In 2026, few anime franchises carry the cultural weight and global influence of Naruto.With over 1,000 television episodes, 11 movies, multiple OVAs, anniversary specials, and the highly anticipated return of Boruto: Two Blue Vortex, navigating the Naruto universe has never been more complicated — or more exciting. Whether you're a brand-new viewer wondering where to start, a returning fan who stopped during Shippuden, or someone trying to skip 400+ hours of filler, this guide provides the definitive roadmap for watching Naruto in 2026. From the original 2002 classic to the upcoming high-quality seasonal revival, you’ll find the correct watch order, the complete filler skip list, movie placements, streaming options, and everything you need to experience the saga without confusion or wasted time. Let’s begin.
🏮 Naruto: Franchise at a Glance
Before diving into the specifics, here is a quick overview of the phenomenon that defined a generation of anime fans.
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Creator: Masashi Kishimoto
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Studio: Studio Pierrot
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Original Run: 2002 – Present
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Total TV Episodes: 1,013 (as of the end of Boruto: Part 1)
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The Core Premise: The story follows Uzumaki Naruto, a young ninja with a sealed demon fox inside him, who seeks recognition from his village and dreams of becoming the Hokage—the strongest leader and protector of the Leaf Village.
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Why 2026 Matters: This year is the anticipated "re-ignition" of the franchise. While official premiere dates are still TBD, the 20th Anniversary Specials are confirmed to be in active production at Studio Pierrot, with insiders like Sugoi Lite pointing toward a late 2026 window. Furthermore, industry shifts suggest that Boruto: Two Blue Vortex will transition to a high-quality seasonal format, a move supported by President Michiyuki Honma’s vision for the studio's future and hints from key animators like Ebata.
🔑 Understanding the Terminology
Before diving into the list, it is important to understand how episodes are categorized. In 2026, with the production of Boruto becoming more complex, these three terms are your navigation tools:
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Manga Canon: These episodes adapt the story directly from the original manga written by Masashi Kishimoto. These are "mandatory" for the main plot.
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Filler: Anime-only stories created to give the manga time to get ahead. These do not impact the main storyline and are generally safe to skip.
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Mixed Canon: Episodes that blend manga plot points with anime-original scenes. These often contain important character development alongside "filler" moments.
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Anime Canon (Unique to Boruto): Stories not found in the manga but supervised by the creators to expand the world. While technically "extra," they are often treated as part of the official timeline.
📂 Section 1: The Naruto Encyclopedia (Full Archive)
Before diving into the optimal watch paths, let’s break down the sheer scale of the Naruto universe. As of 2026, the franchise is divided into three main TV eras, 11 cinematic releases, and a collection of essential specials.
Table 1: The TV Series Trilogy
| Series Title | Total Episodes | Key Story Arcs | Status |
| Naruto (Classic) | 220 | Chunin Exams, Sasuke Retrieval | Completed |
| Naruto Shippuden | 500 | Pain’s Assault, 4th Ninja War, Kaguya | Completed |
| Boruto: Part 1 | 293 | Momoshiki Arc, Kawaki Arc, Code Arc | Completed |
Table 2: The 11 Cinematic Entries
| # | Movie Title | Release Year | Canon Status | Chronological Placement | Verdict |
| 1 | Ninja Clash in the Land of Snow | 2004 | Non-Canon | After Naruto Episode 101 | A must-watch for early Team 7 fans. |
| 2 | Legend of the Stone of Gelel | 2005 | Non-Canon | After Naruto Episode 160 | Features ancient civilizations and minerals. |
| 3 | Guardians of the Crescent Moon Kingdom | 2006 | Non-Canon | After Naruto Episode 196 | A summer-themed adventure in a tropical land. |
| 4 | Naruto Shippuden: The Movie | 2007 | Non-Canon | After Shippuden Episode 32 | Naruto faces a dark priestess and a prophecy. |
| 5 | Bonds | 2008 | Non-Canon | After Shippuden Episode 70 | Rare interaction between Naruto and Sasuke. |
| 6 | The Will of Fire | 2009 | Non-Canon | After Shippuden Episode 120 | Celebrates the 10th anniversary; focuses on Kakashi. |
| 7 | The Lost Tower | 2010 | Non-Canon | After Shippuden Episode 143 | Time-travel story featuring Minato Namikaze. |
| 8 | Blood Prison | 2011 | Non-Canon | After Shippuden Episode 196 | A dark, intense thriller set in a high-security jail. |
| 9 | Road to Ninja | 2012 | Mixed | After Shippuden Episode 251 | An "alternate reality" story written by Kishimoto. |
| 10 | The Last: Naruto the Movie | 2014 | Canon | After Shippuden Episode 493 | Mandatory. The bridge to the Boruto era. |
| 11 | Boruto: Naruto the Movie | 2015 | Canon | After Shippuden Episode 500 | Re-adapted in Boruto TV episodes 51–66. |
Table 3: Essential OVAs & Specials
| Special Title | Release | Why Watch? | Importance |
| Find the Four-Leaf Red Clover! | 2003 | A short, heartwarming mission of young Team 7. | Nostalgic / Optional |
| Mission: Protect the Waterfall Village! | 2003 | Naruto and team help a village leader find courage. | Character Dev / Optional |
| Konoha Grand Sports Festival | 2004 | Pure comedy featuring almost every Konoha character. | Highly Recommended (Comedy) |
| Finally a Clash! Jounin vs. Genin!! | 2005 | A tournament special produced for a video game. | Fun / Action |
| Sunny Side Battle! | 2014 | Itachi Uchiha tries to cook the perfect egg for Sasuke. | Fan Favorite (Hilarious) |
| The Day Naruto Became Hokage | 2016 | Explains the events of Naruto's inauguration day. | Mandatory (Canon) |
| 20th Anniversary Specials | 2026 | 4 brand-new episodes with high-end modern animation. | Must Watch (2026 Hype) |
⚡Section 2: The Filler List to Skip
To save over 400 hours, use this precise block-list to skip non-essential content. These numbers represent episodes that are 100% Filler and do not progress the main manga storyline.
1. Naruto (Classic) Skip List
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Skip these: 102–106, 136–219.
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Why? After Sasuke leaves the village (Ep 135), the anime entered a 2-year filler period before Shippuden started.
2. Naruto Shippuden Skip List
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Skip these: 57–71, 144–151, 170–171, 223–242, 257–260, 271, 279–281, 284–289, 290–295, 303–320, 376–377, 388–390, 394–413, 416, 422–423, 427–450, 464–468, 480–483.
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Pro Tip: While 290–295 (Power Arc) is filler, many fans watch it for its movie-level animation. However, if you are strictly following the story, you can skip it.
3. Boruto: Part 1 Skip List
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Skip these: 16–17, 33, 40–41, 48–50, 67–140, 152–177, 231–286.
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Note on "Anime Canon": Boruto has many "Anime Canon" episodes (like 1–15). We recommend starting from the beginning but using this skip list to breeze through the slower segments between the Momoshiki Arc and the Kawaki Arc.
🧭 Section 3: The Complete Naruto Watch Order
To experience the Naruto saga without losing track of the plot, follow this chronological timeline. We have separated the main series from the movies to give you the choice of how to watch.
Phase I: The Childhood Era (Original Naruto)
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Naruto Episodes 1–101
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[Optional] Movie 1: Ninja Clash in the Land of Snow (Watch after Ep 101).
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Naruto Episodes 107–135 (The Sasuke Retrieval Arc).
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2026 Anniversary Specials: Watch the 4 brand-new episodes here to see Team 7 with modern visuals.
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Naruto Episode 220 (Final 10 minutes): Transition to Shippuden.
Phase II: The Legend of Shippuden
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Shippuden Episodes 1–493 (Follow the Skip List in Section 2).
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Note: Movies 4–9 are fun side adventures but are NOT necessary for the main plot. Watch them only if you want more action.
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Movie 10: The Last (MANDATORY): Do not skip this. Watch it after Episode 493 but before Episode 494. It is the bridge between Shippuden and Boruto.
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Shippuden Episodes 494–500: The emotional finale.
Phase III: The Boruto Era & Blue Vortex Prep
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Special: The Day Naruto Became Hokage (Essential Canon).
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Boruto Part 1 (Episodes 1–293): Use the Skip List to focus on the core story.
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The 2026 Reset: Boruto: Two Blue Vortex.
📺 Section 4: Where to Watch Naruto in 2026
Finding the best place to stream over 1,000 episodes depends on your region and your preference for video quality (Sub vs. Dub). Here are the top-tier platforms as of 2026.
The Ultimate Streaming Comparison
| Platform | Library Completeness | Content Coverage | Best For... | 4K/Remasters | Eng Dub |
| Crunchyroll | 🌟 100% (The Best) | Classic, Shippuden, Boruto, Specials | New releases & Two Blue Vortex | Standard HD | ✅ Full |
| Disney+ / Hulu | 🔵 95% (Global Hub) | Classic, Shippuden, Boruto | English Dubs & Stable Library | Standard HD | ✅ Full |
| Netflix | 🟢 70% (Regional) | Classic, Select Shippuden & Movies | Visual Quality (AI Upscaling) | ✅ 4K (Classic) | ⚠️ Partial |
| Amazon Prime | 🟡 60% (Varies) | Classic, Shippuden (Pay-per-season) | Digital Purchase/Ownership | ✅ 4K Digital | ✅ Full |
| YouTube (Official) | 🔴 30% | Rotating Arcs (Classic/Shippuden) | Free/Legal casual viewing | Standard HD | ❌ Sub Only |
Platform Deep-Dive
1. Disney+ & Hulu (The "One-App" Experience): As of 2026, the transition is nearly complete. While the Hulu standalone app is still active on some mobile and web platforms in the US, most users have migrated to the Hulu Hub inside Disney+.
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US Fans: You can still subscribe to Hulu as a standalone service, but the most seamless way to watch is through the Disney+ app, which now houses the entire Hulu library for bundle subscribers.
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International Fans: The "Star" tile is a thing of the past. All Naruto content is now neatly tucked under the Hulu tile within Disney+ globally. It remains the top choice for English Dubbed episodes.
2. Crunchyroll (The Undisputed King): If you want to stay ahead of the curve, this is your home. Crunchyroll remains the exclusive simulcast home for the 20th Anniversary Specials and the seasonal release of Two Blue Vortex in late 2026.
3. Netflix (The Visual Master): Though its library lacks the latest Boruto arcs, Netflix is the only place to find the AI-upscaled 4K remaster of the original 2002 series. The Chunin Exams have never looked this sharp.
4. YouTube - Viz Media / Ani-One (The Free Path): For a casual re-watch, check the official Viz Media (Americas) or Ani-One Asia (SEA) channels. They frequently run 24/7 "Naruto Marathons" and host legal, free-to-watch story arcs.
🙋 Section 5: Naruto Franchise FAQ
1. Is it mandatory to watch the original Naruto (Classic) in 2026? Can I skip to Shippuden?
We strongly recommend starting from Episode 1. While Shippuden features higher stakes and flashier animation, the entire emotional core—the bond between Naruto and Sasuke, the "Will of Fire" philosophy, and the growth of the Konoha 12—is built in the first 135 episodes. Skipping them will reduce the emotional impact of the later story by at least 80%.
2. Should I skip ALL filler episodes? What if I miss important lore?
Most fillers can be skipped, but in 2026, the community agrees on three "Must-Watch" exceptions that add critical depth to the story:
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Ep. 101 (Classic): Gotta See! Gotta Know! Kakashi-Sensei's True Face! (A legendary comedy classic).
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Ep. 569–581 (Shippuden): Kakashi Anbu Arc (Crucial backstory for Minato, Itachi, and Yamato; high-quality animation).
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Ep. 451–458 (Shippuden): Itachi Shinden (The official backstory of Itachi’s life and the Uchiha tragedy).
3. Why do people say Boruto is bad? Is it worth the hype in 2026?
Boruto suffered from a slow start and heavy "Anime Canon" early on. However, the quality skyrocketed during the Momoshiki Arc (51–66) and the Kawaki/Code Arcs (181–293). With the 2026 arrival of Two Blue Vortex, catching up on Boruto Part 1 is essential to understanding the massive "Omnipotence" twist that flipped the entire world upside down.
4. What is the current status of the 20th Anniversary Specials?
Status (February 2026): Production is nearly complete. After years of silence, Studio Pierrot and Huahan Animation have confirmed these four movie-quality episodes are slated for a late 2026 release. They feature the original Team 7 on a mission set before the timeskip, serving as a nostalgic "re-ignition" for the franchise.
5. Can I finish Episode 720 and jump straight into Two Blue Vortex?
Not recommended. Two Blue Vortex is a direct sequel to the events of Boruto Episode 293. If you skip the first part of Boruto, you will have no idea why Boruto is a rogue ninja or why Kawaki is living as Naruto’s "son." At minimum: Watch the final 10 episodes of Boruto Part 1 before starting the new 2026 series.
6. Where do I start the Manga after finishing the Anime?
To continue the story where the animation currently pauses:
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After Shippuden (Ep 500): Start at Manga Chapter 700.
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After Boruto Part 1 (Ep 293): Start at Manga Chapter 81 (which is the beginning of the Two Blue Vortex era).
7. Why can't I find Shippuden on Netflix US?
Licensing for Naruto is fragmented. In 2026, Hulu and Disney+ hold the primary US rights for the Shippuden English Dub. While Netflix has the full series in regions like Japan, France, and Hong Kong, US users will generally only find the first 220 episodes (Classic) on Netflix.
8. Will Two Blue Vortex have fillers when it returns?
Likely No. Studio Pierrot President Michiyuki Honma has indicated a shift toward a "Seasonal Format" (similar to Bleach: TYBW and Demon Slayer). This means Two Blue Vortex will likely air in high-quality 12 or 24-episode seasons, focusing strictly on the manga plot without the need for filler.
Conclusion
More than two decades after its debut, Naruto remains one of anime’s most enduring legacies. From a lonely outcast seeking recognition to a Hokage who inspired generations, Naruto Uzumaki’s journey is not merely about ninja battles — it is about perseverance, friendship, sacrifice, and the will to protect what matters most.
In 2026, the franchise stands at the edge of renewal. The 20th Anniversary Specials promise nostalgia reborn through modern animation. Two Blue Vortex marks a decisive shift toward high-quality seasonal storytelling. And a new generation of viewers continues to discover the Hidden Leaf Village for the very first time.
Whether you binge it in months or savor it over years, the Naruto saga rewards patience and emotional investment like few series ever have. Start from Episode 1. Follow the path. Skip the filler wisely. Because the age of shinobi is far from over —and the Will of Fire still burns.