Look, if you're trying to figure out the Naruto movies in order, you've probably realized it's a total mess. People keep arguing about what's "canon" and what's "filler," and honestly, it’s enough to make your head spin. You just want to watch the kid with the orange jumpsuit hit things with a blue ball of energy, right?
Here’s the deal: most of these movies exist in a weird bubble. They don't technically happen in the main story, but they use the characters and power-ups from specific parts of the show. If you watch them at the wrong time, you’ll see Naruto using a move he hasn’t learned yet, or hanging out with a character who’s supposed to be... well, not available.
I've been through the archives, checked the release dates, and cross-referenced the jutsu. Here is the actual, no-nonsense way to watch every Naruto movie without spoiling the main series for yourself.
The Original Series: Young Naruto's Big Screen Debut
The first three movies are pretty straightforward. They take place during the original 220-episode run. At this point, Naruto is still a kid, Sasuke is still (mostly) around, and the stakes are high but not "the moon is falling" high.
Ninja Clash in the Land of Snow (2004)
This is the one most people actually like. It’s basically a high-budget episode where Team 7 has to protect an actress who is secretly a princess.
- When to watch: Right after Episode 101.
- The Vibe: Classic Naruto. You get the Rasengan, you get Kakashi being a boss, and the animation is a massive step up from the weekly TV show.
Legend of the Stone of Gelel (2005)
Sasuke is gone by this point, so it’s Naruto, Sakura, and Shikamaru taking the lead. They get tangled up in a conflict involving a mysterious mineral and a group of knights. It’s kinda weird, honestly.
- When to watch: After Episode 160.
- Pro Tip: Gaara shows up, which is always a win, but don't expect it to change his character arc in the show.
Guardians of the Crescent Moon Kingdom (2006)
Naruto, Sakura, Rock Lee, and Kakashi go to a tropical island. There’s a spoiled prince and some circus animals.
- When to watch: After Episode 196.
- The Reality: This is widely considered the weakest entry. If you're short on time, you can skip it. Nobody will judge you.
The Shippuden Era: Bigger Fights, Messier Timelines
When Shippuden hit, the movies started coming out every summer like clockwork. This is where the timeline gets "fuzzy," as the internet loves to say.
Naruto Shippuden: The Movie (2007)
A priestess named Shion predicts Naruto’s death. Spoiler: he doesn't die. But the movie tries really hard to make you think he will.
- When to watch: After Episode 32.
- Note: This introduces the idea of Naruto being a world-renowned hero, even though in the show he was still kind of an underdog at this point.
Naruto Shippuden the Movie: Bonds (2008)
This one is a big deal because Sasuke appears. Since he’s a rogue ninja in the show, the movie has to do some Olympic-level gymnastics to get him and Naruto in the same room.
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- When to watch: Around Episode 71.
Naruto Shippuden the Movie: The Will of Fire (2009)
This is a love letter to the Hidden Leaf's philosophy. Kakashi is prepared to sacrifice himself to prevent a world war, and Naruto isn't having any of it.
- When to watch: After Episode 121.
Naruto Shippuden the Movie: The Lost Tower (2010)
Time travel! Naruto goes back in time and meets his father, Minato.
- When to watch: After Episode 143 (or 175 if you want the full impact of the Pain arc).
- Why it's cool: Seeing Naruto and Minato fight side-by-side is basically fan-service at its peak, and I'm not complaining.
Naruto Shippuden the Movie: Blood Prison (2011)
Naruto gets framed for a crime and sent to a high-security prison where he can't use his chakra. It's darker than your average Naruto story.
- When to watch: This one is a headache. He knows Sage Mode (post-episode 150s), but the Raikage has both arms (pre-episode 200s). Just watch it after Episode 222 and try not to think about the plot holes too hard.
Road to Ninja: Naruto the Movie (2012)
Madara (sorta) puts Naruto and Sakura into an alternate reality where their parents are alive but their personalities are flipped.
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- When to watch: After Episode 251.
- The Hook: It was actually written by the creator, Masashi Kishimoto. It feels more "real" than the others because it dives into Naruto’s loneliness and what he’d give to have a family.
The Essentials: What Actually Matters
If you only have time for two movies, make it these. They aren't just "filler"—they are part of the actual story.
The Last: Naruto the Movie (2014)
This is basically "Naruto: The Romance Movie." Set two years after the war, it finally explains how Naruto and Hinata actually fell in love.
- When to watch: Technically after Episode 493, but most fans say wait until after Episode 500 to really soak in the ending.
- Status: 100% Canon. You have to watch this before starting the next series.
Boruto: Naruto the Movie (2015)
This focuses on Naruto’s son, Boruto, as he enters the Chunin Exams. It shows Naruto as the Seventh Hokage, struggling to balance work and being a dad.
- When to watch: After you finish all 500 episodes of Shippuden.
- A Catch: The Boruto anime actually remakes this movie into a whole story arc (Episodes 51-66). The anime version adds more detail, but the movie animation is gorgeous.
Making Sense of the Chaos
Most of these movies are "what if" scenarios. Think of them like a cover band playing the hits—they look and sound like the real thing, but they don't change the history of the band.
If you're a completionist, follow the list above. If you're just here for the story, you can honestly skip everything except The Last and Boruto.
Actionable Insight for your Binge: If you find yourself confused during Blood Prison or Gelel, just remember: if it wasn't in the manga, it didn't "happen." Use these movies as a break when the main show gets too heavy or when you've hit a massive wall of filler episodes. They are high-budget snacks, not the main course.
Next Step: Start with Ninja Clash in the Land of Snow right after the Chunin Exams. It’s the perfect test to see if you actually enjoy the movie format before committing to the other ten.