Naruto Shippuden the Movie (2007)

The First Great Trial of the Shippuden Era

Set at the beginning of Naruto Shippuden (2007–2017), this film marks Naruto’s first major mission after returning from Jiraiya’s training. It reflects the darker tone, higher stakes, and emotional maturity that define the Shippuden series, while also setting up themes later echoed in The Last: Naruto the Movie and even Boruto: Naruto Next Generations.

This movie is Naruto’s first step into the dangerous world of Akatsuki-era threats, destinies, and prophecies.

Movie Overview

Title: Naruto Shippuden the Movie
Japanese Title: 劇場版 NARUTO -ナルト- 疾風伝
Runtime: 95 minutes
Release Date: August 4, 2007
Studio: Studio Pierrot
Streaming Platforms: Crunchyroll, Netflix (select regions), Amazon Prime
Theme Song: “Lie-Lie-Lie” by DJ OZMA

Story Summary

As Naruto returns to the Hidden Leaf in Naruto Shippuden, he is immediately confronted with a chilling prophecy:
Naruto is destined to die.

When the demon priestess Shion predicts Naruto’s death while fighting the dark resurrected army of Moryo, Team Kakashi is assigned to protect her at all costs. But Shion’s power comes with a curse — everyone who defends her dies.

Naruto refuses to accept fate, echoing the determination he later shows in major Shippuden arcs like Pain, Obito, and Kaguya… and the same willpower he passes on to his son in Boruto.

This film explores Naruto’s unwavering resolve to protect life — even when destiny says otherwise.

Major Arcs Covered

• Shion’s Prophecy: Naruto’s foretold death shapes the emotional core of the film.

• Moryo Resurrection Arc: A precursor to the darker, supernatural Shippuden threats.

• Naruto’s Defiance of Fate: A theme that returns in major Shippuden arcs.

• Shion’s Transformation: From isolated priestess to someone inspired by Naruto — much like Gaara, Nagato, and Boruto in the future.

Main Characters

• Naruto Uzumaki – Faces a prophecy that reflects Shippuden’s mature storytelling.

• Shion – A priestess whose destiny becomes entwined with Naruto’s.

• Sakura Haruno – Acts as medical support, just like in early Shippuden.

• Kakashi Hatake – Once again leads Naruto into a mission that shapes his growth.

• Neji Hyuga, Rock Lee, Tenten – Reinforce Naruto’s transition from Part 1 friendships to Shippuden teamwork.

Themes and Style

• Defying Fate: Naruto refuses to accept a predetermined death.

• Shippuden’s Darker Tone: More mature conflicts compared to Naruto Part 1.

• Inspiration & Bonds: Naruto changes Shion’s view of life — a recurring series motif.

• Legacy: Early hints of Naruto becoming someone worthy of the future Boruto era.

Animation & Visuals

Studio Pierrot, the same studio behind both Naruto (2002–2007) and Naruto Shippuden (2007–2017), brings its signature action-focused animation to this film. The visuals blend early-Shippuden character designs with cinematic effects, sharper shadows, and upgraded chakra sequences.

Where to Watch

Stream Shippuden the Movie on:

• Crunchyroll

• Netflix

• Amazon Prime Video

Popularity & Reception

As the first Shippuden movie, it became a fan favorite for:

• introducing Shippuden’s darker themes

• Naruto’s emotional evolution

• Shion’s strong connection to Naruto

• dramatic prophecy-driven storytelling

It remains one of the most iconic Naruto films to date.

Final Thoughts

Naruto Shippuden the Movie (2007) is a powerful opening chapter to the Shippuden-era films, showcasing Naruto’s refusal to accept fate — a defining trait that shapes his journey from this moment all the way to The Last and the Boruto generation.

A prophecy of death… A choice to fight fate… A hero who always protects.