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Naruto vs. Boruto: Which Series Should You Watch or Read First?

For a first-time viewer, watch Naruto, Naruto Shippuden, then Boruto. For manga, read Naruto before Boruto to get the original story and sequel context.
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Start with Naruto, then continue to Naruto Shippuden and Boruto: Naruto Next Generations if you’re watching. For the manga, read Naruto before Boruto. That order gives you the original story and the context for its sequel, which follows Naruto’s son.

What order should you watch the series in?

  1. Watch Naruto.
  2. Continue with Naruto Shippuden.
  3. Then watch Boruto: Naruto Next Generations.

This is a straightforward order for newcomers, not a requirement to watch every film, filler arc, novel, or spin-off. Crunchyroll News’ 2024 beginner guide lists 220 episodes for the original Naruto anime alone; that count does not include Shippuden or Boruto.

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Why start with Naruto?

Boruto is a sequel centered on Naruto’s son. The official Naruto site introduces Boruto as beginning his journey at the Ninja Academy while Naruto leads the Hidden Leaf Village as Seventh Hokage. Watching the original story first gives you the background for that family connection and the world the sequel builds on. VIZ identifies Naruto as Masashi Kishimoto’s series and notes that the original manga concluded in late 2014.

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What order should you read the manga in?

  1. Start with Naruto volume 1 and read the original series.
  2. Continue with Boruto if you want the next-generation story.

VIZ lists the Naruto manga through chapter 700 and catalogs separate Boruto titles. Its Boruto page credits Masashi Kishimoto with creation and supervision, Mikio Ikemoto with art, and Ukyo Kodachi with the script. Check local listings for current editions and availability.

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Naruto, Vol. 1: Uzumaki Naruto
  • Viz Media
  • The world’s most popular ninja comic
  • Naruto is a young shinobi with an incorrigible knack for mischief.

Should you watch or read?

Neither format is the one right choice for everyone. Pick based on how you like to experience a story and what is accessible to you:

  • Choose the anime if you want voice acting, music, and animated action, and are comfortable with a long watch.
  • Choose the manga if you prefer reading at your own pace and following the story panel by panel.
  • Mix formats if that suits you. Finish the original Naruto story in one format before starting the Boruto continuation; you do not have to match anime and manga installment by installment.
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Where can you watch or read them?

VIZ lists anime distribution partners that include Crunchyroll, Hulu, Netflix, Pluto TV, TubiTV, VUDU, HBO Max, Roku, Peacock, YouTube, Amazon Prime Video, and Funimation. That is not a guarantee that every service carries every series in every country. VIZ and the official Boruto site warn that streaming availability can depend on region; dub and subtitle options can also vary and change. Check the catalog where you live for the specific series and language you want.

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Naruto: 3-in-1 Edition, Vol. 1 (Uzumaki Naruto / The Worst Client / Dreams)
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VIZ’s Boruto manga page points readers to MANGA Plus by SHUEISHA for the latest free chapters available in their location and lists collected volumes. Check the service and local book listings for current access and editions.

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Quick Recap

SaleBestseller No. 1
Naruto, Vol. 1: Uzumaki Naruto
Naruto, Vol. 1: Uzumaki Naruto
Viz Media; The world’s most popular ninja comic; Naruto is a young shinobi with an incorrigible knack for mischief.
$9.59
SaleBestseller No. 2
Naruto: 3-in-1 Edition, Vol. 1 (Uzumaki Naruto / The Worst Client / Dreams)
Naruto: 3-in-1 Edition, Vol. 1 (Uzumaki Naruto / The Worst Client / Dreams)
Viz Media; LLC Naruto 3-in-1 Edition; Includes Volume 1, 2 and 3
$11.98
SaleBestseller No. 3
Naruto, Vol. 2: The Worst Client
Naruto, Vol. 2: The Worst Client
New; Mint Condition; Dispatch same day for order received before 12 noon; Guaranteed packaging
$9.59
SaleBestseller No. 4
Naruto Box Set 1: Volumes 1-27 with Premium
Naruto Box Set 1: Volumes 1-27 with Premium
Naruto box set 1: volumes 1-27 with premium (naruto box sets); brand: VIZ Media LLC; manufacturer: Viz LLC
$138.90
SaleBestseller No. 5
Rank #4
Sale
Naruto Box Set 1: Volumes 1-27 with Premium
  • Naruto box set 1: volumes 1-27 with premium (naruto box sets)
  • brand: VIZ Media LLC
  • manufacturer: Viz LLC
Rank #3
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Naruto, Vol. 2: The Worst Client
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  • Dispatch same day for order received before 12 noon
  • Guaranteed packaging
  • No quibbles returns

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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