https://www.cbr.com Read up on the latest Naruto franchise News, Reviews and Features from the team at CBR. Wed, 28 Jun 2023 20:30:15 GMT en-US hourly 60 One of the best parts about watching a good action series is seeing a great fight. A struggle of wills between the protagonist and the antagonist can get viewers pumped, especially if the story leading up to the conflict is told properly. These fights can even be cathartic, allowing the hero to finally triumph over the villain.

]]> Fri, 30 Jun 2023 18:00:14 GMT https://www.cbr.com/best-iconic-anime-fights/ Despite the differences between the Dragon Ball and Naruto franchises, the two series' main protagonists actually have a lot more in common than one might think. Both Goku and Naruto devoted their very lives to gaining power, protected people from imposing outside threats, fell in love, got married and then had kids. Oddly enough, the similarities between them don't exactly stop there when it comes to fatherhood. Both Goku and Naruto have two children, and they are equally famous for devoting more time to their duties and responsibilities than their own families. This has led to their reputation as fathers being scrutinized, but which one is a worse dad, Goku or Naruto?

]]> Wed, 28 Jun 2023 20:30:15 GMT https://www.cbr.com/naruto-worse-father-than-goku/ The Pain’s Assault Arc from Naruto: Shippuden is one of the most universally beloved anime arcs for good reason. The enigmatic and seemingly omnipotent Pain, who had been teased since the sequel series began had finally set his targets on the Hidden Leaf Village. Pain’s attack came not long after Jiraiya’s murder, the initial war declaration that prompted Naruto to undergo his most dangerous training regimen so far. The Pain arc did such a great job of tying together Shippuden’s loose ends so far that it seemed like a finale battle even if it wasn’t. And truly at that point, Naruto was as great as it had ever been.

]]> Wed, 28 Jun 2023 17:41:13 GMT https://www.cbr.com/naruto-shippuden-should-have-ended-with-the-pain-arc/ 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. During Spring 2022, Funimation merged with Crunchyroll, making its vast library even bigger.

]]> Wed, 28 Jun 2023 15:15:23 GMT https://www.cbr.com/crunchyroll-best-streaming-anime-recommendations/ Since Naruto's debut, the titular character has always remained at the top of popularity charts and is highly regarded as one of the most lovable anime protagonists. Popularity aside, Naruto Uzumaki's rival bests him in character development. From his very first scene, Sasuke Uchiha has remained the most critical source of drama, emotion, and relatable motivation that moves the plot forward.

]]> Mon, 26 Jun 2023 20:30:16 GMT https://www.cbr.com/naruto-sasuke-best-character-development-explanation/ The Naruto franchise is undeniably one of the biggest hits in the anime industry. It has received worldwide acclaim and has millions of fans all over the world. It sets the standard for shonen anime and manga, both in narrative and characters. One of the recurring themes in Naruto and Naruto Shippuden is the rivalry between the titular character, Naruto Uzumaki, and Sasuke Uchiha. From their initial encounters as young shinobi-in-training to their epic battles as powerful ninjas, their relationship has captivated fans and played a pivotal role in shaping the show's narrative.

]]> Mon, 26 Jun 2023 18:30:16 GMT https://www.cbr.com/naruto-sasuke-rivalry-explained/ In the anime medium, quality parents come at a premium. Countless anime characters are born to fractured households, and as a result, they often lack any sort of concrete parental guidance. That’s not to say that there aren’t amazing parents in anime — Maes Hughes from Full Metal Alchemist: Brotherhood and Minato Kamikaze from Naruto: Shippuden are both solid examples of parents who love, protect, and challenge their children.

]]> Mon, 26 Jun 2023 16:00:29 GMT https://www.cbr.com/worst-anime-fathers-ranked/ Shonen anime represent some of the medium's biggest titles, and fans regularly laud the genre's Big Three and Dark Trio. Shonen's Big Three — Naruto, One Piece, and Bleach — were a trio of top titles that concurrently ran in Shonen Jump. A recent set of more mature shonen series dubbed the Dark Trio — Chainsaw Man, Jujutsu Kaisen, and Hell's Paradise — have become some of the decade's most talked about anime.

]]> Mon, 26 Jun 2023 13:30:16 GMT https://www.cbr.com/how-shonen-jump-big-three-better-than-dark-trio/ Naruto has been one of the most popular anime series in the world for decades, and it continues to have a strong legacy. Fans fell in love with the series because of its story, but they also enjoyed the action and characters. Like most successful stories, Naruto has interesting villains, and most of them are strong and highly skilled ninjas who can use various jutsu.

]]> Sun, 25 Jun 2023 23:31:14 GMT https://www.cbr.com/naruto-villains-who-didnt-deserve-a-second-chance/ Although a variety of themes and tropes appear across anime, few are more consistent than the medium's emphasis on power-scaling. Many of the most popular protagonists and side characters in anime benefit from superhuman abilities, allowing them to battle the antagonistic forces that they encounter in their respective series.

]]> Sun, 25 Jun 2023 14:20:23 GMT https://www.cbr.com/fastest-anime-characters/ The long-running Naruto anime gradually upped the ante with ever-stronger characters and devastating new ninjutsu techniques, which helped give the series a sense of progress. As protagonist Naruto Uzumaki got stronger, so did his friends and enemies, but sometimes, the power creep raised some eyebrows among Naruto fans.

]]> Sun, 25 Jun 2023 12:00:15 GMT https://www.cbr.com/naruto-worst-power-creep-cases-ranked/ As the anime industry has grown, more compelling and enchanting stories have reached audiences around the world. Though these anime are extremely beloved, many of them are lacking where the main characters are concerned. The supporting casts are typically spot on, but their protagonists are poorly written.

]]> Sun, 25 Jun 2023 11:00:17 GMT https://www.cbr.com/great-anime-with-terrible-main-characters/ Violence is a regular part of life for Naruto's shinobis and kunoichis. After all, it's what they're trained for from the time they are born. Between one on one battles while out on a mission, to the seemingly unavoidable nature of war, there have been plenty of violent fights in Naruto. In fact, some of the anime's most violent battles play important roles in establishing or furthering major story arcs.

]]> Sat, 24 Jun 2023 20:30:16 GMT https://www.cbr.com/violent-naruto-fights/ Anime has seen a surge in popularity in recent years because more and more people now view it as a valid entertainment medium. Anime covers every type of genre imaginable, but action is still the most popular, and a number of action anime feature ninjas. Most ninja anime are set in feudal Japan, but there are a few that take place in more modern settings.

]]> Sat, 24 Jun 2023 19:51:13 GMT https://www.cbr.com/best-ninja-anime/ Everyone seems to have a favorite shonen anime, whether it is an old classic like Dragon Ball or a recent release like My Hero Academia. Fans cannot seem to get enough of scrappy heroes overcoming the odds and winning the day. Though many great anime with these types of stories exist, some shows get even better after the first season.

]]> Sat, 24 Jun 2023 16:51:14 GMT https://www.cbr.com/shonen-anime-with-weak-first-season/ Shonen anime may not be known for its romances, but that doesn't mean shonen anime don't have their fair share of dramatic relationships. Some couples constantly quarrel, while others choose moments in battle to make fervent love confessions. Some of the drama is worthy of a giggle and an eye-roll, while others truly make the heart pound.

]]> Fri, 23 Jun 2023 23:30:15 GMT https://www.cbr.com/super-dramatic-shonen-couples-ranked/ The Japanese anime industry is renowned for its many ingrained traditions, conventions, clichés, and running jokes, from shouting attack names to big, sparkly Disney-style eyes. Some of these are just cosmetic or are cheap fun, while other long-running traditions, such as gratuitous fan service, are really showing their age.

]]> Fri, 23 Jun 2023 15:30:15 GMT https://www.cbr.com/fanservice-ruins-anime/ Itachi Uchiha, also known as the Clan Killer, is one of the Uchiha clan's finest memebers in Naruto. Ever since Itachi was a kid, he excelled at everything, be it Ninjutsu, Genjutsu, or Taijutsu. One of the youngest Uchiha ever to awaken the Sharingan, Itachi made sure to take his skills to the pinnacle and being the pacifist that he was, his goal was to bring about peace.

]]> Fri, 23 Jun 2023 14:20:15 GMT https://www.cbr.com/naruto-characters-stronger-itachi/ The titular protagonist of Naruto is considered one of the most classic anime heroes of all time. Although original in many ways, what makes him most effective are the many similarities he shares with the series' roster of villains. From the Land Of Waves through the Fourth Shinobi War, Naruto is able to win the hearts of his adversaries based on what they have in common.

]]> Wed, 21 Jun 2023 17:11:13 GMT https://www.cbr.com/naruto-similar-to-villains/ When a show significantly affects culture and audiences, it’s natural for fans to desire to explore the world they grew to love even after the credits roll. In such a case, it’s not uncommon for an anime to get a spinoff, which lets fans experience the series from a different perspective.

]]> Mon, 19 Jun 2023 19:20:15 GMT https://www.cbr.com/bad-anime-spinoffs/ Even the most beloved anime series have some 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.

]]> Mon, 19 Jun 2023 15:11:16 GMT https://www.cbr.com/underrated-anime-arcs/ Anime don't have as much filler as they used to. Now, animation studios prefer to stick to the manga and spend more time on the show's quality. Nonetheless, they still occasionally have filler episodes, while older shows have whole arcs for filler.

]]> Mon, 19 Jun 2023 11:00:16 GMT https://www.cbr.com/bad-anime-filler-arcs-according-to-reddit/ Naruto and Hell's Paradise may warrant comparisons on multiple levels. Aside from the fact that they're both about ninjas, Hell's Paradise and Naruto are two of the most popular shonen manga series of their respective eras, each being part of their generation's elusive Shonen Big Three. However, Hell's Paradise differs in that it's part of the so-called Dark Trio (alongside Chainsaw Man and Jujutsu Kaisen): a moniker that highlights the darker nature of its subject matter.

]]> Sun, 18 Jun 2023 19:51:14 GMT https://www.cbr.com/naruto-hells-paradise-dark-similarities/ Anime romances have the potential to sweep audiences off their feet. Many are so dynamic that the couples seem destined for each other. Unfortunately, that is not always the case, as many anime characters hardly have any chemistry with their partners at all.

]]> Fri, 16 Jun 2023 23:30:15 GMT https://www.cbr.com/worst-anime-couples/ The 2000s was an incredible decade for anime remembered for countless everlasting classics. From the rise of shows celebrating otaku culture, like Lucky Star and Haruhi Suzumiya, to the emergence of Shonen Jump's Big Three and their subsequent roaring success, there're plenty of reasons to look back at the '00s anime scene with nostalgic adoration.

]]> Fri, 16 Jun 2023 21:30:17 GMT https://www.cbr.com/2000s-anime-badly-written-female-characters/ Some Naruto viewers complain about the anime’s pacing, others about its sidelined supporting characters, but according to one viewer, its most glaring fault is… bridges?

]]> Fri, 16 Jun 2023 18:37:21 GMT https://www.cbr.com/naruto-viewer-roasts-structural-integrity-bridges/ The titular character in Naruto may have become the hero and Hokage in Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, but he was far from being well-liked at the start of his saga. He was nothing more than a spoiled brat who didn't know any better. In fact, his attitude -- in addition to the fact that he had the Nine-Tailed Fox sealed inside him -- almost got him assassinated. One member of the group who pushed that plan is Akamichi Choza, someone who turned out to be one of Naruto's greatest allies during the Fourth Great Ninja War.

]]> Fri, 16 Jun 2023 15:30:13 GMT https://www.cbr.com/naruto-akamichi-choza-past-connetcion/ Anime husbandos are some of the best-dressed or strongest characters. They are immensely popular and are often lauded for their charisma. Congruently, many of the fans' most cherished husbandos are incredibly intelligent as well.

]]> Fri, 16 Jun 2023 11:00:15 GMT https://www.cbr.com/smart-intelligent-anime-husbandos/ Whilst the Sasuke Retrieval Arc in Naruto appeared mostly successful with the defeat of the Sound Four, the ultimate goal of the mission was a failure. Team Shikamaru was bloody and beaten by the end, with the Sand Siblings arriving only in time to save them and then tend to the wounded. Due to their sorry state, the team was unable to pursue Naruto Uzumaki and assist in the fight with Sasuke Uchiha.

]]> Fri, 16 Jun 2023 00:30:15 GMT https://www.cbr.com/naruto-would-the-sasuke-retrieval-arc-have-been-successful-if-shino-joined-the-team/ The Naruto series is known as one of the most popular anime of all time. Naruto is so iconic and recognizable because of its unique elements. The series has so many different plot lines and arcs, it's easy for smaller details to slip under the radar, and many of these smaller details are odd, to say the least.

]]> Thu, 15 Jun 2023 19:51:15 GMT https://www.cbr.com/classic-naruto-weirdest-episode-details/ When it comes to the Ōtsutsuki clan, it's safe to say they're pretty despicable villains. The Naruto era revealed Kaguya as a tyrant wanting to drain Earth of its chakra, while the Boruto era had Momoshiki, Kinshiki, and Urashiki plotting the same. However, there was one member of the alien tribe, Toneri, who found a way back.

]]> Thu, 15 Jun 2023 18:30:17 GMT https://www.cbr.com/boruto-ruined-toneri-redemption/ 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.

]]> Thu, 15 Jun 2023 15:10:17 GMT https://www.cbr.com/naruto-every-filler-arc-anime-episodes-skip/ When Eida performed her reality swap in the Boruto series, most of Konoha fell for the charm. The enchantment had them thinking Boruto was the one who killed Naruto and Hinata, not realizing Kawaki locked the Hokage and his wife away in a secret dimension. It's left Boruto on the run with Sasuke, hoping he doesn't have to fight or kill anyone from the Hidden Leaf.

]]> Thu, 15 Jun 2023 14:40:15 GMT https://www.cbr.com/boruto-time-jump-sumire-massive-injustice/ In the Boruto franchise, fans were always expecting Kawaki to break bad, given how the story began with a flash-forward of him as a villain. Still, no one expected him to do so in such a brutal manner, and at such a young age. He quickly imprisoned Naruto and Hinata in a space-time pocket, while pushing Eida to rewrite reality to ensure Boruto got blamed.

]]> Wed, 14 Jun 2023 23:30:16 GMT https://www.cbr.com/boruto-himawari-rescue-naruto-hinata/ Masashi Kishimoto's Naruto was serialized in Shonen Jump for sixteen years, becoming known as one of the biggest shonen series of all time. Every aspect of the series comes together to immerse fans and keep them captivated, with the manga's art style doing so especially well.

]]> Wed, 14 Jun 2023 11:00:16 GMT https://www.cbr.com/naruto-best-manga-panels/ The relationship between Itachi and Kisame in Naruto was one of the more amicable partnerships of the Akatsuki pairs. However, Obito ensured that the ninja he expected treachery from was paired with the ninja who was the most trustworthy, loyal and knowledgeable of the Infinite Tsukuyomi plan. Based on the behaviour of the pair and Kisame’s repeated inquisition of Itachi’s state of mind and loyalties, even if he approached it with a sense of humour, it is clear Kisame was paired with Itachi as a means to kill the Uchiha should he start to move against Obito.

]]> Wed, 14 Jun 2023 00:00:17 GMT https://www.cbr.com/naruto-kisame-was-paired-with-itachi-as-a-fail-safe/ Naruto is one of the most iconic anime of all time. For as long as a decade, the series has been a gateway anime. Thousands of fans worldwide delved into the anime verse after getting mesmerized by Naruto. What Naruto never failed to deliver was quality entertainment, thanks to its colorful cast of characters.

]]> Tue, 13 Jun 2023 17:30:32 GMT https://www.cbr.com/most-loved-naruto-characters/ Kisame Hoshigaki may have been a secondary villain within Naruto, but he was one of the most prominent members of the Akatsuki up until his final defeat at Might Guy's hands. When it comes to his power and comparing it with the rest of the Akatsuki, Kisame is likely stronger than nearly every member, barring the Dōjutsu users -- Itachi Uchiha, Obito Uchiha and Nagato. This is due to his massive chakra reserves, exceptional experience and domination of ninjutsu-based ninjas, who make up the majority of warriors in Naruto.

]]> Sun, 11 Jun 2023 21:00:16 GMT https://www.cbr.com/naruto-kisame-would-beat-every-opponent-except-might-guy/ The story is the most important element of good anime, but the characters are what fans stick around for. Every fan has their favorite character, the character they relate to, and the character they love to hate. However, the most important character to many fans is their husbando.

]]> Sun, 11 Jun 2023 15:50:14 GMT https://www.cbr.com/anime-husbandos-full-of-compassion/ In the early 2000s, Bleach, Naruto, and One Piece were unofficially hailed as the "Shonen Jump Big Three." These shows were pivotal to introducing anime to newcomers, and for cementing anime's worldwide popularity. But like any other trend, the Big Three eventually passed the spotlight to a successor: the so-called Dark Trio.

]]> Sat, 10 Jun 2023 23:31:16 GMT https://www.cbr.com/shonen-dark-trio-better-than-shonen-big-three/ One talented Naruto fan has perfectly captured the Copy Cat Ninja's laidback personality and spiky silver hair.

]]> Sat, 10 Jun 2023 22:17:50 GMT https://www.cbr.com/naruto-kakashi-shinobi-perfection-cosplay/ While the field of 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 while others haven't.

]]> Sat, 10 Jun 2023 17:20:15 GMT https://www.cbr.com/best-selling-manga-how-many-copies/ Though the franchise is based around ninjas, Naruto is known for its many liberties with the way of the shinobi. From bombastic attacks to colorful clothing, the characters often seem antithetical to everything ninjas are supposed to represent. Nevertheless, there's a lot of historical inspiration behind Naruto, namely when it comes to one of the most prominent characters.

]]> Sat, 10 Jun 2023 16:00:14 GMT https://www.cbr.com/sarutobi-sasuke-ancient-ninja-legend-naruto-inspiration/ Japanese animation is far more compelling when the protagonist has a strongly defined and realistic emotional side, all to make them more sympathetic and justify their words and actions. This is especially true in drama and comedy anime, where a realistic character's anger, joy, sadness, or fears make them a star.

]]> Sat, 10 Jun 2023 15:20:15 GMT https://www.cbr.com/sad-anime-heroes/ Shonen is home to some of anime's greatest and most beloved characters. Among them, none are more adored than the iconic shonen heroes. With lovable personalities and compelling backstories, many of shonen's heroes have stolen the hearts of fans everywhere and changed the face of anime forever. But while it almost feels impossible to dislike them, plenty of shonen heroes have almost ruined their likability.

]]> Sat, 10 Jun 2023 11:00:16 GMT https://www.cbr.com/shonen-anime-protagonists-controversial-choices/ 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 once 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.

]]> Fri, 09 Jun 2023 23:00:16 GMT https://www.cbr.com/naruto-why-itachi-killed-uchiha-family/ 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.

]]> Fri, 09 Jun 2023 17:00:16 GMT https://www.cbr.com/naruto-strongest-akatsuki-ranked/ Earlier this year, an official Naruto poll revealed fans' favorite characters and fights throughout the long-running series. Surprisingly, the famed Naruto versus Sasuke clash finished in second place -- below Sakura's bout with Sasori. In reality, the win was a technical manipulation by Sakura fans who knew their favorite pink-haired kunoichi would be given a manga spinoff if she came out on top. Despite these fans' sneaky actions, this doesn't take away how significant that fight actually is.

]]> Fri, 09 Jun 2023 14:00:17 GMT https://www.cbr.com/naruto-sakura-versus-sasori-importance-naruto-shippuden/ As one of the premier anime franchises of the past two decades, Naruto has been hugely successful and influential. Of course, it was also inspired by several other stories and franchises, with historical ninja lore being the most obvious. Something that some fans might not expect, however, is the mecha series that inspired one character.

]]> Fri, 09 Jun 2023 01:00:15 GMT https://www.cbr.com/naruto-kakuzu-techniques-named-after-mobile-suit-gundam/ Kitsune anime is a subgenre popularized by the famous nine-tailed fox in Japanese folklore. Given the mystery surrounding its supernatural existence, aesthetically pleasing character designs and otherworldly personalities in pop culture, many are drawn to this mystical being that can shift between human and fox. If you're a fan of the nine-tailed fox, here are five great kitsune anime starring the popular yōkai.

]]> Thu, 08 Jun 2023 23:00:17 GMT https://www.cbr.com/good-anime-with-kitsune/ Yandere is one of the most recognizable anime character types, following after tsundere and deredere. Yandere characters appear sweet and conscientious, but they give in to aggression easily, especially when it comes to their crush. Girl yandere tend to blush all the time and are easily flustered. They can switch from a moony shrinking violet to a jealous rage-beast in the blink of an eye.

]]> Thu, 08 Jun 2023 18:11:13 GMT https://www.cbr.com/worst-yandere-romances/ 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.

]]> Thu, 08 Jun 2023 17:30:13 GMT https://www.cbr.com/strongest-anime-characters/ Jiraiya is one of Naruto's most beloved characters. As a Toad Sage and one of the Legendary Sannin, Jiraiya holds an impressive reputation known throughout the Hidden Villages. While doing "research" for his latest novel he catches Naruto's attention. Naruto recognizes his incredible abilities and harasses Jiraiya until he agrees to train him. Jiraiya reluctantly agrees, and the show's best student-teacher relationship is born.

]]> Thu, 08 Jun 2023 16:10:15 GMT https://www.cbr.com/best-jiraiya-quotes/ The third season of Demon Slayer has been great thus far, and its first episode is especially memorable because of Kokushibo's debut. Kokushibo is part of the Twelve Demon Moons and holds the position of Upper Rank One, making him the strongest demon alive other than Muzan Kibutsuji. He possesses his own Demon Slayer Mark, and as a demon, he has immense speed, strength, durability, and reflexes.

]]> Thu, 08 Jun 2023 15:20:14 GMT https://www.cbr.com/anime-characters-can-defeat-demon-slayer-kokushibo/ Naruto is well-known for its power system. Jutsus are incredibly complex yet easy to understand, which is why the power system has become so recognizable. Even those who have never seen an episode can easily recognize the hand signs used to produce each jutsu.

]]> Thu, 08 Jun 2023 13:00:15 GMT https://www.cbr.com/naruto-characters-who-rarely-use-strongest-jutsu/ Although the Hidden Leaf Village has produced some of the most well-known shinobi in history, its youngest generation is largely defined by a single group of ninja: the Konoha 11. The Konoha 11 primarily consists of the shinobi taught by Kakashi, Guy, Asuma, and Kurenai during the events of the original Naruto series. However, since Sasuke Uchiha defected from the Hidden Leaf Village shortly after becoming a genin, he is not considered part of the group alongside the other members of Team Kakashi.

]]> Wed, 07 Jun 2023 18:50:14 GMT https://www.cbr.com/naruto-all-konoha-11-members-power-skill-ranked/ Protagonists come in all shapes and sizes in the anime world, and plenty of them project a strong image as powerful, confident heroes. Characters like Kenshiro from Fist of the North Star, Guts the mercenary from Berserk, and Son Goku from Dragon Ball are all tall, musclebound fellows with hardened scowls and formidable weapons or martial arts outfits. But other anime heroes project an image of being weak and defenseless.

]]> Wed, 07 Jun 2023 17:10:16 GMT https://www.cbr.com/anime-protagonists-stronger-than-appear/ The most popular character in Naruto has come to life in a stunningly accurate cosplay.

]]> Wed, 07 Jun 2023 17:00:17 GMT https://www.cbr.com/naruto-minato-namikaze-pensive-cosplay/ It's almost impossible to have a good action anime without a great rivalry. Rival characters push protagonists into growth in friendly... and sometimes, not so friendly ways. The key is that this growth becomes necessary to take on the true challenges of the series, sometimes even being the reason the hero is able to save the world.

]]> Wed, 07 Jun 2023 15:20:22 GMT https://www.cbr.com/anime-greatest-friends-from-rivals/ 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, Sarada 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.

]]> Tue, 06 Jun 2023 23:00:15 GMT https://www.cbr.com/boruto-episode-219-kurama-death-naruto-secret/ Launched as a manga in 1997 and later as a Toei Animation anime in 1999, One Piece has been entertaining readers and viewers for over 20 years. The series — written by Eiichiro Oda — contains excellent storytelling, fantastic world-building, compelling characters, and a hilarious sense of humor that has fans wanting more.

]]> Tue, 06 Jun 2023 17:30:15 GMT https://www.cbr.com/one-piece-anime-recommendation-fans/ In anime, a villain's depravity is 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 audience. In this regard, a villain is almost as responsible for making a protagonist likable as the hero themselves.

]]> Tue, 06 Jun 2023 16:50:13 GMT https://www.cbr.com/most-evil-anime-villains-ever-ranked/ The hero's journey is a tale as old as time itself, after struggling through trials and tribulations, the protagonist scores a spectacular win that changes everything. While victories come in many forms, the best of them are always extremely satisfying to see, and this goes for the medium of anime too.

]]> Tue, 06 Jun 2023 14:30:13 GMT https://www.cbr.com/greatest-anime-victories-ever/ As Naruto: Konoha's Story -- The Steam Ninja Scrolls rolled on, it became clear Mirai's trials were more than just mere physical tasks. Sure, Kakashi has gone rogue with his teachings, pushing her to adapt in the field; however, the ex-Hokage also hopes to strengthen his protégé mentally.

]]> Mon, 05 Jun 2023 19:00:16 GMT https://www.cbr.com/naruto-steam-ninja-scrolls-chapter-15-asuma-mirai-king-riddle/ By the time Naruto: Shippuden ends, the franchise's main characters have grown so powerful that they're competing on equal footing with deific figures. However, during the original Naruto series, the franchise focused more on quick-thinking and savvy instincts, showcasing different aspects of its stellar cast of characters. For this reason, these 220 episodes still hold a fond place in the heart of many anime fans.

]]> Mon, 05 Jun 2023 16:10:22 GMT https://www.cbr.com/best-naruto-filler-episodes/ Naruto features some of the cleverest, most deviously intelligent characters in shonen anime. Most characters are ninjas, meaning they rely on stealth, trickery, deception, and advanced tactical planning to get ahead with tools, ninjutsu or even their bare hands. Characters such as Kakashi Hatake, Shikamaru Nara, Kabuto, and Tsunade are famed for being some of the smartest shinobi around.

]]> Mon, 05 Jun 2023 15:21:12 GMT https://www.cbr.com/dumb-naruto-characters/ In Naruto: Konoha's Story -- The Steam Ninja Scrolls, one of the major details the spinoff has shown is the growth of Konoha. The Hidden Leaf was set in some archaic ways in the Naruto era, but the Boruto period is a time of progression and evolution. Still, it's not without its hiccups, as legacy issues are present for both heroes and villains.

]]> Mon, 05 Jun 2023 01:01:15 GMT https://www.cbr.com/naruto-steam-ninja-scrolls-mirai-kakashi-new-style-ninja-missions/ The next chapter of Boruto: Naruto Next Generations will seemingly include a timeskip.

]]> Sun, 04 Jun 2023 22:12:58 GMT https://www.cbr.com/boruto-manga-include-timeskip/ Apart from its titular protagonist, Kakashi Hatake is probably the Naruto franchise’s most recognizable character. Popularly referred to as the Copy Ninja, he was renowned across the ninja world as a shinobi who had access to over a thousand jutsu. However, the jutsu Kakashi favored most was one of his own creation: the lightning blade known as Chidori. This deadly jutsu was almost impossible to evade or block, much like the legendary ninja who inspired Kakashi to create it in the first place.

]]> Sun, 04 Jun 2023 18:00:16 GMT https://www.cbr.com/naruto-kakashi-chidori-jutsu-original-inspiration-minato/ The life of a shinobi poses many hardships, and daily, they sacrifice their safety for the betterment of their village. No character embraces this struggle more than Naruto Uzumaki, the young ninja who serves as the main character of Naruto and Naruto: Shippuden.

]]> Sun, 04 Jun 2023 13:00:15 GMT https://www.cbr.com/most-emotional-naruto-episodes-ranked/ Nobody should ever say "there's not enough Naruto,"or "the series ended too soon." Besides its filler episodes, the hit anime property also has movies, OVAs and other material devoted to it. Counting Boruto, it's effectively ongoing, to this day. It's a lot to get through, so here's a collection of titles and dates to help out, as well as a recommended Naruto watch guide.

]]> Sat, 03 Jun 2023 23:00:16 GMT https://www.cbr.com/watch-naruto-in-order/ One of the best things about anime is it can appeal to fans of all ages. While most series cater to adults, plenty of titles are available for the youngest viewers. However, finding age-appropriate series for young teens and tweens can sometimes be hard.

]]> Sat, 03 Jun 2023 22:30:14 GMT https://www.cbr.com/tween-teenager-anime-recs/ In the Naruto series, it's safe to say Kakashi operated by the books in and out of governance. It's the way he was brought up in the ANBU covert ops, conditioned not to toy with rules the way his father did. Admittedly, this sort of thinking is what saw Kakashi kill his teammate, Rin, and alienate Obito, thinking he always had to follow the established order for the greater good of Konoha.

]]> Sat, 03 Jun 2023 21:00:15 GMT https://www.cbr.com/naruto-steam-ninja-scrolls-chapter-15-rogue-kakashi-mirai/ Naruto is one of the most popular anime of all time and an incredibly beloved series. For several years, it was one of the top manga and anime series for Shonen Jump, which is why it's a member of the big three. Even non-anime fans can recognize Naruto, which just shows how iconic the character is.

]]> Sat, 03 Jun 2023 16:50:12 GMT https://www.cbr.com/anime-series-better-than-naruto/ For some anime, there comes a point in the story where a character or multiple characters are captured/or in imminent danger and are in need of rescue. Fortunately, a ragtag team is formed, and together they try to save those characters from their fate, and this is what's commonly known as a "rescue arc."

]]> Sat, 03 Jun 2023 11:00:15 GMT https://www.cbr.com/best-anime-rescue-arcs/ Naruto basked in great popularity during its long run, so much so that it prompted the creation of a sequel in Boruto: Naruto Next Generations. But while its success is undeniable, the franchise isn't flawless. The anime has constantly been lambasted for featuring a seemingly endless amount of fillers. Likewise, fans have long griped about Naruto's ability to make his opponents repent simply by giving a long speech. He uses it in almost every arc, so fans baptized it with an appropriate name -- Talk no Jutsu. However, there's an argument that it's actually the strongest genjutsu in the franchise.

]]> Sat, 03 Jun 2023 01:00:16 GMT https://www.cbr.com/naruto-talk-no-jutsu-strongest-genjutsu-debate/ Currency plays a vital role in the daily lives of everyone, and it's no different in the world of anime. The money used in fictional worlds can add depth and context to the stories being told. By exploring these fictional currencies' exchange rates and purchasing power, fans can better understand the economic systems and power dynamics within these imagined worlds.

]]> Fri, 02 Jun 2023 19:50:13 GMT https://www.cbr.com/anime-money-dollar-value/ In Naruto: Konoha's Story -- The Steam Ninja Scrolls, fans have learned a lot about Sarutobi Mirai. She's proven herself as a candidate for the next Hokage in the Hidden Leaf. Not to mention she's carrying on her father Asuma's legacy perfectly, bridging a generational gap and working past the pain of losing him.

]]> Thu, 01 Jun 2023 18:00:15 GMT https://www.cbr.com/naruto-steam-ninja-scrolls-chapter-15-mirai-new-genjutsu-mentor/ Although he wasn’t the series’ final villain, Obito Uchiha was revealed to be the mastermind of all the villainous activities in Naruto: Shippuden. From Pain's destruction of the Hidden Leaf Village to the Fourth Great Ninja War and even the Nine Tails' attack on Konoha during Naruto’s birth, Obito had a hand in orchestrating all those events. Shortly before his death, Obito managed to redeem himself of his dishonorable past -- but why did the ninja go rogue in the first place?

]]> Thu, 01 Jun 2023 00:00:15 GMT https://www.cbr.com/naruto-obito-uchiha-origin-why-turned-evil/ People often associate yawning and positioning one's arms behind the head with getting ready to kick back after a long day. The pose is associated with relaxation, and isn't typically meant for public spaces. However, this pose is prominent in shonen anime -- primarily with male characters who walk around with their arms behind their heads. They sometimes even yawn and keep their eyes closed. Shonen anime boys who walk around like this are typically characterized as easygoing, and perpetually sarcastic.

]]> Wed, 31 May 2023 23:00:13 GMT https://www.cbr.com/why-anime-characters-pose-hands-behind-head/ Honor can be defined in several ways, and it's often treated on a "you know it when you see it" basis for both fictional and real people, including Japanese anime. Dishonorable characters might lie or manipulate others, break a promise, or even fight dirty. An honorable character could never bring themselves to act so dishonestly.

]]> Wed, 31 May 2023 16:51:28 GMT https://www.cbr.com/honorable-anime-women/ One of the scariest techniques seen in the Naruto franchise has been the puppet jutsu. Many users have deployed it, subverting different styles to create puppets for war. Kankuro and Shinki of the Sand are prime examples, while Urashiki had his Ōtsutsuki puppets as well in the Boruto era. In these cases, chakra was both the connector and fuel.

]]> Wed, 31 May 2023 14:00:15 GMT https://www.cbr.com/naruto-steam-ninja-scrolls-blood-puppet-ryuki-jashin/ Coming on the heels of Gaara’s rescue, Naruto’s Tenchi Bridge Reconnaissance Mission circled back to even more important people and plots from before the time jump -- namely the Sasuke, Orochimaru and Kabuto trio. Seeing a Jinchuriki, Gaara, almost die and having their team rebuilt with two strangers, Sai and Yamato, shakes up the status quo for the two remaining members of Team 7. These shorter missions like Tenchi Bridge Reconnaissance are often eclipsed by the larger-scale stories surrounding them, even if they contain some hugely impressive moments for the series.

]]> Tue, 30 May 2023 20:00:16 GMT https://www.cbr.com/naruto-shippuden-tenchi-bridge-failed-mission-crucial-naruto-sakura/ 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.

]]> Tue, 30 May 2023 17:30:14 GMT https://www.cbr.com/best-naruto-couples/ Characters in Japanese anime vary greatly in their personalities and conduct, ranging from petty, dishonest bullies or antagonists all the way to honorable, chivalrous people who hold themselves to a high personal standard. In general, having honor is a person's tendency to act in a fair, honest, and respectable way, which is often paired with discipline and the desire to do good in the world.

]]> Tue, 30 May 2023 16:50:14 GMT https://www.cbr.com/anime-men-with-honor/ One of the biggest criticisms of the Naruto series has always been how Kakashi mentored the teens in Team 7. Many felt he wasn't as open and honest with Naruto and the power within him, while others thought he was unsympathetic towards Sasuke's own tragic history with the Uchiha clan. While he trusted their abilities, he didn't look after them on a human level -- an oversight which precipitated a huge, destructive rivalry.

]]> Tue, 30 May 2023 16:01:14 GMT https://www.cbr.com/naruto-steam-ninja-scrolls-kakashi-parenting-problem/ 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.

]]> Tue, 30 May 2023 15:20:14 GMT https://www.cbr.com/naruto-ninja-stronger-than-sasuke/ Megahouse, in collaboration with Naruto, has given two main characters divine makeovers.

]]> Tue, 30 May 2023 12:00:15 GMT https://www.cbr.com/naruto-sasuke-figures-reimagines-powerful-gods/ Naruto's Itachi Uchiha was a child prodigy, turned rogue ninja, turned villain, turned hero. While his skills were unparalleled, his many titles summed up everything but who he really was – a man who loved his brother more than anything. Born to the infamous Uchiha Clan, Itachi was surrounded by violent and corrupted minds. Like his best friend Shisui Uchiha, Itachi was a pacifist and wished to avoid war if possible. When the Uchiha Clan planned a coup to take over the Leaf Village, Itachi sided with the Leaf Village and executed his entire clan – except for his younger brother Sasuke.

]]> Mon, 29 May 2023 19:30:16 GMT https://www.cbr.com/naruto-itachis-best-quotes/ Typically, anime heroes are supposed to be well-trusted and loved in their communities. After all, countless heroic deeds are bound to win the favor and respect of their recipients whether or not it was sought after.

]]> Mon, 29 May 2023 18:50:15 GMT https://www.cbr.com/sensical-untrustworthy-anime-heroes/ Madara Uchiha comes to life in a glorious limited edition Naruto statuette.

]]> Mon, 29 May 2023 16:31:51 GMT https://www.cbr.com/naruto-madara-uchiha-large-expensive-statue/ It's hard to deny how epic the Rasengan has been throughout the Naruto lore. It's basically a one-handed Hadouken from the Street Fighter mythos, using chakra and the manipulation of wind. Only a few elite ninja have been known to master or subvert it, such as Kakashi, Naruto, Jiraiya, and Minato (the creator of the move).

]]> Mon, 29 May 2023 16:00:15 GMT https://www.cbr.com/naruto-steam-ninja-scrolls-mirai-wind-style-whirlwind-fist-subversion-rasengan/ Anime villains are typically cruel individuals. They take great pleasure in causing harm – spreading mayhem and chaos wherever they go. However, many anime villains become evil either out of coercion or devastation and are haunted by their corruption.

]]> Mon, 29 May 2023 15:20:14 GMT https://www.cbr.com/sad-anime-villains/ Kitsune, the mythical fox creatures of Japanese folklore, have long been a popular subject in anime and manga. Known for their cunning and shape-shifting abilities, these creatures have captured the attention of fans worldwide. Kitsune designs often, but not always, follow the same general aesthetic of beautiful or handsome and usually have one or more tails.

]]> Sun, 28 May 2023 23:31:13 GMT https://www.cbr.com/strongest-anime-kitsune/ The Otsutsuki Clan is easily the strongest family to ever appear in the Naruto franchise. Their origins remain shrouded in space-faring mystery, but despite their enigmatic profile, the Otsutsuki Clan's monstrous power is completely undeniable. They threaten the safety of not just the Leaf Village, but the entire shinobi world on multiple occasions.

]]> Sun, 28 May 2023 17:50:16 GMT https://www.cbr.com/naruto-all-otsutsuki-clan-members-ranked-strength/ Whether 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. The biggest series cash in millions of dollars and maintain a stronghold in global best-selling charts.

]]> Sun, 28 May 2023 16:50:14 GMT https://www.cbr.com/best-manga-ever/ Naruto is a classic shonen action anime series, meaning it has strong themes of flawed but likable people making an effort to reinvent themselves for the better. Many of Naruto's best characters are youths who are still figuring themselves out as ninjas and as people, so there is ample room for personal growth and glow-ups.

]]> Sun, 28 May 2023 16:20:12 GMT https://www.cbr.com/best-naruto-glow-ups/ Hidan lacked in the genjutsu and ninjutsu departments, which means that he was by no means the strongest member of the Akatsuki. He was still an S-ranked rogue ninja though, and he obtained a form of immortality by studying the forbidden techniques of the Jashin religion. This same religion provided him with a curse that turned him into a human voodoo doll. He used this ability to kill several respected ninjas, and he used it to beat the Two-Tails' Jinchuriki.

]]> Sun, 28 May 2023 14:50:14 GMT https://www.cbr.com/naruto-ninja-stronger-than-hidan/ Anime characters like Zoro from One Piece and Naruto from Naruto often receive well-deserved praise for their talents and skills. However, many lesser-known characters simply don't get the same hype despite the hours of work behind their performances.

]]> Sun, 28 May 2023 11:00:14 GMT https://www.cbr.com/anime-powers-need-more-hype-ranked/ Sakura Haruno's unwavering love for Sasuke Uchiha was a recurring theme throughout the Naruto series, as she relentlessly pursued him despite his aloofness. However, it was only later in the story that Sasuke's perspective shifted, leading to surprising developments in their relationship. They ultimately end up as a married couple in Boruto: Naruto Next Generations and now have a daughter named Sarada. But when exactly did Sasuke start to acknowledge Sakura in Naruto?

]]> Sat, 27 May 2023 18:00:15 GMT https://www.cbr.com/naruto-sasuke-first-appreciates-sakura-kaguya-war/