This article contains spoilers from the Naruto series.
The Naruto series is one of the most iconic anime in the history of the medium, and fans know it to be a brilliant story that has inspired millions all over the world. The Naruto anime ran from 2003 all the way to 2017, and it goes without saying that it was one of the most heartwarming and inspiring series at the time. While Naruto ended a long time ago, fans still love it dearly, and its essence is kept alive through them to this day.
In fact, even right now, Naruto is one of the most popular anime, and that is without even having active releases at the moment. While Naruto did get a sequel series in the form of Boruto, fans recognize this to be a rather underwhelming successor and would much rather prefer the original’s return. Now, in 2026, the opportunity might be right for Naruto to make a grand return, and this time, as a proper anime.
The Naruto Anime Needs To Return Alongside Bleach And One Piece
Bleach, One Piece, And Dragon Ball Are All Returning In 2026
- Naruto is the only anime missing from the Big Three
- Kishimoto's series deserves a grand return
Alongside Bleach and One Piece, Naruto made up the Big Three of anime that fans have come to love all over the world. At the moment, both Bleach and One Piece are ongoing, and Naruto is the only series that doesn't have any ongoing anime at the moment.
Bleach is set to air the final segment of its story in 2026, while in the case of One Piece, fans know that it will continue for quite some time still. Naruto, on the other hand, doesn't have any active anime project, and its sequel series, Boruto, was taken off the air quite a while ago. As such, Naruto doesn't have anything going on for itself, and the fact that it has been nearly 10 years since its conclusion means that fans are desperately waiting for its return.
I don't quit and I don't run. I never go back on my word. That is my ninja way! — Naruto Uzumaki
The Naruto series still has a lot of potential that can be explored in a new anime series, and fans are well aware of this. At the same time, most fans are not fond of what Boruto has done with this world set up by Masashi Kishimoto, and they want a fresh start and a story focusing on their beloved characters instead of new and unfamiliar ones.
Naruto Still Has A Lot Of Potential For A New Anime
Naruto Could Get A Brand New Anime With Kishimoto's Involvement
A Naruto return in 2026 is absolutely needed, and there are many reasons for it. For one, fans know that for Studio Pierrot, Naruto was the biggest hit of all time, and more than that, fans love this series and recognize it as one of the greatest anime of the last few decades. But more than that, Naruto still has tremendous potential. While the series ended with the conclusion of the Fourth Great Ninja War, fans know very well that the final chapter of Naruto takes place after a massive timeskip of over a decade. This timeskip sees Naruto become the Seventh Hokage and, at the same time, the Boruto era is ushered in. This timeskip is quite significant, and a lot of it remains unexplored to this day.
If I can't even save a friend, how can I ever dare to become the Hokage? — Naruto Uzumaki
Naturally, the likes of Naruto Uzumaki and all his teammates probably accomplished a lot during this blank period, and that can still be explored in a new series. In fact, fans absolutely want Kishimoto to throw more focus on this particular time period and elaborate on what truly happened there, and how their favorite characters, as well as the ninja world, grew. Quite clearly, the world of Naruto still has a lot to offer, and the author only needs to make the right decision and sign off on its return.
Naruto Is Coming Back in 2026, But The Franchise Must Build On It
Naruto Is Making A Brief 2026 Return With 4 Episodes
Much to the surprise of the fans, Naruto is actually set for a major comeback in 2026. Back in 2023, it was revealed that the original Naruto anime would be making a comeback with four new episodes that would go on to focus on Team 7 before the Shippuden timeskip. This project was indefinitely called off for quality reasons, and to this day, fans have not received these episodes. However, more recently, a report was revealed to the fans, and it was quite clearly stated that the Naruto special episodes would be finally released in 2026.
Perseverance is what makes us all shinobi! — Naruto Uzumaki
The four Naruto episodes are set for a late 2026 release, and fans are incredibly excited for them. While it remains unknown as to how this project has changed over the last few years, if at all, fans are eagerly awaiting the return of their beloved characters. However, this is something that the franchise must build on.
Initially, this project was revealed to have four episodes, but clearly, Naruto can do more than just these four episodes at the moment. A full-fledged anime that builds on whatever these four episodes deliver would be absolutely perfect, and it would give the fans exactly what they are craving from this series.
Given that it was already known that the four episodes would be focused on events from before the Shippuden time-skip, fans could then see it lead into the blank period in one way or another by either setting up major villains, or by introducing plot points that are touched upon later on in the story. In either case. There is a lot of unexplored content in the Naruto world that can be filled in a new 2026 anime.
The Time Is Right For A New Naruto Anime
Fans Can't Wait For Naruto Uzumaki's Return
Taking all things into consideration, it can be said with absolute certainty that Naruto getting a new anime in 2026 would be the perfect decision for the franchise. Boruto has failed to live up to the standards of Naruto, and only the original series can match the quality that it used to deliver. Furthermore, Naruto needs to revitalise itself and stand alongside One Piece, Dragon Ball, and Bleach once again and reign supreme as the strongest of shonen, because it certainly does possess the tools to do so.
Naruto is a global sensation, and it simply doesn't make any sense for this series to die and become irrelevant. Fans would much rather have a new Naruto anime than the continuation of the Boruto series, and if Kishimoto is involved in the project, just like Toriyama was in Dragon Ball Super, then it would be even more exciting for all the fans of the story. Hopefully, Kishimoto and Studio Pierrot have the same plans for the Naruto anime as the fans, because it would be the right decision to see this anime return once again in 2026.