Over 20 years after its initial debut, Naruto is still one of the most well-known media franchises in the world. The series follows a young ninja named Naruto Uzumaki, who strives to become the Hokage of his village, the Hidden Leaf. Although he has the Nine-Tailed Fox sealed inside him and is shunned because of it, he works hard to become strong.
Together with the sequel series Naruto: Shippuden, the anime ran for 15 years from October 3, 2002, to March 23, 2017. Like many anime series, Naruto is broken up into distinct arcs. While some of these are core to the main storyline of Naruto and his friends, others serve as filler and aren't tied to the contents of the manga. Completionist anime fans are welcome to watch all Naruto arcs in order, while story-focused viewers can pick and choose to leave the filler behind.
Updated on March 10th, 2024 by Louis Kemner: This Naruto arc list has been updated with new information.
1 The Land Of Waves Arc Sets The Tone For Naruto's Journey
Naruto Episodes 1 - 19
Naruto's Land of Waves Arc covers the first 19 episodes of the show, and it sets the tone for protagonist Naruto Uzumaki's long journey to become the Hokage. Team 7's first serious mission leads them to encounter Zabuza and Haku — arguably the most well-liked villains in the entire franchise.
The Land of Waves Arc depicts Sasuke, Sakura, and Naruto as they start to understand how dangerous the life of a shinobi can truly be, as well as how individuals like Zabuza and Haku do not fit a clear-cut definition of "evil" and "good." Character growth begins immediately with Naruto and Sasuke showing true bravery, wit, and teamwork, as Zabuza realizes what is truly important to him in the end. This particular Naruto arc also provided the first hint of Naruto Uzumaki's half-other powers, with Kurama's chakra flaring to life during Naruto's and Sasuke's battle against Haku.
2 The Chunin Exams Arc Notably Expands Naruto's World-Building
Naruto Episodes 20 - 67
Every Stage Of The Chunin Exams in Naruto
The Chunin Exams in Naruto are a way for shinobi to advance in rank, testing skills like information gathering, survival, and decision-making.The Chunin Exams Arc is one of the longest of the original Naruto anime, sitting upwards of 45 episodes in total. The exam is designed to test aspiring ninjas young and old with a variety of difficult exercises and missions, challenging them to use not just effective teamwork and great jutsu, but also cunning planning and traps. In fact, the first phase was a written test that subtly encouraged cheating, which challenged Naruto on a whole new level.
From figuring out how to truly work together to participating in near-death battles in the Forest of Death, nearly all of Naruto's characters prove their strength in this arc. The Chunin Exams Arc marks the first appearance of Orochimaru, fully display all of the Kohona 11, and introduces even more important Naruto characters like Gaara, Temari, and Kankuro, along with minor characters like the Sound Genin and Anko Mitarashi. All this is why the Chunin Exams Arc is one of the most beloved and famous of all Naruto arcs.
3 The Konoha Crush Arc Ushers In The Hidden Leaf Village's Next Era
Naruto Episodes 68 - 80
Before the Chunin Exams can reach their natural conclusion, Orochimaru and the Hidden Sand Village launch an attack on the Hidden Leaf Village. The Konoha Crush Arc follows Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, as he and his pupil battle to decide the future of the strongest shinobi village. Elsewhere, Naruto and his fellow Leaf genin leap into battle, while their exam proctor warns them that this is a proper battle with no rules, unlike the exam.
Hiruzen sacrifices his life to repel Orochimaru, and the impact it leaves on Naruto's characters — and especially the series' titular protagonist — can be felt throughout the village. The events of the Konoha Crush Arc help kick off the following arc, which sees the Hidden Leaf Village search for a candidate to replace their deceased leader. This Naruto arc also shows Naruto Uzumaki fighting Gaara to a standstill, then using one of his best "talk jutsu" of all time to begin Gaara's redemption.
4 The Search For Tsunade Arc Introduces Several Key Figures
Naruto Episodes 81 - 100
After the Third Hokage's death, the Hidden Leaf Village's search for a new Hokage begins in earnest. The Search for Tsunade Arc follows the events of this search while also marking the first appearance of the most dangerous group in Naruto — the Akatsuki organization. Two members of the Akatsuki, Itachi Uchiha and Kisame Hoshigaki, try to capture Naruto Uzumaki, only for Jiraiya to chase them off by force. Sasuke also intervenes with the intent to kill Itachi, but he is easily defeated.
In the Search for Tsunade Arc, Naruto sets out on a journey with one of the legendary members of the Sannin, Jiraiya. With Jiraiya, Naruto trains to master the Rasengan jutsu, and that, combined with another talk jutsu, eventually convinces Tsunade to listen to him and become the next Hokage. Naruto's heroic performance in the Sannin battle leaves a strong impression on Tsunade, which changes her life for the better.
5 The Land Of Tea Escort Mission Is Short And Simple
Naruto Episodes 102 - 106
The Land of Tea Escort Mission Arc is one of Naruto's many filler arcs, and as a result, it follows Team 7 on a mission that isn't covered in the series' manga. The plot of the arc is simple — Naruto and his allies must help a filler character, a Leaf genin named Idate Morino, win a race.
Orochimaru's assault on the Hidden Leaf Village leaves the shinobi settlement in ruin and spreads their ranks thin, so this escort mission ends up falling on Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura's shoulders. While it's admittedly a bit forgettable, the Land of Tea Escort Mission is a great chance to take a breather following the events of the previous two arcs.
6 The Sasuke Recovery Mission Changes The Shinobi World
Naruto Episodes 107 - 135
Why Naruto Is Still One of the Most Popular Anime Franchises Today
From underdog characters like Hinata to epic fights like Naruto vs Pain, many elements have made Naruto one of the most iconic anime of all time.After Sasuke received his curse mark from Orochimaru during the Chunin Exams and was called weak by Itachi during the Search for Tsunade Arc, he wanted more power. In the Sasuke Recovery Mission, the young Uchiha decides to leave the Hidden Leaf Village to pursue his ambitions, leading many of his friends to embark on a rescue mission.
The Sasuke recovery team, consisting of Choji, Shikamaru, Neji, Kiba, and Naruto are determined to stop Sasuke from joining Orochimaru, even if it costs them their lives. This leads Shikamaru's team into a bloody conflict with the Sound Four and Kimimaro, and partway through, the redeemed Sand Siblings arrive to help their Leaf allies win the day. Then, the chase culminates in Naruto and Sasuke's first fight at the Valley of the End, and it is the last canonical arc before the timeskip that launches the franchise into the events of Naruto: Shippuden.
7 The Land Of Rice Fields Investigation Mission Marks The Beginning Of Naruto's Filler Section
Naruto Episodes 136 - 141
After Sasuke departs and defects to Orochimaru's side, only Naruto, Sakura, and their sensei, Kakashi, are left on Team 7. To compensate for their diminished numbers, Jiraya the Toad Sage takes them under his wing during the Land of Rice Fields Investigation Mission.
During the Land of Rice Fields Investigation Mission, Naruto and Sakura join Jiraiya as he travels to the Land of Rice Fields in order to investigate Orochimaru's whereabouts. Along the way, they discover more evidence of Orochimaru's wrongdoings, adding to the danger surrounding Sasuke.
8 The Mizuki Tracking Mission Brings Back Naruto's First Antagonist
Naruto Episodes 142 - 147
Mizuki is the first antagonist that appears in the Naruto franchise, and he is responsible for Naruto Uzumaki learning about the sacred ninja scroll that had the Shadow Clone Jutsu written inside of it. In the Mizuki Tracking Mission, Naruto learns that the treacherous shinobi has escaped from prison.
Even though Mizuki was defeated by Naruto once before, the disgraced Hidden Leaf shinobi is still too strong for Naruto to take on alone. As a result, Naruto and Iruka work together to eventually recapture Mizuki.
9 The Bikochu Search Mission Reunites Naruto With Team 8
Naruto Episodes 148 - 151
The Bikochu Search Mission sees Naruto gaining some new allies. Instead of teaming up with Sakura or the remainder of Team 7, Naruto instead joins Team 8 so he can help search for the rare bikochu beetle. The Aburame clan used this insect to find anything that was lost.
Naruto planned to use the forehead protector Sasuke left behind to search for Sasuke by his scent. The arc was well-received for its comedic undertones and the appearance of four rarely appearing characters: Shino Aburame, Hinata Hyuga, Kiba Inazuka, and Akamaru.
10 The Kurosuki Family Removal Mission Continues Naruto's Strech Of Filler
Naruto Episodes 152 - 157
10 Shonen Anime With the Best Fight Scenes, Ranked
From classic titles like DBZ to modern hits like Chainsaw Man, select shonen anime have the best fights scenes in the genre.As another of Naruto's many filler arcs, the Kurosuki Family Removal Mission features a variety of strange hijinks. Although all Naruto wishes to do is train, Jiraiya is nowhere to be found, so the young shinobi decides to seek out Team Guy in order to accompany them on their mission.
The members of Team Guy are assigned a mission to deal with the strange Kurosaki family, which leads them to uncover a few supernatural mysteries. Naruto believes that the leader of the family, Raiga Kurosuki, might be able to help him learn Sasuke's whereabouts, only for the lead to ultimately amount to nothing.
11 The Gosunkugi Capture Mission Raises The Stakes From The Previous Arcs
Naruto Episodes 159 - 160
In the Gosunkugi Capture Mission, Naruto once again heads out together with the members of Team 8. This time, they help a bounty hunter and bladesmith named Sazanami — formerly known as Tokichi — as he attempts to clear his name.
While they are out searching for the famous bandit Gosunkugi, Team 8 comes across Sazanami instead and vows to help prove him innocent. Though Team 8 doesn't manage to catch the bandit in the end, this arc is an important learning moment for them all.
12 The Cursed Warrior Extermination Mission Ratchets Up The Supernatural
Naruto Episodes 162 - 167
The Cursed Warrior Extermination Mission sees Naruto once again join a group of Hidden Leaf shinobi other than his own. This time, Naruto joins Tenten and Rock Lee as they head out to investigate various rumors of a ghost that is supposedly haunting the Land of Birds.
The Land of Birds is a small country in the Naruto universe between the Land of Wind and the Land of Earth. Through some clever tactics and determination, the ninjas are able to save the Land of Birds and defeat the "ghosts" once and for all.
13 The Kaima Capture Mission Is A Fun Showcase For Anko Mitarashi
Naruto Episodes 169 - 173
10 Funniest Shonen Heroes, Ranked
Shonen heroes like JJK's Yuji and Demon Slayer's Inosuke never fail to crack fans up.The Kaima Capture Mission Arc continues the theme of Naruto joining up with various teams of other ninjas, and in this instance, it also continues the young ninja's search for his closest friend, Sasuke. This time around, Naruto bands together with Anko Mitarashi, Ino Yamanaka, and Shino Aburame in order to continue his search.
As a former pupil of Orochimaru, Anko is on the lookout for information regarding her former teacher, naturally placing her on the same track as Naruto. Naruto decides to join her so he can try and get any information about Sasuke's whereabouts, although these efforts ultimately yield little results.
14 The Buried Gold Excavation Mission Personifies Naruto's Filler
Naruto Episodes 175 - 176
As the hunt for Sasuke Uchiha continues, Naruto is paired up with Kiba and Hinata in hopes of helping them improve Team 8's teamwork. In truth, this is because they all have low success rates with their missions — excluding Shino — and Tsunade has noticed this.
Kiba rarely listens, Naruto runs headfirst into issues, and Hinata avoids confrontation, wasting her abilities. Tsunade then gives them an ultimatum: either improve their teamwork or be sent back to the Academy to redo their ninja training.
15 The Star Guard Mission Showcases Another Shinobi Village In Satisfying Fashion
Naruto Episodes 178 - 183
The Star Guard Mission Arc is perhaps the most well-known Naruto filler arc — and for a good reason. The story follows Naruto and Team Guy as they head to Hoshigakure to help the villagers protect their sacred star, but that's just the beginning.
The characters Sumaru and Natsuhi in particular became fan-favorite filler characters. The lullaby "Natsuhiboshi" still resonates with Naruto fans around the world.
16 The Peddlers Escort Mission Displays The Land Of Fire's Rural Economy
Naruto Episodes 187 - 191
Naruto Baryon Mode, Explained
Naruto and Kurama's combined power allows Naruto to activate Baryon Mode—a super powerful form where the Nine Tails jinchuriki works with his partner.Like most Naruto filler arcs, the Peddlers Escort Mission follows Naruto as he goes on a random mission with other members of the Konoha 11 — in this case, Hinata Hyuga and Choji Akimichi.
Together, Naruto, Hinata, and Choji set out to protect peddlers traveling with their crops from the Land of Vegetables. While in transit, the peddlers are accosted by a trio of brothers called the Janin, forcing Naruto and his companions to spring to action.
17 The Third Great Beast Arc Is A Fun Adventure For Might Guy And Rock Lee
Naruto Episodes 195 - 196
Two of the Hidden Leaf Village's most beloved shinobi, Might Guy and Rock Lee, take center stage in the Third Great Beast Arc. In this sequence, Naruto helps Might Guy and his bushy-browed pupil as they are wrapped up in a plot for revenge.
The nefarious plot is led by Yagura, a genin from the Hidden Leaf Village. Might Guy, Rock Lee, and Naruto must fight off Yagura and his brothers' special Puppet Technique. In doing so, they learn the reason behind the brothers' desire for revenge. The actions of this tiny filler arc suggest that Might Guy could've been Team 7's mentor and perhaps should have, giving fans an amusing what-if scenario between Naruto and a new jonin coach.
18 The Konoha Plans Recapture Mission Reunites (Most Of) The Konoha 11
Naruto Episodes 197 - 201
The Konoha Plans Recapture Mission focuses on the Hidden Leaf Village's most promising young shinobi, the Konoha 11, as they join together to help protect the village once again. This time around, Naruto and the Konoha 11 must work together to stop a ninja from the Kagero Village from destroying their home.
Compared to many of Naruto's filler arcs, the Konoha Plans Recapture Mission is significantly more action-packed. The sequence features as much combat as it does investigation, and with the threat of planted explosives looming over their heads, the series' protagonists must act before it's too late.
19 Yakumo Kurama Rescue Mission
Naruto Episodes 203 - 207
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Naruto's inspiring journey teaches the importance of maintaining strong resolve, never giving up, and believing in oneself to achieve success.The Yakumo Kurama Rescue Mission is a welcome reprieve from Naruto's normal cast of characters, and it places a much greater focus on Team 8's leader, Kurenai Yuhi, than ever before. It also follows a previously unmentioned group of shinobi, the Kurama Clan.
The Yakumo Kurama Rescue Mission reveals that those from the Kurama Clan are extremely skilled with genjutsu, including some who possess valuable kekkei genkai. Yakumo, their final remaining member, is in danger, so Naruto joins Kurenai in helping rescue her from her attackers.
20 The Gantetsu Escort Mission Adds A Member To Team 7
Naruto Episodes 209 - 212
In the Gantetsu Escort Mission, Naruto teams up with an unlikely duo — Sakura and Rock Lee — to help aid in transferring a notorious criminal to prison. As expected, this results in complications that force the young shiobi to spring into action.
The criminal being transported by Naruto and his allies is a part of the Shinobazu and is extremely dangerous, leading to various difficulties with their mission. While this arc features a lot of classic combat and action, it also sees the group making some tough choices. Several of the "villains" of the arc are allowed to escape by the end.