When I first started Naruto, I didn’t follow any Naruto watch order at all. I jumped into random episodes people recommended, skipped others that looked like filler, and hoped everything would somehow make sense.

It didn’t. Characters suddenly had backstories I didn’t see. Big emotional moments felt empty. And I kept thinking:

“Did I miss something important?”

So I restarted this time watching Naruto in order from the beginning, and the experience was completely different. The story flowed. The relationships mattered. The emotional buildup finally landed.

That’s why I created this guide: to give you the clearest, stress-free Naruto watch order, explain which fillers you can skip, and show you the best way to enjoy the series without confusion.

Let’s start simple.

Naruto Watch Order (Simple Version)

If you just want the fast answer, here is the Naruto watch order in the easiest form no spoilers, just the order to follow.

Naruto (2002–2007): Watch in this order:

1. Episodes 1–135 → Main story (canon)
2. Episodes 136–220 → Mostly filler (some are optional and fun, I’ll explain below)

That’s it. Naruto is actually simpler than people think. The tricky part isn’t the order, it’s knowing when the fillers appear and whether they’re worth watching.

If you want the full breakdown arc-by-arc, with notes on what to watch and what to skip, keep reading.
I’ll walk you through the Naruto episodes in order, explain the fillers honestly, and help you choose the best way to watch.

Why Watching Naruto in Order Matters More Than You Think

A lot of people assume they can watch Naruto however they want. Skip a few episodes here, jump ahead there… it’ll be fine, right?

Not really.

Naruto isn’t just action. It’s a story built around growth, relationships, and slow emotional payoffs. When you don’t follow the Naruto order of watching, you end up missing:

🔹 Character development that explains big future moments

• Why Naruto never gives up.
• How and why does Sasuke struggles so much.
• Why Kakashi acts the way he does.

Those pieces are planted early, and they matter.

🔹 Subtle foreshadowing

Naruto drops hints long before big moments happen. When you watch the Naruto series in order, everything connects naturally.

🔹 Emotional arcs that build over time

Scenes hit harder when you’ve seen the struggles that led up to them.
Watching out of order removes the impact.

And then there’s the real confusion-maker…

🔹 Fillers appearing at the wrong time

Fillers break pacing when you don’t know how to handle them.
Some fillers are funny or wholesome. Others just slow everything down.

This guide exists so you can:

• watch Naruto in order
• avoid the frustrating parts
• still enjoy what’s worth watching

Next, let’s break things down arc by arc so you always know where you are in the story.

Naruto Episodes in Order (Full Breakdown)

Below is the full Naruto episodes in order list, organized by story arcs.
I’ll keep it simple: what happens, whether it’s canon, and if you should watch or skip.

🍥 Prologue: Land of Waves Arc

Episodes: 1–19
Type: Canon (important)

This is the arc that hooks most people. Team 7 faces real danger for the first time, Naruto starts proving he isn’t just the loud kid in class, and the story finally shows its heart.

Verdict: Watch it, as it is essential for understanding Naruto’s character.

🍥 Chunin Exams Arc

Episodes: 20–67
Type: Canon

New characters appear, rivalries deepen, and the show becomes much bigger. This arc also sets up key storylines that continue far beyond Naruto.

Verdict: Definitely watch it, some of the best storytelling in the anime.

🍥 Konoha Crush Arc

Episodes: 68–80
Type: Canon

The village is attacked, and things take a dark turn. This is where Naruto really starts stepping into responsibility.

Verdict: Watch this, big emotional moments happen here.

🍥 Search for Tsunade Arc

Episodes: 81–100
Type: Canon

We meet Tsunade, one of the Legendary Sannin. Naruto also gets one of his most iconic training moments.

Verdict: Watch it, important character development.

🍥 Land of Tea Arc (Filler)

Episodes: 101–106
Type: Filler (lighthearted)

Funny, simple, not essential. Some fans enjoy it as a break, others skip entirely.

Verdict: Optional.

🍥 Sasuke Retrieval Arc

Episodes: 107–135
Type: Canon (Critical)

This arc changes everything. Friendships are tested, major decisions are made, and it sets up the future of the entire series.

Verdict: Absolutely watch, one of Naruto’s defining arcs.

And here is where fillers take over…

🍥 Long Filler Period

Episodes: 136–220
Type: Mostly Filler (with some decent episodes)

During this stretch, the anime bought time while the manga continued. Some episodes are fun side stories, but many can be skipped without missing anything.

Verdict: I’ll explain which ones are worth watching in the filler guide below.

So that covers all Naruto episodes in order, from start to finish.

Next, let’s deal with the most confusing part for new fans:

➡️ which fillers are worth watching,
➡️ and which ones you can safely skip.

Naruto Fillers: Which Ones to Skip (and Which Are Actually Fun)

Here’s the truth nobody tells new viewers: Not all Naruto fillers are terrible.
Some are boring, yes, but a few are surprisingly entertaining, warm, and even emotional.

The challenge is knowing which to keep and which to skip.

To make things simple, I’ve grouped them into three categories.

Fillers worth watching (they add charm)

These episodes don’t affect the main story, but they show more of Naruto’s personality, friendships, and daily life. They’re fun when you want a break from intense arcs.

Examples include:

• character-focused training episodes
• feel-good side missions
• comedy moments that lighten the tone

These are good “breathing space” episodes.

Optional fillers (watch if you’re curious)

These aren’t bad, but they’re not memorable either.

If you’re enjoying Naruto and don’t feel like rushing the story, you can watch them.
If not, skipping them won’t hurt your experience.

Fillers you can safely skip

Some filler arcs exist only because the anime had to wait for the manga.

They:

• drag on too long
• repeat similar situations
• don’t deepen characters

Skipping these keeps the pacing smooth and helps you enjoy the series without burnout.

I’ll be honest here: the best experience is usually to watch Naruto in order, but use filler episodes as optional, not mandatory.

Later in the article, I’ll also show you:

• a story-only path
• a balanced path
• and a completionist path

So you can choose your own way to watch based on time and patience.

Now let’s tackle a question a lot of fans eventually ask.

Naruto Chronological Order vs Release Order

At some point, every anime fan wonders:

“Should I watch Naruto in chronological order instead of release order?”

Here’s the clear answer.

Release order (the normal way)

This is the order the episodes originally aired.

It’s the way the writers intended the story to unfold, with character development and reveals happening at the right moments.

For almost everyone, release order is the best way to watch.

Chronological order

Chronological order tries to rearrange events based on when they happened in the timeline.

Sounds cool, but there’s a problem:

• Some emotional reveals get spoiled
• Flashbacks lose impact
• Scenes feel disconnected

Chronological order is mainly useful only if you’re rewatching and want to analyze the story structure.

My recommendation (simple and safe)

1. Watch Naruto in the original release order
2. Use a filler guide when needed
3. Enjoy the story the way it was written to unfold

That combination keeps the pacing natural, avoids confusion, and still gives you the option to enjoy fun side episodes.

Next, we’ll cover something readers really appreciate: different watch paths depending on your time.

You’ll be able to pick:

• Story-only
• Balanced
• Or everything (for hardcore fans)

The Best Naruto Order to Watch (Based on Your Time)

Not everyone watches anime the same way. Some people want every detail, some just want the main story, while order want a balanced mix so nothing feels rushed.

So instead of giving you only one path, here are three simple ways to watch Naruto — choose the one that fits you.

Path 1: Story-Only (Fastest, No Fillers)

This path focuses ONLY on the main canon story. You’ll watch:

• Episodes 1–135
• Skip almost everything after that (until Shippuden)

This gives you the full story without losing momentum. It’s the best option if you’re new and don’t want anything slowing you down.

Who this is for:
Viewers who want a clean, focused Naruto story.

Path 2: Balanced Path (Canon + Best Fillers)

Here, you still follow the main plot, but you sprinkle in a few fun filler episodes that add personality and humor. Think of it as the “enjoy everything, but don’t drag it” route.

Who this is for:
People who want to enjoy Naruto at a relaxed pace without watching unnecessary arcs.

Path 3: Completionist Path (Everything)

This is for hardcore fans:

• All canon
• All fillers
• All side missions
• Everything in the series

You experience Naruto as a full world, not just a main storyline. It takes time, but some fans love it this way.

Who this is for:
Anyone who wants the most complete Naruto experience possible.

Whichever option you choose, the important thing is this: You’ll still be watching Naruto in order just at the pace that fits you best. Next up, let’s go over something many first-time viewers do without even realizing it… and how to avoid it.

5 Mistakes First-Time Naruto Viewers Make

Over the years, I’ve seen the same mistakes happen again and again. Honestly, I made most of them myself. Here are the big ones to avoid:

❌ Mistake 1: Jumping randomly between episodes

You miss crucial backstories and emotional buildup.

❌ Mistake 2: Skipping “mixed” episodes by accident

Some episodes look like filler but actually contain key canon scenes. Skipping them creates holes in the story.

❌ Mistake 3: Watching fillers at the wrong time

Fillers are fine, but not when they interrupt important arcs.

❌ Mistake 4: Rushing through the series

Naruto is meant to unfold gradually. Binging too fast sometimes makes big emotional moments feel less impactful.

❌ Mistake 5: Using outdated or bad watch lists

Some lists online mix up episodes, or don’t clearly explain what you’re skipping. This guide avoids all of that confusion and keeps the order simple.

Now that we’ve avoided the common pitfalls, let’s shift to something more fun.

The Most Emotional Naruto Arcs (No Spoilers)

One of the reasons Naruto stays in people’s hearts is simple: It makes you feel things.

Friendship.
Loss.
Perseverance.
That quiet kind of growth that sneaks up on you.

Even without spoilers, here are a few arcs that hit especially hard and remind you why watching the Naruto series in order matters so much.

Arc Highlight #1: The First Mission That Turns Serious

This is the moment Naruto stops feeling like “a kids’ show” and becomes something deeper. The mission becomes dangerous, choices matter, and the team starts to bond in unexpected ways.

Arc Highlight #2: Trials That Test Friendships

Naruto learns what rivalry really means, and how far people are willing to go to prove themselves. The emotional stakes start rising here.

Arc Highlight #3: A Village Under Threat

You see fear, sacrifice, leadership, and courage, all happening at once. It’s one of those arcs that stays with you long after it ends.

Arc Highlight #4: Searching for Strength

Training, self-doubt, and determination collide. Naruto grows not just in power, but in maturity.

Arc Highlight #5: Decisions That Change Everything

Choices are made. Paths split. Friendships are tested in painful ways.

And all of this lands harder when you watch Naruto in order, because every scene builds on what came before.

Next, let’s talk about something practical, where you can actually watch Naruto, and what to expect depending on your region.

Where to Watch Naruto in Order (Streaming Guide)

Naruto is available on several legal platforms, but availability shifts based on where you live.

That means the Naruto TV series order may appear different from country to country, and sometimes seasons disappear suddenly due to licensing changes.

Here’s what you should know.

Major streaming platforms

Naruto can typically be found on popular streaming services such as:

• platforms that specialize in anime (Crunchyroll)
• certain global streaming networks
• region-specific services depending on licensing

(Some names change over time, so always check your region.)

Why availability changes

Streaming rights rotate. A platform may have Naruto one year and lose it the next. That’s why episodes sometimes vanish or move to another service.

Sub vs Dub: choose what works for you

Some platforms offer both:

• Subbed (Japanese audio, subtitles) — closest to original tone
• Dubbed (English voice acting) — easier for casual watching

Both are valid, go with the experience you enjoy.

Naruto on Netflix: What You Should Know

Many people ask:

“Can I watch Naruto in order on Netflix?”

The answer is: sometimes yes, sometimes not fully.

Netflix offers Naruto in certain regions, but:

• Some countries only get a few seasons
• Others have missing episodes
• Content may rotate out unexpectedly

If Netflix doesn’t have the full Naruto anime series order where you are, another legal platform will usually fill the gaps.

Naruto Series in Order (Quick Reference Table)

If you want a simple overview at a glance, here’s a clean breakdown of the Naruto series in order — including whether each section is canon or filler.

This isn’t a detailed episode list, just a practical snapshot you can refer back to.

Section / Arc	Episodes	Canon / Filler	Recommendation
Prologue & Land of Waves	1–19	Canon	Must Watch
Chunin Exams	20–67	Canon	Must Watch
Konoha Crush	68–80	Canon	Must Watch
Search for Tsunade	81–100	Canon	Watch
Land of Tea	101–106	Filler	Optional
Sasuke Retrieval	107–135	Canon	Must Watch
Filler Era	136–220	Mostly Filler	Skip or Selectively Watch

Feel free to bookmark this page so you can come back to the table anytime while watching.

The Moment Naruto Finally Clicked for Me

There was one specific moment somewhere deep into the series when I realized why so many people love Naruto.

It wasn’t a huge fight or flashy transformation. It was a quiet scene where Naruto simply chose to keep going, even when it looked pointless. That kind of stubborn hope is what makes the story special.

And honestly, I would’ve completely missed the emotional weight of that scene if I hadn’t watched Naruto in order from the start.

That’s why I always encourage people: take your time, follow the right order, and let the story build naturally.

Naruto Watch Order: Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts: Enjoy Naruto the Right Way

Naruto isn’t just another action anime.
It’s about resilience, friendship, loneliness, and finding your place even when the world underestimates you.

And when you follow the right Naruto watch order, the story unfolds the way it was designed:

• the emotional moments land harder
• character growth feels earned
• nothing important gets lost

Whether you choose:

• the story-only path,
• the balanced route,
• or the full completionist journey…

You’ll experience Naruto the way fans around the world fell in love with it.

If this guide helped, bookmark it — and when you finish the series, come back and tell me:

Which arc hit you the hardest?

I’d genuinely love to know.