Naruto is one of the most famous anime series in the world. It has fans in every country and has inspired a whole generation of anime lovers. The story began with the original series Naruto, which later continued as Naruto Shippuden. After Shippuden ended, a new story began: Boruto: Naruto Next Generations. Many fans ask the same question — do I watch Boruto after Shippuden? This article will give you a complete answer, with a simple explanation of the timeline and viewing order. Whether you are new to the series or returning after a break, this guide will help you understand what to watch and when.
What Is Naruto?
Naruto is the first part of the story. It follows a young ninja, Naruto Uzumaki. He dreams of becoming the leader of his village, called the Hokage. In this part, Naruto is a child. He trains, goes on missions, and grows stronger. He also builds friendships and learns about the world of ninja.
Main Themes of Naruto
- Hard work and never giving up
- Friendship and teamwork
- Loneliness and finding acceptance
The original Naruto anime has around 220 episodes. It is filled with both serious and funny moments. Watching Naruto helps you understand the characters from the very beginning.
What Is Naruto Shippuden?
Naruto Shippuden is the second part of Naruto’s story. It begins two and a half years after Naruto leaves to train with his mentor, Jiraiya. In Shippuden, Naruto is older and more mature. The story becomes darker and more emotional. It explores deeper problems, powerful enemies, and big battles.
Important Developments in Shippuden
- Naruto learns to control the Nine-Tails fox inside him
- Sasuke’s revenge story continues
- The war against the Akatsuki and other major threats
Naruto Shippuden ends with a long ninja war. The world comes together to fight a powerful enemy. At the end, Naruto finally reaches his goal. He becomes a hero. He finds peace with his friends. And he marries Hinata, his long-time love.
What Is Boruto: Naruto Next Generations?
Boruto is a sequel to Naruto Shippuden. It follows the story of Naruto’s son, Boruto Uzumaki. The world is now peaceful, and technology has improved. But new threats appear. Boruto does not want to be like his father. He wants to make his own path. This creates a different kind of story from Naruto’s journey.
Main Characters in Boruto
Boruto Uzumaki: Naruto’s son, smart and talented
Sarada Uchiha: Daughter of Sasuke and Sakura
Mitsuki: A mysterious boy created by Orochimaru
Kawaki: A key character in later arcs
The Boruto series shows the next generation of ninjas. It also includes many characters from Naruto and Shippuden, now as adults. This connects both stories and gives fans a chance to see how everyone has grown.
Should You Watch Boruto After Shippuden?
Yes, you should watch Boruto after Shippuden. Boruto continues the story. It shows what happens after Naruto becomes Hokage. If you skip Boruto, you miss a lot of what happens to the main characters later in life. Also, some emotional parts of Boruto will make more sense if you watched Shippuden first.
Reasons to Watch Boruto After Shippuden
- It shows the future of the Hidden Leaf Village
- It explores new characters and families
- It gives closure to older characters’ stories
- It sets up new villains and deep mysteries
Boruto also includes flashbacks and references to past events. If you didn’t watch Naruto and Shippuden, some parts of Boruto might be confusing or less meaningful.
In What Order Should I Watch Naruto, Shippuden, and Boruto?
To get the best viewing experience, here is the correct watch order:
Naruto (2002–2007) – Start with the original series
Naruto Shippuden (2007–2017) – Continue with the sequel
Watch The Last: Naruto the Movie – This is important before Boruto
Boruto: Naruto Next Generations (2017–) – Watch this after everything else
Should You Watch Naruto Movies?
You can watch the Naruto movies, but they are mostly side stories. The only movie that is very important for the story is The Last: Naruto the Movie. It shows how Naruto and Hinata fall in love. This movie leads directly into Boruto.
Is Boruto Better Than Naruto?
This is a personal question. Some fans love Boruto because it shows a new world and new technology. Others prefer Naruto and Shippuden because of the strong emotions and intense battles. Both series have their own style. Boruto is more focused on strategy, family, and growing up in a peaceful world. Naruto was about survival, war, and chasing dreams.
What Boruto Does Differently
- More advanced ninja tools and science
- Focus on new generation characters
- More teamwork and less solo missions
- More peaceful world with hidden threats
If you enjoyed Naruto’s story and want to know what happens next, Boruto is the natural next step. Watching Boruto helps you stay connected to the characters and world you love.
Do You Need to Watch Naruto to Understand Boruto?
You don’t have to watch Naruto first, but it helps a lot. Boruto introduces new viewers to the world, but you will miss many deep connections. The story of Naruto and Sasuke, the meaning of certain jutsus, and the reasons behind major events are better understood if you watch Naruto and Shippuden first.
What You Miss If You Skip Naruto
- The childhood story of Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura
- The origin of the Nine-Tails and the Hokage system
- The emotional battles and sacrifices
- The deep bond between the old characters
Even though Boruto tries to explain some things, nothing compares to seeing it for yourself. The experience is richer when you know the full history.
Final Thoughts
So, should you watch Boruto after Shippuden? Yes. Boruto continues the story, introduces a new generation, and shows the future of the ninja world. Watching Naruto and Shippuden first makes the experience much better. You will understand the characters more and feel more connected to their journeys. Boruto is a new chapter, not a restart. It’s a story about legacy, change, and how the next generation learns from the past. Whether you’re a new viewer or a returning fan, Boruto is worth watching — after Naruto Shippuden.
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