Naruto backdrop
Animation•Action & Adventure•Sci-Fi & Fantasy

The Worst Episodes of Naruto

Every episode of Naruto ranked from worst to best. Explore the Worst Episodes of Naruto!

Binge this in 3d 16h•Peaking at 8.8/10

Naruto Uzumaki, a mischievous adolescent ninja, struggles as he searches for recognition and dreams of becoming the Hokage, the village's leader and strongest ninja.

Airs on
TV Tokyo
BestEpisodes
WorstEpisodes
BestSeasons
AllEpisodes

Seasons4

All1234

Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Worst Episode
    Click to reveal
    Naruto Season 1 Episode 26 - Special Report: Live from the Forest of Death!
    5.3/10(17 votes)

    #1 - Special Report: Live from the Forest of Death!

    S1:E26

    Konohamaru, the grandson of Leaf Village's Third Hokage, shows up at the Chunin Exam site. He comes along with Moegi and Udon to cover the events for the Ninja Academy's school newspaper. Konohamaru looks up to Naruto like an older brother and through interviews with the characters, recaps their adventures thus far.

    Director:Hayato Date
    Writer:Katsuyuki Sumisawa

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  2. Naruto Season 4 Episode 164 - Too Late for Help
    5.7/10(6 votes)

    #2 - Too Late for Help

    S4:E164

    Naruto decides to do some investigating on his own over the matter of the ghost, while Neji and Tenten try a different approach. WIth the help of two frogs, Naruto begins to learn more and more about the truth of the matter....but will what he discovers, cost him his life?

    Director:Tsuyoshi Matsumoto
    Writer:Junki Takegami

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  3. Naruto Season 2 Episode 81 - Return of the Morning Mist
    5.9/10(14 votes)

    #3 - Return of the Morning Mist

    S2:E81

    Two mysterious ninja infiltrate Konoha, and one of them bares the Sharingan. Just what are these two after? Why has Itachi Uchiha returned to Konoha?

    Director:Harume Kosaka
    Writer:Kouhei Urasawa

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  4. Naruto Season 1 Episode 35 - The Scroll's Secret: No Peeking Allowed
    6.1/10(15 votes)

    #4 - The Scroll's Secret: No Peeking Allowed

    S1:E35

    To heal their wounds, Naruto and his team take a much-needed rest after their battle against the Sound ninja. But it has already been four days since the start of the exam and there is only one day remaining until time expires.

    Director:Masaaki Kumagai
    Writer:Kouhei Urasawa

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  5. Naruto Season 2 Episode 83 - Jiraiya: Naruto's Potential Disaster!
    6.1/10(8 votes)

    #5 - Jiraiya: Naruto's Potential Disaster!

    S2:E83

    Jiraiya and Naruto begin their search for Tsunade, but are constantly sidetracked by Jiraiya's peeping and hitting on pretty girls. Jiraiya tells Naruto some stories about the 3rd and 4th Hokages. Meanwhile, Sasuke learns that his brother, Itachi, is after Naruto and goes to warn him.

    Director:Mamoru Enomoto
    Writer:Michiko Yokote

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  6. Naruto Season 3 Episode 105 - A Fierce Battle of Rolling Thunder!
    6.3/10(7 votes)

    #6 - A Fierce Battle of Rolling Thunder!

    S3:E105

    With Naruto's help, Idate reaches the Modoroki Shrine... But just as he's about to cross the bridge, an old nemesis stands in his way.

    Director:Masaaki Kumagai
    Writers:Kouhei Urasawa, Katsuyuki Sumisawa, Akatsuki Yamatoya

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

    7. Trending NowTRENDING NOW

    The 20 BEST Episodes of Naruto

    READ
  7. Naruto Season 3 Episode 149 - What's the Difference? Don't All Insects Look Alike?
    6.3/10(6 votes)

    #7 - What's the Difference? Don't All Insects Look Alike?

    S3:E149

    The group struggles to find a Bikouchuu, but seem to fail at every turn. When it starts to rain they realise they only have one more chance to find it, will Hinata's Byakugan be enough?

    Director:Shigenori Kageyama
    Writer:Satoru Nishizono

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  8. Naruto Season 4 Episode 202 - The Top 5 Ninja Battles!
    6.3/10(4 votes)

    #8 - The Top 5 Ninja Battles!

    S4:E202

    Naruto and Sakura host a special recap episode featuring the top five battles so far! There are also interviews with some of the team, and perhaps even some of the enemy....

    Director:Hayato Date
    Writer:Yuka Miyata

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  9. Naruto Season 1 Episode 52 - Ebisu Returns: Naruto's Toughest Training Yet!
    6.4/10(10 votes)

    #9 - Ebisu Returns: Naruto's Toughest Training Yet!

    S1:E52

    Naruto wants Kakashi to train him, but Kakashi has other plans. Ebisu arrives to an unhappy Naruto and makes a deal with him. If Naruto can get away from Ebisu, he'll make Kakashi train him. Naruto decides to accept Ebisu's challenge, but can he win?

    Director:Rion Kujo
    Writer:Akatsuki Yamatoya

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  10. Naruto Season 3 Episode 139 - Pure Terror! The House of Orochimaru
    6.4/10(5 votes)

    #10 - Pure Terror! The House of Orochimaru

    S3:E139

    Sasame leads Naruto, Jiraiya, and Sakura to Orochimaru's hideout. They send Sasame back to the village because of the danger level. Jiraiya summons Gamakichi to go in first and investigate. The four come to three tunnels. Jiraiya goes off to the right, Naruto and Sakura down the middle and Gamakichi down the left. Will the four of them make it past the traps?

    Director:Masahiko Murata
    Writer:Junki Takegami

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  11. Naruto Season 1 Episode 21 - Identify Yourself: Powerful New Rivals
    6.5/10(17 votes)

    #11 - Identify Yourself: Powerful New Rivals

    S1:E21

    After the three ninjas take their leave, Sasuke realizes he has a powerful rival out there. The next day, Kakashi announces that he has recommended all of them for the Chuunin Exams. While Naruto and Sasuke are pleased, Sakura is afraid of letting everyone down. Also, someone decides they aren't ready and decides to test their abilities.

    Director:Matsuo Asami
    Writer:Katsuyuki Sumisawa

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  12. Naruto Season 1 Episode 23 - Genin Takedown! All Nine Rookies Face Off!
    6.5/10(17 votes)

    #12 - Genin Takedown! All Nine Rookies Face Off!

    S1:E23

    A reunion of all the rookies isn't a very happy one, as all of them prepare to take the Chuunin Exam. With so many rivals around, Naruto's team will need help from a fellow ninja named Kabuto to know what they're up against. Will the group be able to last through the exam?

    Director:Harume Kosaka
    Writer:Michiko Yokote

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  13. Naruto Season 2 Episode 53 - Long Time No See: Jiraiya Returns!
    6.5/10(10 votes)

    #13 - Long Time No See: Jiraiya Returns!

    S2:E53

    While Ebisu trains Naruto at a hotspring, he spots someone trying to peep on the women bathing! Ebisu attacks, but it doesn't go quite as planned. Naruto then demands that the stranger become his teacher instead, but he's going to need some convincing. Does Naruto have any special Jutsu for this situation?

    Director:Shuji Miyahara
    Writer:Michiko Yokote

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  14. Naruto Season 4 Episode 220 - Departure
    6.5/10(2 votes)

    #14 - Departure

    S4:E220

    The exciting conclusion to Naruto. What will become of Gaara, and now that Jiraiya has returned, will Naruto finally leave Konoha to begin his training?

    Director:Hiroshi Kimura
    Writer:Junki Takegami

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  15. Naruto Season 1 Episode 37 - Surviving the Cut! The Rookie Nine Together Again!
    6.6/10(10 votes)

    #15 - Surviving the Cut! The Rookie Nine Together Again!

    S1:E37

    The exam is over, but did they truly pass? An old friend arrives to explain and show his concern. Meanwhile, Anko informs the ANBU about Orochimaru, the S-Class criminal who even they cannot stop. Later the Third Hokage explains to everyone what the third exam truly means....

    Director:Takeyuki Sadohara
    Writer:Akatsuki Yamatoya

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  16. Naruto Season 3 Episode 142 - The Three Villains from the Maximum Security Prison
    6.6/10(5 votes)

    #16 - The Three Villains from the Maximum Security Prison

    S3:E142

    With the events of the Rice Field Country behind them, everyone prepares for their training. But a new threat soon arises. Remember Mizuki? He's back and he's planning to break out of Konoha's Correctional

    Director:Shigenori Kageyama
    Writer:Kouhei Urasawa

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  17. Naruto Season 1 Episode 14 - The Number One Hyperactive, Knucklehead Ninja Joins the Fight!
    6.7/10(18 votes)

    #17 - The Number One Hyperactive, Knucklehead Ninja Joins the Fight!

    S1:E14

    Naruto finally joins the battle on the bridge. But when Naruto stupidly gets caught in the middle of Haku's jutsu as well, he and Sasuke must work together to escape. Kakashi is unable to help them, as he must deal with Zabuza to protect Sakura and Tazuna. How will the two escape from the ice mirrors without any help?

    Director:Rion Kujo
    Writer:Satoru Nishizono

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  18. Naruto Season 1 Episode 34 - Akamaru Trembles: Gaara's Cruel Strength!
    6.7/10(15 votes)

    #18 - Akamaru Trembles: Gaara's Cruel Strength!

    S1:E34

    Kiba, Shino, and Hinata decide to try and eliminate their opponents by taking more scrolls. They arrive upon a battlefield where three Rain ninjas are battling Gaara, Kankuro, and Temari. They remain hidden and observe the battle, thinking one of the Rain ninjas is a dangerous foe. After realizing Gaara's amazing abilities, they discover who is the really the dangerous one, and will be lucky if they can sneak away with their lives!

    Director:Mitsutaka Noshitani
    Writer:Akatsuki Yamatoya

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  19. Naruto Season 1 Episode 10 - The Forest of Chakra
    6.8/10(19 votes)

    #19 - The Forest of Chakra

    S1:E10

    With Zabuza gone things are now settling and Tazuna can go and build the bridge without fear. Or so everyone thinks. Kakashi believes something is wrong with Zabuza's death and teaches Naruto, Sakura, and Sasuke a way to train so they could better use their chakra. Is Zabuza really dead?

    Director:Kazuyoshi Yokota
    Writer:Katsuyuki Sumisawa

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  20. Naruto Season 1 Episode 11 - The Land Where a Hero Once Lived
    6.8/10(19 votes)

    #20 - The Land Where a Hero Once Lived

    S1:E11

    While Naruto and Sasuke train, Sakura watches over Tazuna. During a nice dinner, Sakura notices a man's face torn from a picture. The man's name was Kaiza, and he was what the country called...a "hero". What happened to cause Inari so much pain?

    Director:Yasunori Urata
    Writer:Akatsuki Yamatoya

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  21. Naruto Season 1 Episode 12 - Battle on the Bridge! Zabuza Returns!
    6.8/10(18 votes)

    #21 - Battle on the Bridge! Zabuza Returns!

    S1:E12

    Naruto has a dangerous encounter with Haku in the forest, but is Haku there to cause trouble? Naruto and Sasuke better complete their training, as Zabuza is alive and has returned for round 2. Will Kakashi, Sasuke, and Sakura be able to defeat the Demon of the Mist? And, can Naruto arrive in time to help out?

    Director:Masaaki Kumagai
    Writer:Michiko Yokote

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  22. Naruto Season 1 Episode 20 - A New Chapter Begins: The Chunin Exam!
    6.8/10(17 votes)

    #22 - A New Chapter Begins: The Chunin Exam!

    S1:E20

    Naruto and his team return to the Village Hidden in the Leaves after their battle in Land of Waves.

    Director:Mitsutaka Noshitani
    Writer:Kouhei Urasawa

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  23. Naruto Season 1 Episode 27 - The Chunin Exam Stage 2: The Forest of Death
    6.8/10(17 votes)

    #23 - The Chunin Exam Stage 2: The Forest of Death

    S1:E27

    The second exam is about to begin, and every ninja must sign a form so that their team can get either the Heaven or Earth Scroll. The goal is to get one of each scroll and make it to the tower in five days.

    Director:Mitsutaka Noshitani
    Writer:Akatsuki Yamatoya

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  24. Naruto Season 1 Episode 40 - Kakashi and Orochimaru: Face-to-Face!
    6.8/10(10 votes)

    #24 - Kakashi and Orochimaru: Face-to-Face!

    S1:E40

    While Shino and Zaku finish their fight, Kakashi works on Sasuke's cursed seal. However, someone sinister shows up to ruin things, will Kakashi be able to protect Sasuke from this skilled foe?

    Director:Rion Kujo
    Writer:Kouhei Urasawa

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  25. Naruto Season 1 Episode 41 - Kunoichi Rumble: The Rivals Get Serious!
    6.8/10(12 votes)

    #25 - Kunoichi Rumble: The Rivals Get Serious!

    S1:E41

    Kankuro takes on Kabuto's teammate, Misumi, in a quick battle, proving how tough the Sand ninja really are. However, the real match comes when Sakura and Ino are pitted against one another!

    Director:Mitsutaka Noshitani
    Writer:Michiko Yokote

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

Worst Episodes Summary

"Special Report: Live from the Forest of Death!" is the worst rated episode of "Naruto". It scored 5.3/10 based on 17 votes. Directed by Hayato Date and written by Katsuyuki Sumisawa, it aired on 4/2/2003. This episode scored 0.4 points lower than the second lowest rated, "Too Late for Help".