of their world.
The film was a notable success, even earning a theatrical release in the United States, where it ranked sixth in its opening week. It also inspired a manga adaptation, expanding its impact among fans of the series.
5. Naruto Shippuden: The Movie – Bonds (2008)
This film occurs between episodes 67 and 70 of Naruto Shippuden when Orochimaru is sick and Sasuke prepares to kill him.
The film begins with today’s village suffering a surprise air attack by ninjas from the Country of the Sky. Using a kind of delta wing, enemies launch bombs on Konoha, causing chaos in the village. Now, Naruto and the others must stop the attack and stop a villain who wants to exploit it to gain more power!
This is the second film of frankness in which Sasuke appears. At that time, he was allied with Orochimaru and had defected from Konoha.
6. Naruto Shippūden: Inheritors of the Will of Fire (2009)
The sixth film in the Naruto franchise, Naruto Shippūden: The Inheritors of the Will of Fire, was created to celebrate the anime’s 10th anniversary. The story is set after episode 89 of Naruto Shippuden, during the filler arc The Three-Tails’ Appearance.
The plot revolves around the mysterious disappearance of ninjas with hereditary abilities (Kekkei Genkai) from the villages. Team Kakashi—comprising Naruto, Sakura, and Sai—is assigned to investigate the situation, but they soon find themselves under attack by enigmatic creatures.
This film dives deep into Kakashi’s memories from the Third Shinobi World War, providing a closer look at his past and offering significant character development. It not only honors the legacy of the anime but also enriches the lore with a blend of action and emotional storytelling.
7. Naruto Shippūden: The Lost Tower (2010)
The fourth Naruto Shippuden film, Naruto Shippuden: The Lost Tower, is set shortly after Jiraiya’s death (around episode 143) and just before Pain’s attack on Konoha.
The story begins with Naruto being sent on a mission to investigate Mukade, a rogue ninja who plans to travel back in time to dominate the Five Great Shinobi Countries. Their confrontation takes them to the ruins of Loran, a once-majestic city. During their battle, Mukade’s actions activate an ancient power, sending both him and Naruto 20 years into the past.
In this timeline, Naruto encounters younger versions of iconic characters, including Minato Namikaze, Jiraiya, and Might Guy. The film offers fans a delightful glimpse into the past lives of these beloved ninjas, blending action with a nostalgic exploration of their histories, making it a treat for enthusiasts of the series.
8. Naruto: The Prison of Blood (2011)
The film Naruto Shippuden: Blood Prison features a unique and suspenseful premise. Naruto is falsely accused of attempting to assassinate Raikage A, the leader of the Hidden Cloud Village, and is subsequently imprisoned in Hozuki Castle. This facility is notorious for its ability to suppress chakra, causing unbearable pain to anyone who tries to use it. Trapped and powerless, Naruto must find a way to escape the prison and clear his name.
Despite its intriguing setup, Blood Prison is often criticized by fans for its lack of alignment with the main storyline and the presence of plot inconsistencies that make it difficult to place within the larger narrative of the anime. As a result, while the film offers intense moments and some creative scenarios, it is not as well-regarded as other entries in the franchise.
9. Road to Ninja: Naruto the Movie (2012)
Road to Ninja: Naruto the Movie offers a unique narrative twist, set after episode 251 of the anime and just before the Fourth Shinobi World War. At this point in the story, Naruto has learned about his mother and her connection to his past.
The film begins with a surprising Akatsuki attack, which sees the return of characters who had previously died. Following this event, Naruto and Sakura are thrust into a parallel reality created by Tobi (Madara Uchiha). This alternate world flips their lives: Naruto’s parents, Minato and Kushina, are alive, and he enjoys the familial bond he has always longed for. Meanwhile, Sakura finds herself in a reality where Sasuke shows interest in her.
However, as idyllic as this alternate reality may appear, the duo quickly realizes that not everything is as perfect as it seems. Hidden challenges and deeper truths about their desires and struggles emerge, forcing them to confront their true selves.
Notably, this film is written and designed by Masashi Kishimoto, the original creator of Naruto. His direct involvement ensures that the story stays true to the spirit of the series, making Road to Ninja a compelling and emotional experience for fans.
10. The Last: Naruto the Movie (2014)
The final film in the Naruto Shippuden series, The Last: Naruto the Movie, is unique in that it is considered canon and directly ties into the main story of the anime. Serving as a prologue to the series finale, it takes place after the events of Episode 500, bridging the gap between the end of the Fourth Shinobi World War and the eventual beginning of Boruto: Naruto Next Generations.
The movie begins by delving into the origins of Kaguya Otsutsuki’s powers, providing essential backstory for the series’ overarching mythology. Alongside this, viewers are treated to heartfelt flashbacks exploring the evolving relationship between Naruto and Hinata over the years.
The central conflict revolves around a dire emergency discussed by the Five Kage: the threat of the moon crashing into Earth, heralding the end of the world. This catastrophe stems from the actions of Toneri Otsutsuki, a descendant of Hamura Otsutsuki, who seeks to fulfill his ancestor’s will. To save the world, the ninja of the Hidden Leaf Village and their allies must unite against this unprecedented threat.
A significant focus of the film is the deepening bond between Naruto and Hinata. Their journey together, both in battle and in personal connection, culminates in a touching and long-awaited resolution to their romantic storyline, delighting fans who had followed their dynamic throughout the series.
Masashi Kishimoto, the creator of Naruto, personally oversaw the plot and design of the movie. He described the project as a “real dream,” ensuring it was a fitting conclusion to the beloved series.
11. Boruto: Naruto the Movie (2015)
The film Boruto: Naruto the Movie serves as a bridge between Naruto Shippuden and the start of Boruto: Naruto Next Generations. It introduces the next chapter of the story, showcasing Naruto as the Hokage of Konoha while focusing on his son Boruto’s struggles and the looming threat to their world.
The plot explores Boruto’s strained relationship with his father. Feeling neglected due to Naruto’s demanding duties as Hokage, Boruto becomes resentful. To prove himself and gain his father’s attention, Boruto participates in the Chunin Exams. However, he resorts to cheating, using advanced technology to enhance his performance, which sets up key moments of character growth later in the story.
Meanwhile, Sasuke, after his travels around the world, returns to warn Naruto of an impending threat: the arrival of Kinshiki Otsutsuki and Momoshiki Otsutsuki, powerful enemies seeking to steal chakra. Their ultimate target is Naruto and the immense power of the Nine-Tails (Kyuubi) sealed within him.
The film reaches its climax when the pair attacks Konoha, capturing Naruto in their bid to claim his chakra. In response, Boruto, guided by Sasuke, sets out alongside Sarada and the next generation of ninja to rescue his father and confront the Otsutsuki duo.
Boruto: Naruto the Movie not only provides high-stakes action and deepens the lore of the Otsutsuki clan but also delves into Boruto’s personal growth. It showcases his journey from frustration and recklessness to understanding the responsibilities of a ninja and the sacrifices made by his father. This marks a passing of the torch, setting the stage for the adventures of the new generation.
