Naruto is one of the most popular anime series of all time, and it has spawned several movies over the years. But are these movies considered canon in the Naruto universe? The answer to this question is not a simple one, as there are many different interpretations of what is considered canon. In this article, we will take a closer look at the movies and discuss whether they are considered canon or not.
What is Canon?
In the world of anime and manga, the word “canon” is used to refer to material that is considered to be part of the core storyline. In other words, canon material is considered to be official and part of the main story. It is often used to distinguish between material that has been written by the creator of the series, and material that has been written by other authors.
Naruto Movies
The Naruto series has produced several movies over the years, beginning with 2004's Naruto the Movie. The movies are typically set during or after the events of the main series, but they often tell their own separate stories. That being said, the movies are often connected to the main series in some way. For example, the movie The Last: Naruto the Movie takes place during the events of the War Arc and features characters from the main series.
Are They Canon?
The answer to this question is not a simple one, as there are many different interpretations of what is considered canon. Some people believe that the movies are canon, as they often feature characters and plot points from the main series. Others argue that the movies are not canon, as they don't always follow the main series' timeline and often tell their own separate stories.
What Does Masashi Kishimoto Say?
Masashi Kishimoto, the creator of the Naruto series, has stated in interviews that he considers the movies to be canon. However, he has also stated that he does not consider the movies to be a part of the main storyline. This could be interpreted as Kishimoto considering the movies to be canonical but not part of the main storyline.
Do The Movies Follow The Manga?
The movies often feature characters and plot points from the main series, but they also tell their own stories. This can make it difficult to determine which parts of the movies are considered canon and which are not. However, it is generally believed that the movies follow the manga more closely than they do the anime, so if something appears in both the manga and the movie, it is likely to be considered canon.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is difficult to definitively answer the question of whether the Naruto movies are canon or not. While Masashi Kishimoto has stated that he considers the movies to be canon, it is clear that they do not always follow the main series' timeline and often tell their own stories. As such, it is ultimately up to the viewer to decide what is considered canon and what is not.
