Common Sense Media Review
By Brian Costello
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Anime tale is complex, violent; best for older series fans.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 12+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Naruto Shippuden: The Movie
What's the Story?
Naruto Shippuden has been training for nearly three years now, but when he returns to his village, he finds that his friends have attained higher ranks while getting to go on missions. But, on his first mission with his friends, Naruto must protect Shion, a seemingly arrogant shrine maiden who is the only one who can remove the demons who have been unleashed to destroy the world. Shion also has the ability to predict the deaths of those around her. While hot-tempered Naruto is finding it difficult even to be around Shion -- much less protect her and escort her to where she must go -- the challenge increases when Shion predicts Naruto's death. The only way Naruto can live is if he leaves Shion, but if he leaves Shion, the planet will be destroyed by demons. As determined and headstrong as ever, Naruto must find a way to prove this death prediction wrong, help rescue Shion, and save the world.
Is It Any Good?
For kids and parents looking for an introduction to anime as a whole, NARUTO SHIPPUDEN: THE MOVIE probably isn't the best place to start. Unless you're already a fan of Naruto through the TV series and other movies, the story line isn't easy to follow, and, aside from the lead characters, it's difficult to get a line on which character is which. Though the character of Naruto is somewhat universal and relatable, as he's a headstrong, stubborn, and hot-tempered teen, this film may be confusing. There's just a little bit too much happening and not enough context provided to jump right into the story.
However, as with so much anime, the animation is quite stunning, and, despite the fantastical worlds, the younger characters come across as more realistic in the ways they behave and relate to one another compared to many other depictions of tweens and teens in all types of movies and television shows. The martial arts and fantasy battle scenes are tempered by the occasional moments of humor. Best for superfans of both anime and all the other adventures of teen ninja Naruto.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about anime. What similarities to and differences from other anime films do you see in this movie?
In what ways does Naruto seem relatable to tweens and teens everywhere?
Does the violence in this movie seem necessary to the overall story, or does it seem gratuitous? Why?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : November 10, 2009
- Cast : Junko Takeuchi , Maile Flanagan , Chie Nakamura
- Director : Hajime Kamegaki
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Asian Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Viz Media
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures
- Run time : 94 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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