Naruto the Movie: Guardians of the Crescent Moon Kingdom (2006)

A Royal Mission, a Growing Bond, and Naruto’s Fight to Protect What Matters

Naruto, Sakura, and Kakashi are assigned to escort a spoiled prince and his son — a mission that evolves into a battle for a fallen kingdom. What begins as a comedic journey becomes a heartfelt tale of courage, responsibility, and what it truly means to protect someone.

Movie Overview

Title: Naruto the Movie: Guardians of the Crescent Moon Kingdom
Japanese Title: 劇場版 NARUTO - 大興奮! みかづき島の動物騒動だってばよ
Runtime: 95 minutes
Release Date: August 5, 2006
Studio: Studio Pierrot
Streaming Platforms: Crunchyroll, Netflix (varies by region), Amazon Prime
Theme Song: “Tsubomi” by MARIA

Story Summary

Naruto, Sakura, Rock Lee, and Kakashi embark on a mission to escort Prince Michiru and his son Hikaru back to the wealthy Crescent Moon Kingdom. Initially annoyed by their arrogance and luxury-obsessed lifestyle, Naruto slowly forms an unexpected connection with Hikaru.

However, upon returning home, the team discovers a political coup — the king has been murdered, and the kingdom has fallen into the hands of a power-hungry minister and his elite mercenaries.

With the island in chaos, Naruto and Hikaru must step up, learning together what true strength and responsibility really mean. This film balances heartfelt lessons with spectacular Naruto-style action.

Major Arcs Covered

• Royal Escort Mission: Protecting the prince becomes more than a simple task.

• Crescent Moon Coup: The kingdom faces betrayal from within.

• Hikaru’s Growth: A spoiled boy learns courage and loyalty.

• Naruto’s Resolve: Standing up for those who can’t fight back.

Main Characters

• Naruto Uzumaki – Becomes Hikaru’s role model in courage and compassion.

• Hikaru Tsuki – Learns responsibility and bravery from Naruto.

• Michiru Tsuki – A prince who must embrace humility and leadership.

• Kakashi Hatake – Leads the mission with strategic precision.

• Sakura Haruno & Rock Lee – Provide vital support in combat and protection.

Themes and Style

• Growth & Responsibility – Learning to protect others.

• Wealth vs. Worth – True value comes from actions, not status.

• Loyalty & Betrayal – A kingdom torn apart by ambition.

• Compassion & Leadership – Naruto’s influence helps shape a future king.

Animation & Visuals

This movie stands out for its bright tropical environments, clean fight choreography, and innovative use of circus-style combat. The emotional climax features one of Naruto’s most iconic early movie transformations.

Where to Watch

Stream Guardians of the Crescent Moon Kingdom on:

• Crunchyroll

• Netflix

• Amazon Prime Video

Popularity & Reception

Praised for its emotional depth and Naruto’s mentorship role, this film is a favorite among fans for its strong character development and a wholesome father–son storyline.

It is also the final movie set during the original Naruto (Part 1) era — making it a meaningful closing chapter before Naruto Shippuden begins.

Final Thoughts

Naruto the Movie: Guardians of the Crescent Moon Kingdom (2006) is a story about growth, courage, and choosing to protect what matters. It brings heartfelt lessons and strong action, giving fans a warm and impactful conclusion to the Naruto Part 1 movie lineup. A kingdom can rise again — with courage stronger than fear.