The Best Naruto Shippuden Episodes, Ranked

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Key Takeaways

  • Naruto: Shippuden wows viewers with epic battles and major narrative payoffs, raising the series’ quality.
  • Flashbacks showcase Minato’s strength, highlighting his epic Rasengan attack against Obito in Shippuden.
  • Emotional moments like Itachi and Sasuke’s reunion, Naruto meeting his mother, and Guy’s sacrifice are Shippuden’s highlights.

As a long-time fan of Naruto, I can confidently say that these episodes are some of the best the series has to offer. Each one is packed with action, emotion, and revelations that make them stand out among the rest.

Initially, watching Naruto was incredibly engaging, but it required overlooking an excessive amount of unnecessary content before the time jump. Fortunately, fans were delighted to learn that Naruto: Shippuden would eventually unfold the latter half of the tale, focusing on Naruto’s relentless pursuit of Sasuke.

Viewers initially found Shippuden to have a sluggish beginning, but it soon left them spellbound with an array of breathtaking battles and episodes that truly showcased the brilliance of Naruto. Many of the episodes in Shippuden act as significant narrative climaxes for plotlines established earlier in Naruto, which is why they are highly praised by fans. These moments, rated highest on IMDb, have left viewers in awe.

WARNING! Spoilers ahead.

8. The Fourth Hokage’s Death Match

IMDb Rating: 9.5/10

  • Japanese Title: Yondaime no shito!!
  • Original Air Date: February 9, 2012

Minato stands out among the Naruto characters, even though he doesn’t initially appear when the story begins. Flashbacks in Shippuden offer viewers a peek into his formidable power, such as his fierce battle against Obito where he showed remarkable skill, possibly delivering the most impressive Rasengan attack seen throughout the series.

Following a strategic build-up and hurling a kunai towards Obito, the antagonist believed he had outmaneuvered the Hokage. But just when all seemed lost, an instant before impact, his Flying Thunder God Technique activated, transporting him above Obito. In response, he unleashed such a magnificent Rasengan that it dramatically enhanced the caliber of this very episode.

7. I Will Love You Always

IMDb Rating: 9.5/10

  • Japanese Title: Imao o zutto aishiteru
  • Original Air Date: November 21, 2013

After their younger years, Itachi and Sasuke didn’t have an opportunity for dialogue due to the secret of Itachi’s selfless act in protecting his brother. With their reunion on the battlefield against Kabuto, eager fans are looking forward to hearing the conversations between these two characters.

The discussion doesn’t fall short, as Itachi delves deeply into his botched scheme and how he unwittingly guided Sasuke towards a path of animosity. Regardless of the events that transpired, Itachi concludes his discourse with a poignant remark about his affection for Sasuke remaining unchanged, before disappearing as the Edo Tensei is undone once Kabuto is rendered helpless.

6. Thank You

IMDb Rating: 9.5/10

  • Japanese Title: Arigato
  • Original Air Date: February 9, 2012

The reveal of Minato as Naruto’s father was a great moment that elevated the Pain arc, but fans were still left in the dark about his mother. This question was finally answered when Naruto tried to tame the Nine-Tails, prompting his red-haired mother to make a surprise appearance.

It’s heartwarming to learn about the selfless actions these parents take for Naruto’s sake, causing the main character to feel a mix of happiness and sorrow when he understands that his mother is departing. After their last loving embrace, Naruto receives the emotional closure he needs to reinforce his determination and ultimately save the day.

5. The Tale Of Jiraiya The Gallant

IMDb Rating: 9.5/10

  • Japanese Title: Jiraiya Goketsu Monogatari
  • Original Air Date: October 29, 2009

Among the remarkable characters in “Naruto: Shippuden”, Jiraiya stands out as one of the most significant, making his battle with Pain particularly heart-wrenching. His quest to understand why his apprentice embarked on such a sinister journey led him to expose a hidden truth that ultimately paved the way for Pain’s downfall.

In the heat of the battle, I found myself on the brink of surrender, but then, Naruto’s unwavering spirit came flooding back to me. It would have been disgraceful for a mentor like me to bow out when my protege needed me most. So, with every ounce of strength left in me, I stepped up one last time as the hero he’d always known me to be. With that act, I set the stage for an epic showdown between Naruto and Pain – a battle destined to go down in shinobi history.

4. Congratulations

IMDb Rating: 9.6/10

  • Japanese Title: Omedeto
  • Original Air Date: September 1, 2016

Kaguya’s participation in the final fight seemed arbitrary and didn’t fully reflect Naruto’s impressive storytelling, however, it was thrilling when Team Seven reunited to save the day. Kakashi was brimming with happiness as his team displayed flawless coordination to temporarily subdue Kaguya, giving enough time for the Chakra Mother to be vanquished.

The image of the three characters halting Kaguya is a powerful scene marking the conclusion of the conflict. But, restoring order requires more than just ending the war; Sasuke unveils his malicious plans, necessitating a stern intervention from his dearest friend and adversary to jolt him back to reason, eventually enlightening him.

3. The Sage Of Six Paths

IMDb Rating: 9.6/10

  • Japanese Title: Rikudo Sen’nin
  • Original Air Date: July 30, 2015

In Shippuden, a character assumed the position of the Taijutsu expert, and it was particularly evident during the fight with an exceptionally strong Madara. This battle offered the ideal opportunity to demonstrate the might of Taijutsu, as all eight gates were simultaneously activated.

In an incredible demonstration of strength, Guy risked everything, causing his blood to appear as a red halo around him as he came close to defeating Madara. Although he narrowly missed the target and was left paralyzed from the waist down, Naruto managed to reach him in the critical moment, ensuring that Guy would make it through, having sacrificed himself to stop Madara.

2. Chibaku Tensei

IMDb Rating: 9.6/10

  • Japanese Title: Chibaku Tensei
  • Original Air Date: July 1, 2010

As a gamer immersed in the Naruto universe, I found myself swept up in the intense clash between Pain and Naruto. When he believed Hinata was no more, my character’s fury erupted like a tempest. It wasn’t long before I transformed into the Tailed Beast form, unleashing chaos as I surged forward, nearly overpowering Pain. In the heat of battle, I became a berserk Naruto, reducing everything in my path to rubble.

In this particular scene, the Nine-Tails was about to be released, but just in time, Minato intervened and disclosed his identity as Naruto’s father. This episode is bursting with thrilling battles and significant disclosures, which explains why it stands out among the top episodes of Naruto: Shippuden.

1. The End

IMDb Rating: 9.6/10

  • Japanese Title: Shuen
  • Original Air Date: December 3, 2009

Fans eagerly anticipated the duel between Sasuke and Itachi, holding their breath in suspense. When Sasuke used Kirin to strike what should have been a fatal blow on his brother, Sasuke was shocked to see this formidable shinobi remain standing. As he approached Sasuke with a chilling stride, Itachi summoned the Susanoo, making an ominous advance.

Following the depletion of his final chakra in sealing off Orochimaru’s Mark, Itachi speaks cryptic last words before fatally striking Sasuke’s head for the final time and succumbing to death. This dramatic ending to their battle holds great importance, with the true implications of Itachi’s actions being clarified later by Obito as he eventually reveals the profound reasons behind his brother’s severe actions.

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2024-12-10 13:34