What is the Difference between Naruto and Naruto Shippuden?

Difference between Naruto and Naruto: Shippuden

Naruto, one of the most famous and popular manga and anime series of all time, has been an introductory anime title recommended to beginners. Since its anime series started in 2002, many anime fans all across the world have been engaged in the grand story filled with a variety of passionate and cool ninja characters who are growing up through it and their intense battles with powerful techniques.

Some anime starters may find there are two versions of the Naruto anime and wonder which is better or which to first watch. Here is the ultimate guide to how to watch Naruto, explaining the differences between Naruto and Naruto: Shippuden.

Let’s explore the epic action adventure series now!

About the first title Naruto (2002-2007)

There are two titles in the anime series of Naruto, adapted from the original manga series written by Masashi Kishimoto between 1999 and 2014. The first anime series titled Naruto (NARUTO -ナルト-), made by a Japanese anime studio Pierrot,  aired with 220 episodes from 2002 to 2007.

The first half of Naruto tells the story faithfully based on the manga series, which reached the 135th episode “The Promise That Could Not Be Kept”. It was followed by the second half consisting of original stories that you can see only in anime since Naruto was in the middle of the serialization of the manga series.

Then, what is another title Naruto: Shippuden like?

About the second title Naruto: Shippuden (2007-2017)

First of all, you need to avoid the mistaken idea that Naruto: Shippuden (NARUTO -ナルト- 疾風伝) is an alternative to the previous title Naruto. Naruto: Shippuden is simply the second season of the anime series following the first 220 episodes.

Just after the first part Naruto finished in February, 2007, the next season as Naruto: Shippuden started next week. The same anime studio Pierrot continues to be in charge of the production. There are 500 episodes in Naruto: Shippuden, which was concluded in 2017.

What is the Difference between Naruto and Naruto: Shippuden?

Naruto vs Naruto: Shippuden
Naruto vs Naruto: Shippuden

As I mentioned above, Naruto and Naruto Shippuden are not the thing to give you the alternative of them. Naruto is the first season of the anime series; Naruto Shippuden follows it as the second season.

Therefore, you should first watch Naruto and go on to Naruto Shippuden if you want to enjoy the entire story. For those who think there are too many episodes in the whole series of Naruto (totally 770), they can skip the spin-off episodes only in anime.

The first season Naruto ends its main story with the 135th episode “The Promise That Could Not Be Kept”, which is followed by the 221st episode “Homecoming” in the second season Naruto Shippuden. Naruto Shippuden also consists of both main stories based on the manga and spin-offs only in anime. If you want to save some time, just watch the main stories following this watch list below.

Naruto Anime Watch Order

How to watch Naruto? To completely enjoy Naruto, it’s recommended to start with Naruto’s 220 episodes and go forward to Naruto: Shippuden’s 500 episodes.

1. Naruto

Naruto Episodes List
Naruto Episodes List

2. Naruto: Shippuden

Naruto: Shippuden Episodes List
Naruto: Shippuden Episodes List

3. Naruto Movies

Naruto Movies List
Naruto Movies List

If you are not satisfied even after watching all episodes, how about trying 10 Naruto movies like these:

-Ninja Clash In The Land Of Snow (2004)
-Legend Of The Stone Of Gelel (2005)
-Guardians Of The Crescent Moon Kingdom (2006)
-Naruto Shippuden The Movie (2007)
-Bonds (2008)
-The Will Of Fire (2009)
-The Lost Tower (2010)
-Blood Prison (2011)
-Road To Ninja (2012)
-The Last (2014)

In addition, Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, the sequel to Naruto, began its manga serialization in 2016. Its anime adaptation also launched in 2017. The authentic fans should complete it and its anime movie Boruto: Naruto the Movie released in 2015.

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If you does not have enough time to binge-watch all 720 episode in Naruto and Naruto: Shippuden, it’s no problem to follow only main stories skipping the original chapters only in anime.


Naruto is one of the masterpieces in Japanese anime history, and both manga and anime are worth spending much time!

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