Where to Watch Naruto and Naruto Shippuden Online
You can watch Naruto and Naruto Shippuden online through official streaming services that license the anime from its Japanese rights holders. The most reliable options are Hulu, Netflix, Crunchyroll, and Amazon Prime Video (via the Anime Strike or HiDive add-on), though availability varies by country and changes over time.
Background: What Are Naruto and Naruto Shippuden?
Naruto is a Japanese anime series adapted from Masashi Kishimoto’s manga, first airing in 2002. It follows young ninja Naruto Uzumaki as he seeks recognition and dreams of becoming Hokage, the leader of his village. The original series ran for 220 episodes. Naruto Shippuden is the direct sequel, covering the manga’s later chapters, and aired from 2007 to 2017 with 500 episodes. Together, they tell a single continuous story, so you’ll want to watch them in order.
Official Streaming Options (as of 2025)
Streaming catalogs change frequently, but these platforms have consistently carried the series in many regions:
- Hulu – Has both Naruto and Shippuden in the U.S., including English dub and subtitled versions.
- Netflix – Carries the series in several countries, but not all. In the U.S., it has had Shippuden at times, but availability fluctuates.
- Crunchyroll – Offers both series with subtitles and dubs in many regions, especially outside the U.S.
- Amazon Prime Video – Sometimes offers the series as a purchase or through add-on channels like HiDive.
- Peacock – Has carried Naruto in the U.S. as part of its anime lineup.
To check what’s available in your country, use a site like JustWatch, which aggregates streaming availability by region.
How to Choose a Platform
Your choice depends on three factors: your region, whether you want subtitles or dub, and your budget. If you’re in the U.S., Hulu is often the most complete option. Outside the U.S., Crunchyroll is more likely to have it. Netflix’s catalog varies widely—some countries have it, others don’t. If you prefer English dub, check the platform’s language options before subscribing, as some only offer subtitles.
Free vs. Paid: What’s Legal?
Many fans search for free streaming sites, but most are unofficial and often illegal. These sites may host pirated content, which violates copyright and can expose you to malware or intrusive ads. The only legitimate free options are trials (like Hulu’s 30-day trial) or ad-supported tiers on platforms like Crunchyroll (though the free tier often has limited episodes). Avoid unofficial sites; they’re not safe and don’t support the creators.
Common Problems and Solutions
If you can’t find the series on a platform, it’s likely due to regional licensing. For example, Netflix in the U.S. may not have Shippuden, but Netflix in Japan does. Solutions:
- Use a VPN to access a different region’s catalog (but note this may violate the platform’s terms of service).
- Check if the series is available for purchase on digital stores like Amazon Video or iTunes.
- Look for physical DVD/Blu-ray sets if streaming isn’t available.
Cost Comparison
Subscription prices vary, but as of 2025, Hulu’s ad-supported plan is about $7.99/month, Crunchyroll’s premium starts around $7.99/month, and Netflix’s basic plan is around $9.99/month. Buying individual episodes or seasons can cost more in the long run—a full season on Amazon Video might be $20–$30. If you only want to watch Naruto, a subscription is usually cheaper than buying everything.
Alternatives to Streaming
If streaming isn’t an option, you can purchase digital episodes or seasons from platforms like Amazon Video, iTunes, or Google Play. Physical media is also available—the series has been released on DVD and Blu-ray in multiple box sets. These are permanent purchases, so you don’t need a subscription.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Naruto on Netflix?
In the U.S., Netflix has had Naruto and Shippuden at different times, but as of 2025, it’s not consistently available. In other countries like Japan, it is. Check your local Netflix catalog or use JustWatch to see current availability.
Can I watch Naruto for free legally?
Yes, through free trials on platforms like Hulu or Crunchyroll (which offers a limited free tier with ads). However, the free tier on Crunchyroll typically only offers a few episodes, not the full series. No legal service offers the entire series for free permanently.
What’s the difference between Naruto and Naruto Shippuden?
Naruto covers the first part of the story, with Naruto as a pre-teen. Shippuden continues after a time skip, with Naruto older and more powerful. They’re one continuous story, so watch Naruto first.
Is the English dub available on all platforms?
No. Hulu and Crunchyroll typically offer both sub and dub, but Netflix sometimes only has subtitles. Check the platform’s language options before committing.
Do I need to watch the filler episodes?
No. Filler episodes are non-canon and don’t advance the main plot. If you want to skip them, you can follow a filler guide (like the one on AnimeFillerList) to watch only canon episodes, saving time.
Can I watch Naruto on YouTube?
Officially, no. Some clips and trailers are on YouTube, but full episodes are not legally available there. Any full episodes you find are likely pirated and may be removed.
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