So, you want to binge-watch Naruto but can’t pick which show is worthy of your precious time? Well, lucky you, I’m here to help you pick which among the two is the best series launched by the franchise.
It’s hard to choose since both series are extremely great and obviously related to each other, but if I have to choose,Naruto Shippuden steals the show (no pun intended).
Which one is the best Naruto?
When watching an anime that you grew up with, it’s included in the package that you’ll get to see the person your favorite character has become. Naruto from the Naruto Shippuden series is better than the Naruto in the Naruto Original series.
It’s obvious since your younger self is a dumber version of yourself.
Don’t get me wrong, Naruto is one of the greatest characters ever in the anime industry. With his cheerful personality, devotion to his friends, perseverance and the ability to see the goodness in others, he earned the most liked anime character in anime.
But just like normal people, Naruto too had traits that were flawed and a bit self-centered when he was young.
As the young protagonist grew up with a village hating him because of something he didn’t do, he spent his adolescence alone. Because of this, he sort of nurtured a trait of wanting to be acknowledged by others.
He habitually pranked people, vandalizing historical monuments, and always doing something stupid in class. Certainly, these acts gained him attention, but in a negative way.
Naruto too has always been an unruly child in his youth, gaining him dissatisfaction from his classmates especially Sakura. He’s reckless too when it comes to battles, he often got beat up because of acting without a concrete plan first.
Thankfully, he outgrew these personality traits. As a young teenager in Naruto Shippuden, he gained a lot of admirers from his fans as he fought enemies with a much-matured personality.
Which is better? Naruto or Naruto Shippuden?
Fanbases were split in half as they debated which of the two series is better, the original Naruto or Naruto Shippuden? But the winner of this battle is the Naruto Shippuden series.
Naruto Shippuden is the continuation of the life of our young main protagonist, Naruto Uzumaki. The series is set after 3 years of Naruto’s training away from the village.
As the story picked up, a lot of critical information was revealed, turning the anime’s plot into a much more exciting one compared to the original series.
In Naruto Shippuden, we get to see the real power hidden inside Naruto. As Naruto was constantly beaten in the original series even if he’s the main character, it’s exhilarating to watch that he gained overwhelming powers.
The history behind the shinobi world too was revealed, introducing us to out of this world beings that would soon turn into the main villains of the series.
Better prepare a box of tissues if you’re going to watch the whole series because you’re going to cry like a baby. Some of the tearjerker scenes here were delivered amazingly, it’s hard to maintain a straight face when watching them.
The fight scenes in Naruto Shippuden are much more enjoyable than the original, because of the display of unique abilities of the villains and side characters. To perfect the combo, the animation and graphics are spectacular too!
And lastly, the character development is superb. Each character, villain or good, got to exhibit a change of personalities after their lifelong beliefs were proven to be false. These developments showed viewers that we have the ability to grow and better ourselves.
What is the highest rated episode of Naruto?
The highest rated episode of the Naruto franchise is Naruto and Sasuke, Episode 477 and The Tail of Jiraiya the Gallant, Episode 133 of Naruto Shippuden. Fans are agitated to see the long-awaited closure that the two friends carried out through a death match, as well as the death scene of the main protagonist’s master.
Episode 477, Naruto and Sasuke is the final battle between the two main characters of the whole franchise, Naruto Uzumaki and Sasuke Uchiha. In this episode they fight a battle of death, exhibiting the abilities and powers they have obtained during the time of their training.
Episode 133, The Tale of Jiraiya is one of the saddest episodes of the series. In this episode, Naruto’s beloved mentor died in the hands of his old student turned into a major villain of the series.
What order should I watch Naruto in?
If you finally decided to watch the Naruto series, then the best way to watch it is to start with the original Naruto series (2002-2007), then continue with Naruto Shippuden(2007-2017). This way you will not be missing important plots of the series.
Usually, anime series aired movies after the end of its season. If you want to watch Naruto movies, then here’s the right order to watch them. Some of the movies listed are not considered canon with the exception of The Last: Naruto The Movie. It is fine if you watched the non-canon movies later and just continue with the series.
- Naruto Original Series episodes 1 to 106
- Naruto the Movie: Ninja Class in the Land of Snow
- Naruto Original Series episodes 107 to 160
- Naruto the Movie: The Legend Stone of Gelel
- Naruto Original Series episodes 161- 196
- Naruto the Movie: Guardians of the Crescent Moon Kingdom
- Naruto Original Series episodes 196-220
- Naruto Shippuden episodes 1-32
- Naruto Shippuden: The Movie
- Naruto Shippuden episodes 33-71
- Naruto Shippuden the Movie: Bonds
- Naruto Shippuden episodes 72-126
- Naruto Shippuden the Movie – The Will of Fire
- Naruto Shippuden episodes 127-143
- Naruto Shippuden: The Lost Tower
- Naruto Shippuden episodes 144-196
- Naruto Shippuden the Movie: Blood Prison
- Naruto Shippuden episodes145-251
- Naruto Shippuden the Movie: Road to Ninja
- Naruto Shippuden episodes 252-493
- Naruto Shippuden the Movie: The Last (canon)
- Remaining episodes of Naruto Shippuden
Is Naruto darker than Shippuden?
The original Naruto series is not as dark as you think compared to Naruto Shippuden. In fact, Shippuden has visualized darker content, from twisted political views, the pitiable effects to the victims of wars, the existence of slavery, and bloodshed even inside clans and families.
Naruto started with episodes that were still appropriate for young audiences, using young characters in order to have a relatable experience to the viewers. Since the show aired for 15 years, naturally, its viewers matured too.
There will be points where the show will get dark and brutal to grab the viewer’s attention.
During an interview with Masashi Kishimoto, creator of the manga series Naruto, regarding the upcoming Naruto anime spin-off, Boruto: Naruto Next Generation, stated that ,“As it went along, the Naruto stop kept getting more introspective and darker and darker. So Boruto I want it to be a little bit more happy and fun. Something that the younger boys and girls can also enjoy”.
Even the creator itself admitted that the series became progressively darker.