The question of whether to watch the Boruto series or its movie first is a common one among both long-time Naruto fans and newcomers to the world of ninjas and their complex adventures. As the sequel to Naruto, Boruto: Naruto Next Generations takes the Naruto universe forward, focusing on the next generation of ninjas, including Boruto Uzumaki, the son of the Seventh Hokage, Naruto Uzumaki. While Boruto may appear to be a continuation of its predecessor, the unique structure of this franchise — which includes both a series and a movie — makes deciding between the two an intriguing choice.
This article will provide a detailed guide to help you navigate the decision of whether to start with the Boruto movie or the Boruto TV series. We’ll analyze the key aspects of each, their place in the overall narrative, and how they contribute to the Boruto story arc. By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear understanding of which option is best suited for your viewing experience.
The Boruto Movie: An Introduction to the New Generation
Released in 2015, Boruto: Naruto the Movie served as the official introduction to the Boruto franchise. Unlike many other anime films that are simply standalone side stories, the Boruto movie is considered to be an integral part of the larger Boruto timeline. It is set after the events of the Naruto Shippuden series, with Naruto now the Seventh Hokage and the village experiencing a time of relative peace. The movie primarily revolves around Boruto Uzumaki, Naruto’s son, and his desire to establish his identity outside of his father’s shadow.
Plot Overview of the Movie
The plot of Boruto: Naruto the Movie focuses on Boruto’s personal growth, his strained relationship with his father, Naruto, and his desire to prove himself as a capable ninja in his own right. Boruto feels resentful of Naruto’s position as Hokage, believing that his father’s duties as the village leader have taken away from their family life. This dynamic forms the emotional core of the movie, as Boruto’s journey of self-discovery ultimately leads him to understand the weight of his father’s role and the sacrifices that come with it.
The film also introduces key characters, including Sarada Uchiha, Sasuke Uchiha’s daughter, and Mitsuki, an enigmatic new ninja who is often seen alongside Boruto. Together, they form a team that must take on various missions, culminating in a high-stakes Chuunin Exam where Boruto takes part in a series of challenges to prove his worth.
Is the Movie Essential?
While the Boruto movie is not absolutely required viewing before the series, it serves as an excellent foundation. It provides important character backstories, sets up the main conflicts, and introduces the new generation of characters. The movie also has a sense of closure, offering a satisfying conclusion to Boruto’s arc of understanding his father’s role and the true meaning of being a ninja. However, it is not necessary to watch it before starting the TV series, as the Boruto anime begins in a somewhat different direction.
The Boruto Series: A Deeper Dive Into the Ninja World
After the release of the movie, the Boruto series premiered in 2017, offering a more expansive narrative that explores the life and challenges of Boruto and his friends as they navigate the transition from youth to adulthood in a changing world. The series expands on themes introduced in the movie but takes its own unique path, delving into the adventures, rivalries, and bonds of the new generation of ninjas.
Plot Overview of the Series
The Boruto TV series takes place after the events of the movie, although it often explores more detailed stories and character development. The beginning of the anime starts with Boruto feeling disillusioned with the life of a ninja and the expectations that come with being the Hokage’s son. He forms a team with Sarada and Mitsuki, and the trio embarks on various missions that range from routine to dangerous. While the anime initially focuses on Boruto’s rebelliousness and struggles with his identity, it eventually explores deeper themes such as the nature of ninjutsu, the evolving dynamics of the Hidden Leaf Village, and the emergence of new threats.
The series introduces several story arcs, including Boruto’s rivalry with his teammate, Shikadai Nara, and their shared experiences growing up in the shadow of legendary figures. The series also touches on the rise of powerful new antagonists, such as the mysterious organization Kara, adding intrigue and tension to the narrative.
The Relationship Between the Series and the Movie
Although the Boruto series starts after the events of the movie, it provides additional context and further exploration of characters, particularly Boruto’s evolving relationship with his father. The movie touches on the father-son conflict, but the series explores it more deeply, showing Boruto’s internal growth and the ways in which his perception of his father changes. Over time, viewers witness Boruto’s maturation and his understanding of the responsibilities that come with being a ninja.
However, the series doesn’t necessarily require prior knowledge of the movie. It provides enough context within the first few episodes to establish the world and the relationships between characters. This makes it an excellent starting point for newcomers who may be unfamiliar with the Boruto movie or even the Naruto franchise in general.
Factors to Consider: Movie vs. Series
Pacing and Structure
One of the key differences between the Boruto movie and the TV series is their pacing and structure. The movie is a self-contained narrative, with a clear beginning, middle, and end. It is more condensed and focused, making it easier for viewers to absorb in a single sitting. If you’re looking for a quick introduction to the Boruto universe, the movie provides a satisfying experience.
On the other hand, the Boruto series is an ongoing project with hundreds of episodes, offering much more in-depth character development, world-building, and side stories. The series takes its time to develop its characters and plot, often diving into smaller missions and personal struggles that don’t necessarily move the overarching narrative forward but contribute significantly to the richness of the world.
Character Development and Themes
In terms of character development, the movie offers a more limited scope. Boruto’s character arc revolves around his understanding of his father, Naruto, and the responsibilities that come with being a ninja. The movie is largely focused on Boruto’s emotional journey and his relationships with his family and friends.
The series, however, offers a broader exploration of character growth, not just for Boruto but for his teammates, his mentors, and the supporting cast. The anime delves into the different facets of the Naruto universe, exploring issues of legacy, rivalry, and the next generation of ninjas. The development of Boruto’s character is slow and steady throughout the series, which is something you wouldn’t get if you only watch the movie.
World-Building and Story Arcs
The movie briefly introduces the Boruto world, but it is within the series where the world truly expands. New villages, characters, and threats are introduced, making the series a much more complex experience. The Boruto series includes a vast array of story arcs that bring more depth to the characters and the larger narrative. From Boruto’s adventures to the battles involving the hidden villages, the TV series brings to life a vibrant and dynamic world.
If you are interested in a long, immersive experience that builds upon the rich world of Naruto, the series is the way to go. If you’re more interested in a concise, straightforward introduction to Boruto’s journey and the next generation of ninjas, the movie is a solid choice.
Which Should You Watch First?
Watch the Movie First if:
- You want to experience a self-contained story that introduces the main characters and their relationships.
- You are already familiar with the Naruto series and want a brief yet satisfying continuation of the saga.
- You prefer a quicker, more focused experience without investing in a long series.
- You enjoy films that offer closure to emotional arcs within a concise runtime.
Watch the Series First if:
- You want to dive deeper into the Boruto universe and explore the stories and relationships in more detail.
- You are interested in character development over time and enjoy episodic storytelling.
- You prefer long-form storytelling and world-building, where each arc adds layers to the larger narrative.
- You are new to the Boruto franchise and want a comprehensive introduction to the world and characters from the start.
Conclusion
Ultimately, whether you watch the Boruto movie or series first depends on your personal preferences and what kind of viewing experience you’re looking for. If you prefer a quick and engaging introduction to the new generation of ninjas, the Boruto movie is a great place to start. However, if you are looking for an in-depth exploration of the Boruto universe and the evolving storylines of its characters, the Boruto series offers a much richer experience. Both are valuable in their own right, but they offer different styles of storytelling that cater to different tastes.
In the end, there’s no wrong choice. Whether you choose to start with the movie or dive into the series, you’re in for a thrilling and emotional ride through the next chapter in the world of ninjas.
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