What Is Naruto? A Beginner's Guide to the Iconic Anime and Manga

Naruto is one of the most iconic and influential anime and manga series of all time. Created by Masashi Kishimoto, it was first published as a manga in 1999 and later adapted into an anime in 2002. The story follows Naruto Uzumaki, a young ninja with a dream of becoming Hokage—the strongest ninja in his village. However, Naruto’s journey is far from easy, as he faces numerous challenges, powerful enemies, and personal struggles along the way.

Beyond its engaging storyline and action-packed battles, Naruto carries deep themes of perseverance, friendship, and self-acceptance. It resonated with audiences worldwide, becoming a gateway anime for many fans and solidifying itself as part of pop culture history.

The series' influence extends far beyond Japan, inspiring countless anime, video games, and even Western media. With a massive fan base that spans generations, Naruto has left a lasting mark on the anime industry. Whether you're a longtime anime fan or someone just starting to explore Japanese animation, Naruto is a must-watch that continues to captivate audiences around the world.

The Story of Naruto

At its core, Naruto is a coming-of-age story about Naruto Uzumaki, a mischievous but determined young ninja from the Hidden Leaf Village. Orphaned at birth and shunned by most villagers, Naruto dreams of becoming Hokage—the strongest ninja and leader of the village—not just for power, but to earn the respect and acknowledgment of those around him. His journey is filled with hardships, friendships, and intense battles as he strives to prove himself.

A key element of the Naruto universe is chakra, the life energy that ninjas harness to perform jutsu—powerful techniques categorized into ninjutsu (ninja techniques), genjutsu (illusions), and taijutsu (hand-to-hand combat). Different clans and villages have unique jutsu, and Naruto himself wields a dangerous power: the Nine-Tailed Fox sealed inside him.

The story unfolds across two main anime series: Naruto and Naruto Shippuden. The original series focuses on Naruto's early training, friendships with teammates Sasuke Uchiha and Sakura Haruno, and the challenges he faces as an underdog. Naruto Shippuden follows a more mature Naruto, tackling darker themes and larger-scale conflicts involving legendary ninjas, secret organizations, and world-altering battles.

Throughout the series, Naruto encounters powerful mentors, dangerous enemies, and life-changing revelations. His growth from an outcast to a true hero makes Naruto one of the most compelling anime stories ever told.

Main Characters

Naruto features a rich cast of characters, each with unique motivations and growth arcs that add depth to the story.

Naruto Uzumaki

Naruto is energetic, stubborn, and endlessly optimistic. Despite being an outcast due to the Nine-Tailed Fox sealed within him, he refuses to give up on his dream of becoming Hokage. His journey is one of resilience, turning loneliness into strength through friendships and hard work. Over time, he matures into a skilled ninja and a true leader.

Sasuke Uchiha

Sasuke is Naruto’s biggest rival and the last surviving member of the Uchiha clan after a tragic massacre. Initially focused on revenge against his older brother, Itachi, Sasuke distances himself from his friends and seeks greater power. His rivalry with Naruto is one of the most complex relationships in the series, as it shifts from friendly competition to ideological conflict.

Sakura Haruno

Sakura starts as a skilled but emotionally immature kunoichi with a crush on Sasuke. However, under Tsunade’s guidance, she becomes one of the strongest medical-nin in the series. She plays a crucial role in Team 7, balancing the team dynamics and growing into a capable fighter.

Kakashi Hatake

Kakashi is the leader of Team 7, known for his laid-back personality, elite skills, and iconic Sharingan eye. As a mentor, he teaches his students the importance of teamwork and perseverance, shaping them into powerful ninjas.

Other Iconic Characters

The series is filled with legendary figures, including Jiraiya, Naruto’s mentor; Tsunade, the Fifth Hokage; Itachi Uchiha, Sasuke’s enigmatic brother; Madara Uchiha, a powerful antagonist; and Orochimaru, a villain obsessed with immortality. Each plays a vital role in Naruto’s journey.

Themes and Messages

One of the reasons Naruto remains a beloved series is its deep and relatable themes. Beneath the action-packed battles and ninja techniques, the story delivers powerful messages about life, friendship, and perseverance.

Friendship and Teamwork

From the very beginning, Naruto emphasizes the importance of bonds. Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura form Team 7 under Kakashi’s leadership, learning that true strength comes not just from individual power but from working together. Friendships—whether between teammates, mentors, or even rivals—play a crucial role in shaping the characters and their decisions.

Perseverance and Overcoming Challenges

Naruto’s journey is the ultimate underdog story. Despite being looked down upon, he never gives up, proving that hard work and determination can defy expectations. Many other characters, like Rock Lee and Hinata Hyuga, also embody this theme, showing that effort and persistence can surpass natural talent.

Sacrifice and the Search for Acceptance

Naruto’s biggest struggle isn’t just becoming stronger—it’s finding acceptance. Many characters, including Itachi, Jiraiya, and even villains like Pain, make sacrifices in pursuit of their beliefs or a better future. These moments add emotional depth to the series, highlighting the cost of achieving one’s goals.

Emotional Impact of Battles and Character Backstories

Unlike many action anime, Naruto doesn’t just focus on winning fights; it explores the emotions behind them. Rivals, mentors, and even enemies have compelling backstories, making battles feel personal and meaningful. This emotional weight is one of the series’ defining strengths.

Anime vs. Manga: What’s the Difference?

While both the Naruto manga and anime tell the same core story, there are key differences between the two that can affect how fans experience the series.

Manga: The Original Vision

Masashi Kishimoto’s manga, first published in Weekly Shonen Jump in 1999, presents the story exactly as he intended. The pacing is generally tighter, and there are no filler episodes. The manga’s artwork also showcases Kishimoto’s detailed character designs and dynamic fight sequences.

Anime: Expanded but with Fillers

The Naruto anime, produced by Studio Pierrot, follows the manga’s main storyline but also includes original content not found in the manga. While this sometimes helps expand character development, it also leads to filler episodes—non-canon storylines that often interrupt the main plot. This is especially noticeable in the first Naruto series, which includes entire filler arcs before Naruto Shippuden continues the main story.

Which Version is Better for New Fans?

For those who want the purest version of Naruto, the manga is the best choice. It’s faster-paced and avoids unnecessary side stories. However, the anime brings the world to life with action-packed animation, an emotional soundtrack, and voice acting that enhances the characters’ personalities.

New fans who choose the anime may want to follow a filler guide to skip non-essential episodes and enjoy the story as originally intended.

The Legacy of Naruto

More than just an anime and manga, Naruto has become a global phenomenon, influencing pop culture, inspiring new generations of creators, and maintaining a dedicated fanbase even years after its conclusion.

Global Impact and Spin-offs

Since its debut, Naruto has captivated audiences worldwide, introducing millions to anime and manga. The series continued with Naruto Shippuden, which expanded the story and brought Naruto’s journey to a more mature stage. The franchise didn’t stop there—Boruto: Naruto Next Generations follows Naruto’s son and the new era of ninjas, keeping the universe alive.

Beyond anime and manga, Naruto has inspired countless video games, animated movies, light novels, and a vast range of merchandise, from action figures to clothing. The franchise’s reach extends far beyond Japan, making it one of the most successful shonen series of all time.

Influence on Anime and Western Pop Culture

Naruto paved the way for other shonen anime, setting a standard for world-building, character depth, and emotional storytelling. Many modern series, like My Hero Academia and Jujutsu Kaisen, have taken inspiration from Naruto's themes and character dynamics.

Western media has also embraced Naruto, with references in TV shows, movies, and even professional sports—NBA players like Zion Williamson have openly expressed their love for the series.

Fan Community and Popular Memes

The Naruto fan community remains one of the most passionate in anime culture. Fans create theories, artwork, cosplay, and memes—like the famous "Naruto run", which even became part of internet history. Moments like Kakashi’s unmasking and Itachi’s iconic "foolish little brother" line have been immortalized through fan discussions and online humor.

Even after two decades, Naruto’s legacy continues to grow, proving it’s more than just a story—it’s a cultural landmark.

How to Start Watching or Reading Naruto

If you’re new to Naruto and wondering where to begin, you have multiple options to watch or read the series legally.

Where to Watch Legally

You can stream Naruto on platforms like Crunchyroll, Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video, depending on your region. Naruto Shippuden is also available on Crunchyroll and Hulu, while Boruto: Naruto Next Generations continues airing on Crunchyroll.

Sub vs. Dub: Which One to Choose?

The anime is available in both subtitled (sub) and dubbed (dub) versions. The sub features the original Japanese voice acting with English subtitles, while the dub has English voice actors. Some fans prefer the sub for its authenticity, while others enjoy the dub for easier viewing. Both versions are well-done, so it comes down to personal preference.

Recommended Viewing Order

To experience Naruto in the best way, follow this order:

1. Naruto (Episodes 1–135; skip 136–220 for filler)

2. Naruto Shippuden (Episodes 1–500; skip filler episodes as needed)

3. The Last: Naruto the Movie (After Shippuden)

4. Boruto: Naruto Next Generations (Optional, for those interested in the sequel)

For manga readers, simply start with Chapter 1 of Naruto and continue to Naruto Shippuden without filler interruptions.

Conclusion

Naruto continues to remain relevant today because its themes of perseverance, friendship, and self-discovery resonate with fans across generations. The series touches on universal struggles that people face in real life, making it more than just an action-packed anime—it’s a deeply emotional and inspiring journey. Whether you’re drawn to the dynamic character growth, intense battles, or profound messages, Naruto offers something for everyone.

The main reasons to watch Naruto are its compelling story arcs, memorable characters like Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura, and the ever-present theme of chasing your dreams no matter the odds. The series dives into personal challenges, philosophical questions, and creates an unforgettable world with rich lore. From the early episodes to the final battle, Naruto keeps you hooked with its blend of humor, action, and heartfelt moments.

If you’ve never experienced the Naruto universe, there’s no better time to start. Dive into the manga or the anime and discover why this series has become a cornerstone of anime history. With its inspiring messages and unforgettable characters, Naruto will leave a lasting impact on anyone who gives it a chance.

Read Also: The History of Naruto: From Manga Pages to Global Phenomenon

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