Watching anime has always been one of my favorite ways of spending time over the weekends. They are the perfect blend of cinematic artwork and compelling stories.
Naturally, I am encapsulated by its aura. Over the years, I have watched many anime, but Naruto was the first one that introduced me to this profound world.
It literally opened up the portal to the fantastical world of animation with a strong storyline for me.
From character developments to action-packed plots, it presented the best form of entertainment. Keeping me glued to the TV.
As an OG and best of the classics, Naruto is still raging with great vigour in the anime fandom. And, I believe every newbie in the community should watch it at least once.
So, if you are planning to watch it, here’s a chronological order of all the Naruto Shippuden Arcs. This will guide you through the journey.
Stay tuned!
Why Is Naruto Shippuden Popular?
In the fandom, Naruto Shippuden has a special place for its dynamic storyline and prolific characters.
Throughout the anime, different types of themes are developed. Making the series one of the most loved and popular anime of all time.
Some of the reasons behind its long-lasting popularity are:
1. Compelling Storyline:
It binds the characters and their actions within a strong and deep plotline. So, the story has a base plot with a timeless message of hope and perseverance that compels its fans.
2. Relatable Themes:
The anime is most loved for its relatable themes that resonate with the real-life situations of fans.
So, it delves into themes like redemption and forgiveness, sacrifice and selflessness, and power and responsibility, giving it a touch of empathy.
3. Action-Packed Scenes:
You will find well-orchestrated fight scenes that make the anime packed with action. This way, it impacts the emotions with combat sequences.
4. Dynamic Characters:
Even though the characters have supernatural powers, they are drawn with human qualities and emotions. So, their backstory and development over the episodes make them relatable.
Is Naruto And Naruto Shippuden The Same Anime Series?
As surprising as it might sound, no, Naruto and Naruto Shippuden are not the same anime series. One is the prequel and the other is the sequel. So, you should not get it mixed up.
Naruto is the first part of the anime series. It starts off the storyline and introduces the main characters. And, Naruto Shippuden is the next part, following the storyline from the first one.
Moreover, it delves more into the new adventures, epic battles, thrilling scenes, and backstories of the characters. Creating a space for new emotional journeys.
What Is The Order Of The Naruto Series And Naruto Shippuden Arcs?
Before starting the series, you need to know the exact order of the different arcs in both Naruto and Naruto Shippuden.
This will keep you on track with the storyline and character growth. So, here’s the order that you need to follow.
Naruto Series
| Sl. No. | Naruto Arcs | Anime Episodes | Manga Chapters |
| 1. | Land of Waves Arc | 1-19 | 1-33 |
| 2. | Chūnin Exams Arc | 20-67 | 34-115 |
| 3. | Konoha Crush Arc | 68-80 | 116-138 |
| 4. | Search for Tsunade Arc | 81-100 | 139-171 |
| 5. | Sasuke Recovery Mission Arc | 107-135 | 172-238 |
Naruto Shippuden
Unlike the arcs of Naruto, Shippuden has a way longer list of arcs. So, I have divided them into some categories for you to enjoy specific arcs and follow the storyline.
For instance, the categories include:
1. Best Battle Arcs
In this category, you will find the best battles and epic fight scenes from the story. These arcs are the ones that turned the fandom upside-down with their action sequences.
| Sl. No. | Naruto Shippuden Best Battle Arcs | Anime Episodes | Battle Sequence |
| 1. | Akatsuki Suppression Mission | 72-89 | A fight between Hidan and Kakuzu of Akatsuki and Naruto’s team. |
| 2. | Fated Battle Between Brothers Arc | 134-143 | Heartbreaking climax battle between the Uchiha brothers. |
| 3. | Fourth Shinobi World War | 256-375 | The great battle between the Shinobi Alliance and its enemies commences. |
| 4. | Kaguya Otsutsuki Strikes Arc | 451, 455, 458-468, 470-479 | The final battle of the Fourth Shinobi War. Naruto’s team fights against Kaguya. |
2. Character-Developing Arcs
Apart from the battle and epic fights, certain arcs delve deep into the characters’ development and growth over the years.
So, you can watch them to enjoy the emotional essence of the anime. Also, you will get to see how the anime uses relatable themes in these arcs.
| Sl. No. | Naruto Shippuden Character-Developing Arcs | Anime Episodes | Relatable Themes and Emotions |
| 1. | Kakashi Gaiden Arc | 119-120 | Backstory of Kakashi Sensei. Delving into his childhood days. |
| 2. | Tale of Jiraiya the Gallant Arc | 127-133 | Jiraiya learns about the past of Pain from Akatsuki. |
| 3. | Fated Battle Between Brothers Arc | 134-134 | An emotional battle between brothers. Delving into each one’s perspectives. |
| 4. | Itachi Shinden Book: Light and Darkness Arc | 451-458 | It revolves deeply around the life of Itachi Uchiha. Focusing on his sacrifices and motivations. |
| 5. | Sasuke Shinden: Book of Sunrise Arc | 484-488 | Sasuke’s redemption and journey to find forgiveness begin. |
| 6. | Shikamaru Hiden: A Cloud Drifting in Silent Darkness Arc | 489-493 | Shikamaru’s growth and leadership are highlighted with a rogue mission. |
3. Canonical Event Arcs
Certain canonical event arcs in Naruto Shippuden make the series a great treat to watch. These arcs join the different arcs together and ensure the smooth plot flow.
Moreover, they introduce the next challenge or adventure in the series. Making the fans excited about the upcoming events.
| Sl. No. | Naruto Shippuden Canonical Event Arcs | Anime Episodes | Importance Of The Arc |
| 1. | Kazekage Rescue Mission Arc | 1-32 | It introduces the new season with a mission after Naruto. |
| 2. | Tenchi Bridge Reconnaissance Mission Arc | 33-56 | Investigative mission of Orichimaru’s intentions. |
| 3. | Five Kage Summit Arc | 197-214 | Sasuke’s attack on the Kage Summit and declaration of the ninja war. |
| 4. | Killer Bee Arc | 282-283 | Naruto’s training with the Killer Bee in a secluded place. |
| 5. | Konoha Hiden: The Perfect Day for a Wedding Arc | 494-500 | Marks the wedding ceremony of Naruto and Hinata. Bringing an end to the series. |
4. Parts Of The Same Arc
This category of Shippuden arcs groups all the parts of the same arcs under one section instead of keeping them cluttered.
This will help you to find the grouped arcs and watch them in a chunk for the complete plot.
| Sl. No. | Naruto Shippuden Arcs | Parts In The Arc | Anime Episodes |
| 1. | Itachi Pursuit Mission Arc | Part One Part Two | 113-118 121-126 |
| 2. | Pain’s Assault Arc | Part One Part Two | 152-169 172-175 |
| 3. | Fourth Sinobi World War: Countdown Arc | Part One Part Two | 215-221 243-256 |
| 4. | Fourth Sinobi World War: Confrontation Arc | Part One Part Two Part Three | 261-270 272-278 296-302 |
| 5. | Fourth Sinobi World War: Climax Arc | Part One Part Two | 321-346 362-375 |
| 6. | Birth of the Ten-Tails’ Jinchūriki | Part One Part Two Part Three Part Four | 378-388 391-393 414-421 424-431 |
5. Fillers
Lastly, the fillers category has all the episodes of the arcs that didn’t have any canonical or epic event to contribute to the plot.
These are just breathers in between the action scenes. So, you can choose whether you want to watch them or not.
Although you can almost skip most of them, I would recommend that you watch a few to know the series completely.
| Sl. No. | Naruto Shippuden Filler Arcs | Anime Episodes | Skip / Watch |
| 1. | Twelve Guardian Ninja | 54-71 | Watch |
| 2. | Three-Tails Appear | 89-112 | Skip |
| 3. | Six-Tails Unleashed | 144-151 | Watch |
| 4. | Paradise On Water | 222-242 | Skip |
| 5. | Power: Team 7 In New Village | 290-295 | Skip |
| 6. | Kakashi’s Anbu Arc | 349-361 | Watch |
| 7. | In Naruto’s Footsteps: The Friend’s Paths | 394-413 | Skip |
| 8. | Jiraiya Shinobi Handbook | 432-450 | Skip |
| 9. | Childhood Days | 480-483 | Watch |
Most Memorable Moments From Naruto Shippuden
Even though the entire series of Naruto Shippuden is packed with bittersweet memories, some iconic moments are just hard to forget.
These scenes have found a designated place in the hearts of the fans because of their dynamic theme exploration.
Firstly, the fight between Madara and the Might Guy is a remarkable battle sequence. It swiftly delves into the themes of protection and sacrifice. Making viewers go into amazement.
Secondly, the brothers’ conflict — Sasuke vs Itachi. This particular sequence takes you on an emotional rollercoaster.
With the brothers fighting each other, you get to see the underlying love they share, which leads to Sasuke’s journey of redemption in the end.
Finally, Naruto’s ultimate control of the Nine-Tails’ power. In the entire series, this is the most canonical and iconic moment. It is like the finale that fans were waiting for.
Now that you have the complete order of the Naruto Shippuden arcs, what’s stopping you? Jump into this anime to explore the dynamic world of a great story with marvelous artwork.
And, who knows, you might end up finding the courage to take your fear and change it to power, just like Naruto!
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