7 Times Naruto Anime Was Better Than the Manga

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Whether you prefer reading the manga or watching the anime, Naruto is a story deeply rooted in emotion, and emotions aren’t always simple. The manga delivered a streamlined narrative, while the anime expanded on those feelings, sometimes with detours that tested viewers’ patience. But even with those moments, the anime still managed to feel special when it truly mattered.

Animation truly brings Naruto to life, allowing its emotions and energy to fully express themselves through vibrant visuals and sound. While the manga is great, the anime offers a deeper, more immersive experience. Of course, the show occasionally slows down with filler episodes, reminding you that it sometimes prioritizes extending the story over maintaining momentum.

7. The Pain Assault Arc (Naruto vs. Pain)

The Pain arc is a truly memorable part of the Naruto series, and the anime adaptation made it even more impactful with stunning visuals and a powerfully emotional soundtrack. Studio Pierrot really went all out depicting the destruction of Konoha, making Naruto’s entrance feel epic and almost divine. The explosions, the burning village, and the overall chaos felt incredibly realistic and cinematic – something the manga’s panels couldn’t quite capture.

The fight between Naruto and Pain was a stunning visual experience thanks to the anime’s impressive action sequences. The music, particularly the track “Girei,” heightened the impact of each blow, and the battle unfolded at a pace that allowed viewers to fully grasp the destruction. The emotional climax – Naruto’s conversation with Nagato – was even more powerful because the anime took the time to emphasize the quieter, more meaningful moments.

6. Itachi’s Story and Final Moments

I always felt the anime really elevated Itachi Uchiha’s death scene compared to the manga. It wasn’t just what happened, but how it was shown. The animators used small details – quiet moments, the music, even Itachi’s expressions – to make his love for Sasuke incredibly clear and genuinely heartbreaking. That moment when he reached out to touch Sasuke’s forehead was perfect. The timing, the way the light hit him, and that little smile… it transformed a simple gesture into something I’ll never forget.

The filler episodes in Naruto: Shippuden gave us a much deeper look into Itachi’s suffering and the reasons behind his actions. Instead of quickly revealing his story, the anime took its time, focusing on his isolation and sense of responsibility, which made his tragic fate even more impactful. It’s a rare example of added content actually improving a heartbreaking conclusion.

5. The Chunin Exam Fights

The animated battles from the Chunin Exams were incredibly well-done, expertly building suspense and maintaining a great rhythm. The fight between Rock Lee and Gaara is especially famous for its smooth animation, impactful sound effects, and the way it made viewers feel emotionally invested. While the manga version of the fight was good, the anime took it to another level with its fight choreography and music, making it feel like a battle of beliefs rather than just a display of strength.

Even the less significant fights, like Shikamaru versus Temari and Naruto versus Neji, were more engaging as animated scenes. The characters’ emotions, battle strategies, and how the audience reacted all made the tournament feel authentic and suspenseful. The anime was able to capture the exciting energy of a real tournament in a way the manga couldn’t fully achieve due to space limitations.

4. The Death of Jiraiya

As a huge Naruto fan, I still get chills thinking about Jiraiya’s fight with Pain. It’s easily one of the most powerful moments in the whole series! The anime really did it justice, making it feel like a proper cinematic goodbye. They took their time, letting every little thing – his smile, the damage he took – hit hard. Seeing his memories and hearing his thoughts as he fought… it was a complete, and utterly heartbreaking, farewell to a character we all loved.

The music, especially the moving track “Departure to the Front Lines,” really emphasized the significance of his sacrifice. Seeing his final message sent through the oil was much more powerful visually than it was in the manga. The anime’s skillful direction created a truly heroic, definitive, and heartbreaking death for Jiraiya.

3. Naruto vs. Sasuke (Final Battle)

The fight between Naruto and Sasuke in the manga was legendary, but the anime version took it to another level, making it incredibly moving. The powerful animation made each blow, each use of their special attacks, feel deeply impactful. It wasn’t just a battle of strength; it was a struggle between two damaged individuals trying to connect with each other.

The quiet before their final battle, their utter weariness, and the sight of blood in the water spoke volumes, more than any words could have. That last scene, where they lay together, sharing a faint laugh, was especially powerful because the anime had spent years developing their relationship, and it showed through its visuals and sound.

2. The Kakashi vs. Obito Fight

The anime adaptation is what really made this fight famous. The studio, Pierrot, used smooth animation, detailed fight choreography, and smart editing to showcase the connection and conflict between the characters. It wasn’t just a physical fight; it was a powerful visual representation of two halves of a single life being pulled apart.

The way the anime showed memories from their past alongside the present battle added a lot of emotional depth, something that wasn’t as clear in the original artwork. A particularly striking moment was when they both threw kunai at the same time, perfectly mirroring their deep connection. Ultimately, the scene portrayed their reunion as heartbreaking, and highlighted how much promise had been lost.

1. The War Arc’s Emotional Climaxes

Although the anime version of the War Arc wasn’t perfectly paced, it actually captured many emotional scenes more powerfully than the original manga. Moments like Naruto and Kurama fully connecting, or the Allied Shinobi Forces coming together, felt much more impressive and grand in the anime. The voice acting and music also played a big role, making the themes of teamwork and hope feel incredibly real.

The anime wasn’t just action-packed; it also included peaceful scenes that made the intense moments even more meaningful. Moments like Obito’s final thoughts, the visual effects of the Infinite Tsukuyomi, and Naruto’s somber walk after the fight were beautifully animated. These details, along with the music, helped turn a complicated story into a more unified and emotionally powerful experience.

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2026-01-25 00:18