Boruto: Naruto the Movie
Pierrot
When to watch: Best watched after Episode 500 of Naruto: Shippuden for full context.
Boruto: Naruto the Movie serves as the origin point for the entire Boruto series, introducing Boruto Uzumaki — Naruto's son — as he prepares for the Chunin Exams while struggling with resentment toward his father, who has become the Seventh Hokage and is constantly occupied with village duties. The film is set roughly 15 years after Naruto: Shippuden's conclusion, featuring older versions of the entire Shippuden cast as adults. When Momoshiki and Kinshiki Otsutsuki appear to harvest the chakra from Naruto, Boruto, Sasuke, and the Kage must mount a rescue mission — resulting in the definitive battle that closes out the Shippuden generation while opening the door for the new one.
The film is particularly significant because it was adapted as the core arc of the Boruto anime series (Episodes 53-66), making it one of the few cases where both the movie and the anime version exist. The movie version is considered canonical and was adapted by Kishimoto himself. For fans of Naruto who want to transition to the Boruto story, this film is the ideal bridge — it provides closure for the older characters and establishes Boruto as a protagonist distinct from but deeply connected to his father. The themes of father-son conflict, the burden of legacy, and what it means to carve your own path give the film genuine emotional resonance even for viewers skeptical of the Boruto continuation.
Related Series
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Boruto: Naruto the Movie necessary if I watch the Boruto anime?
Not strictly — the Boruto anime adapts this film's events in Episodes 53-66. But the movie version is shorter, higher quality, and often preferred. If you only watch one version, the movie is the better choice.
When should I watch Boruto: Naruto the Movie?
After finishing all of Naruto: Shippuden and The Last: Naruto the Movie. It takes place roughly 15 years after the end of Shippuden.
When was Boruto: Naruto the Movie released?
Released August 7, 2015 in Japan — the capstone of the Naruto theatrical lineup and the origin point of the entire Boruto franchise.
Is Boruto: Naruto the Movie adapted from the manga?
Kishimoto was involved in the story, and the events were adapted into the Boruto manga. The film predates the manga adaptation.
What do fans think of Boruto: Naruto the Movie?
Generally positive — the grown-up versions of the Shippuden cast and the father-son conflict are fan highlights. Considered a satisfying epilogue to the Naruto generation even for fans skeptical of the Boruto continuation.