Naruto (TV series)

Naruto (anime)

Company type	Anime television series
Industry	Animation, Entertainment
Founded	2002
Founder	Masashi Kishimoto (original manga creator)
Headquarters	Tokyo , Japan
Area served	Worldwide
Key people	Hayato Date (director), Tetsuya Nishio (character designer), Masashi Kishimoto (original creator)
Products	Naruto, Naruto: Shippuden, feature films, OVAs
Parent	Studio Pierrot, TV Tokyo, Aniplex

Naruto is a Japanese anime TV series adapted from Masashi Kishimoto's manga Naruto, which was serialized between 1999 and 2014. The storyline centers on Naruto Uzumaki, a young ninja orphan striving to become Hokage, the chief of the Village Hidden in the Leaves. The anime consists of two segments: the initial series named Naruto and its follow-up Naruto: Shippuden, which depicts Naruto's teenage years. Both installments were produced by Pierrot, overseen by Aniplex, and distributed in North America under license by Viz Media.

The original series broadcasted on TV Tokyo ran for 220 episodes from October 2002 until February 2007. Its English-language version, created by Viz Media, was shown on Cartoon Network and YTV from September 2005 through December 2009. Following this, Naruto: Shippuden aired on TV Tokyo with a total of 500 episodes spanning February 2007 to March 2017. The English dub initially appeared on Disney XD between October 2009 and November 2011 before transitioning to Adult Swim’s Toonami programming block from January 2014 to September 2024. Viz Media also streamed dubbed episodes via Neon Alley from December 2012 until the platform closed in March 2016. Additionally, Pierrot developed 11 feature-length animated films and 12 original video animation projects.

From a commercial standpoint, the franchise ranks among Viz Media's highest-grossing properties and has achieved significant cultural impact, becoming the third most-viewed series in the United States by 2020. Critical opinions varied; while some critiques targeted the adaptation’s art style fidelity to Kishimoto’s illustrations and pacing issues, aspects such as action sequences, character relationships, and emotional storytelling received commendation. Naruto: Shippuden maintained a strong viewership in Japan, recognized for its enhanced animation quality, more mature themes, compelling character development, and well-structured narrative flow. The original anime secured the 38th position in IGN's Top 100 Animated Series list, while Shippuden earned a nomination for the Crunchyroll Anime Award for Best Continuing Series. By 2019, Viz Media had sold upwards of three million units of anime home video releases.

Voice cast and characters

Character	Japanese	English (Viz Media)
Naruto Uzumaki	Junko Takeuchi	Maile Flanagan
Sasuke Uchiha	Noriaki Sugiyama	Yuri Lowenthal
Sakura Haruno	Chie Nakamura	Kate Higgins
Kakashi Hatake	Kazuhiko Inoue	Dave Wittenberg
Rock Lee	Yōichi Masukawa	Brian Donovan
Shikamaru Nara	Showtaro Morikubo	Tom Gibis
Hinata Hyuga	Nana Mizuki	Stephanie Sheh
Gaara	Akira Ishida	Liam O'Brien
Orochimaru	Kujira	Steve Blum
Jiraiya	Hōchū Ōtsuka	David Lodge
Itachi Uchiha	Hideo Ishikawa	Crispin Freeman
Obito Uchiha	Wataru Takagi	Michael Yurchak
Nagato	Junpei Morita	Vic Mignogna
Madara Uchiha	Naoya Uchida	Neil Kaplan

Part I (2002–07)

The original Naruto anime, produced by Studio Pierrot and TV Tokyo under the direction of Hayato Date, was broadcast in Japan from October 3, 2002, through February 8, 2007. The first 135 episodes adapted the manga’s Part I storyline, while the subsequent 85 episodes featured original plots that incorporated unused manga elements. Character design was entrusted to Tetsuya Nishio, chosen at the request of series creator Kishimoto.

Between April and September 2009, the series was rebroadcast in Japan as a remastered high-definition version featuring enhanced 2D and 3D effects. The episodes were made available on VHS, DVD, and as boxed collections.

For Region 1 distribution and broadcast, Viz Media acquired licensing rights. The English-language dub aired on Cartoon Network’s Toonami block in the United States from September 10, 2005, until January 31, 2009, spanning 209 episodes. It also aired internationally on Canada’s YTV Bionix, the UK’s Jetix channel, and South Africa’s SABC 2. DVD releases commenced on March 28, 2006; initial volumes contained four episodes each, with later releases including five episodes per disc. Uncut DVD box sets typically encompassed between 12 and 15 episodes.

Content edits for American television broadcasts removed or altered scenes involving alcohol use, cultural references specific to Japan, sexual innuendo, depictions of blood, and death; however, DVD versions retained uncensored visuals. One notable edit involved censoring a scene suggestive of a homosexual relationship. The series was also licensed for streaming platforms such as Hulu, Joost, and Crunchyroll with original Japanese audio accompanied by English subtitles.

An HD remastered version premiered on Japanese television on June 24, 2017. In 2024, Anime Limited released a "Collector's Blu-ray" edition for audiences in the UK and Ireland.

Four new episodes celebrating the anime’s twentieth anniversary were initially slated for release on September 3, 2023; however, their debut was postponed in August of that year.

Part II: Shippuden (2007–17)

The follow-up series, Naruto: Shippuden, also produced by Studio Pierrot and directed by Hayato Date, serves as a direct continuation of the original anime adapting Part II of the manga. It aired on TV Tokyo from February 15, 2007, until March 23, 2017. Starting January 8, 2009, TV Tokyo provided online streaming of new episodes with English subtitles shortly after their Japanese premiere.

Viz Media began streaming English-subtitled episodes on January 2, 2009, including newly released content from Japan. In the United States, the English dub debuted on Disney XD from October 28, 2009 to November 5, 2011 (covering up to episode 98). Episodes numbered 99 through 338 were available uncut via Viz’s Neon Alley streaming platform until it ceased operations in May 2016. Additionally, the series aired weekly on Adult Swim’s Toonami block beginning January 5, 2014.

In Japan, Region 2 DVDs were issued with four or five episodes per disc organized into four story arc collections. The seventh compilation DVD included a special feature titled Hurricane! "Konoha Academy" Chronicles. The Kakashi Chronicles: Boys' Life on the Battlefield arc (episodes 119–120), which focuses on Kakashi Hatake’s early years, was released as a separate DVD set on December 16, 2009.

North American DVD distribution began on September 29, 2009; only the first fifty-three episodes were released across twelve volumes by August 10, 2010. Subsequent episodes were distributed in boxed sets starting January 26, 2010. In the United Kingdom, Manga Entertainment secured licensing and issued the initial DVD collection on June 14, 2010. Anime Limited followed with a "Collector's Blu-ray" edition for UK and Ireland markets in 2024.

Episodes

Naruto

Naruto: Shippuden

Films

The Naruto franchise has produced a total of 11 feature films. The initial three movies are tied to the original anime series, while the subsequent eight correspond to the Naruto: Shippuden storyline.

1. Ninja Clash in the Land of Snow (2004). Team 7 is assigned to safeguard actors during a film production set in the Land of Snow.
2. Legend of the Stone of Gelel (2005). Naruto, Shikamaru, and Sakura become involved in a battle concerning Sunaga village and armored fighters. Unlike its predecessor, this film was released directly to video in the United States.
3. Guardians of the Crescent Moon Kingdom (2006). Naruto and his team are tasked with protecting Hikaru Tsuki, heir to the Land of Moon’s throne.
4. Naruto Shippuden the Movie (2007). Naruto takes on the role of protector for priestess Shion, who foresees his demise.
5. Naruto Shippuden the Movie: Bonds (2008). Naruto and Sasuke join forces to defend Konoha from an assault by ninja originating from Sky Country.
6. Naruto Shippuden the Movie: The Will of Fire (2009). Team 7 endeavors to stop Kakashi from sacrificing himself to bring an end to a conflict.
7. Naruto Shippuden the Movie: The Lost Tower (2010). Naruto is transported two decades into the past, where he encounters his father, Fourth Hokage Minato Namikaze.
8. Naruto the Movie: Blood Prison (2011). Wrongfully accused of attempted murder, Naruto uncovers hidden truths while attempting to escape incarceration.
9. Road to Ninja: Naruto the Movie (2012). Naruto and Sakura find themselves in an alternate reality; this film’s story planning and character designs were overseen by series creator Masashi Kishimoto.
10. The Last: Naruto the Movie (2014). Set two years after the manga's conclusion, it centers on averting a lunar collision with Earth and explores Naruto’s evolving relationship with Hinata. Kishimoto served as chief story supervisor, writer, and character designer.
11. Boruto: Naruto the Movie (2015). Taking place fifteen years post-manga, it follows Boruto Uzumaki as he trains under Sasuke Uchiha. Kishimoto held roles as chief production supervisor, screenwriter, and character designer.

OVAs

The Naruto series includes 12 original video animations (OVAs).

1. Find the Crimson Four-Leaf Clover! (2002). Naruto, Konohamaru, and their friends search for a four-leaf clover reputed to grant wishes.
2. Mission: Protect the Waterfall Village! (2003). Naruto, Sasuke, Sakura, and Kakashi escort a ninja back to his hometown. This OVA was released on DVD in Australia as Naruto Jump Festa Collection and in North America as Naruto – The Lost Story.
3. Hidden Leaf Village Grand Sports Festival (2004). Various ninja teams including Team 7 compete in athletic events with a week off missions awarded to winners.
4. Finally a clash! Jonin VS Genin!! Indiscriminate grand melee tournament meeting!! (2005). A tournament pitting Jonin against Genin organized by Fifth Hokage Tsunade; included as bonus content with Japan’s edition of the PlayStation 2 game Naruto: Ultimate Ninja 3.
5. Hurricane! "Konoha Academy" Chronicles (2008). Depicts Naruto and classmates attending high school.
6. Naruto: The Cross Roads (2009). Focuses on Team 7 following their confrontation with Zabuza and Haku.
7. Naruto, The Genie, and The Three Wishes!! (2010). Naruto encounters a genie capable of granting three wishes while spending time at the beach.
8. Naruto x UT (2011). Illustrates events leading up to Naruto's defeat by Sasuke; distributed through Uniqlo T-shirt stores.
9. Chūnin Exam on Fire! Naruto vs. Konohamaru! (2011). Features an unrestricted Chunin Exam match between Naruto and Konohamaru.
10. Hashirama Senju vs. Madara Uchiha (2012). Chronicles Konoha’s founding focusing on rivalry between Senju and Uchiha clans; included with the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 game Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm Generations.
11. Naruto Shippūden: Sunny Side Battle!!! (2014). Shows Sasuke repeatedly dreaming about his brother Itachi preparing breakfast.
12. The Day Naruto Became Hokage (2016). Portrays Naruto’s appointment as Seventh Hokage, highlighting his absence from the formal ceremony.

Music

The soundtracks for Naruto were crafted by Musashi Project alongside Toshio Masuda. The initial album, titled Naruto Original Soundtrack, debuted on April 3, 2003, featuring 22 compositions from the anime's inaugural season. This was succeeded by Naruto Original Soundtrack II on March 18, 2004, which included 19 tracks, and Naruto Original Soundtrack III, released April 27, 2005, containing 23 pieces. Two compilations of opening and closing themes, named Naruto: Best Hit Collection and Naruto: Best Hit Collection II, were issued in 2004 and 2006 respectively. Moreover, the album Naruto in Rock -The Very Best Hit Collection Instrumental Version-, released December 19, 2007, offers eight instrumental tracks. Soundtracks corresponding to the three films derived from the original anime series were also made available around their premiere dates. On October 12, 2011, a CD featuring themes from Naruto Shōnen Hen was launched. Numerous drama CDs containing original stories performed by the series' voice actors were produced as well.

For the Naruto: Shippuden series, the music was composed by Yasuharu Takanashi and his ensemble Yaiba, with three albums released across 2007, 2009, and 2016. The remix compilation Naruto All Stars (2008) comprises ten character-performed original tracks. A selection of ten themes from both anime installments was gathered in the DVD box set titled Naruto Super Hits 2006–2008. Since 2007, soundtracks for the Shippuden movies have been issued. Aniplex announced plans to release a comprehensive collection CD encompassing all themes from both Naruto and Naruto: Shippuden toward the end of 2017.

The English opening theme used by Cartoon Network was created by Jeremy Sweet, a former composer at Saban Entertainment known for his contributions to the Power Rangers series and the English adaptation of Dragon Ball Z. He collaborated with Ian Nickus, another ex-Saban musician, in co-composing this piece.

Sales and ratings

In 2011, licensed merchandise associated with Naruto helped Viz Media achieve annual sales totaling . By 2019, Viz Media had sold more than units of the Naruto anime on home video formats, while the series held the position as Hulu's leading digital streaming title. In Japan, Naruto: Shippuden regularly appeared among the highest-viewed programs. For several years, it stood as TV Tokyo's most profitable anime franchise until it was overtaken by Pokémon in 2011 and later by Yo-kai Watch in 2015, fueled by robust sales both domestically and internationally. In the United States during 2020, Naruto ranked as the third most-watched animated show.

Critical reception

Mike Hale from The New York Times commended the Naruto anime for surpassing standard American children's animation in quality. Conversely, reviewers at THEM Anime Reviews observed that Kishimoto’s artistic style did not always adapt seamlessly into animated form; Derrick Tucker remarked that even at its highest quality, the visuals "left little to be desired." Some critics including Theron Martin of Anime News Network and Tucker considered the series to contain an overabundance of battle sequences, although Justin Rich argued these moments were among its most captivating features. Christina Carpenter recognized the characters but found them largely conventional. Hiroshi Matsuyama singled out episode 133 for its exceptional blend of action and emotional resonance.

The follow-up series Naruto: Shippuden earned favorable reviews for its animation enhancements according to David C. Jones from Activeanime. Carl Kimlinger of Anime News Network noted a shift toward a more serious narrative tone with an improved mix of humor and drama compared to its predecessor; he praised character dynamics despite some slow pacing in initial episodes. Charles Solomon of the Los Angeles Times ranked Shippuden as third on his list of top anime titles. In 2011, readers of the Guinness World Records Gamer's Edition voted Naruto as the 29th most popular video game character.

In 2025, debates emerged surrounding Texas Senate Bill 20, which criminalizes possession or promotion of visual content deemed obscene if it involves a child figure, extending to animated or AI-generated images. Evan D. Mullicane from ScreenRant described the bill’s ambiguous wording as posing a "dangerous" threat to anime such as Naruto.

Awards and Recognition

The anime series Naruto secured the 38th position on IGN's list of the Top 100 Animated Series. In a 2005 nationwide survey conducted by TV Asahi, it achieved the seventeenth spot. Viz Media's initial DVD collection earned a nomination for Best Package Design at the American Anime Awards. During Crunchyroll's first-ever Anime Awards in 2017, the showdown between Naruto and Sasuke was honored with a Most Popular "Other" mention for Best Fight Scene. In 2018, Naruto: Shippuden received a nomination for Best Continuing Series at the second edition of the Crunchyroll Anime Awards.

The Naruto Running Style

The distinctive Naruto run—where characters sprint with their arms extended behind them—rose to widespread attention in 2017 amid global celebrations marking significant anniversaries of the franchise. On June 27, 2019, Matty Roberts initiated a humorous Facebook event titled "Storm Area 51, They Can't Stop All of Us," proposing that attendees utilize the Naruto run as a tactic to dodge gunfire. This event quickly evolved into an online meme phenomenon, eliciting cautionary statements from Nevada law enforcement and the U.S. Air Force warning against any attempts to breach Area 51.

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