10 Best Moments In Naruto That Capture The Magic Of The Series

 

Very few series have quite as many peaks as Naruto, and the many manga chapters and episodes of the anime adaptation have provided fans with incredible moments that will last forever in their memories. Naruto's ability to invoke all kinds of emotions is one of its strongest points and explains why the series is still beloved 10 years after it concluded.

From tears, excitement, shock, and happiness, Naruto is, almost surprisingly, an emotional rollercoaster.

Although there are many amazing scenes the series has to offer, a select few of these have managed to stand within the anime industry and are some of the most iconic moments in anime and manga history.

Episode #1 Encapsulates Everything Amazing About Naruto

Naruto episode #1; chapter #1 of the manga

Very few series can capture the attention and hearts of viewers in the first episode and even less can continue enchanting for its entirety, but Naruto did just that. It was obvious the anime would be a generational success from the get-go, as it had everything to love about it and all the makings of a great show. Titled "Enter Naruto Uzumaki", fans got to see the number one hyperactive knucklehead ninja, but it was at the end that sealed the deal.

Mizuki tricked Naruto into stealing the Scroll of Seals, and when he did, he was attacked by the ninja. Fortunately, Iruka was there to help Naruto, and he hid him away from Mizuki. This is when Iruka poured his heart and defended Naruto from being dehumanized by Mizuki, telling him that Naruto was an incredible student who knows suffering more than anyone, and despite the beast sealed inside him, he was still Naruto of the Hidden Leaf. Naruto was overflowing with tears, as this was the first time someone had acknowledged him as a human being.

Shikamaru Exacts Revenge For His Fallen Mentor

Naruto Shippuden episode #87; chapter #339 of the manga

Throughout the series, Shikamaru is portrayed as a logic-over-emotion guy, and his composed attitude is one of the reasons that he was chosen as the Eighth Hokage. For a good part of the series, he never really had flares of emotion that weren't during battle, so seeing him break down and weep uncontrollably for Asuma was a game-changer for his character. After coming to terms with his master's death, he calmly devised a plan with Kakashi and his team to take down Hidan and Kakuzu.

Shikamaru's plan consisted of him separating the two enemies and dealing with Hidan alone in a forest owned by his clan. As usual, Hidan became arrogant, but little did he know the meticulous plan devised to take him. Shikamaru trapped him with paper bombs, dismembering his body and throwing it into a hole. Just before the hole was closed, he taunted Hidan's religion and declared him as his God. Although Hidan was immortal, he was forever trapped in that hole and most likely died due to starvation. Shikamaru not only established himself as one of the series' best characters for taking revenge like that, but it showed his maturity, too.

Madara Makes His Long-Awaited Entrance

Naruto Shippuden episode #322; chapter #560 of the manga

Madara has been a long-awaited character since the first part of the series, and the amount of times he was hyped up made his introduction that much more exciting. Obito pretended to be him so that the world would take his threat seriously. The hype was real. Naruto Shippuden episode #322 not only met expectations but surpassed them, making Madara's appearance one of the best and most iconic moments in the series.

What followed was a brutal takedown of thousands of shinobi and Kages by a single man who wasn't at the peak of his power. He breathed majestic flames, brought down two meteors, formed a forest, and did many incredible feats worthy of a man known as the Ghost of the Uchiha. From that point on in the war, he was the biggest threat and the cause of most of the casualties, but ended up being betrayed by Black Zetsu.

Gaara Makes A Heartfelt Plea

Naruto Shippuden episode #261; chapter #516 of the manga

After Madara's declaration of war in the Five Kage Summit, all the major lands and villages were forced to put aside their differences to take on the impending foe. Although the leaders were united, the soldiers didn't share the same desire to forgive and forget. The world saw many wars and thousands lost loved ones, so there was obviously bad blood between the villages that couldn't simply disappear because of a big bad villain.

With his thunderous voice, Gaara caught the attention of all 80,000 shinobi in front of him and gave a speech that made enemies into comrades. He spoke of his experience with hate and how he was changed by someone he considered an enemy and urged everyone to face the Akatsuki who spread destruction wherever they went. He ended it off by acknowledging his inexperience and weakness and called out to everyone to help him. Gaara was the youngest Kage in Shinobi history, but he demonstrated how he was one of the best leaders by dispersing hate from the hearts of thousands and uniting former enemies.

"In the name of gain and profit for one's nation and village, shinobi have hated and hurt each other for many years."

– Gaara

Naruto Is Finally Accepted By The Village

Naruto Shippuden episode #175; chapter #450 of the manga

The main reason that Naruto wanted to become Hokage was to be accepted by the village, which ostracized him, but he gradually started learning what it truly meant to be Hokage and how to become one. Itachi taught him the valuable lesson that you cannot be Hokage without the acceptance of the villagers, not vice versa. In the Pain Arc, after taking on Nagato and helping not only protect the people but also revive them, the villagers truly saw Naruto for the kind hero he was.

It was an emotional moment, to say the least, as many people gathered to celebrate Naruto for saving them. From then on, he was regarded as a hero rather than just the host of the Nine-Tails. He had gained the trust of the villagers, but after experiencing the injustices within Konoha, like the Hyuga Clan, and outside it, his determination to lead the village was as strong as ever. Fortunately, he now had the backing of all the residents and ninjas.

Lee's Power Of Youth In Full Display

Naruto episode #48; chapter #82 of the manga

Rock Lee is one of Naruto's most relatable characters, and although he didn't receive as much focus in Shippuden, he had many amazing moments, such as cutting Madara in half. By far his best and most iconic moment, he jumped atop a statue and dropped weights from his legs. While everyone thought they were light weights, it turned out to be many kilograms of pure iron that destroyed the ground beneath.

Lee then went to pummel Gaara and was the first person to penetrate his sand defenses. He was one of the strongest genin at that moment, and although he ended up losing, he won the hearts of everyone watching. The scene ended up being referenced by martial artists and fans, and it was then and there that Naruto's brilliance in fighting sequences was shown.

Naruto Dispels Kurama's Hate

Naruto Shippuden episode #329; chapter #571 of the manga

One thing about Naruto is that whenever he sees hatred, he tries his best to intervene. Whether it's stopping Sasuke, fundamentally changing the Hyuga clan, or ending ongoing cycles of hatred, he tries his best to dampen the fire of resentment. Kurama was no exception, as Naruto explicitly told him that he would come after the hatred inside. Kurama had always hated humans as they used him for their wars, but Naruto was different. He had been inside him since he was a child, observing his struggle. Gradually, he warmed up to Naruto, sometimes lending him chakra, but it was much later that he accepted Naruto as a friend.

With 7-Tailed Beast Bombs directed at Naruto, Killer Bee, Might Guy, and Kakashi, death was almost certain, but Kurama and Naruto finally linked together. This resulted in Naruto becoming one of the few Perfect Jinchuriki. The duo easily defeated the Tailed Beasts and freed them from Obito's Genjutsu, which led to all the Tailed Beasts accepting Naruto. If Kurama, the most hateful one of the bunch, accepted Naruto, it was no surprise the others followed suit. What made the scene even more beautiful was the flashback showing Naruto's journey and past, and how it all culminated in him achieving the peak of his power

The Bond Between Mother And Son

Naruto Shippuden episode #246; chapter #498 of the manga

Naruto's childhood was extremely difficult and heartbreaking, growing up with no parents, friends or support system and hated by the entire village. This is one of the reasons fans loved him, as he managed to smile despite everything, but the lack of parental love still hurt him deep inside. In the struggle against Kurama, Naruto finally got to meet Kushina, and although he didn't recognize her at first, he immediately rushed to hug her once he found out who this red-haired woman was.

The two went on to have a much-needed but short discussion, where Kushina told Naruto how she and Minato died, and the stories about when they were younger. Naruto relished every second of their talk, having a huge and adorable grin on his face that surprised her. In the end, the two went on to defeat Kurama and they had a sad departure. Fans could tell how much that short interaction meant to Naruto, as he finally felt maternal love for the first time; something he needed but never got to experience.

Itachi Pours His Heart To His Brother

Naruto Shippuden episode #329; chapter #590 of the manga

Itachi Uchiha is one of the most complex characters, and the reveal of his backstory made him one of the best characters in Naruto and a fan favorite. After being reanimated by Kabuto alongside many other legendary ninja, he brilliantly freed himself from control using Kotoamatsukami and dashed straight to Kabuto to defeat him. Sasuke was also there, and the brothers fought side by side for the first time, after years of Sasuke hating Itachi, and trying to kill him.

After defeating Kabuto, the reanimation jutsu was undone, and the two finally had a chance to speak openly. Sasuke lamented what Itachi had done and how he was driven to revenge by him. Itachi listened carefully to the cries of his younger brother, and he went on to acknowledge all the mistakes and lies he made. He told Sasuke he regretted killing the Uchiha clan and should have asked him for help. Before he was gone, he told Sasuke he would love him with no conditions and restraints, touching his forehead with Sasuke's and leaving the world with a smile. Itachi gave up his life, family, and future for his younger brother, and his impactful words and conclusion resulted in a major turning point for Sasuke.

Naruto's Ending Was As Perfect As Can Be

Naruto Shippuden episode #479; chapter #699 of the manga

Although there are many storylines in Naruto, the main beat was Naruto bringing back Sasuke and defying the destiny that they were to kill each other. They had one of the best rivalries in anime history and their final battle was one for the ages. In the end, though, Sasuke accepted defeat not just in battle but also in ideals, and his quest for revenge ended then and there.

Naruto's final panel encapsulated the main themes of the series perfectly. Naruto and Sasuke's friendship being realized, Sasuke atoning for his sins, the headband reminding readers that at its core, Naruto is a tale of Shinobi, and the monologue talking about hope and persistence. This ending couldn't be more beautiful and poetic, closing the tale with one of the most legendary stories of all time.