Start with Naruto
The original Naruto series introduces Team 7, the ninja world, early rivalries, exams, mentors, and the emotional foundation that Shippuden builds on.
Continue into Shippuden
Naruto Shippuden is not a reboot. It is the larger continuation, so jumping into it first makes character choices and conflicts harder to understand.
Use filler labels to control pace
Both Naruto eras are easier when you use filler labels. Canon first gives you the main path; filler is optional when you want more time with the world.
Naruto guide snapshot
This guide is connected to the live AnimeAnchor catalog for Naruto. The current page links into the full episode spine, canon and filler labels, arc mapping, movie releases, and character profiles instead of leaving you with a loose recommendation list.
Naruto Arc map
The arc map turns a broad recommendation into exact episode ranges. Each row links back to the dedicated arc page or the main series guide.
| Arc | Episode range | Canon | Filler | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Land of Waves Arc | Episode range 1-19 | 19 | 0 | Watch |
| Chunin Exams Arc | Episode range 20-67 | 48 | 0 | Watch |
| Konoha Crush Arc | Episode range 68-80 | 13 | 0 | Watch |
| Sasuke Retrieval Arc | Episode range 81-100 | 20 | 0 | Watch |
| Kazekage Rescue Arc | Episode range 101-135 | 29 | 6 | Mixed: follow canon first |
| Sasuke and Itachi Arc | Episode range 136-160 | 25 | 0 | Watch |
| Five Kage Summit Arc | Episode range 161-175 | 15 | 0 | Watch |
| Fourth Great Ninja War Arc | Episode range 176-196 | 21 | 0 | Watch |
| Tenchi Bridge Arc | Episode range 197-220 | 0 | 24 | Optional on first watch |
Naruto Filler ranges
These are contiguous filler blocks from the current catalog. For a first watch, use them as optional pauses; for a completionist watch, open the first episode in each block and continue from there.
| Range | Count | Start here | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Episodes 101-106 | 6 | Gotta See! Gotta Know! Kakashi-Sensei's True Face! | Skip on first watch; save for completionist viewing. |
| Episodes 197-220 | 24 | Crisis! The Hidden Leaf 11 Gather! | Skip on first watch; save for completionist viewing. |
Naruto Movie releases
Movies stay outside the TV episode count. That preserves official numbering and makes watch orders easier to trust when a franchise has theatrical stories, recuts, or side releases.
Key Naruto characters
Character pages connect spoiler-safe profiles, full story biographies, first appearances, and mapped episode or movie appearances back into the same catalog.
Useful AnimeAnchor Links
FAQ
Should I watch Naruto or Shippuden first?
Watch Naruto first. Shippuden is the sequel.
Can I skip Naruto and start Shippuden?
You can, but it is a rough first-watch path.
Do both series have filler?
Yes. Use filler labels for the fastest main-story path.