Summary
Narutois one of the greatest shonen anime of all time, forming a part of the legendary Big Three along withBleachandOne Piece. Kishimoto went all out in the worldbuilding and narrative of this amazing series, with the eponymous protagonist being shunned by the Leaf Village for reasons out of his control. His quest to become the Hokage is something everyone laughs at, only for the spiky-haired blond ninja to prove everyone wrong and become one of the strongest ninja in the world.
Throughout the course ofNaruto’s epic run, fans have been treated to some of thebest arcs in anime history. When the show is at its peak, it lets viewers enjoy epic fights, engrossing storytelling, and amazing character development, which is a treat for fans invested in the series. It’s easy to see why some arcs inNarutoare so incredible that fans can’t stop themselves from watching these storylines again and again without getting bored.
5Chunin Exams
One Of The Greatest Pre-Time-Skip Arcs
After one of the best introductory arcs in any shonen anime to date, fans were treated to the much-awaitedChunin Examswhere aspiring genin would participate in numerous tests to establish themselves as ninja worthy of achieving a higher rank and being assigned to more dangerous missions. This arc is memorable for introducing numerous characters who would become mainstays of the series, a chilling villain who sends shivers down everyone’s spine, and an engaging tournament arc structure that makes for a scintillating watch.
Many seeds are sown during this arc, such as Sakura cutting her hair to embrace her independence and Sasuke being inflicted by Orochimaru’s curse mark. WithRock Lee’s amazing fight against Gaaraand Naruto impressing everyone with his victory against Neji, it’s easy to see why this arc is still rewatchable to this day.Narutowas downright immaculate when it came to the pre-time skip canon storylines, and the Chunin Exams arc is a great example of the same.
4Konoha Crush
Watching Numerous Powerful Ninja Show Off Their Skills Never Gets Old
Konoha Crushkickstarts immediately after Orochimaru reveals himself during the tail end of the Chunin Exams, with Gaara and his friends trying to escape as the person imbibed with the Shukaku is dealing with a critical injury inflicted by Sasuke. Thebattle between the Third Hokage and Orochimaruis undoubtedly the highlight of this arc, with the traitor revealing the bodies of the first two Hokage who engaged Sarutobi in battle. However, the emotional peak of this arc comes at the end, when Naruto emerges as the victor in his fight against Gaara and shows how his sheer force of will can overcome loneliness and hatred.
Watching the parents of everyone’s favorite shinobi come to aid the village as Gaara admits his loss is an epic moment that will send goosebumps down the spine of everyNarutofan. Despite the scope of the series ballooning following this arc, fans who want to check out a time whenNarutocould make them emotional in a simple and clever manner will love each and every facet of Konoha Crush.
3Sasuke Recovery Mission
The Turning Point In The Series Right Before The Time-Skip
After seeing Naruto’s growth during his fight against Gaara and being manhandled by his brother during their violent reunion, Sasuke can’t help but feel inferior to his rival. A quick fight on the hospital rooftop further hammers home his weakness, leading to the shinobi making a conscious decision to escape from the village and study under Orochimaru’s watchful gaze to become stronger. He lets the Sound Five take him away, leading to a recovery mission featuring everyone’s favorite shinobi.
Given how the later arcs ofNarutodon’t place too much importance on the side characters, it’s fun to see people like Kiba, Neji, and Shino enjoy some time in the spotlight that won’t come their way again any time soon. Of course, it would be impossible to talk about this arc without mentioning the final fight between Naruto and Sasuke. It is as epic as they come, ending in heartbreak as the protagonist loses, and his best friend accomplishes his goal ofcutting his bonds and becoming an outcast.
2Akatsuki Suppression Mission
Naruto And Shikamaru Get Their Time To Shine
It’s clear from the very first arc ofShippudenthat the Akatsuki is a fearsome group of villains, and it’s important for the entire shinobi world to take their threat seriously. While the Kazekage Rescue Mission showed the threat they pose firsthand, most people argue that theAkatsuki Suppression Missionis way more rewatchable because of the incredible pacing, emotional highs, and character development that is rife throughout the arc. After Asuma dies at the hands of Hidan, Shikamaru turns this feeling of loss into his strength and makes it his goal to get revenge for his sensei.
Along with this, Naruto also learns about the elemental nature of chakra and works on a jutsu that helps him upgrade the Rasengan into a stronger and more unique variant. All of this culminates in an incredible showdown against Hidan and Kakuzu. The former is given a permanent burial at the hands of Shikamaru, and the latter isobliterated by the debut of the powerful Rasenshuriken.
1Pain’s Assault
Watching Naruto Finally Be Acknowledged By The Village Never Ceases To Be Amazing
Most people argue thatNarutopeaked with the advent ofPain’s Assault, with the main character training his hardest to avenge his beloved Ero-sensei. Jiraiya’s death is one of the most emotional moments inNaruto, and watching Pain level the entire village of Konoha is hard to digest for both the eponymous main character and the viewers. After Naruto masters Sage Mode and arrives to save Konoha, he jumps into the fray and shows his enhanced power by taking out the Six Paths of Pain one by one.
However, not all is smooth sailing for Naruto, and he is eventually trapped by Pain before seeing Hinata fall in front of his eyes. Believing her to be dead, Naruto transforms into the Kyuubi and is about to let the monster take over his body, only for a reunion with his father to strengthen his resolve as the ninja regains his control and uses a well-placed Rasengan to take out the final Path of Pain.An iconic Naruto speech follows, and Nagato amends his ways by reviving everyone who lost their lives at the cost of his own. It’s a beautiful end to an arc that concludes with the entire village cheering for Naruto, and that never gets old on a rewatch, even if some people may find the exaggerated visuals of the fight between Naruto and Pain to be a bit too stylized for their liking.
