Common Sense Media Review
By Li Lai
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
First series in popular franchise has fights, stereotypes.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 11+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Naruto
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 98 parent reviews
Parents say the series is often regarded as one of the best anime, praised for its iconic techniques, complex storylines, and positive messages about perseverance and teamwork. However, many reviews express concerns about the graphic violence and inappropriate themes, suggesting it may not be suitable for younger children, with a recommended viewing age of 9 to 12 years due to some sexual humor and mild swearing present throughout the show.
- iconic techniques
- complex story
- graphic violence
- positive messages
- age recommendation
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 528 kid reviews
Kids say the show is a favorite among many for its positive messages and character development, although there are concerns about explicit content such as nudity, violence, and inappropriate humor. Viewers recommend it for slightly older children, generally suggesting a minimum age of 11 or 12, while cautioning that parental guidance may be necessary due to some mature themes.
- positive messages
- maturity level
- explicit content
- age recommendations
- role model qualities
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
The hugely successful anime series follows the trials and tribulations of an orphaned adolescent boy named NARUTO (voiced by Junko Takeuchi in the original version and Maile Flanagan in the English dub) as he progresses through Ninja Academy and beyond. Along the way, he struggles to develop his physical skills as a shinobi and his social interactions with peers. As an infant, Naruto wound up carrying the spirit of the demon who attacked his village, killing many -- including Naruto's parents. This curse caused Naruto to be ostracized by the other villagers, but, thanks to the kindness of an instructor and with the support of new friends along the way, Naruto marches toward his goal of becoming one of the world's top shinobi.
Is It Any Good?
This hit series tugs at the heart by following the psychological, physical, and social challenges of young shinobi and the villagers they're charged with helping. Among the fighters, Naruto might be one of the loudest and most naïve -- obnoxious to some -- but his unyielding spirit takes him far.
At 220 episodes long, the series keeps viewers interested through exciting fight sequences, dynamic animation, and a plethora of cliffhangers. Though the pacing can stall at times, especially when multiple plots run parallel and no action takes place beyond cutting back and forth between tense situations, the feel-good messages and beautiful friendships makes this an easy watch.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Naruto's unyielding drive to become a top shinobi. How does his perseverance make you feel about your own challenges?
Naruto stands out among the other characters for his empathy. Can empathy ever go too far? How would you treat someone like Gaara, who had a difficult upbringing but killed several people?
Do you consider the female shinobi in Naruto -- Sakura, Hinata, and Tsunade -- strong women? Why, or why not?
How do characters use teamwork to achieve their goals? Do you do this in your own life?
TV Details
- Premiere date : September 10, 2005
- Cast : Johnny Yong Bosch , Maile Flanagan
- Network : Cartoon Network
- Genre : Anime
- Topics : Friendship
- Character Strengths : Empathy , Perseverance , Teamwork
- TV rating :
- Last updated : November 6, 2025
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