Naruto, created by Masashi Kishimoto, has captured the hearts of millions of fans around the world with its compelling story, memorable characters, and breathtaking action. With multiple series, movies, and spin-offs, the Naruto franchise offers a vast and immersive universe for fans to explore. However, for newcomers to the series, deciding where to start can be a daunting task. In this article, we will guide you through the world of Naruto and help you determine which series to watch first, whether you’re diving into the original Naruto series or its sequel, Naruto: Shippuden.
Understanding the Naruto Universe
Before delving into the specifics of which series to watch first, it’s essential to understand the overarching narrative and structure of the Naruto universe. The story follows Naruto Uzumaki, a young ninja with dreams of becoming the strongest ninja and earning the title of Hokage, the leader of his village. Along the way, Naruto faces numerous challenges, battles powerful adversaries, and forms deep bonds with his friends and allies.
The Naruto series is divided into two main parts:
1. Naruto: The original series, which follows Naruto’s journey from a young, inexperienced ninja to a formidable warrior. The Naruto series introduces viewers to the richly imagined world of ninjas, villages, and mystical powers known as chakra. It lays the foundation for the characters, themes, and conflicts that will unfold throughout the series.
2. Naruto: Shippuden: The sequel series, which picks up where Naruto left off and continues Naruto’s adventures as a teenager. Naruto: Shippuden delves deeper into the characters’ backstories, expands the scope of the world, and escalates the stakes of the conflicts. It explores themes of friendship, sacrifice, and redemption as Naruto and his friends confront increasingly powerful enemies and face their own inner demons.
With this understanding of the Naruto universe, let’s explore which series to watch first based on your preferences and interests.
Choosing Where to Begin: Naruto or Naruto: Shippuden?
Deciding whether to start with the original Naruto series or jump straight into Naruto: Shippuden largely depends on your familiarity with the franchise and your preferences for storytelling and pacing. Here are some factors to consider:
1. Familiarity with the Franchise: If you are completely new to Naruto and have little to no prior knowledge of the series, it is recommended to start with the original Naruto series. This allows you to immerse yourself in the world, get to know the characters, and understand the foundational elements of the story before diving into the more complex narrative of Naruto: Shippuden.
2. Preference for Character Development: The original Naruto series places a strong emphasis on character development, exploring the backgrounds, motivations, and growth of its main characters. If you enjoy character-driven stories and want to see Naruto’s journey from the beginning, starting with the original series is the way to go.
3. Pacing and Action: Naruto: Shippuden features faster pacing and higher stakes compared to the original series. If you prefer faster-paced action and are eager to dive into the heart of the story, starting with Naruto: Shippuden may be more appealing. However, keep in mind that watching Naruto: Shippuden without prior knowledge of the original series may lead to confusion about certain plot points and character dynamics.
4. Length of the Series: The original Naruto series consists of 220 episodes, while Naruto: Shippuden has a whopping 500 episodes. Consider your time commitment and how much content you are willing to invest in. If you prefer a shorter series to start with, the original Naruto series may be more manageable.
Recommended Viewing Order
Based on these considerations, here are two recommended viewing orders for newcomers to the Naruto franchise:
Option 1: Start with the Original Naruto Series
Naruto: Begin your journey with the original Naruto series, which introduces you to the world of ninjas, villages, and chakra. Follow Naruto Uzumaki and his friends as they embark on exciting adventures, face formidable adversaries, and strive to achieve their dreams.
Naruto: Shippuden: Once you’ve completed the original Naruto series, transition to Naruto: Shippuden to continue Naruto’s journey as a teenager. Dive deeper into the characters’ backstories, witness epic battles, and uncover the mysteries of the ninja world as Naruto and his friends confront new challenges and enemies.
Option 2: Dive into Naruto: Shippuden
Naruto: Shippuden: If you prefer faster-paced action and are eager to dive into the heart of the story, you can start directly with Naruto: Shippuden. While you may miss out on some character development and backstory from the original Naruto series, Naruto: Shippuden provides a thrilling and action-packed experience from the start.
Where to Watch Naruto and Naruto: Shippuden
Now that you’ve decided which series to start with, you may be wondering where you can watch Naruto and Naruto: Shippuden. Here are some options:
1. Streaming Services: Both Naruto and Naruto: Shippuden are available for streaming on various platforms, including Crunchyroll, Hulu, and Netflix. Check your preferred streaming service to see if they offer the series in your region.
2. DVD and Blu-ray: You can also purchase DVD or Blu-ray box sets of Naruto and Naruto: Shippuden, which typically include multiple seasons or arcs of the series. This allows you to own physical copies of the series and watch them at your own pace.
3. Digital Purchase or Rental: Many digital platforms, such as iTunes and Amazon Prime Video, offer the option to purchase or rent individual episodes or seasons of Naruto and Naruto: Shippuden. This gives you the flexibility to watch the series on your computer, smartphone, or other digital devices.
Conclusion
Whether you choose to start with the original Naruto series or dive straight into Naruto: Shippuden, the world of Naruto offers a captivating and immersive experience for fans of action, adventure, and storytelling. With its compelling characters, richly imagined world, and epic battles, Naruto continues to captivate audiences around the world, inspiring generations of fans with its themes of friendship, perseverance, and the pursuit of dreams. So pick your series, grab some ramen, and get ready for an unforgettable journey through the ninja world of Naruto.