What is the best Naruto arc of all time?

Spanning the original series to the final war, these story arcs cover every high — triumph, tragedy, and game-changing plot twists. Which arc still gives you chills?

1

Pain's Assault

Nagato attacks Konoha and nearly destroys it, culminating in Naruto's triumphant return and one of the most emotionally powerful moments in the series.

2

Chunin Exams

The tournament arc that introduced fan-favorite characters and delivered iconic battles including Rock Lee vs Gaara and Naruto vs Neji.

3

Land of Waves

The very first major arc, introducing Zabuza and Haku in a story about sacrifice and the true meaning of being a ninja.

4

Fourth Shinobi World War

The climactic war that brought back legendary shinobi through Edo Tensei and set the stage for the final battle against Madara and Kaguya.

5

Sasuke Retrieval

Team 7 fractures as Naruto races to stop Sasuke from defecting to Orochimaru, ending in their first devastating one-on-one clash.

6

Five Kage Summit

Sasuke crashes the summit, Madara is finally revealed, and the entire shinobi world is drawn into open war.

7

Kazekage Rescue

Shippuden's opening arc sends Team 7 to save Gaara from the Akatsuki, reintroducing an older Naruto with a shocking new power level.

8

Itachi Pursuit

Team Hebi hunts Itachi while the truth behind the Uchiha Massacre is finally revealed in one of the series' greatest plot twists.

9

Invasion of Konoha

Orochimaru's scheme unfolds during the Chunin Exams, drawing the Sand Village into a siege that kills the Third Hokage.

10

Tale of Jiraiya the Gallant

Jiraiya infiltrates the Rain Village alone to face Pain, delivering one of the most gut-wrenching sendoffs in anime history.

11

Akatsuki Suppression

Shikamaru faces Hidan and Kakuzu in a brutal arc that costs Team 10 a beloved member and showcases Shikamaru's genius at its best.

12

Birth of Ten-Tails Jinchuriki

Madara seizes the Ten-Tails and ascends to godlike power, pushing every major character to their absolute limit.