“Naruto,” the beloved Japanese anime and manga series created by Masashi Kishimoto, has captured the hearts of fans worldwide with its epic ninja adventures, deep character development, and a captivating storyline that spans generations. One of the most common questions among fans, especially newcomers, is, “How many episodes are there in ‘Naruto’?” In this article, we’ll take you on a journey through the episodes of “Naruto,” exploring the two main series that make up this legendary saga.
1. “Naruto” – The Original Series (2002-2007)
The first part of the Naruto series is simply titled “Naruto.” It encompasses the earlier adventures of the young ninja Naruto Uzumaki and his friends in the Hidden Leaf Village. This series introduces us to Naruto’s dream of becoming Hokage, his training as a ninja, and his encounters with various adversaries and allies. Here’s a breakdown of the episodes in the original “Naruto” series:
“Naruto” Part 1: This section comprises Episodes 1 through 5, setting the stage for Naruto’s journey.
“Chunin Exam Arc”: Episodes 20 to 67 follow Naruto and his friends as they participate in the Chunin Exams, facing formidable opponents and unexpected challenges.
“Search for Tsunade Arc”: Episodes 81 to 100 explore Naruto’s quest to find Tsunade, the legendary ninja, and the events leading up to her appointment as the Hokage.
“Naruto: Original”: The original “Naruto” series concludes with Episode 220, marking the end of Naruto’s early adventures.
2. “Naruto: Shippuden” (2007-2017)
“Naruto: Shippuden” is the second part of the Naruto saga and continues Naruto’s journey as he matures and faces even greater challenges. This series delves deeper into the world of ninja politics, introduces powerful villains, and explores the complexities of the characters. Here’s an overview of the episodes in “Naruto: Shippuden”:
“Naruto: Shippuden” Part 1: This section comprises Episodes 1 through 32, which focus on Naruto’s return to the Hidden Leaf Village after his training with Jiraiya and his reunion with his friends.
“Sasuke and Sai Arc”: Episodes 33 to 53 follow the mission to retrieve Sasuke Uchiha, Naruto’s friend who has gone rogue.
“Hidan and Kakuzu Arc”: Episodes 72 to 89 introduce the deadly duo of Hidan and Kakuzu and their threat to the Hidden Leaf Village.
“Pain’s Assault Arc”: Episodes 152 to 175 depict the invasion of the village by Pain, one of the most formidable villains in the series.
“Naruto: Shippuden” Part 2: This section spans Episodes 220 to 500, chronicling Naruto’s journey to fulfill his dream of becoming Hokage and his final confrontations with powerful adversaries.
Total Episodes in “Naruto”
To answer the question of how many episodes there are in “Naruto,” the combined total of both the original “Naruto” series and “Naruto: Shippuden” is 720 episodes. This impressive number reflects the depth and complexity of the Naruto saga, allowing fans to immerse themselves in the world of ninjutsu, friendship, and redemption.
Beyond the Anime
In addition to the anime series, “Naruto” includes several movies, spin-off series like “Naruto SD: Rock Lee & His Ninja Pals,” and an ongoing manga series that further expands the narrative. The franchise has also given rise to video games, novels, and a dedicated fanbase that continues to celebrate the enduring legacy of Naruto and his friends.
As you embark on your journey through “Naruto,” you’ll discover a world filled with action, emotion, and the indomitable spirit of its titular character. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer, the episodes of “Naruto” offer a remarkable adventure that has left an indelible mark on the world of anime and storytelling.