Are Naruto Movies Canon: Everything Fans Need To Know

Daksh Chaudhary
Mar 28
3 min read

Naruto fans love diving into every part of the ninja world, but there’s one question that always pops up: Are Naruto movies canon? With so many movies released in total, covering both the original series and Shippuden, it’s hard to tell which ones actually matter to the main story. Some movies feel epic, while others seem like fun side adventures. Let’s clear up the confusion once and for all.

The total Naruto movies include everything from Naruto the Movie: Ninja Clash in the Land of Snow to Boruto: Naruto the Movie. But do any of these films connect to the manga or anime plot? Are they just filler, or do they add something important? Here’s what every fan needs to know about which movies actually count.

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Understanding Canon In Anime

Canon refers to stories that are officially part of the main storyline, usually based on the original manga. Non-canon content, like filler episodes or movies, isn’t part of the author’s original vision. These are often created to give fans more content while the manga catches up or to explore the further progress in the series.

Naruto movies mostly fall into the non-canon category. They’re designed to be standalone stories with cool fights and emotional moments, but don’t tie into the bigger plot. For example, Naruto Shippuden the Movie: Bonds introduces new villains and teamwork themes, but doesn’t affect Naruto’s journey in the anime.

How Many Naruto Movies Are There?

Total Naruto movies and which ones are canon

In total, there are 11 Naruto movies: 3 from the original Naruto series and 8 from Naruto Shippuden. The first movie, Ninja Clash in the Land of Snow, debuted in 2004, and the last one, Boruto: Naruto the Movie, was released in 2015. These films range from lighthearted adventures to darker, more intense stories.

While the number might seem overwhelming, most of these movies are standalone. You don’t need to watch them in order, and skipping a few won’t leave you lost in the main anime. But if you’re a completionist, platforms like Crunchyroll have most of them available subbed or dubbed.

Which Naruto Movies Are Canon?

Now the question: are Naruto movies canon? Out of the 11 films, only two are canon: The Last: Naruto the Movie (2014) and Boruto: Naruto the Movie (2015). These were directly supervised by Naruto’s creator, Masashi Kishimoto, and tie into the main story. The Last: Naruto the Movie bridges the gap between the manga’s final chapter and the Boruto era, focusing on Naruto and Hinata’s relationship. It even explains details like how Naruto got his iconic scarf!

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The other movies, like Blood Prison or Road to Ninja, aren’t canon. They’re entertaining - think of them as “what if” stories, but they don’t impact the main plot. Even fan favorites like Naruto Shippuden: The Movie: Bonds (2008) or Will of Fire (2009) are non-canon. You can watch them for extra ninja action, but they’re not essential.

Where To Watch Naruto Movies?

Most Naruto movies are available on streaming platforms like Crunchyroll and Hulu. You can choose between subbed or dubbed versions depending on your preference. Crunchyroll also has the canon films, so that’s a great place to start if you’re focusing on essential content.

Physical DVDs and Blu-rays are another option for collectors. Platforms like Netflix or Amazon Prime might have a few movies too, but availability varies by region. Just remember: even non-canon movies are worth a watch if you’re craving more ninja action!

Final Verdict: Should You Watch Them?

So, are the Naruto movies canon? Mostly no, except The Last: Naruto the Movie, and Boruto: Naruto the Movie. These two are must-watches for anyone following the main story. The rest are like a bonus for those who want more adventures of the ninja world.

That said, the non-canon films offer hilarious moments, epic battles, and emotional beats that fans adore. If you’ve got time, why not binge them all? Just keep your expectations in check and enjoy the ride.