Episodes: 220 + shippuuden series

Year: 1999

Status: Ongoing

Subbed by: Dattebayo Fansubs

Naruto Official Site (Japanese)

Naruto Official Site (U.S)

Rating: Somewhere between great and alright.

Review: Uzumaki Naruto is an ordinary kid in the Kidden Leaf Village of Konoha - striving to become a ninja like many others. However, the demon fox sealed within Naruto made him the object of hate and isolation. This anime follows Naruto’s journey as he strives to realise his dream of becoming Hokage and the ups and downs he faces as powerful ninjas elsewhere seek to steal the power of the demon fox and destroy the village of Konoha.

On the whole Naruto is an exciting anime to watch with lots of martial arts moves, great ninja fights and an interesting storyline. However, somewhere around episode 125, the anime strays from the manga with excruciating filler after filler. Skip these. While Naruto has a great story going for it, all the episodes and fights are made to be as long as possible. And while this happens, Naruto’s vow to become Hokage returns every 10 minutes like a bad cliche. Long flashbacks and replays of fight scenes are common here and can drive the viewer (namely, impatient ol’ me) nuts.

The other side of the story is that when Naruto does get on track with its story, its got a lot going for it - awesome fights with lots of techniques. However, remarkable as its fights are, fillers, repetitions and all the rest of it prevent it from being a really awesome anime. I had an awful time rating this anime since the story, characterisation and action was great while the fillers and other parts weren’t. If you like martial arts , ninjas and great action - you certainly must watch this. On the other hand, if you’re looking for something with less repetition and more substance - look elsewhere.

Like Naruto? Try:

Bleach: An action-packed addictive anime which follows the story of Kurosaki Ichigo - an ordinary high schooler who gains the power of a Shinigami, thus changing his fate forever. Like Naruto, this anime is filled with martial-arts and great fights.

Full Metal Alchemist: Follows the story of two brothers who violated the laws of alchemy once and are on a quest to gain back what was once lost. Although the action here differs from martial arts, Full Metal Alchemist offers the same intense battles as Naruto does.