Naruto is one of the most iconic anime series of all time. Created by Masashi Kishimoto, it follows the journey of Naruto Uzumaki, a young ninja with a dream of becoming Hokage—the leader and strongest ninja of his village.
The story is packed with action, emotion, friendship, and life lessons, which have captivated fans around the world for over two decades. Whether you’re just starting or planning a rewatch, Naruto offers an unforgettable experience from beginning to end.
The story and its world
The anime is set in a fictional world divided into different ninja villages. Naruto is part of the Hidden Leaf Village (Konoha), and he carries inside him the Nine-Tailed Fox, a powerful demon that attacked the village years before. Because of this, he grows up isolated and misunderstood by the people around him.
Despite this, Naruto never gives up. He trains hard, joins Team 7 with Sasuke Uchiha and Sakura Haruno, and embarks on missions that help him grow stronger. Along the way, he forms powerful friendships, faces dangerous enemies, and slowly earns the respect of those around him.
Naruto and Naruto Shippuden
The anime is divided into two main parts:
Naruto – This first part follows Naruto’s early years as a young ninja, filled with humor, training, and the beginnings of great conflicts.
Naruto Shippuden – The second part is darker and more emotional, following Naruto and his friends as teenagers facing more serious enemies and world-changing events.
Both parts are essential to understand the full arc of Naruto’s development—from a loud and clumsy boy to a true hero of the ninja world.
Main themes
One of the reasons Naruto is so popular is because of its meaningful themes:
- Perseverance: Naruto never gives up, even when the whole world is against him.
- Friendship and bonds: The anime explores deep connections, especially Naruto’s relationship with Sasuke.
- Loneliness and acceptance: Many characters, including Naruto, face loneliness and work hard to be accepted.
- Destiny and choice: The story often asks whether people are controlled by fate or if they can choose their own path.
These themes make Naruto relatable to audiences of all ages, and they are delivered through emotional storytelling and powerful battles.
Popular characters
Aside from Naruto himself, the series features a wide cast of memorable characters:
- Sasuke Uchiha: A talented ninja who seeks revenge for his clan’s destruction.
- Sakura Haruno: Naruto’s teammate, who grows from a shy girl to a skilled medical ninja.
- Kakashi Hatake: The wise and mysterious mentor of Team 7.
- Itachi Uchiha: Sasuke’s brother, whose tragic story becomes one of the most powerful arcs in the series.
- Jiraiya, Hinata, Gaara, Shikamaru, and many more bring depth and diversity to the story.
Filler episodes and pacing
A common criticism of Naruto is the amount of filler episodes—especially in the original series and between arcs in Shippuden. While some fillers are fun and add extra context, others can slow down the pace of the main story. Many fans choose to follow filler guides to skip non-canon content and focus only on the essential episodes.
Movies and sequels
Naruto’s universe includes several movies, some of which are directly tied to the main story. After the original series ends, the story continues with Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, which follows Naruto’s son and a new generation of ninjas. While Boruto receives mixed reviews, it provides closure and continuation for fans invested in the Naruto world.
Where to watch Naruto
If you want to watch Naruto online, one of the free options available is Aniwatch. The platform offers both the original Naruto series and Naruto Shippuden, in high quality, with English subtitles or dubbed versions. You can watch all episodes without creating an account, which makes it convenient for both new and returning fans.
Conclusion
Naruto is more than just an anime about ninjas—it’s a story about growing up, finding your place in the world, and never giving up on your dreams. With unforgettable characters, emotional storytelling, and epic battles, it has inspired millions of people across the globe. Whether you’re a longtime anime fan or just starting, Naruto is a journey worth taking.
Start watching today at Aniwatch and dive into one of the greatest anime adventures of all time. Believe it!
