Starting Your Naruto Journey: Watch The Original or Shippuden First?

When diving into the world of the Naruto anime, one of the most common questions is whether to start with the original series or the sequel, Naruto Shippuden. Both series offer unique aspects, and the decision largely depends on your interests and how much time you are willing to invest.

Understanding The Original Naruto and Shippuden

Naruto is the main series, comprising 220 episodes. It sets up the world, introduces the main characters, and lays the foundation for the central storyline. The tone of this series is mysterious and introspective, with a sense of grandeur and an air of uncertainty about what's to come. It follows the journey of Naruto Uzumaki from his initial struggles and low standings to becoming the beloved and respected Fourth Hokage.

Naruto Shippudden, on the other hand, continues the story with 500 episodes, featuring a more mature and intense narrative. This series introduces significant plot changes, deeper themes, and complex character developments. It focuses heavily on battles and strategies, with an emphasis on growth and transformation of the main characters.

Choosing Your Starting Point

If you're looking for a more comprehensive and cohesive experience, it's best to begin with the original Naruto. Watching the first 220 episodes will provide you with a solid understanding of the characters, their backgrounds, and the universe they live in. This foundation will make it easier to follow the developments in Naruto Shippuden. However, it does take a substantial amount of time, and it’s not always feasible for everyone. If time is a constraint, you can skip the episode fillers (additional episodes that don’t connect directly to the main story plots) to save time, as they build character depth but not the primary storyline’s progression.

Quick Comparison

Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:

Naruto: 220 episodes, mystery and introspection, building character relationships. Naruto Shippuden: 500 episodes, more mature themes and intense battles, continued story development with deep character arcs. Fillers: Optional, but can be skipped if you prefer to save time. They supplement character development but aren’t required for following the main story.

Many fans recommend watching Naruto in its entirety, giving you the full experience of watching Naruto Uzumaki grow from a young ninja to a strong leader. However, if you want to dive into the more dynamic and action-packed content of Naruto Shippuden, you can start there, understanding that you’ll miss out on some of the foundational elements that make Naruto so compelling.

Relatability and Character Growth

The original Naruto builds the setting and relatability of the story. Watching the story of Naruto from the ground up helps you understand his journey as he overcomes his doubts, his village's prejudices, and his inner turmoil. You see him grow from a brash, eccentric boy into a caring, respected leader, all while maintaining his sense of humor and curious nature. You grow with Naruto, witnessing his backbone and willpower, and the Will of Fire that propels him forward.

Naruto Shippuden takes this journey to the next level. The series introduces more complex battles, deeper emotional arcs, and the consequences of national and international conflicts. With more mature themes and a sharper focus on battle strategy, this series further develops the characters' strengths and weaknesses, making their growth all the more significant.

Conclusion

The choice between starting with Naruto or Naruto Shippuden ultimately depends on your personal preferences. If you value a more complete and cohesive story with a strong foundation in character relationships and world-building, start with the original series. If you prefer more intense action and battle sequences with full character development, Naruto Shippuden is the perfect place to start.

Upvote if this helps you make your decision and if you have any questions or comments, feel free to share!