The world of Naruto, created by Masashi Kishimoto, has captivated audiences for decades. From the original series to Naruto Shippuden, and now with Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, the story of ninjas and their adventures continues to unfold. A key element of the Naruto franchise is its cinematic outings, and fans are naturally curious about the number of films dedicated to Boruto. So, let’s dive into answering the burning question: How many Boruto movies are there?
The Boruto Movie Landscape: A Closer Look
To accurately answer this question, it’s essential to understand the context. The “Boruto movie landscape” isn’t quite as straightforward as simply counting films directly titled “Boruto.” We need to consider how the Boruto story has been presented cinematically.
While there isn’t a long list of standalone Boruto movies in the same vein as the Naruto series, one key film bridges the gap between the original Naruto story and the Boruto era: Boruto: Naruto the Movie.
Boruto: Naruto the Movie: The Pivotal Film
Boruto: Naruto the Movie is arguably the most crucial cinematic piece in the Boruto narrative. Released in 2015, it directly follows the conclusion of the Naruto manga and serves as a prologue to the Boruto: Naruto Next Generations anime and manga series.
This film introduces Boruto Uzumaki, Naruto’s son, and his generation of ninja. It showcases their challenges, their relationship with their parents (particularly Boruto’s complex dynamic with Naruto, now the Seventh Hokage), and a new threat to the ninja world.
Key Elements of the Movie:
- Introduction of Boruto and his peers.
- Exploration of the evolving ninja world in a time of peace.
- Focus on the generational gap and familial relationships.
- A significant battle that tests the new generation’s skills and resolve.
- Introduction of new Otsutsuki clan members.
The movie covers the events of the Chunin Exams which are slightly different from those later depicted in the Boruto anime series.
Why “Boruto: Naruto the Movie” Is So Important
This film is more than just a movie; it’s a bridge. It smoothly transitions the audience from the familiar world of Naruto into the new generation. It establishes the core themes and conflicts that drive the Boruto: Naruto Next Generations series. Without Boruto: Naruto the Movie, the Boruto storyline wouldn’t have the same context or emotional impact. The film lays the groundwork for understanding Boruto’s motivations, his relationships, and the challenges he faces in living up to his father’s legacy.
The “Boruto” Question: One Movie, Multiple Interpretations
Technically, when asked, “How many Boruto movies are there?”, the direct answer is one: Boruto: Naruto the Movie. However, it’s important to remember that the narrative content presented in the movie has been adapted and expanded upon in the Boruto anime series.
The series covers similar events, but adds depth, new characters, and extends the storyline in ways the movie couldn’t achieve in its limited runtime. Therefore, the movie is, in some ways, a condensed version of the early arcs of the Boruto anime.
Are There Plans for More Boruto Movies?
As of now, there are no officially announced plans for a direct sequel movie specifically titled “Boruto.” The Boruto: Naruto Next Generations anime series and manga have been the primary vehicles for continuing the story.
However, the future is always uncertain. Given the continued popularity of the Naruto and Boruto franchises, it’s certainly possible that more movies could be produced in the future. Fan demand often plays a significant role in these decisions.
The Future of the Boruto Franchise
The Boruto franchise has experienced some transitions. After a break in the anime adaptation, the series is slated to return under the title Boruto: Two Blue Vortex, adapting the manga’s time-skip storyline. This change indicates a shift in focus and a potential evolution of the characters and plot.
Whether this evolution will eventually lead to more cinematic releases remains to be seen. For now, fans can look forward to the continuation of the anime series and the ongoing manga, which will undoubtedly expand the world of Boruto and introduce new adventures.
Understanding the Extended Naruto Universe
To truly appreciate the Boruto narrative, it’s helpful to understand where it fits within the larger Naruto universe. The timeline is as follows:
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Naruto: The original series focusing on Naruto’s journey from childhood to becoming a skilled ninja.
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Naruto Shippuden: The sequel series that continues Naruto’s training and the escalating conflicts with the Akatsuki and the looming threat of the Fourth Great Ninja War.
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The Last: Naruto the Movie: This movie bridges the gap between the end of Naruto Shippuden and the beginning of the Boruto era. It focuses on Naruto and Hinata’s relationship and sets the stage for the next generation.
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Boruto: Naruto the Movie: As previously discussed, this film introduces Boruto and his peers and serves as a prologue to the Boruto series.
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Boruto: Naruto Next Generations: The anime and manga series that continue Boruto’s story and the challenges faced by the new generation of ninja.
The Impact of the Boruto Series
The Boruto: Naruto Next Generations series has had a significant impact on the Naruto franchise. It has introduced new characters, explored different themes, and expanded the lore of the ninja world.
Some fans have been critical of the series, citing differences in tone and character development compared to the original Naruto. However, the series has also garnered a large following of its own, particularly among younger viewers who connect with the new generation of ninja.
The ongoing story explores themes such as the impact of technology on the ninja world, the challenges of living in the shadow of legendary figures, and the importance of teamwork and friendship.
Where to Watch Boruto Movies and Series
For those looking to experience the world of Boruto, there are several options:
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Streaming Services: Platforms like Crunchyroll, Hulu, and Funimation offer streaming access to the Boruto: Naruto Next Generations anime series. The availability of Boruto: Naruto the Movie may vary depending on the region and platform.
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Digital Purchase: You can purchase digital copies of Boruto: Naruto the Movie from various online retailers, such as Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, and iTunes.
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Physical Media: DVD and Blu-ray copies of Boruto: Naruto the Movie are also available for purchase from various retailers.
Conclusion: One Film, a Continuing Legacy
So, to definitively answer the question, there is one Boruto movie directly titled as such: Boruto: Naruto the Movie. While there aren’t multiple Boruto movies in the traditional sense, the Boruto: Naruto Next Generations anime and manga series continue the story, expanding upon the themes and characters introduced in the film. The franchise remains active, and the possibility of future movies remains open. For fans eager to dive into Boruto’s world, Boruto: Naruto the Movie is an essential starting point, bridging the gap between the beloved Naruto saga and the next generation of ninja. The future of the series looks bright, and we can anticipate many more adventures to come.
Is there a Boruto movie?
Currently, there is only one official theatrical Boruto movie: Boruto: Naruto the Movie, released in 2015. This film serves as a direct continuation of the Naruto series epilogue and introduces Boruto Uzumaki and the new generation of shinobi to the big screen.
While there is only one standalone movie, several story arcs from the Boruto anime series could arguably be considered “movie-length” experiences due to their scale and production value. However, these arcs are presented as part of the ongoing television series rather than being released as independent theatrical films.
What is the Boruto movie about?
Boruto: Naruto the Movie centers around the Chūnin Exams, a competition where young ninja test their skills. Boruto, frustrated by his father’s absence and struggling to earn his approval, resorts to cheating during the exams with a scientific ninja tool. His actions are discovered, leading to his disqualification.
Simultaneously, a powerful new threat emerges in the form of Momoshiki and Kinshiki Ōtsutsuki, who seek to harvest the Chakra Fruit. They attack the exam arena, and Naruto sacrifices himself to protect the village and his son. Boruto, humbled and recognizing his father’s strength, teams up with Sasuke to rescue Naruto and defeat the Ōtsutsuki threat.
Does the Boruto anime series cover the events of the movie?
Yes, the Boruto anime series re-adapts the events of Boruto: Naruto the Movie. The adaptation occurs within the first few episodes of the series, providing a more detailed and expanded version of the storyline. This allows for greater character development and exploration of certain plot points not fully realized in the film.
While the anime follows the general plot of the movie, it adds new scenes, expands on existing relationships, and provides a richer context for the events that unfold. This makes the anime adaptation a worthwhile experience even for those who have already seen the movie.
Is Boruto: Naruto the Movie canon?
Yes, Boruto: Naruto the Movie is considered canon within the Naruto/Boruto universe. Series creator Masashi Kishimoto was heavily involved in the film’s creation, contributing to the story and character designs. Therefore, the events and characters introduced in the movie are integral to the overall Boruto storyline.
The movie’s canonicity is further reinforced by its re-adaptation within the Boruto anime series. The anime follows the established plot and character arcs from the film, solidifying its place within the official narrative timeline. Any discrepancies between the film and the anime are usually considered minor alterations to enrich the story.
Where can I watch Boruto: Naruto the Movie?
Boruto: Naruto the Movie is available on various streaming platforms that offer anime content. These platforms often include Crunchyroll, Funimation, and Hulu, among others. The availability may vary depending on your region and subscription status. Digital rental or purchase options may also be available through platforms like Google Play Movies, Amazon Prime Video, and Apple TV.
Furthermore, physical copies of the movie, such as Blu-ray and DVD, can be purchased from online retailers or brick-and-mortar stores that sell anime-related media. Check local retailers and online marketplaces for availability in your area.
Will there be a Boruto movie sequel?
As of the current date, there are no confirmed plans for a direct sequel to Boruto: Naruto the Movie in the form of another standalone theatrical film. The Boruto storyline is primarily continued through the ongoing anime series and the manga. The focus seems to be on developing the characters and world through these mediums rather than producing additional movies.
However, the possibility of future Boruto movies should not be entirely dismissed. The anime and manga market are ever-evolving, and if the Boruto franchise continues to be successful, there could be a resurgence of interest in creating new theatrical releases. For now, fans will need to rely on the anime and manga for updates on Boruto’s story.
Are there any other Naruto-related movies that feature Boruto?
While Boruto: Naruto the Movie is the only movie specifically centered on Boruto, he does make appearances in the epilogue scenes of The Last: Naruto the Movie, which takes place after the conclusion of the Naruto manga but before the start of the Boruto series. These scenes serve as a brief glimpse into the future generation.
Apart from The Last, Boruto’s presence in other Naruto movies is limited to potential cameos or references. The primary focus of the original Naruto movie series remains on Naruto Uzumaki’s adventures before the events of Boruto. Therefore, fans primarily interested in Boruto’s story should focus on the standalone Boruto movie and the anime/manga series.