https://www.cbr.com Read up on the latest Naruto franchise News, Reviews and Features from the team at CBR. Mon, 16 Oct 2023 00:01:25 GMT en-US hourly 60 There are many ways to write a villain in a Japanese anime series in terms of their personality and powers, and for some villains, those two things are closely intertwined. Antagonists such as Akaza in Demon Slayer and Muscular in My Hero Academia have brutish, strength-oriented techniques and an attitude to match, but other anime villains believe brains beat brawn, and that makes them even more dangerous and unpredictable.

]]> Mon, 16 Oct 2023 00:01:25 GMT https://www.cbr.com/sneaky-anime-villains/ After fans discovered the true identity of Naruto's parents, it was only natural to wonder why he was given Kushina Uzumaki's surname instead of Minato Namikaze's. When tasked with the responsibility of keeping Naruto safe, Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, took a lot of precautions, including distancing him from the Namikaze clan. While this goes against traditional Japanese naming conventions, the Third Hokage had ample reason to be cautious.

]]> Sun, 15 Oct 2023 17:51:25 GMT https://www.cbr.com/why-naruto-last-name-not-namikaze/ Ninjas, mutants, demons, cyborgs, and aliens battle across anime with sword strokes powerful enough to slice through steel and energy blasts that can level mountains. There are many powerful characters in Japanese anime, so it's hard to determine exactly which characters are the strongest of all time.

]]> Sat, 14 Oct 2023 17:35:26 GMT https://www.cbr.com/strongest-anime-characters/ Crunchyroll has the world's biggest library of Japanese anime. 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.

]]> Sat, 14 Oct 2023 16:10:24 GMT https://www.cbr.com/crunchyroll-best-streaming-anime-recommendations/ LEGO bricks have captured the imaginations of children and adults alike for decades. There have been sets based on Mario, Star Wars, Harry Potter, and more. Some fans wish there were sets based on their favorite anime series. With the LEGO Ideas program, they can get their chance and build a custom set.

]]> Thu, 12 Oct 2023 22:30:27 GMT https://www.cbr.com/best-shonen-anime-lego-sets/ When creating outstandingly strong characters, most of the best power systems in anime rely on a well-maintained balance between heroes and their opponents’ abilities in order to ensure that every battle remains tense, high-stakes, and unpredictable. However, there’s no denying that some of the most entertaining showdowns in anime feature characters who are basically indestructible. With overpowered heroes, fans rarely have to wonder who will come out on top. Nevertheless, endless entertainment can be found in watching a character with near-infinite potential destroy their opponents with elegant ease.

]]> Thu, 12 Oct 2023 17:20:27 GMT https://www.cbr.com/op-anime-characters-that-lost-powers/ Anime characters come in all shapes and sizes, with a variety of personality types that fans all love. Among the most popular archetypes is the prankster. Mischievous, slick, and always up to no good, the pranksters of anime are constantly goofing around and tricking their peers in the most hilarious ways.

]]> Thu, 12 Oct 2023 16:10:27 GMT https://www.cbr.com/anime-funniest-pranksters/ Shonen is the most popular anime genre because it is generally aimed towards teenage boys and young adults. That means that most Shonen series feature a good amount of fighting. At one point in time, the anime world was dominated by One Piece, Naruto and Bleach – otherwise known as "The Big Three." These three Shonen became massive hits because of their action scenes, and several of those scenes set the bar a bit too high thanks to their stellar animation and effects.

]]> Wed, 11 Oct 2023 16:51:25 GMT https://www.cbr.com/best-big-three-anime-fight-scenes/ Fans have been blessed this year with numerous trailers and teasers for the Naruto franchise, with a recent one celebrating where it all started for the beloved anime character on his Oct. 10 birthday.

]]> Tue, 10 Oct 2023 22:00:23 GMT https://www.cbr.com/shonen-jump-naruto-new-birthday-trailer-release/ After Nagato loses Yahiko in Naruto Shippuden, he changes his name to Pain and pursues his goal of inflicting pain and suffering throughout the shinobi world. His name reflects his philosophy, and he believes he's found a foolproof way to establish peace. Pain is an extremely compelling character because though he's a villain, he isn't entirely wrong.

]]> Tue, 10 Oct 2023 00:00:25 GMT https://www.cbr.com/naruto-best-nagato-pain-quotes/ Naruto's titular protagonist starts as an orphan who doesn't know anything about his parents, without any family to speak of. He gains acknowledgment and familial bonds from other characters, but still feels a sense of emptiness from not understanding his own lineage. Thankfully, not only does Naruto eventually learn about and meet his birth parents, Kushina Uzumaki and Minato Namikaze, but he even marries Hinata Hyuga and starts a family of his own.

]]> Mon, 09 Oct 2023 22:30:23 GMT https://www.cbr.com/naruto-family-facts/ 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.

]]> Mon, 09 Oct 2023 19:50:27 GMT https://www.cbr.com/myanimelist-popular-anime/ Throughout a series, even the weakest characters can grow to be the strongest. In anime, this sometimes means that the initially frail characters become so strong that they end up overpowered. Some use magic to enhance their skills, while others work tirelessly to achieve their unimaginable strength.

]]> Sun, 08 Oct 2023 23:15:23 GMT https://www.cbr.com/weak-anime-characters-who-became-too-strong/ Thanks in part to Netflix, it's safe to say anime is bigger than ever. With shows like Attack on Titan and One-Punch Man making their way into the American mainstream, the streaming service is chock-full of anime series old and new, including a few highly successful originals.

]]> Sun, 08 Oct 2023 13:06:23 GMT https://www.cbr.com/best-netflix-anime/ The Naruto franchise features multiple groups of villainous shinobi with their sights set on the Hidden Leaf Village. The Seven Deadly Swordsman, the Kara, the Taka, and the Sound Five are but a few of these organizations. However, none are as powerful as the Akatsuki.

]]> Sat, 07 Oct 2023 15:01:24 GMT https://www.cbr.com/naruto-strongest-akatsuki-ranked/ Naruto's core has always revolved around Naruto Uzumaki's dream of becoming the Leaf Village's Hokage, being the underdog story of how he goes from the village clown to a respected leader. It only makes sense that, after Pain is defeated and the shinobi world experiences a relative time of peace, Naruto would finally achieve his dream alongside the support and acknowledgment of the entire village.

]]> Sat, 07 Oct 2023 13:30:24 GMT https://www.cbr.com/why-naruto-shouldnt-have-become-hokage/ 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.

]]> Fri, 06 Oct 2023 18:05:24 GMT https://www.cbr.com/most-popular-anime-characters/ Starting out as the tale of a young, orphaned ninja-in-training scorned by his entire village, Naruto isn't primarily known for its sweet and wholesome moments. Naruto almost dies in the very first episode, and many of the following arcs aren't forgiving, either. Between villain threats, waring nations, and spending years chasing after Naruto's friend-turned-enemy, much of Naruto is either action-packed or tragic.

]]> Thu, 05 Oct 2023 17:40:23 GMT https://www.cbr.com/heartwarming-naruto-scenes/ The Naruto verse is populated with all kinds of animals and exotic creatures to add some extra flair to thre series, many of which have entered summoning contracts with himan shinobi. The strongest of these summon animals can go head-to-head against the world’s most formidable shinobi and fight with incredible courage and skill.

]]> Wed, 04 Oct 2023 15:01:24 GMT https://www.cbr.com/powerful-summoning-animals/ Even the most beloved anime series have arcs that receive less attention than the show’s most acclaimed plot threads. In a title with many fast-paced subplots, it’s common to favor more ecstatic arcs, which end up overshadowing less eye-catching stories.

]]> Tue, 03 Oct 2023 19:20:25 GMT https://www.cbr.com/underrated-anime-arcs/ When Boruto: Two Blue Vortex began, fans knew there'd be big changes to Konoha. Kawaki was in power after he had Eida rewrite reality. This gave him the Hidden Leaf's military to pursue Boruto and Sasuke, so he could kill Naruto's son and ensure Momoshiki wouldn't be reborn.

]]> Mon, 02 Oct 2023 14:40:27 GMT https://www.cbr.com/boruto-two-blue-vortex-naruto-era-change-teaser/ 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 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.

]]> Mon, 02 Oct 2023 14:10:24 GMT https://www.cbr.com/anime-best-shonen-series-ever/ Battle shonen manga, especially those published in Weekly Shonen Jump, are supposed to have endless possibilities. Whether the setting is the real world or some fantastical land, the characters should have plenty of ways to fight each other. They can have superhuman biology, supernatural powers, or tools or weapons with strange abilities. They can do anything from shooting energy blasts to warping time and space. Some series even allow their characters to use more than one power, thus granting them versatility as well as strength. Whatever it is, those powers are extensions of the user that help them express what they're all about.

]]> Mon, 02 Oct 2023 13:01:27 GMT https://www.cbr.com/shonen-main-characters-basic-powers-explained/ In the Naruto era, there were many heartbreaking deaths. Neji, for example, died protecting Hinata during the Kaguya War. It pushed Naruto to marry her when they got older. Asuma and Jiraiya also perished against the Akatsuki in tear-jerking fashion, reminding fans that while this franchise started off as a funny subversion of the shinobi movement, it was about war and dark politics.

]]> Sun, 01 Oct 2023 21:00:25 GMT https://www.cbr.com/what-makes-narutos-heartbreaking-death-so-dark/ While the field of Japanese manga has a rich history that can be traced back centuries, the manga style most commonly seen today developed about 70 years ago. Since then, thousands of different manga have been created, spanning a variety of genres and themes. Regardless of when they began, how long they've run, and how many volumes have been published, some works have soared to the top of the charts.

]]> Sun, 01 Oct 2023 15:01:26 GMT https://www.cbr.com/best-selling-manga-how-many-copies/ Japanese animation is a major part of mainstream media, however, were it not for the contributions of anime's most legendary series, then the future of the medium wouldn't look nearly as bright.

]]> Sun, 01 Oct 2023 13:31:25 GMT https://www.cbr.com/hype-classic-anime-moments/ When it was announced Boruto would have a time-skip, fans were curious how the young shinobi would fare under Sasuke. Naruto's son had to flee Konoha after Eida's reality rewrite, which allowed Kawaki to take control of the Hidden Leaf. Sasuke promised Sarada he'd protect and level up Boruto, reaffirming they'd reset existence along the way.

]]> Sat, 30 Sep 2023 22:30:27 GMT https://www.cbr.com/boruto-sasuke-isnt-the-right-mentor/ In the Naruto series, the would-be Hokage forged many bonds with friends and enemies alike. At the core of it was the brotherhood with Sasuke. Admittedly, their relationship went awry and resulted in Naruto having to bring the teen back home to Konoha as a disgraced fugitive. Still, Naruto had the likes of Kakashi to lean on, as a father figure and friend.

]]> Sat, 30 Sep 2023 22:16:24 GMT https://www.cbr.com/naruto-more-important-bond-obito-kakashii/ As one of the most recognizable and iconic anime franchises in history, Naruto has undergone several reinventions since it first began airing in 2002. From the original series to Shippuden, the post-time skip saga and finally Boruto, the sequel series centered around the franchise’s titular protagonist’s son, it’s a precious few tenets that keep these three properties linked to each other as one incredible story.

]]> Sat, 30 Sep 2023 17:40:25 GMT https://www.cbr.com/naruto-theories-disproved-ranked/ In Naruto, many villains gave the Konoha shinobi and the free ninja world a run for their money. The Uchihas, such as Itachi, Obito and Madara, are prime examples, as are the Akatsuki and Kaguya. However, the would-be Hokage was always on hand to save the day, working with the likes of Sasuke, Sakura and Kakashi to ensure the world wouldn't be destroyed. But, in the Boruto anime, Naruto admitted his dirtiest secret when it came to these endeavors -- and it's all due to Kurama's death.

]]> Sat, 30 Sep 2023 16:11:24 GMT https://www.cbr.com/boruto-episode-219-kurama-death-naruto-secret/ Anime characters come in all sorts of shapes, sizes, and power levels. Some are so effortlessly strong that they practically break the very world they inhabit, and some of these characters are invincible from start to finish. However, for one reason or another, some of these overpowered individuals wind up having their powers nerfed in order to make them more vulnerable.

]]> Thu, 28 Sep 2023 18:30:24 GMT https://www.cbr.com/anime-characters-overpowered-nerfed/ When the Boruto series removed Naruto from the main story, it kickstarted a series of dominoes that changed Konoha in a big way. Kawaki used Eida to rewrite reality, making people think Kawaki was Naruto's son and that Boruto murdered the Hokage. It created a new period with Kawaki as Konoha's "prince," running the village while hiding how he stored away Naruto and Hinata in a secret dimension.

]]> Thu, 28 Sep 2023 15:20:20 GMT https://www.cbr.com/boruto-two-blue-vortex-naruto-missing-makes-konoha-better/ Whether it's anime, manga, video games, music, TV dramas, or light novels, Japanese entertainment has taken over the world. Manga, in particular, has significantly increased in popularity in recent years, with millions of readers worldwide scrambling to get their hands on the latest chapter of their favorite series. The biggest and most popular series tend to cash in millions of dollars and maintain a stronghold in global best-selling charts, while simultaneously inspiring future generations of mangaka to keep the momentum going.

]]> Thu, 28 Sep 2023 12:15:21 GMT https://www.cbr.com/best-manga-ever/ Most ninja in Naruto fight for the village they were born in, but there are a number who decided to leave their respective villages to become rogue ninja. The Akatsuki was a criminal organization that was mainly composed of rogue ninja from several villages. The Akatsuki consisted of ten members, so they were forced to recruit only the best. That being said, there were a number of viable ninja that the group could have recruited to bolster their ranks.

]]> Mon, 25 Sep 2023 23:30:24 GMT https://www.cbr.com/potential-naruto-akatsuki-members/ The anime medium is home to a host of powerful characters, including many who use their strength to better the world around them or protect those they love. However, for every iconic hero, there are numerous villains that threaten the safety of the innocent, some of whom are even more overpowered than the heroes themselves.

]]> Mon, 25 Sep 2023 21:30:21 GMT https://www.cbr.com/overpowered-anime-villain/ For several decades, the shonen genre has consistently ranked as the most popular in anime. Although there are many beloved series that have contributed to this popularity, there's no question that the Naruto franchise is one of the most important reasons for the mainstream success of the genre.

]]> Mon, 25 Sep 2023 13:30:20 GMT https://www.cbr.com/unsolved-naruto-mysteries-fan-opinion/ The best anime are, first and foremost, defined by their most iconic plot lines. Most anime series prefer to split their stories into arcs — standalone narratives that, despite having their own conflicts and resolutions, feed into the overarching plot. Arcs in anime tend to vary in length, relevance, and quality greatly, from essential narratives that directly affect the main plot to filler storylines one could skip without missing out on much.

]]> Sun, 24 Sep 2023 22:21:20 GMT https://www.cbr.com/greatest-anime-arcs-ever-ranked/ It goes without saying that most anime villains are fated to lose. They embody the kinds of evils that the anime's heroes and viewers should oppose, and their respective worlds would be better off with them vanquished. That being said, some anime villains only really fell because their rival heroes had a uniquely unfair advantage on their side.

]]> Sat, 23 Sep 2023 18:31:23 GMT https://www.cbr.com/anime-villain-icons-would-win-in-another-series/ As Boruto continued the story from the Naruto franchise, many fans were curious to see how the Hokage's son would evolve. He'd been working with Sasuke, with some training sessions from Naruto thrown in occasionally to build that father-son banter. No matter who the mentor was, though, Boruto seemed like he'd become a powerhouse as he was at a higher level than Naruto was at his kid's age.

]]> Sat, 23 Sep 2023 18:00:21 GMT https://www.cbr.com/boruto-two-blue-vortex-tease-rasengan-evolution-scarily/ A time skip is often a significant event in a shonen anime, especially when it involves training. The young heroes in the cast come out of it older and stronger than ever. With this, new opportunities open up, and they can explore new parts of their world and battle more powerful enemies. For some anime, the changes are so great that it almost feels like a new series. This happened in Naruto's second part, or at least it should have. The start of Naruto: Shippuden was supposed to mark the beginning of its titular character being a better ninja than ever, but he got a relatively slow start. His two years of training didn't amount to much, and he needed additional training arcs to make up for it. Part II eventually picked up steam, but it took its sweet time doing so.

]]> Sat, 23 Sep 2023 15:20:20 GMT https://www.cbr.com/boruto-time-skip-better-than-naruto/ As Boruto: Two Blue Vortex continues, fans have been eager to learn more about Boruto's change in personality. The debut chapter didn't share much insight into the character as he just appeared in Konoha to stop Code and the Claw Grime. However, something seemed off as he opposed the Ten Tails clones.

]]> Sat, 23 Sep 2023 14:40:19 GMT https://www.cbr.com/boruto-two-blue-vortex-sasuke-dark-mentorship-kill-code/ 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/ 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/ 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 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/