naruto is a beloved series that has captured the hearts of millions of fans around the world, and a big part of that success is some of the best storylines in any shounen series. With its sympathetic protagonist, thrilling battles, and intricate plot, Naruto has no doubt become a cultural phenomenon.
Throughout the series, there are many memorable details that leave an indelible impression in the hearts of viewers. Some are praised by everyone while others, understandably, receive a lot of criticism. Although some Naruto installments have notable flaws, here are ten of Naruto’s best stories
10 Fourth Shinobi War
The Fourth Shinobi War is definitely one of the most anticipated parts of Naruto’s history. Never before has the stage been set up so precisely, with moving pieces placed all over the world Naruto has created. The return of many once famous ninjas and the unification of the great armies of the world is a sight to behold as the arc unfolds. Highlights of this action-packed installment include Kakashi’s fierce battle against Obito in the kingdom of Kamui, the return of Naruto’s major villains Madara and Itachi, and Might Guy’s Gate of Death. Unfortunately, the arc is also bogged down with many meaningless battles, such as Kankuro’s Special Operations team fighting Sasori and Deidara. While the arc is full of incredible moments, it really needs to narrow its focus to ensure that every battle fits into the unfolding storyline.
9 Kazekage Rescue Mission
The Kazekage Rescue Mission section sees Naruto and his friends go to the hidden Sand Village to rescue Gaara, who has recently become the Kazekage. This part starts with a great tactical battle between Gaara and Deidara. This part serves as a great introduction to Naruto and Sakura after the timevskip and gives Sakura the most memorable battle in the entire series. This was also the first time fans were introduced to Kakashi’s Mangekyo Sharingan in the hunt for Deidara. While the season developed empathy for the newly added characters to the cast like Sasori and Granny Chiyo, other characters that should have stood out were left aside, like Kankuro and Temari.
8 Summit of the Five Kage
Can anyone really say they don’t expect Danzo to get exactly what he deserves in this installment? The Five Kage Summit is one of the most intense installments in the series, raising the stakes to a global level. It also features one of the franchise’s most memorable scenes, with Sasuke standing on the ceiling, looking down at each of the Kage on top of a mountain after lowering their pennants. The utter contempt Sasuke shows in this part is so raw that one can’t help but marvel at how far he’s willing to go after learning the truth about Itachi. Susanoo’s appearance in battle with the Raikage and Gaara was also extraordinary. That being said, again, there are characters who feel as if they should be important in these situations but aren’t. Mei, the Mizukage, notoriously has very little time to do anything relevant in her intro, and the Konoha 11 banding together to stop Sasuke ends up being nothing.
7 Story of the brave Jiraiya
The story of Jiraiya is one of Naruto’s most moving stories. The dilapidated setting of a hidden, war-torn Rain Village creates a backdrop that perfectly encapsulates the tone of this installment. Jiraiya’s brave battle against Pain was heartbreaking; watching the fight go on longer and longer as the situation worsened for one of the most beloved characters in the series left fans breathless in anticipation. The reveal of Pain’s abilities in this part is also handled well, even more so in the Pain section itself. He feels almost unstoppable in battle against Jiraiya, even when Unfinished Sage Mode is used. On that note, one of the few downsides to this protracted battle is how easily Jiraiya lost to the Six Paths of Pain. While it certainly increased Pain’s danger, Jiraiya herself more or less died in a whisper, taking off a lot of the burden once associated with the title “Sannin”.
6 Arc Crush Konoha
Crush Konoha deals with the aftermath of the Chunin Exams and Orochimaru’s plan to destroy Konoha. The alliance between Sound and Sand Village has been revealed since the beginning of the Chunin Exams and seeing it come to fruition is truly a spectacle. Orochimaru’s relentless plot to seek revenge against the Third Hokage is also a highlight, and the First and Second Hokage’s temporary revivals bring the level of menace of the series into a league of its own. . Furthermore, this installment treated fans to the massive kaiju battle between Gamabunta and Shukaku. However, this part still failed to achieve success in some areas, as it had to compete with some much more interesting battles earlier in the Chunin Exams section.
5 Chunin Exams
Not surprisingly, the Chunin Exams are often included in lists of Naruto’s best series- and for good reason. One of Naruto’s biggest draws from the start was the fact that each ninja had different abilities and talents, creating a diverse landscape of abilities. The Chunun Exam took advantage of this by shifting its focus to supporting characters. The most memorable battle in this part of Naruto has to be Rock Lee vs Gaara, a battle without any main characters. This part of the story is set up very much like a tournament part, only the rules are more complicated and dangerous, showing a clear evolution from the genre’s rudimentary foundation led by industry giants like Seven Dragon Balls pose.
4 Fateful Battle Between Brothers
The fateful battle between the two brothers is a standout moment in Naruto, showcasing the intense chaos and complicated emotions between Sasuke and Itachi. This installment is a fascinating examination of the relationship between siblings and the length of time they will go to protect each other. The fight scenes have stunning visuals and the emotional weight of the story is palpable. This is the moment in Naruto when most fans fall in love with the character Itachi- the fact of his tragic fate as an instrument of war is the most disturbing. This installment also introduces fans to some of the flashiest abilities in the series – Sasuke’s signature Susanoo and Kirin. The aftermath of this installment ultimately defines the rest of the series.
3 Attacks of pain
This part is notable for its high stakes and a sense of danger pervading every moment. Prominent characters seem to fall like flies as Pain decimates Konoha with no one to stop his rampage. Naruto’s entrance in this installment is one of the most memorable in the entire series, destroying one of Pain’s bodies in an instant when it looked like Konoha had lost all hope. The character development in this installment is also remarkable, with Naruto confronting his ideals and grappling with the harsh realities of the world brought to him by Nagato. In retrospect, however, while the Pain arc was Naruto’s pinnacle for many, it still hasn’t met as many characters as Hinata, who was shrunk down to a plot device. Additionally, Naruto’s promise to bring peace to the Rain Village was never fulfilled, rendering his final speech meaningless.
2 Land of Waves
The Land of the Waves part was Naruto’s first real foray into serious storytelling, and it set the tone for the rest of the series. This section introduces readers to the harsh realities of the ninja world and the complex relationships that exist between ninjas, their teammates, and their clients. The story is brought to life through the tragic relationship between Zabuza and Haku, which is heartbreaking. It’s all too easy to forget that Naruto is essentially a story about child soldiers and the ravages of war, but this installment doesn’t punch the punch when it comes to the disgusting reality of the ninja world. .
1 Sasuke revival part
For many fans, Finding Sasuke is Naruto’s ultimate story, encapsulating everything that makes the series so great. This part sees Naruto and his friends go on a dangerous mission to rescue Sasuke from the clutches of the Four Sound. The stakes are high, the action is intense, and the emotional rewards are huge. The Hunt for Sasuke also tries to strike a balance between focusing on multiple characters outside of the main characters in intense and complex battles without sacrificing the flow of the plot. This installment is the culmination of everything that has come before it, and it sets the stage for the rest of the series. It is a testament to Naruto’s ability to tell complex, emotional stories, and it remains one of the best in shounen history.
Extra: Boruto confirms Kawaki isn’t just the new Sasuke, he’s more tragic
From the emotional depth in Waves of Waves to the intense action in Finding Sasuke, Naruto has consistently demonstrated his ability to captivate audiences and leave a lasting impression. no wonder naruto remains one of the most beloved anime franchises of all time, and these installments are certainly testament to its enduring popularity.