The Top 10 Naruto Episodes Across the Whole Franchise

One of the most successful franchises of all time, Naruto premiered in 2002. Since its inception, the series has been widely acclaimed. Still popular after all these years, the series now centers on Naruto’s son, Boruto. There are some of the best arcs in anime history, and the show has won over fans all over the world. The show has achieved legendary status. From Naruto’s childhood ambition to become the Seventh Hokage to his eventual realization of that goal, the plot is compelling and features all the best characters. There is a good reason why the show is so popular. Here, we highlight what we believe to be the top 10 Naruto storylines.

10 Best Naruto Arcs: Sasuke’s Recovery Mission Arc

The plot is mostly around Sasuke and his escape from his own demons. Sasuke feels helpless after losing to both his sibling and Naruto. This motivates him to join Orochimaru, who he believes would strengthen him. The call, however, turned out to be a cunning trap. Naruto and the others make an unsuccessful attempt to rescue Sasuke. After defeating Naruto, Sasuke departs the village. This plot demonstrates that the protagonists do not always get what they want. The heroes, though, are not giving up either.

Sasuke’s Recovery Mission Arc
Sasuke’s Recovery Mission Arc

Five Kage Summit Arc

In this arc, we see the five countries join together for a common goal. The Five Kage get together and decide to work together, but they need to talk about the specifics. This scene depicts Sasuke’s showdown with Killer B. And Sasuke’s victory over the Uchiha clan’s archrival Danzo in their battle. After Naruto apologizes for Sasuke, this pattern repeats itself. When Obito declares war on the Five Great Nations, the arc comes to a close.

Five Kage Summit Arc
Five Kage Summit Arc

Birth Of The Ten-Tail’s Jinchuriki Arc

The Jinchuriki arc from Birth of the Ten-Tail is also a well-known section of the story. While Madara struggles to reclaim his physical form, this act depicts Obito’s transformation into the Ten-Tail Jinchuriki. After Obito is defeated, the evil Madara takes on the nine-tailed creatures head-on. The battle between Might Guy and Madara is excellent. The battle, in a word, was divine. Fans have mixed feelings on the narrative overall. It also includes the reincarnation of Ashura and Indra in the forms of Naruto and Sasuke.

Birth Of The Ten-Tail’s Jinchuriki Arc
Birth Of The Ten-Tail’s Jinchuriki Arc

Search For Tsunade Arc

This arc takes place after the death of the Third Hokage, when the Hidden Leaf Village is searching for a new leader. Jiraya and the battle of the Legendary Shanin are shown. Tsunade is a formidable ninja and one of their most valuable resources. Naruto and Jiraya made it their mission to persuade him to take control. Later on, Naruto proves his worth and becomes the new Hokage.

Search For Tsunade Arc
Search For Tsunade Arc

Akatsuki Suppression Mission Arc

Hidan and Kakuzu, two members of Akatsuki, are the primary protagonists of this arc. Tsunade has declared that all members of the Akatsuki would be caught or executed if they are discovered. In this investigation, Shikamaru and Asuma are partners. In this storyline, Asuma dies but ultimately exacts his vengeance. Shikamaru’s extraordinary intelligence is on full display in this arc, as he is able to permanently imprison Hidan and eliminate Kakuzu. This section of the story ranks high among the best in the entire Naruto canon.

Akatsuki Suppression Mission Arc
Akatsuki Suppression Mission Arc

Chunin Exam Arc

The Chunin examination arc is a fan favorite that occurs early in the story. The test provides an opportunity for Naruto and his peers to compete and demonstrate their abilities. While Neji comes dangerously close to killing his cousin Hinata, Naruto demonstrates his ninja prowess by fighting Kiba. The arc includes a wide range of feelings. The importance of hard effort and cooperation as a team is also emphasized. This arc was essential in developing the group’s young members into their eventual leaders.

Chunin Exam Arc
Chunin Exam Arc

Jiraya The Gallant Arc

Jiraya’s death is one of the most heartbreaking moments in the show. Popular toad sage embarks on a covert expedition to track down Akatsuki leader Pain. Unfortunately, Pain is able to track him down, and he winds up pitted against its Six Paths. He manages to win against a few paths before ultimately losing. The hero’s ultimate selflessness makes him one of fiction’s most enduring figures. Achieving the weak end and writing the explanation for Pain’s power are two things Jiraya manages to do with his dying breath.

Jiraya The Gallant Arc
Jiraya The Gallant Arc

Fated Battle Between The Brothers Arc

Fans love this storyline since it’s one of the most touching in the series. Sasuke and Itachi, his older sibling, finally get into a fight. The arc explains everything that has happened to Itachi and why he has killed so many people. The most despised antagonist ends up being a savior. In this conflict, the brothers are able to vent their deepest feelings and emotions. The Mangekyou Sharingan, which Itachi uses, is also exposed. Sasuke prevails in the end, but it was hardly a victory. The series’ widespread popularity can be traced back to Itachi’s dying grin.

Fated Battle Between The Brothers Arc
Fated Battle Between The Brothers Arc

Kaguya Otsutsuki Strikes Arc

In this section, Black Zetsu betrays Madara while they are in the midst of a battle. Kaguya, the shinobi mother, has entered his body. However, Sakura, Kakashi, Sasuke, and Naruto are able to defeat the alien princess. Sasuke and Naruto’s ultimate battle at the end of the arc cements their everlasting admiration for one another as the story’s two protagonists. Later, the Kaguya call the group from their dimension. Since Madara dies when the Ten-Tails are removed from his body, this is a necessary step.

Kaguya Otsutsuki Strikes Arc
Kaguya Otsutsuki Strikes Arc

Pain Arc

After Jiraya is killed, the story enters its strongest arc, Pain’s Invasion. The terrible death had already set the mood, and the invasion of Pain into the Konoha just added to it. Fans also witness Hinata telling Naruto how she feels. Once Pain enters and learns the protagonist’s motivation and principles, the former becomes the latter’s sage mode. Despite the damage, Naruto feels compassion for the ultimate enemy. However, our hero steps in when all the Hokage have failed to defeat Pain, and the rest is history. At the arc’s conclusion, we also meet Naruto’s dad. The arc may be safely called epic, deserving of the top spot on any list of the 10 Best Naruto Arcs.

Pain Arc
Pain Arc

This concludes our comprehensive ranking of the top 10 Naruto arcs. No matter how much time passes, the series will continue to be beloved by fans. The anime’s action scenes and the characters’ consistent demonstrations of teamwork defy description. But, did we fail to cover any of your favorite storylines? Share your thoughts in the space provided here. So, stick with Orianime for further developments.

Read more: The Best Naruto Character Arcs