The world of anime is full of twists, turns, and expanding universes, and one series that has captured the attention of many fans is “Boruto: Naruto Next Generations.” While the anime and manga are ongoing, there has been significant discussion about whether the “Boruto” movie is considered canon to the story. In this article, we will explore the events of the “Boruto” movie, its relationship with the anime and manga series, and determine if it can be classified as canon. Understanding whether the movie is canon or not has a significant impact on how fans perceive the continuation of the “Naruto” universe, especially with its new generation of characters.
What Does “Canon” Mean in the Context of Anime?
Before diving into the specifics of the “Boruto” movie, it’s essential to understand what “canon” means in anime. In general, a “canon” work refers to events, characters, or storylines that are officially recognized as part of the main storyline of a series. These elements are created or approved by the original creators of the series and are considered essential to the plot’s continuity.
Non-canon works, on the other hand, are often side stories or alternate timelines that do not directly affect the main narrative of the anime or manga. Non-canon events may still be enjoyable, but they do not hold the same level of importance within the overarching storyline. For example, spin-off stories, filler arcs, or side episodes that do not align with the primary narrative can be considered non-canon.
Why Is It Important to Know What is Canon in Anime?
For dedicated fans of a series, the distinction between canon and non-canon is important because it dictates which events truly impact the main narrative. Canon materials form the backbone of the story, providing continuity and a sense of purpose. In contrast, non-canon materials often allow for more creative exploration but can sometimes confuse the timeline or contradict the main storyline.
What Is the Boruto Movie?
The “Boruto: Naruto the Movie” was released in 2015 as a feature-length film. It focuses on the story of Boruto Uzumaki, the son of Naruto Uzumaki, the Seventh Hokage, as he struggles with his relationship with his father and his desire to carve out his own path in life. The movie serves as an introduction to the “Boruto: Naruto Next Generations” anime series, which follows the next generation of ninjas after the events of “Naruto Shippuden.”
The Key Story Elements of the Boruto Movie
In the movie, we witness Boruto’s rebellious nature, as he seeks to prove that he can be a great ninja without relying on his father’s influence. He is resentful of Naruto’s busy schedule as Hokage and feels neglected, which strains their relationship. The plot also introduces other important characters, such as Sarada Uchiha and Mitsuki, who are integral to the future storyline of the anime. Despite Boruto’s initial arrogance, the film shows his growth and eventual understanding of his father’s responsibilities.
How the Movie Sets the Stage for the Boruto Anime
The movie sets the foundation for the subsequent anime series by exploring key themes of family, legacy, and independence. It also highlights Boruto’s internal struggle as he seeks recognition outside of his father’s shadow, a theme that continues to resonate throughout the anime. As the movie marks the beginning of a new era in the “Naruto” franchise, its impact on the story is significant in shaping the anime’s direction.
The Boruto Movie’s Place in the Timeline
One of the key questions fans have is where exactly the “Boruto” movie fits into the timeline of the “Naruto” series. The events of the film take place after the conclusion of “Naruto Shippuden” and after Naruto becomes the Seventh Hokage. However, it occurs before the events of the “Boruto: Naruto Next Generations” anime series. In this sense, the movie serves as both a bridge between the two series and a standalone story that introduces the next generation of characters.
What Happens Before the Boruto Movie?
Before the “Boruto” movie, the original “Naruto” series and “Naruto Shippuden” had already concluded. In the “Naruto Shippuden” finale, Naruto becomes the Hokage, and the great wars that shaped the ninja world are behind them. By the time of the “Boruto” movie, the world has entered a period of relative peace, though challenges still remain in the form of new threats, such as the villainous Kinshiki and Momoshiki Otsutsuki.
What Happens After the Boruto Movie?
Following the events of the movie, the “Boruto” anime takes the story further, focusing on Boruto’s training, his relationships with his peers, and the challenges he faces in his personal and professional life as a young ninja. The anime series explores more of Boruto’s journey, introducing new enemies and expanding on the legacy of the original characters like Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura, while also giving more focus to the younger generation of ninjas.
Is the Boruto Movie Canon?
To determine whether the “Boruto” movie is canon, we need to examine its connection to the main storyline of the “Naruto” universe. The movie was created by Masashi Kishimoto, the original creator of the “Naruto” manga, and it directly leads into the “Boruto” anime series. The movie introduces key elements of the “Boruto” universe, such as new characters and the development of Boruto Uzumaki, which are then explored in the anime.
The Role of Masashi Kishimoto in the Movie
Masashi Kishimoto, the creator of “Naruto,” had significant involvement in the production of the “Boruto” movie, which makes it an important part of the franchise. Kishimoto’s involvement helps ensure that the movie maintains a connection to the original story while introducing new elements. This is why many fans consider the movie semi-canon, as it was not created in isolation but with the guidance of the original creator.
Can the Movie Be Considered Canonical to the Boruto Anime?
The “Boruto” movie is officially recognized as part of the “Boruto” continuity, but it does not necessarily carry the same weight in terms of canon as the main anime or manga series. Some events in the movie are explored in greater detail in the anime, with some minor alterations to suit the ongoing narrative. These changes have led some fans to consider the movie as semi-canon rather than fully canon.
The Relationship Between the Boruto Movie and the Boruto Anime Series
The “Boruto: Naruto Next Generations” anime series began airing shortly after the release of the “Boruto” movie, and it picks up where the movie leaves off. The anime explores Boruto’s journey as a young ninja and his struggles with his father’s legacy. While the movie serves as an introduction to these themes, the anime delves much deeper into the character development and the ongoing storylines of Boruto and his friends.
What Was Expanded Upon in the Boruto Anime?
The anime series takes the foundation laid by the movie and builds upon it, adding more context and character development. For example, the relationship between Boruto and Naruto evolves as the anime explores their struggles in more depth. Additionally, the anime introduces new challenges and villains that weren’t fully explored in the movie, expanding the world of “Boruto” far beyond the movie’s plot.
Does the Boruto Anime Follow the Movie’s Events Exactly?
While the anime follows the general events laid out in the movie, it often diverges to explore new subplots and character arcs. Some characters from the movie have their stories expanded, and new characters are introduced. This allows the anime to have a broader scope and to explore the consequences of the movie’s events from multiple angles.
Why Do Some Fans Consider the Boruto Movie Non-Canon?
While the “Boruto” movie is officially recognized by the creators and serves as an introduction to the anime series, some fans consider it non-canon due to the way it was produced and its relationship with the ongoing anime. The primary reason for this is that the movie was released before the anime series, and its story was not fully integrated into the larger narrative of the anime.
How the Movie Differs From the Anime
There are noticeable differences in the way some events are presented in the movie compared to the anime. For instance, certain character motivations and backstories are explored more thoroughly in the anime, with some storylines receiving more attention or clarification. These changes have led some fans to believe that the movie is more of a standalone introduction than an integral part of the overall story.
Impact of Filler Content and Non-Canon Storylines
Another factor that contributes to the movie’s perception as non-canon is the existence of filler content in the “Boruto” anime. Filler episodes often divert from the main storyline and are typically not considered canon. The “Boruto” anime, like many long-running anime, includes several filler arcs that do not directly tie into the main plot. This has created some confusion for fans about which parts of the series are truly canon.
Conclusion
The “Boruto: Naruto the Movie” plays an essential role in introducing the next generation of the “Naruto” universe, but its status as canon is somewhat ambiguous. While it serves as a bridge between the original “Naruto” series and the “Boruto: Naruto Next Generations” anime, it also contains elements that diverge from the main narrative. As a result, many fans consider the movie to be semi-canon rather than fully canon. Regardless of its official classification, the movie remains an important piece of the “Boruto” story, offering valuable insight into the characters and themes that will define the next generation of ninjas.
Related topics:
- Who Are the 12 Uzumaki?
- How Much of Boruto is Filler?
- Has the Boruto Timeskip Happened in the Anime?