Facebook
Reddit
Email
Discover the 10 best Naruto arcs, ranked. Explore the events of each arc’s storyline and what qualifies it among the best.
As one of the greatest anime of all time, Naruto and Naruto: Shippuden have captivated multiple generations of fans through their emotional storytelling, exhilarating fights, and memorable cast. Throughout hundreds of episodes across both series, we experience several story arcs covering different subplots, characters, and settings.
Here are the finest among them as we explore the 10 best Naruto arcs, ranked. The list has been curated after considering the impact of each arc, its storytelling, consistency, and character moments.
10) Kaguya Otsutsuki Strikes Arc
The Kaguya Otsutsuki Strikes Arc featured the final conflict of Naruto, as our main cast faced the most fearsome antagonist of the series – Kaguya Otsutsuki. This is a highly debated arc since it showcased some of the most exciting moments of the Naruto universe while also having many underwhelming ones.
The high stakes battle of Team 7 against the progenitor of Chakra greatly added to the lore of the series, as they combined their strengths to defeat Kaguya. Following this, Naruto and Sasuke had their own iconic battle, marking the end of their rivalry and the settling of their differences.
While the fights and conclusions of the main characters are beloved, many fans remain unconvinced about the shift in the narrative. The switch from the long-awaited Madara to Kaguya as the main villain seemed abrupt. Additionally, the importance of the Otsutsuki lineage was introduced too late in the series.
Nevertheless, highlights such as Minato’s farewell, Obito’s death, and Naruto and Sasuke’s growth make this a crucial part of the series. Hence, this is a controversial arc that has several positives as well as a few negatives.
9) Kakashi Gaiden Arc
The Kakashi Gaiden Arc was a short but extremely important arc that influenced key characters in the Naruto universe. It gave insight into Kakashi’s past, as the figure had been an enigma till that point.
Team Minato’s close yet tense bond, as well as Kakashi and Obito’s rivalry, laid the foundations for the entire series. Finally, Obito’s presumed death allowed Kakashi to unlock his Sharingan, motivating the young ninja to become the great man he is today.
At the same time, Obito was saved by Madara, eventually becoming Tobi and causing the Fourth Shinobi World War. This arc, though considered by many to be filler, is an unmissable storyline. It let us experience Minato’s leadership as well as Rin, Obito, and Kakashi’s dynamic, which became a recurring part of Naruto.
8) Akatsuki Suppression Mission Arc
A reason why Naruto is so popular is the development it provides to the entire cast, not just the main characters. This was proven through the Akatsuki Suppression Mission Arc, where Team Asuma faced off against Hidan and Kakuzu.
Though initially confident, disaster struck soon with Asuma’s tragic death. This flipped Shikamauru’s switch, making him display his genius intellect to defeat his powerful enemies. Along with the intense revenge-driven battle, Naruto also debuted his Wind Release: Rasenshuriken, signaling his evolution as a ninja.
The Akatsuki Suppression Mission Arc balanced action and emotion, spotlighting the witty Shikamaru. This set up his eventual rise in significance, making the arc a standout part of the series.
7) Fourth Shinobi World War: Climax Arc
The Fourth Shinobi World War is the concluding saga in Naruto, divided into several arcs. As seen earlier, this had some of the best moments in the series but suffered its own setbacks due to controversial plot decisions and misplaced fillers.
The Climax Arc, under this war, however, was arguably its best. It finally focused on the highly anticipated villain of Naruto, Madara Uchiha. The antagonist’s overwhelming power, which easily overpowered the 5 Kages, was an unbelievably thrilling scene.
Additionally, the arc featured the important revelation of Obito’s identity as well as his battle against Kakashi, considered by many to be the best Naruto fight. The introduction of the Ten-Tails and Naruto valiantly leading the Allied Shinobi Alliance were other key scenes among the countless exciting events in this arc.
6) Sasuke Recovery Mission Arc
The original Naruto series, though shorter than Shippuden, had gripping storylines that were consistently of very high quality. The Sasuke Recovery Mission Arc stands as a testament to this, changing the landscape of the series forever.
It revolved around Naruto and his allies’ efforts to retrieve Sasuke, who was disillusioned and aimed to join Orochimaru. Though having several electrifying smaller battles, the arc peaked during Naruto and Sasuke’s confrontation at the Valley of the End.
Despite having a passionate fight fueled by Naruto’s emotions, the protagonist failed to bring his friend back. This was a shockingly realistic ending, setting up the events of Naruto: Shippuden and Naruto’s development.
5) Tale of Jiraiya the Gallant Arc
As a fan-favorite character, Jiraiya has always been one of the most admirable individuals in Naruto. He mentored the protagonist and shared a close relationship with the Hokage, Tsunade. However, this joyous man was finally burdened by purpose when he had to infiltrate Amegakure and face Pain, with whom he had a past relationship.
The great ninja was heavily outmatched against the Six Paths of Pain but put up a valiant fight, taking down three of the Paths. Unfortunately, this wasn’t enough, as he was bested and fatally wounded. In an extremely emotional moment in the series, Jiraiya thinks back on the time he spent with his disciple. He reaffirmed how Naruto was the Child of the Prophecy before finally passing away.
His tragic passing haunts fans even to this day. Naruto losing yet another parental figure in his life made this one of the most impactful arcs in the series.
4) Land of Waves Arc
The first major Naruto arc was the Land of Waves Arc, where Team 7 was assigned to protect a master bridge-builder named Tazuna. However, they soon face trouble when Zabuza, a legendary swordsman, and Haku target them.
Facing them on two separate occasions, this arc saw Kakashi’s talent as a ninja while also highlighting Naruto’s growth. In addition to his contributions during battle, the events with the antagonists left a deep impression on Naruto. It made him understand the tough life of a shinobi as well as how the world wasn’t always black-and-white.
Zabuza and Haku’s heart-wrenching ending only made Naruto resolve himself to become a stronger ninja who could combat injustice.
3) Fated Battle Between Brothers Arc
One of the most popular dynamics in Naruto is the relationship between Sasuke and Itachi. After massacring his entire clan, Itachi became the target of Sasuke’s quest for revenge. The deuteragonist rapidly gained strength for this purpose and could finally fight his brother in the Uchiha hideout.
Their intense battle, followed by Itachi’s death, left a deep impression on both Sasuke and fans. The surviving Uchiha learned the truth about his brother’s painful life and the sacrifices he made. He then awakened the Mangekyo Sharingan, deciding to destroy Konoha for taking advantage of Itachi’s kindness.
The reveal of Itachi being a protector was the biggest twist in Naruto, motivating Sasuke to become a terrorist against the world. This gave the deuteragonist a new purpose, making him clash directly against Naruto and everything he stood for.
2) Chunin Exams Arc
The original Naruto anime is extremely influential, and its most iconic arc is undoubtedly the Chunin Exams Arc. Going on to inspire countless other tournament arcs, this set of episodes followed the promotion examinations taken by our entire cast.
It displayed some of the greatest fights in the series, right from Naruto vs Neji to Rock Lee vs Gaara. Naruto’s position from an underdog to a talented ninja was finally established, while fans could enjoy several unique fight styles and exhilarating battles.
1) Pain’s Assault Arc
Most Naruto fans would agree that the single most exciting arc in the entire series is the Pain’s Assault Arc. This arc was filled with thrill and anxiety as Konoha was threatened by the greatest threat in the series till then – Pain.
As the leader of the Akatsuki, Pain attacked the village, causing devastating destruction. Right when all hope seemed lost, Naruto arrived after his training in Mount Myoboku. Having mastered Senjutsu, he had a dramatic fight against Nagato filled with ups and downs.
Despite having the ability to permanently defeat his opponent, Naruto chose conversation over conflict. He poured his heart out to Nagato, who was responsible for Jiraiya’s death. Upon recognizing Naruto’s resolve and his potential to become a hero, Nagato resurrected the dead residents of Konoha. He then entrusted his will to Naruto before passing away.
The arc ended in a jubilant manner as the village that had once rejected Naruto now celebrated him. It displayed how Naruto could connect with the most evil of villains through his desire to create a peaceful future.
Looking For More?
Thank you for reading the article. We provide the latest news and create guides for Baldur’s Gate 3, Starfield, ARK Survival Ascended, and more. Also, watch Deltia play games on Twitch or visit his YouTube channel!