10 Most Popular Naruto Episodes, Ranked
Naruto‘s television adaptation has been a fan favorite with anime viewers since the historic English release of the popular series in 2005. Almost two decades later, the series has exploded into one of the top franchises in the world, paving the way for its successful sequel series, Naruto: Shippuden, and the ongoing Boruto franchise. The lasting success of the original Naruto series is undeniable, but a few episodes stand out as the most popular of the entire series.
Naruto consistently delivers high-stakes action, interesting conflicts, and the use of powerful ninjutsu, and the best episodes have all three elements and even more for fans to latch on to. Although major battles and lead characters feature in many of Naruto‘s most popular episodes, some of the most beloved sequences showcase supporting characters and less dire circumstances, illustrating the diverse elements that continue to make this noteworthy series popular with viewers.
Kafka Hibino is the main character of Kaiju No. 8, and most of the characters from Naruto that can defeat him are Kage-level ninja.
10.Neji Forces Hinata to Fight Fiercely in the Chunin Exams
Naruto Episode 46: Byakugan Battle: Hinata Grows Bold!
| Naruto Episode | Episode Title | English Debut |
|---|---|---|
| Episode 46 | “Byakugan Battle: Hinata Grows Bold!” | August 5, 2006 |
The Chunin Exams tournament is one of the most beloved Naruto arcs because it’s an action-driven sequence featuring interesting match-ups, like cousins Hinata and Neji Hyuga, who don’t often interact or lead major battles. Hinata and Neji’s exciting battle is a fan favorite because it highlights new elements of their characters and showcases the strength of the Byakugan, the powerful kekkei genkai dojutsu that rivals the Uchiha Sharingan.
Anger fueled by the rivalry between distinct bloodline factions makes Neji Hyuga unfairly resentful of his cousin, Hinata, when they finally fight. Although it goes against Hinata’s reserved nature, she summons the strength to combat Neji’s unforgiving attacks until they finally overpower her. The Chunin Exams remain a highlight for the Hyugas because of the in-depth demonstration of their unique Byakugan power during their battle, which serves as their first defining conflict.
9.Naruto’s Rasengan Becomes His Signature Attack
Naruto Episode 94: Attack! Fury of the Rasengan!
| Naruto Episode | Episode Title | English Debut |
|---|---|---|
| Episode 94 | “Attack! Fury of the Rasengan!” | July 7, 2007 |
Naruto Uzumaki’s journey to becoming a shinobi has a difficult start because he lacks sufficient chakra control; however, the determined protagonist eventually masters several trademark techniques like his Shadow Clone Jutsu and the Rasengan. One of Naruto’s first significant uses of the Rasengan technique happens during the collision of the three legendary Sannin of the Hidden Leaf Village, in the most popular episode to feature the trio.
Tsunade betrays fellow Sannin Jiraiya by drugging him to meet with their old teammate Orochimaru as part of her plan to end the villain’s life. Orochimaru and his top henchman, Kabuto, prepare to capture Tsunade after discovering her plan, but not before Naruto arrives with Jiraiya and Shizune to rescue the future Hokage. Kabuto has frozen Tsunade in fear by manipulating her fear of blood when Naruto heroically springs to action to defend her using his new Rasengan technique, saving the Hokage’s life and stalling the restoration of Orochimaru’s power.
8.Naruto Defies & Defeats Neji in the Chunin Exams
Naruto Episode 62: A Failure’s True Power
| Naruto Episode | Episode Title | English Debut |
|---|---|---|
| Episode 62 | “A Failure’s True Power” | November 18, 2006 |
The second round of the Chunin Exams delivers some of the best moments of the fan favorite sequence, including Neji Hyuga’s match against protagonist Naruto Uzumaki. Their battle reflects the significant series theme that people can create a better future for themselves through determination, and the fun demonstration of Naruto’s trademark fighting style is a big reason why the sequence remains popular.
Naruto Uzumaki faces Neji Hyuga after the latter cruelly injures his cousin in the first round of the tournament and heroically avenges Hinata’s mistreatment during the match-up. Despite Neji’s insistence that he and Hinata are destined enemies in the same way Naruto isn’t destined for greatness, the enraged Nine-Tails Jinchuriki defies Neji and the power of his Byakugan using his Tailed Beast Chakra. Naruto brings the battle to a stunning conclusion by using one of his signature shadow clones to lure Neji into a trap, earning a significant victory in the tournament and paving the way for Naruto to become a Chunin.
7.Choji Puts His Life on the Line for Sasuke’s Recovery Mission
Naruto Episode 113: Full Throttle Power! Choji, Ablaze!
| Naruto Episode | Episode Title | English Debut |
|---|---|---|
| Episode 113 | “Full Throttle Power! Choji, Ablaze!” | November 3, 2007 |
The Sasuke Recovery Mission is one of the most popular action sequences in Naruto, and it reaches an emotional pinnacle whenever Shikamaru Nara has to make a difficult decision as the leader of the mission’s team. Shikamaru reluctantly agrees to allow his Team Asuma comrade and best friend, Choji Akimichi, to stay behind and stand alone against an enemy as the rest of the Sasuke Recovery Team forges ahead.
Choji’s opponent is Jirobo, one of the Sound Five empowered by Orochimaru’s Curse Seal, making the stakes higher than ever for the young shinobi. The match marks a significant milestone for Choji, who must summon power beyond his usual limits using a unique technique from his bloodline, the Akimichi Clan. Choji puts his life on the line by using the Secret Triple Threat, a dangerous set of pills that drastically alters its user’s body, to overpower Sound Ninja Jirobo alone. Although the team of Hidden Leaf shinobi ultimately fails to rescue Sasuke Uchiha, Choji’s courageous performance paves the way for his allies to give the mission their best effort.
6.Sasuke’s Memories of the Uchiha Clan Massacre Are Finally Revealed
Naruto Episode 84: Roar, Chidori! Brother vs Brother!
| Naruto Episode | Episode Title | English Debut |
|---|---|---|
| Episode 84 | “Roar, Chidori! Brother vs. Brother!” | April 21, 2007 |
The massacre of the Uchiha Clan is a mysterious tragedy that drives the plot of Naruto, especially for dueteragonist Sasuke Uchiha who is the sole survivor of the grisly attack. Sasuke’s older brother, Itachi, is the perpetrator of the violence against their bloodline, driving Sasuke on an insatiable quest for revenge that defines his trajectory for the rest of the series.
Itachi Uchiha flees the Hidden Leaf Village after killing the Uchiha Clan, leaving Sasuke in desperate pursuit of his brother until they finally cross paths again years later. Sasuke and Naruto are searching for the rogue Uchiha shinobi when Itachi and Kisame, a fellow Akatsuki member, appear before them. Instead of a showdown with his Itachi, Sasuke endures a tragic reliving of his memories the day he returns to his village to find the Uchiha Clan slaughtered by his brother, picturing the influential tragedy for the first time in the series.
5.Naruto & Sasuke Get Major Power-Ups on Their First Mission
Naruto Episode 19: The Demon in the Snow
| Naruto Episode | Episode Title | English Debut |
|---|---|---|
| Episode 19 | “The Demon in the Snow” | January 14, 2006 |
Naruto Uzumaki and Sasuke Uchiha are bound to parallel trajectories that influence their rivalry, and one of their most popular early milestones happens during their first shinobi mission. Kakashi Hatake’s Team 7 unexpectedly encounters a fearsome duo in the Land of Waves, formed by Zabuza Momochi and Haku, and the battle pushes Naruto and Sasuke to unleash their untapped power in back-to-back scenes.
Haku dominates Naruto and Sasuke with his dangerous kekkei genkai until Sasuke awakens the legendary power of the Uchiha clan’s iconic Sharingan, one of the strongest dojutsu in Naruto history. The newfound power of Sasuke’s fully awakened Sharingan is one of the most exciting power-ups of the series, but it takes a toll on him after protecting his injured rival. Naruto makes an arguably even more impressive debut of power when the sight of Sasuke’s injuries causes the first partial manifestation of the Nine-Tailed Fox, illustrating the exciting potential of both characters quickly in the series.
4.The Third Hokage Dies Protecting the Hidden Leaf Village
Naruto Episode 79: Beyond the Limit of Darkness and Light
| Naruto Episode | Episode Title | English Debut |
|---|---|---|
| Episode 79 | “Beyond the Limit of Darkness and Light” | March 17, 2007 |
Naruto‘s Konoha Crush sequence marks an important shift in the plot as the Hidden Leaf Village comes under assault by Orochimaru, the overarching antagonist of the series. The pinnacle episode of the high-stakes sequence features an important victory for protagonist Naruto Uzumaki and the death of the beloved Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen.
The episode is the most popular in the arc because it features two influential battles in the first major political conflict of the series. Orochimaru attacks the Hidden Leaf Village as part of a plan to corrupt Sasuke Uchiha to abuse his strength, and Gaara serves as a distraction to split Konoha’s attention during the encounter. While Naruto demonstrates the superior strength of the Nine-Tailed Fox over Gaara the One-Tailed Jinchuriki, the Third Hokage sacrifices his life with the terrifying Reaper Death Seal trying to seal away the villain Orochimaru from the shinobi world forever in a truly unforgettable scene.
3.The Team 7 Rivals Finally Fight as Enemies
Naruto Episode 134: End of Tears
| Naruto Episode | Episode Title | English Debut |
|---|---|---|
| Episode 134 | “End of Tears” | January 26, 2008 |
The final battle between Team 7’s Naruto Uzumaki and Sasuke Uchiha was the most anticipated sequence of the series upon its debut when the longstanding rivalry between the two characters finally erupts into an all-out battle. By the end of their epic fight, Naruto and Sasuke showcase their signature techniques and physical transformations at their peak as the two characters make the final attempt of the series to reconcile their rival perspectives.
The last episode of the fight sequence features the exciting showdown between Naruto’s new Nine-Tailed Beast form and Sasuke’s transformation empowered by Orochimaru’s Curse Seal. Hues of fiery red and electric blue collide throughout their most unforgiving battle, but their fury cannot bring the Team 7 rivals to sever their connection. As Naruto and Sasuke are poised to take each other out with their trademark Rasengan and Chidori, they intentionally misdirect their attacks to avoid killing each other, revealing hope for their future as the friends they once were.
2.Gaara & Rock Lee Have the Most Exciting Chunin Exams Fight
Naruto Episode 48: Gaara vs Rock Lee: The Power of Youth Explodes!
| Naruto Episode | Episode Title | English Debut |
|---|---|---|
| Episode 48 | “Gaara vs Rock Lee: The Power of Youth Explodes!” | August 19, 2006 |
Perhaps the most exciting match-up of Naruto‘s Chunin Exams is the fight between the Hidden Sand Village’s Gaara and the Hidden Leaf Village’s Rock Lee. Their dynamic battle is popular with Gaara and Rock Lee fans alike for illustrating the diverse spectrum of strength in the shinobi world through their distinct fighting styles.
Gaara is already known as a dangerous threat from the moment he steps foot in the Chunin Exams arena, but Rock Lee’s mostly unseen power makes a stunning debut during their fight. Although Rock Lee fights with only physical taijutsu attacks, since he lacks other powers like ninjutsu, his speed and strength after accessing some of the Eight Inner Gates is enough to rival Gaara as the One-Tailed Jinchuriki. The unforgettable match ends with Rock Lee’s sudden defeat, and Gaara takes the opportunity to further vilify himself by attempting to use unnecessary deadly force to end his incapacitated opponent’s life.
1.Naruto & Sasuke’s Final Fight Shows Hope for Their Future
Naruto Episode 132: For a Friend…
| Naruto Episode | Episode Title | English Debut |
|---|---|---|
| Episode 132 | “For a Friend…” | January 19, 2008 |
Naruto‘s most popular episode with fans is the eruption of the highly anticipated final battle between Team 7 rivals Naruto Uzumaki and Sasuke Uchiha. Explosive action and emotional significance makes their fight at the Valley of End unforgettable, even almost two decades after its debut.
Naruto finally confronts Sasuke as he finally prepares to depart from the Hidden Leaf Village to join Orochimaru, but he first refuses to inflict harm on his friend. Eventually, the two become interlocked in a visceral blow-for-blow exchange as they argue about the path ahead of the young Uchiha with the powers of the Nine-Tailed Fox and Sharingan steadily scaling up to a peak. The Team 7 shinobi represent two sides of the same coin when Sasuke resolves to kill his comrade to exploit their friendship to awaken the Mangekyo Sharingan as Naruto resolves to put his life on the line to save their friendship.
