Naruto (2002)
Kernel Score: 88% · 5,900 ratings
Genres: Animation, Action & Adventure, Sci-Fi & Fantasy
First aired: 2002-10-03
Seasons: 4 · 220 episodes
Is Naruto worth watching?
Worth watching. A long, warm ninja adventure about a lonely kid who refuses to quit. Viewers adore it, and it earns that with big fights and real heart, though a series this long carries some padding.
Watch it if you
- want an underdog story with big fights and big feelings
- are new to anime and want a famous place to start
- like shows where friendships drive the plot
Skip it if you
- mind a very long series with slow stretches
- dislike teen-pitched anime humour and shouting
Best for: Long binge, any age 10+
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Naruto
- Stream: Netflix, Prime Video, Hulu, Crunchyroll
- Free with ads: Hoopla, The Roku Channel, Fandango at Home, Pluto TV, Prime Video (free with ads)
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play
US availability, updated 2026-10-22.
Overview
Naruto Uzumaki, a mischievous adolescent ninja, struggles as he searches for recognition and dreams of becoming the Hokage, the village's leader and strongest ninja.
Naruto parents' guide: ages 8+
Parents need to know that Naruto is an anime following a young ninja's journey featuring frequent martial arts combat and themes of loss.
- Violence & scariness: Moderate — Frequent ninja combat and battles are central to the story.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official TV-PG rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Shows like Naruto
If you liked Naruto, these are the shows we'd watch next.
- Naruto Shippūden (2007) — 89%: The direct continuation, following the same hero as he grows up.
- Hunter x Hunter (2011) — 90%: Another long-running adventure with strong friendships and clever fights.
- My Hero Academia (2016) — 90%: Young hopefuls training to be heroes, with the same underdog energy.
- Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba (2019) — 91%: Similar mix of family loss, training and action.
- Fullmetal Alchemist (2003) — 88%: An earlier anime adventure with heavy themes and loyal brothers.
- InuYasha (2000) — 89%: Fantasy adventure with swordplay and a hero learning on the road.
Cast
- Junko Takeuchi as Naruto Uzumaki (voice)
- Noriaki Sugiyama as Sasuke Uchiha (voice)
- Chie Nakamura as Sakura Haruno (voice)
- Kazuhiko Inoue as Kakashi Hatake (voice)
- Hidekatsu Shibata as Hiruzen Sarutobi (3º Hokage) (voice)
- Koichi Tochika as Neji Hyuga (voice)
- Masashi Ebara as Might Guy (voice)
- Yōichi Masukawa as Rock Lee (voice)
- Yukari Tamura as Tenten (voice)
- Ryoka Yuzuki as Ino Yamanaka (voice)
Naruto FAQ
Is Naruto worth watching?
Worth watching. A long, warm ninja adventure about a lonely kid who refuses to quit. Viewers adore it, and it earns that with big fights and real heart, though a series this long carries some padding.
Where can I watch Naruto?
In the US you can stream Naruto on Netflix, Prime Video, Hulu and Crunchyroll, watch it free with ads on Hoopla, The Roku Channel, Fandango at Home, Pluto TV and Prime Video (free with ads) and buy it from Prime Video, Apple TV and Google Play.
Is Naruto OK for kids?
Naruto is rated TV-PG. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 8+. Parents need to know that Naruto is an anime following a young ninja's journey featuring frequent martial arts combat and themes of loss.
What shows are like Naruto?
If you liked Naruto, try Naruto Shippūden, Hunter x Hunter, My Hero Academia and Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba.