https://www.cbr.com Read up on the latest Naruto franchise News, Reviews and Features from the team at CBR. Fri, 22 Sep 2023 15:40:20 GMT en-US hourly 60 Like many of the anime based on long-running shonen manga series, Naruto has a lot of filler arcs. This is because the anime usually begins before the manga is complete, meaning the series often has to fill time until there’s more of the major plot written to move the story forward.

]]> Fri, 22 Sep 2023 17:56:20 GMT https://www.cbr.com/naruto-every-filler-arc-anime-episodes-skip/ Anime is full of unique characters, narratives, and settings, but despite this level of diversity, there are still some common tropes that appear across the medium. One well-known cliché that is repeatedly used in a variety of genres is timeskips, which often completely change the tone of their respective series.

]]> Fri, 22 Sep 2023 15:40:20 GMT https://www.cbr.com/game-changing-anime-time-skips/ The Naruto universe is back with a bang as Boruto: Two Blue Vortex Chapter 2 arrives in bookstores.

]]> Thu, 21 Sep 2023 17:42:49 GMT https://www.cbr.com/boruto-two-blue-vortex-trailer/ Anime embrace many different genres and extremes, but some of the medium's most popular series are those that are dense in combat. Fight sequences may be crucial to many anime, especially the shonen genre. However, there's still a lot of room for interpretation when it comes to the depiction of this combat. Heightened anime series like Demon Slayer or Chainsaw Man transform fight sequences into grandiose spectacles that defy reality.

]]> Thu, 21 Sep 2023 16:30:21 GMT https://www.cbr.com/most-realistic-martial-arts-anime-manga/ In anime, a villain's depravity was usually intended to make the hero look better in comparison. Though sometimes given sympathetic qualities, they're meant to represent forces fundamentally opposed to the beliefs of the hero and audience. In this regard, a villain was almost as responsible for making a protagonist likable as the hero themselves.

]]> Wed, 20 Sep 2023 17:40:23 GMT https://www.cbr.com/most-evil-anime-villains-ever-ranked/ The best anime feature a multitude of plot twists, emotional climaxes, and intense fights. Almost every series has a beloved and memorable episode, scene, or moment that changed the entire franchise forever.

]]> Wed, 20 Sep 2023 17:11:21 GMT https://www.cbr.com/anime-best-moments-changed-everything/ The first time an anime fan watches a juggernaut series like Naruto, they want to know the essentials of how each character functions, such as their best ninjutsu, their motives, and their relationships to other people. Later, a fan may wonder about the more intimidate, mundane details of these characters to make those characters feel better-rounded. This can add a whole new dimension to the characters of Naruto, who are defined by more than their jutsu and cool outfits.

]]> Wed, 20 Sep 2023 13:31:15 GMT https://www.cbr.com/naruto-villain-birthdays-height-zodiac-signs/ Anime history is full of memorable deaths, with many shows using a sudden passing to raise the stakes or change the cast's dynamics. Fans rarely forget a well-timed and well-executed death, with many famous ones getting referenced or talked about years after their initial airing.

]]> Tue, 19 Sep 2023 18:30:40 GMT https://www.cbr.com/avoidable-anime-deaths/ Naruto became a shonen icon for many reasons, including its outstanding combat system, delightful characters, and certainly its plot twists and best moments. Naruto's story is packed with hard-hitting plot twists that keep viewers guessing, and some of them are downright shocking and brutal. Naruto won't hesitate to shake things up and throw viewers for a loop.

]]> Mon, 18 Sep 2023 21:30:21 GMT https://www.cbr.com/shocking-naruto-moments/ The values of friendship are one of the most prominent in anime and manga, and there's nothing in the medium quite as joyous as watching the formation and development of its strongest bonds. Come hell or high water, anime heroes know they have their friends to rely on, and the power of their friendship will overcome even the most strenuous challenges. Unfortunately, not all bonds in anime manage to prosper forever.

]]> Mon, 18 Sep 2023 15:40:18 GMT https://www.cbr.com/friends-to-enemies-anime-characters/ The Japanese anime industry is supported by a large handful of popular and well-established animation studios. These studios work hard to entertain anime fans around the globe, and the very best anime studios can proudly list some of the world's favorite anime as their very own productions.

]]> Mon, 18 Sep 2023 15:00:21 GMT https://www.cbr.com/best-anime-studios-and-their-popular-works/ As one of the most influential shonen anime of all time, the Naruto franchise consistently balances its high-voltage action scenes and heavy drama with lighter, more pleasant fare such as comic relief. However, while the series puts romance on the back burner during its preliminary arcs, it eventually introduces several canonical couples that fans know and love.

]]> Sun, 17 Sep 2023 18:30:18 GMT https://www.cbr.com/best-naruto-couples/ Anime is filled with all sorts of supernatural beings, and demons are undoubtedly some of the most popular in the medium. Anime demons come in a variety of forms and often possess an impressive array of powers. They're usually portrayed as morally gray, though they can be good or evil, depending on the situation.

]]> Sun, 17 Sep 2023 17:00:17 GMT https://www.cbr.com/best-anime-demons-ranked/ Twentieth-century shonen titles like Fist of the North Star and Dragon Ball helped set the stage for today's shonen anime world, but it was the "big three" that really made shonen the #1 demographic for anime. Those three titles redefined what shonen can be, introducing or reinventing staples such as the power of friendship, the virtue of hard work, and the pain of betrayal.

]]> Sun, 17 Sep 2023 12:00:19 GMT https://www.cbr.com/naruto-scenes-changed-shonen-forever/ The shonen genre, more than any other anime demographic, is very in tune with the ever-changing demands of its audiences. Even if some genre-defining things tend to stay the same, trends in shonen anime come and go depending on what's popular at the moment. The dynamic nature of the shonen genre gives shows from different generations their own distinctive identities.

]]> Sat, 16 Sep 2023 20:30:22 GMT https://www.cbr.com/what-modern-shonen-anime-does-better-than-classic/ Anime friendships are deep, meaningful, and hardcore. However, it's not like everyone gets the treatment Ash and Pikachu give one another. Sometimes, the best friend gets the short end of the stick, whether it's because of an event or a drift between friends.

]]> Sat, 16 Sep 2023 17:40:20 GMT https://www.cbr.com/anime-best-friend-characters-deserved-better/ The original shonen "big three" is made up of the most popular, influential, and arguably best shonen manga/anime franchises of their time: Masashi Kishimoto's Naruto, Tite Kubo's Bleach, and Eiichiro Oda's One Piece. Each of them is packed with legendary characters, combat techniques, weapons, and key plot points that fans still talk about to this day.

]]> Fri, 15 Sep 2023 20:30:22 GMT https://www.cbr.com/big-three-best-scenes/ Early on in the Naruto anime, Sasuke Uchiha made one thing clear: He needed to grow as strong as possible, so he could destroy his own older brother, Itachi. Sasuke's relationship with Itachi had been one of deep brotherly love and admiration, with little Sasuke pining for more time to spend with his hero. But then Itachi committed an unforgivable act when he massacred the Hidden Leaf Village's entire Uchiha clan, sparing only Sasuke.

]]> Thu, 14 Sep 2023 19:40:20 GMT https://www.cbr.com/naruto-why-itachi-killed-uchiha-family/ Naruto achieved global fame because fans fell in love with the story and its characters. Sasuke Uchiha was Naruto's rival and best friend, and he is now considered one of the strongest ninja in history. He started off as a protagonist, but he was an anti-hero for a good chunk of the series, and there were times when he acted like a full-fledged villain. This means that he has done some really evil and heinous things.

]]> Wed, 13 Sep 2023 19:10:20 GMT https://www.cbr.com/naruto-sasuke-worst-crimes/ Crunchyroll has the world's biggest anime library. It's perfect for watching ongoing series since the newest episodes arrive on the platform an hour after their Japanese premiere. In Spring 2022, Funimation merged with Crunchyroll, making its vast library even bigger.

]]> Wed, 13 Sep 2023 00:00:20 GMT https://www.cbr.com/crunchyroll-best-streaming-anime-recommendations/ As is the case with any other form of media, watching Japanese anime can be a deeply personal experience, with many series leaving a long-lasting mark on viewers. It's common for fans to take to the internet in support of their favorite series, with sites such as MyAnimeList making it easier than ever for like-minded fans to come together and do so. This allows sites like MyAnimeList to rank the most popular anime of all time according to the fans.

]]> Tue, 12 Sep 2023 14:21:17 GMT https://www.cbr.com/myanimelist-popular-anime/ The Mangekyou Sharingan in Naruto is an evolved form of the Sharingan, which can be awakened by a user upon experiencing great emotional trauma, usually triggered by the tragic death of a loved one. This eye grants tremendous powers which usually come in two distinct abilities, one in each eye.

]]> Mon, 11 Sep 2023 16:10:20 GMT https://www.cbr.com/naruto-strongest-weakest-mangekyo-sharingan-users/ When it comes to anime, few franchises are more universally beloved than Naruto. Its protagonist, Naruto Uzumaki, is as recognizable as any character that the medium has to offer, and his journey to become the Hokage has helped define the shonen genre for an entire generation of viewers.

]]> Mon, 11 Sep 2023 15:00:20 GMT https://www.cbr.com/best-naruto-fight-scenes/ Naruto is one of the most popular shonen anime of all time. Its riveting storyline, epic fights, and lovable characters have kept fans coming back for more. Naruto can be rewatched several times if a fan is up for the 220 episode ride. There are some harsh realities one must face when rewatching the series, however.

]]> Sun, 10 Sep 2023 15:00:18 GMT https://www.cbr.com/rewatching-naruto-anime-downsides/ Naruto is one of the most popular anime and manga series of all time, so it is not surprising that it would receive a sequel series. Boruto follows a new generation of shinobi who grow up in a relatively peaceful ninja world. That being said, there are still conflicts and dangerous enemies to deal with. A number of good and evil Boruto characters have died in these conflicts, and a small number of Naruto characters have also died. Boruto's first manga chapter showed a destroyed Hidden Leaf Village, which led many fans to assume that either Naruto or Sasuke were dead, but they are both alive, at least for the time being.

]]> Sun, 10 Sep 2023 13:01:23 GMT https://www.cbr.com/which-naruto-characters-die-in-boruto/ Naruto is a beloved shonen anime series for many reasons. This franchise inspires anime fans with uplifting and thought-provoking messages about the value of hard work, the power of friendship, and the pursuit of dreams. The anime is generally optimistic in tone, but Naruto would be naive if it completely ignored the world's dark side – or its characters' dark side.

]]> Sun, 10 Sep 2023 12:01:19 GMT https://www.cbr.com/dark-naruto-moments/ The anime medium's growth over the past few decades is nothing short of astronomical, and thanks to the continued production of a wide variety of beloved series, it is showing no signs of slowing down. Each year brings forth a new batch of anime series that appeal to fans around world, slowly increasing the medium's mainstream appeal.

]]> Fri, 08 Sep 2023 17:40:18 GMT https://www.cbr.com/famous-anime-characters/ Throughout the Naruto franchise's over 700 manga chapters, 700 anime episodes, and continued storyline in the sequel series Boruto, Naruto has had to learn many different skills to take down the numerous foes he's had to battle against.

]]> Thu, 07 Sep 2023 20:31:19 GMT https://www.cbr.com/jutsu-naruto-never-uses/ Nothing signals the arrival of the Halloween season more than Spirit Halloween opening its doors. Since 1983, the company's stores have been many people's one-stop shop for Halloween costumes, and because of that, Spirit's offerings are a fantastic time capsule of the year's trends, letting fans see what franchises have gone mainstream in the last twelve months.

]]> Thu, 07 Sep 2023 17:40:20 GMT https://www.cbr.com/inaccurate-spirit-halloween-anime-costumes-2023/ Judging a Japanese anime series isn't always about the quality of its writing or animation. Often, fans engage in popularity contests to decide which anime characters are the best. Intriguing, well-designed characters can be defining, turning a mediocre anime series into a truly unforgettable one with their sheer star power. Some of the most loved anime characters perfectly personify the best parts of their series, while others are masters of stealing the spotlight.

]]> Thu, 07 Sep 2023 17:00:21 GMT https://www.cbr.com/most-popular-anime-characters/ After the original Naruto storyline, there was a time skip of about two years during which Naruto went to train with Jiraya. Before he left, the bulk of the characters — including the Konoha 11 — were 12-13 years old. Once Shippuden began, however, they had all turned about 15. The sequel series took place over two years, but most of it happened while Naruto was around 16 years old.

]]> Thu, 07 Sep 2023 16:10:19 GMT https://www.cbr.com/naruto-shippuden-characters-age/ Waiting for a new anime episode can be awful, that's why fans prefer to binge-watch their favorite series, so they can find out what happens next right away. This is the perfect tactic to avoid the pain of waiting, however, some anime episodes don't need to be set aside for later – they're so good they can be enjoyed by themselves.

]]> Thu, 07 Sep 2023 15:30:18 GMT https://www.cbr.com/standalone-anime-episodes/ Japanese anime series are often based on a pre-existing manga or light novel series, with a few exceptions. Usually, an anime replicates the original black-and-white manga series or improves it. They can provide heartfelt voice acting, thrilling music, and impressive visuals to increase immersion. From time to time, however, the anime falls short.

]]> Tue, 05 Sep 2023 13:31:18 GMT https://www.cbr.com/manga-better-than-anime-adaptation/ Naruto is an action shonen anime whose protagonist Naruto Uzumaki, is a classic "half-other" character. He is a jinchuriki, meaning a monstrous tailed beast was sealed inside him with advanced jutsu at the moment of his birth. All his life, Naruto lived with the heavy, dark cloud of Kurama the nine-tailed fox over him, which made him a pariah and outcast in his own village.

]]> Mon, 04 Sep 2023 16:10:20 GMT https://www.cbr.com/naruto-strongest-jinchuriki-ranked/ My Hero Academia and Naruto are both hugely popular shonen action series that have a lot of narrative and thematic overlap, including the endless cycle of violence, hatred, and misery in their respective worlds. Protagonist Izuku Midoriya is following Naruto Uzumaki's footsteps in his quest to bring about world peace, and once upon a time, so did All Might, the symbol of peace. However, it's not so easy in My Hero Academia's world.

]]> Sun, 03 Sep 2023 17:50:19 GMT https://www.cbr.com/mha-all-might-failed-as-symbol-of-peace-but-naruto-succeeded/ When two Japanese anime characters form a duo, those characters either complete one another or challenge each other, and there is always a sense of co-dependency. In a trio, however, there are ongoing tensions, a strong sense of competition, and rivalry that can also become jealousy, making the whole group much more interesting.

]]> Sun, 03 Sep 2023 14:21:17 GMT https://www.cbr.com/anime-best-trios-all-time-ranked/ For several decades, the anime medium has steadily grown more popular in international markets, due in large part to the success of beloved titles like the Naruto franchise. The series' titular protagonist hit airwaves for the first time in 2002, and within only a few short years, it became one of the most recognizable anime of all time.

]]> Sun, 03 Sep 2023 12:00:17 GMT https://www.cbr.com/important-naruto-facts/ A series is nothing without a solid protagonist to carry the story. The anime My Happy Marriage has an excellent lead character that viewers have come to adore. Straying away from the usual expectations of anime protagonists, Miyo Saimori is not the most outgoing or outspoken. In fact, there are moments where she falls into the background, but there is a great purpose behind that struggle.

]]> Sat, 02 Sep 2023 20:25:17 GMT https://www.cbr.com/naruto-hinata-hyuga-my-happy-marriage-miyo-saimori-comparison/ Naruto's comrades of the Konoha 11 reunite in a brand-new beach illustration.

]]> Sat, 02 Sep 2023 16:00:21 GMT https://www.cbr.com/naruto-new-summer-beach-illustration-featuring-sakura/ A major downfall in the Boruto series has been Himawari Uzumaki's lack of development. Most of the property has focused on Boruto and his dad, Naruto, but this repeats a big mistake from the past. Characters such as Sakura and Hinata weren't done justice, which has resulted in the new era scrambling to pad them as main characters. To this day, outside the spinoffs, it's tough to digest them as Sasuke and Naruto's wives, respectfully, as that foundation just wasn't established years back.

]]> Fri, 01 Sep 2023 16:40:19 GMT https://www.cbr.com/boruto-two-blue-vortex-naruto-family-himawari-powers/ Even though some deride shonen anime for its formulaic nature, there's a reason it's still one of the most popular genres. That’s largely due to the fact that most shonen series know what they’re best at and stick to it — impressive fight scenes, strong and often likable character archetypes, and powerful stories surrounding themes of friendship, family, and being an all-around decent person.

]]> Fri, 01 Sep 2023 16:10:18 GMT https://www.cbr.com/anime-best-shonen-series-ever/ Even if Naruto and Sasuke didn’t invent the shonen rivalry trope, their relationship throughout the original Naruto series and Shippuden set a standard that has, at least, inspired several other manga artists. Sasuke may have been introduced merely as Naruto's rival, but his significance to the plot made him more impactful than any other character. As important as Naruto’s growth was to the story, Sasuke’s continued to remind both him and the audience that there would still be one last hurdle to cross even if he became Hokage.

]]> Fri, 01 Sep 2023 00:00:18 GMT https://www.cbr.com/things-sasuke-does-better-than-naruto/ Female love interest characters in anime can take on any role, from a minor character to the main protagonist. Some are primary characters who support the protagonist while improving and discovering themselves, while others antagonize the main character and flirt with their love interest.

]]> Thu, 31 Aug 2023 19:10:18 GMT https://www.cbr.com/anime-most-charming-female-love-interests/ In the Boruto: Two Blue Vortex time-jump, things in Konoha have changed drastically. Kawaki is ruling as the unofficial prince, with Shikamaru as the new Hokage. Together, they're leading a team to hunt Boruto down after Eida's reality rewrite, which has all the denizens thinking Kawaki is Naruto's son, and Boruto killed Naruto and Hinata.

]]> Thu, 31 Aug 2023 18:51:20 GMT https://www.cbr.com/boruto-two-blue-vortex-konohamaru-future-hokage/ Naruto is a hugely popular shonen action anime that's still fondly remembered today. The series does have some spectacular combat sequences and great worldbuilding, but fans also love the subtler details such as inspiring quotes that make viewers think. Even if Naruto feels like cliché shonen action, it still has remarkable depth with its themes and characters, all told with its brilliant dialogue.

]]> Thu, 31 Aug 2023 15:30:17 GMT https://www.cbr.com/best-naruto-quotes/ Sasuke Uchiha has always been one of the most skilled ninjas in Naruto, and by the end of the series, his strength was on par with Otsutsuki's. Thanks to his mastery of the Sharingan, Sasuke can read his enemy's movements, and as the series progressed, he gained the Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan and the Rinnegan, which gave him access to abilities that allowed him to fight and beat some of Naruto's strongest characters.

]]> Wed, 30 Aug 2023 18:31:19 GMT https://www.cbr.com/naruto-ninja-stronger-than-sasuke/ Shonen is easily one of the biggest and most popular anime demographics of all time. Many of the greatest titles come from this vast category, some of which have influenced anime as a whole in ways no other series could. Shonen anime have influenced just about every genre out there, setting the standard for anime over the years.

]]> Wed, 30 Aug 2023 15:30:19 GMT https://www.cbr.com/influential-shonen-anime/ Battle Shonen and Seinen anime can be some of the most entertaining genres to consume. These stories are often really fast-paced, making them exciting from beginning to end. The battles are often grandiose, with great stakes at hand. It's common to see the hero of the story break their limits to overcome a truly overwhelming force.

]]> Wed, 30 Aug 2023 13:39:57 GMT https://www.cbr.com/best-fighting-anime/ Naruto is a long-running shonen anime franchise bursting with over a hundred classic shonen anime characters, heroes and villains alike. Shonen anime fans have plenty to love about heroes like Naruto Uzumaki and Hinata Hyuga, but at times, it was actually the villains who were more compelling. While all Naruto fans detest the likes of Danzo Shimura and Hidan, a handful of other Naruto baddies actually won the hearts of anime viewers everywhere.

]]> Wed, 30 Aug 2023 13:31:16 GMT https://www.cbr.com/naruto-villains-fans-loved/ The first of the four episodes of Naruto's 20th anniversary celebration have been delayed from their September 3 debut and there is no information regarding their new release date.

]]> Tue, 29 Aug 2023 17:05:42 GMT https://www.cbr.com/naruto-anniversary-specials-delay/ Anime is known for having ridiculously long fight sequences that can last an entire episode. Shonen series in particular can often have fights that last for even longer, with legendary sequences like Goku's fight with Frieza pushing close to 20 episodes. As epic as these fights are, the manga often tells a different story.

]]> Tue, 29 Aug 2023 15:00:16 GMT https://www.cbr.com/anime-fights-vs-manga-fights/ The ninja world in Naruto has experienced many conflicts, but the Fourth Great Ninja War united the great nations against a common foe. The Allied Shinobi Forces battled a Madara impostor and an army of White Zetsus, but they also had to contend with Kabuto and his army of reanimated ninja. Kabuto reanimated some of the strongest ninja in history, but there are a few notable individuals who he did not bring back.

]]> Tue, 29 Aug 2023 13:30:17 GMT https://www.cbr.com/naruto-ninja-kabuto-should-have-ressurected-4th-great-ninja-war/ Fan service is a hot-button topic in the anime fandom, frequently sparking heated debates and vicious arguments. While some people adore it and can't get enough of it, even a hint is enough to put others off a show for good. For older anime series, fan service was much more common, with it cropping up in the most unexpected shows. Fan service has a long and fascinating history.

]]> Tue, 29 Aug 2023 13:00:18 GMT https://www.cbr.com/fan-service-classic-anime/ As Boruto: Two Blue Vortex commences, Konoha's already come under attack. Fans assumed the time skip would lead to a ton of loquacious speeches and explanations after Eida's reality rewrite. Well, some of that does occur three years after she activated her Omnipotence and swapped Boruto and Kawaki's places in the Hidden Leaf.

]]> Mon, 28 Aug 2023 23:00:16 GMT https://www.cbr.com/boruto-two-blue-vortex-code-upgrade/ In Naruto, the Akatsuki was a criminal organization filled with S-ranked rogue ninja. They were hired like mercenaries, but their main goal was to collect all the Tailed Beasts. Hidan was the Akastuki's immortal forbidden technique user. He could not die even if his head was removed. This means that most justu are ineffective against Hidan, but there are a few jutsu that can beat him and his immortality.

]]> Mon, 28 Aug 2023 22:15:16 GMT https://www.cbr.com/naruto-jutsu-that-can-defeat-hidan/ When Eida rewrote reality in the Boruto manga, it changed the landscape completely. Kawaki became the hero of the story, with the Hidden Leaf thinking he was actually Naruto's son. In the process, the Konoha army thought Boruto was the person who killed the Hokage and Hinata, which led to a manhunt.

]]> Mon, 28 Aug 2023 20:00:16 GMT https://www.cbr.com/boruto-two-blue-vortex-plot-hole/ Naruto is one of the most well-known anime series, but that doesn't mean it's the best. Most of the animation hasn't aged well, and the series is full of filler and flashbacks to pad out the episodes. However, when the plot and the animation come together Naruto is just as good as modern anime.

]]> Mon, 28 Aug 2023 15:30:14 GMT https://www.cbr.com/rewatchable-naruto-episodes/ When fans of mega-popular anime series like Naruto watch all the episodes and familiarize themselves with the lore and combat system, the next step is to have fun exploring all the fluff details. Casual Naruto fans might not care that much about everyone's favorite foods or height/weight, but devoted fans may be curious about these personal details that help make Naruto's main characters feel more real. There's more to Naruto Uzumaki and his friends than their cool outfits and jutsu, after all.

]]> Mon, 28 Aug 2023 14:40:18 GMT https://www.cbr.com/how-tall-are-the-naruto-characters/ One of the most interesting bombshells to emanate from the Boruto manga was Mitsuki's crush on Boruto. Many assumed the romantic arc would be between Boruto and Sarada. While the property did briefly touch on them and a love triangle with Sumire, it's really made Mitsuki the person who's more heartbroken over not being able to tell Boruto about his feelings and the fact he wants to spark a romance.

]]> Sun, 27 Aug 2023 19:50:15 GMT https://www.cbr.com/boruto-two-blue-vortex-mitsuki-kawaki-lgbtq-queerbaiting/ Throughout Naruto, everyone's favorite knucklehead ninja grew more powerful through a combination of necessity, grueling training, and a desire to help his friends. His progression from a poor ostracized ninja to Hokage of the Leaf Village is a tale fans still can't get enough of, even 6 years after its conclusion. The various abilities Naruto learned throughout his journey have made him one of the most powerful shinobi in the series.

]]> Sun, 27 Aug 2023 14:20:18 GMT https://www.cbr.com/narutos-powers-ranked/ Over the past two decades, manga and anime fans have enjoyed a lot of quality storytelling. However, very few series are able to achieve the kind of global popularity that Naruto has — and for good reason. The series follows Naruto Uzumaki on his journey to become the greatest ninja in the shinobi world. While pursuing his goal to become Hokage, Naruto meets several formidable villains.

]]> Sat, 26 Aug 2023 16:10:15 GMT https://www.cbr.com/naruto-all-akatsuki-members-in-order-deaths/ Some Japanese anime characters are obviously villains from the very start, such as Madara Uchiha in Naruto or the sadistic Jason/Yamori in Tokyo Ghoul, and everyone knows to beware of them and not trust them. Other villains, meanwhile, wait until the right moment to strike and betray the people who once trusted them. This often leads to some of the best plot twists in anime.

]]> Sat, 26 Aug 2023 15:00:17 GMT https://www.cbr.com/biggest-anime-traitors/ Naruto is one of the most popular anime of all time. Its popularity helped save Shonen Jump from bankruptcy in the early 2000s, and many fans began their anime-loving journey with Naruto. Even anime fans who have never seen the series can easily recognize the characters. However, even hardcore fans of Naruto don't know a lot about the creator of the manga, Masashi Kishimoto.

]]> Fri, 25 Aug 2023 22:15:16 GMT https://www.cbr.com/masashi-kishimoto-naruto-creator-fun-facts-trivia/ Following its debut in 1999, the Naruto franchise quickly earned a reputation as one of the most popular media franchises in the world, defining an entire generation of anime fans throughout the 2000s and 2010s. Despite its relative age compared to contemporary shonen series like Jujutsu Kaisen and Demon Slayer, the adventures of Naruto Uzumaki benefit from surprisingly impressive animation.

]]> Fri, 25 Aug 2023 20:30:14 GMT https://www.cbr.com/bes-animated-naruto-episodes/ Since its debut in 1997, Naruto has become one of the most successful animanga franchises of all time. It tells the story of Naruto Uzumaki, a young ninja who dreams of becoming the next Hokage and the leader of Konohagakure village. The manga was adapted into an anime series from 2002-2007 and was followed by Naruto Shippuden from 2007-2017.

]]> Fri, 25 Aug 2023 14:20:15 GMT https://www.cbr.com/naruto-every-movie-chronologically/ Before the introduction of the Akatsuki, Orochimaru was believed to be the main villain in Naruto. Though he wasn't the overarching villain, he never entirely went away after hijacking the Chunin Exams. In the end, his goal was to achieve immortality and master every Ninjutsu in existence. Eventually, this serpentine foe became one of the Hidden Leaf Village's most important allies.

]]> Thu, 24 Aug 2023 16:10:12 GMT https://www.cbr.com/best-orochimaru-quotes-naruto/ Many characters in anime possess powerful innate or magical abilities, from water or wind manipulation to creation magic. One flashy and powerful ability present in many fantasy or shonen anime are explosive powers, and they aren't just used for mindless destruction. There's actually a lot of variance in how these powers are portrayed on-screen.

]]> Thu, 24 Aug 2023 00:01:15 GMT https://www.cbr.com/anime-characters-with-explosion-powers/ Superpowers and abilities being tied to a character's eyesight is a favorite trope featured throughout Japanese anime. Shonen series are particularly fond of giving magical eyes to both heroes and villains. As such, more than a few anime eye powers have proven to be deadly weapons over the years.

]]> Wed, 23 Aug 2023 19:40:15 GMT https://www.cbr.com/powerful-eye-abilities-anime/ My Hero Academia has risen to become one of the most popular anime shows in recent years. It tackles the superhero genre quite well and has a good comedic atmosphere, but it also has serious emotional and intellectual weight with its commentary on society, discrimination, and the true meaning of good vs evil.

]]> Wed, 23 Aug 2023 17:01:15 GMT https://www.cbr.com/anime-like-my-hero-academia/ Anime, just like any piece of media, is subject to a lot of opinions from its viewers and with those opinions come critiques that not everyone may necessarily agree with. These "hot takes" can sometimes be more rooted in bias or personal opinion rather than actual fact, which is why many of them can be unpopular. Despite their unpopularity, some can make a decent point.

]]> Wed, 23 Aug 2023 15:04:12 GMT https://www.cbr.com/anime-hot-takes-that-make-sense/ Anime stage shows have been the norm in Japan for many years now. Whenever a franchise gets big, it will likely receive a stage adaption of some form. However, these shows hardly ever come to the West, denying fans the chance to enjoy these unique performances. Fortunately, this looks like it might start to change soon, as the recent cinema screenings of the Spirited Away stage play quickly sold out.

]]> Wed, 23 Aug 2023 13:31:14 GMT https://www.cbr.com/anime-plays-fans-want-in-the-west/ Sage Mode is one of the best ninjutsu techniques in the Naruto world. Mastering it requires lots of time and effort, but those who put in the work will become one of the most formidable shinobi. Sage Mode takes ninjas with already-impressive chakra reserves and increases them even further, and gives them the power, speed, and durability to keep up with proficient ocular jutsu users, even those with the Mangekyo Sharingan or the Rinnegan. It's what made Naruto Uzumaki the single most powerful ninja in his village and helped him defeat Pain when no one else could.

]]> Wed, 23 Aug 2023 13:01:16 GMT https://www.cbr.com/naruto-sage-mode-explained/ In the Boruto manga, one of the most shocking moments transpired just before the recent months-long hiatus. There, Eida used her Omnipotence ability to rewrite reality, making it seem like Kawaki was Naruto's son and the unofficial prince of Konoha. In addition, Kawaki had Eida manipulate everyone's memories, so they thought Boruto was the outsider and enemy that killed the Hokage.

]]> Tue, 22 Aug 2023 16:41:17 GMT https://www.cbr.com/boruto-two-blue-vortex-shikamaru-sarada-rivalry/ It's easy to see why anime video games are so popular. They give fans new content from their favorite franchises while allowing fans to directly control the action, letting them immerse themselves in the world and get a fresh perspective on the characters. Of course, the transition from one medium to another is often tricky, and nowhere is this better seen than with anime game boss fights.

]]> Tue, 22 Aug 2023 15:30:18 GMT https://www.cbr.com/most-difficult-anime-game-bosses/ Naruto is arguably the most popular anime of the 21st century, and since its debut in 1999, the show has firmly established itself as one the most beloved franchises in the entire medium. Because of its widespread acclaim, Naruto eventually joined two other iconic series — Bleach and One Piece — as part of the legendary trio of shonen anime known as the Big Three.

]]> Tue, 22 Aug 2023 15:00:15 GMT https://www.cbr.com/naruto-earned-big-three-status/ As two of the most recognizable protagonists in anime history, Naruto Uzumaki and Monkey D. Luffy have carved a place for themselves as leaders and heroes of their respective worlds. Naruto’s journey sees him go from an underachieving orphan to the Hokage of the Hidden Leaf Village, while Luffy's quest to become the next Pirate King has transformed him from a loudmouthed child to one of the Emperors of the Sea.

]]> Tue, 22 Aug 2023 13:01:19 GMT https://www.cbr.com/shonen-jump-naruto-luffy-fight-reasons-win/ When it comes to shonen anime, few franchises are more iconic than Naruto. The series' manga first debuted in 1999, quickly earning a massive following before solidifying its status as one of the members of the shonen genre's Big Three. However, despite their overwhelming popularity, Naruto and Naruto: Shippuden are not without fault.

]]> Tue, 22 Aug 2023 12:01:17 GMT https://www.cbr.com/overrated-naruto-arcs/ Love triangles are a common romance plot, especially in a romance anime with a wide cast of gorgeous characters. Not all love triangles are created equal, though. Some are so stretched out over episodes and seasons that it's hard to be happy when they're resolved – if they are ever fully resolved at all.

]]> Tue, 22 Aug 2023 00:20:13 GMT https://www.cbr.com/anime-love-triangles-that-lasted-too-long/ Naruto became one of the most successful anime and manga series in the world because of its story and action sequences. It also helped that the series has plenty of interesting characters. Most of these characters are ninja who are all skilled in combat, and many of them have personalities which make them very relatable. As the story progressed, fans were introduced to more than 100 characters, and some of them receive well-deserved praise, but others are a bit overrated.

]]> Mon, 21 Aug 2023 22:15:14 GMT https://www.cbr.com/overhyped-naruto-characters/ Naruto's Masashi Kishimoto has confirmed the way one of Yu Yu Hakusho's early villains inspired the ninja series' most iconic abilities.

]]> Mon, 21 Aug 2023 18:47:35 GMT https://www.cbr.com/naruto-mangaka-inspiration-shadow-clone-jutsu/ For the most part, the wide world of Japanese animation is populated with beloved and exciting characters of all sorts, from heartfelt shojo heroines to classic shonen heroes and everything in between, including popular support characters and even some sympathetic villains. Other characters, though, aren't so easy to like.

]]> Mon, 21 Aug 2023 16:11:14 GMT https://www.cbr.com/anime-characters-that-get-no-love/ Anime, especially shonen battle anime, has always prided itself on its creative approach to combat. From the complex supernatural ability systems of the Fate series’ Servants to the David-and-Goliath-type showdowns of Attack on Titan, the anime medium adores coming up with unorthodox, over-the-top combat techniques and power scales. However, the series that come to mind first when thinking of the most mesmerizing face-offs in anime are usually much more grounded and reliant on skill over sheer strength.

]]> Mon, 21 Aug 2023 15:31:14 GMT https://www.cbr.com/best-martial-arts-anime/ The shonen "big three" all borrowed many ideas from their Dragon Ball Z forebear, meaning they have plenty in common as shonen anime cousins. Naruto, for example, shares the tournament arc idea with One Piece, such as the Chunin Exam and the gladiator tournament on Dressrosa island, while Naruto and Bleach both have a half-other hero who learns to tap into monstrous power found within himself.

]]> Mon, 21 Aug 2023 15:02:13 GMT https://www.cbr.com/things-naruto-does-that-bleach-one-piece-dont/ In Naruto, the ninja world experienced decades of conflict and hatred, so it was only a matter of time before someone like Nagato appeared. Nagato and Naruto belonged to different generations, but they both experienced the horrors of war. They wanted to bring peace to the world in different ways, but Nagato was eventually swayed by Naruto's actions. He believed that Naruto would usher in an era of peace that would help the Rain Village, but the village continued to suffer. Naruto could have helped, but he was too focused on becoming the Leaf's Seventh Hokage.

]]> Mon, 21 Aug 2023 14:40:18 GMT https://www.cbr.com/naruto-failed-nagato-and-rain-village/ One of shonen animanga’s greatest appeals is undeniably the battles between characters from various series. These fights happen for different reasons, from a clash of ideals between two not so friendly rivals to all out battle royales for the fates of the universes they’re set in. While they aren’t the end all be all of good animation, studios of often use highly anticipated fights to flex their capabilities. Between their celebration and the inescapable power scaling conversations, it is no wonder fights have become an integral part of anime culture.

]]> Mon, 21 Aug 2023 12:00:14 GMT https://www.cbr.com/anime-final-battles-unforgettable-ranked/ Naruto's journey to become Hokage resonated so much with fans that Naruto received a sequel following its conclusion – Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, centering around his son. Boruto explores the ninja world after Naruto achieved his goal of becoming Hokage, reintroducing characters fans will recognize from the original series with slight tweaks, and creating new heroes for them to identify with.

]]> Sun, 20 Aug 2023 23:30:21 GMT https://www.cbr.com/naruto-characters-different-in-boruto/ Any fan of shonen anime knows that the famed Dragon Ball franchise helped inspire the "Big Three" of the late 1990s and 2000s, those being Masashi Kishimoto's Naruto, Eiichiro Oda's One Piece, and Tite Kubo's Bleach. These pillars of shonen anime all took cues from Dragon Ball Z, such as giving heroes power-ups and new forms like going Super Saiyan, and they also tend to have lovable himbo action stars like Goku himself.

]]> Sun, 20 Aug 2023 21:15:13 GMT https://www.cbr.com/which-shonen-big-three-hero-most-like-goku-naruto-ichigo-luffy/ When the Boruto franchise went on hiatus, it's safe to say the entire series got flipped on its head. The manga had Kawaki making a stunning move, imprisoning Naruto and Hinata in a pocket dimension and then going after the Hokage's son. He eventually had Eida rewrite reality, so people would think he was Naruto's son and that Boruto killed Naruto.

]]> Sun, 20 Aug 2023 00:35:13 GMT https://www.cbr.com/naruto-boruto-konoha-new-hokage-missed-opportunity-to-fix-kakashi-error/ The original shonen "big three" series are all roughly similar, and can be compared in many ways. One Piece, Naruto, and Bleach all have traits such as power-ups for the heroes, the power of friendships, and villainous super-teams. Still, these three series also have unique elements to set them apart, and One Piece takes full advantage of that.

]]> Sat, 19 Aug 2023 23:30:18 GMT https://www.cbr.com/things-one-piece-does-that-naruto-bleach-dont/ The story is an important part of any given anime, but it's the characters that make or break a series. Even if an anime has a great plot, it will fall apart if the characters aren't likable. Manga creators put a lot of effort into making their characters relatable and interesting, but sometimes those attempts backfire.

]]> Sat, 19 Aug 2023 16:54:13 GMT https://www.cbr.com/controversial-anime-characters-fans-end-up-loving/ In Naruto, the Jinchuriki are individuals who have one of the nine Tailed Beasts sealed inside them. Though the Tailed Beasts are locked inside their hosts, they are still separate living beings that maintain their autonomy — for the most part. Jinchuriki rarely choose their fate and are forced to carry this heavy burden, typically for life. Jinchuriki not only have to consistently deal with a powerful entity that wants to control their body, but they are also ostracized from society.

]]> Fri, 18 Aug 2023 18:00:01 GMT https://www.cbr.com/naruto-jinchuriki-forms-appearance/ Shonen anime are some of the most popular shows. They depict daring battles and inspiring victories with beautiful artwork. Male characters in Shonen anime particularly stand out because they are usually the heroes of their stories. But a specific group of them can also be categorized as husbandos.

]]> Fri, 18 Aug 2023 17:11:16 GMT https://www.cbr.com/best-shonen-husbandos/ The Naruto franchise boasted some of the most iconic villains in all of animanga but even in the series, one group stood head and shoulders above other antagonists. The Akatsuki was a group of rogue shinobi from all around the world that were united under Pain in order to enact the revolutionary’s vision for the future of the ninja world. Each individual member possessed extraordinary abilities and chakra that made them fearsome opponents indeed, but which member possessed the most chakra?

]]> Thu, 17 Aug 2023 19:50:18 GMT https://www.cbr.com/naruto-akatsuki-chakra-level/ Out of the many common Shonen anime tropes, the tense yet entertaining dynamic between rivals has lasted for decades as the most iconic. Since action and competition are mostly prevalent across Shonen series, it makes sense why there are so many duos that can't help but clash in the most dramatic ways. That being said, this dynamic has become more of an overused trope than a cleverly chosen plot device because of how unoriginal many of these rivalries are, but there are a few that have tremendously subverted expectations.

]]> Thu, 17 Aug 2023 16:20:20 GMT https://www.cbr.com/jujutsu-kaisen-gojo-geto-shonen-rivalry-redefined-anime/ Anime husbandos come in numerous designs and character traits. Many are ruggedly charming while others exude beauty and grace. Characters from spoiled princes to charming warriors can be found among the plethora of husbandos. Most of these husbandos are extremely intelligent, but some come across as a tad spacey.

]]> Wed, 16 Aug 2023 23:35:18 GMT https://www.cbr.com/gullible-anime-husbandos/ There are many skilled ninja in Naruto, and most of them can use a variety of jutsu in battle. Ninjutsu typically involves an element or some type of elemental combination, and genjustu revolves around illusions. Taijutsu is anything related to martial arts. Every justu can be useful in battle, but some are for more powerful than others, to the point that they can defeat a ninja as talented as Itachi Uchiha.

]]> Wed, 16 Aug 2023 15:10:14 GMT https://www.cbr.com/naruto-jutsu-stronger-than-itachi-uchiha/ The Hidden Leaf Village has produced some of the best ninjas in Naruto. This makes sense since the titular character comes from this village, and he needs friends who can keep up with him. However, only one of those ninja can prove themselves exceptional enough to be granted the title of Hokage, and one of the many requirements for this title is strength. Determining the strongest characters in Naruto is a little tricky. The series doesn't have the same exponential power creep as its battle Shonen contemporaries like One Piece or Bleach.

]]> Wed, 16 Aug 2023 12:05:14 GMT https://www.cbr.com/naruto-strongest-hokage/ A lovable protagonist, twisted and complicated villains, and heart-racing battles are just a few factors that have made Naruto one of the most popular shonen anime of all time. Naruto set itself apart by making its characters feel human, allowing fans to form long-lasting emotional attachments.

]]> Mon, 14 Aug 2023 14:20:13 GMT https://www.cbr.com/naruto-saddest-character-deaths-ranked/ When the Boruto franchise kicked off, it differentiated itself from the Naruto series in a big way. It foreshadowed a heartbreaking reality, with Konoha decimated and Kawaki taunting an older Boruto. The villain gloated, adamant about how he'd send Boruto to the same place as his dad. The series has kept it vague as to what happened, though.

]]> Mon, 14 Aug 2023 12:00:12 GMT https://www.cbr.com/boruto-kawaki-naruto-death/ Preorders are now being accepted for two pricey and heavily detailed Naruto figurines.

]]> Sat, 12 Aug 2023 23:42:15 GMT https://www.cbr.com/two-new-naruto-collectibles-might-leaf-shinobi/