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Boruto is a controversial sequel to the iconic Naruto anime. The supposed mistreatment of beloved older Naruto characters and the large number of filler episodes primarily contribute to the criticism Boruto receives. Despite this, the anime has delivered some of the highest-rated episodes that can rival even the best moments from the original Naruto series. While these popular episodes are often the focal talking point for Boruto, equally strong but underrated episodes are often overlooked.
From breathtaking animation to incredible storytelling, these Boruto episodes have everything to offer. They prove that, despite its flaws, Boruto still delivers amazing moments capable of surprising even the most skeptical viewers. A few of the underappreciated episodes focus on deep character development rather than flashy action, likely contributing to the reason they’re often overlooked. Of course, viewers can also enjoy epic moments and well-choreographed fights. But they don’t always need to be earth-shattering battles between god-like Shinobi and Otsutsuki to leave a lasting impact.
10 Naruto Faces An Impossible Choice
Boruto, Episode 220: "Remaining Time"
In a crucial scene which exemplifies what makes «Remaining Time» so good, Gaara questions whether Naruto has the resolve to kill Boruto if he fully transforms into an Otsutsuki. It’s an extremely cruel but necessary question, considering Gaara’s position as the Kazekage. While Naruto tells Gaara that he will do what needs to be done as Hokage, it’s clear that he is not ready to face this decision. It’s a brilliant moment that shows Naruto’s inner conflict. To top it off, Naruto even ends up arguing with Sasuke regarding the issue. Especially now that Naruto has lost Kurama, he does not have the strength to deal with a full-blown Otsutsuki threat.
This grim reality is constantly shoved in Naruto’s face by almost everyone around him. The episode ends with a heartwarming talk, as Naruto confidently promises to protect Boruto. Of course, he is only putting on an act for Boruto, as he immediately starts panicking once Boruto dozes off. While the episode lacks any serious action, it’s packed to the brim with emotional scenes that are often overlooked. Despite not being as great as some of the other underrated episodes, it deserves its spot in the ranking thanks to its brilliant writing.
9 Boruto Shows Ao What It Means To Be A Shinobi
Boruto, Episode 186: "How You Use It"
Episode 186 of Boruto is perhaps most significant for bringing back Ao. He came back not as a Shinobi, but as a tool whose only job is to obey commands. It’s a great callback to the Zabuza Arc, as it was one of the first times this theme was explored in Naruto. Ao is a tool both thematically and literally. His body was modified to be able to use various scientific ninja tools, essentially making him an android.
Funnily enough, Boruto cleverly uses a scientific ninja tool himself to turn the tables on Ao. It’s a bold move that clearly visualizes Boruto’s growth throughout the anime in a single moment. An older version of Boruto would’ve never tried to use a scientific ninja tool because of his trauma from the Chunin exams. After Ao is finally defeated, Boruto doesn’t let his impulse for vengeance take over either. He instead shows Ao that true Shinobi still exist in the world, solidifying his development into a true ninja.
8 Team 7 Uses Teamwork To Defeat Deepa
Boruto, Episode 175: "Beyond The Limits!"
There’s a lot of love about «Beyond the Limits!,» the episode where Boruto and Sarada have to face the mighty Deepa all by themselves. The first half of the episode is spent showing just how strong both Boruto and Sarada have gotten. Eventually, they are joined by Mitsuki. From start to finish, the Boruto episode is jam-packed with stunning animation. It even shows an unlikely team-up between Orochimaru and Konohamaru. It’s particularly fascinating because Orochimaru is the one responsible for the Third Hokage’s death.
Of course, the highlight of the episode is still Team 7’s battle against Deepa. Even without the help of their Sensei, all three of the Team 7 members showcase exceptional skills and teamwork. The final sequence of the episode is the cherry on top, animated perfectly and accompanied by the iconic Boruto soundtrack that would get any fan pumped with excitement.
7 Naruto Helps Kawaki Deal With His Trauma
Boruto, Episode 195: "A Vase"
Episode 195 of Boruto has quite a lighthearted tone at first, as Naruto decides to show Kawaki around the village to ease his anxiety. On their trip together, the aim is to buy a replacement vase for Himawari. But as the episode progresses, it eventually explores Kawaki’s deep-rooted trauma caused by the horrible things he had to experience as a child.
Just looking at a flower vase reminds Kawaki of his past, making him hyperventilate. This is executed perfectly with both the artwork and the amazing voice acting. The episode itself is paced slowly, but remains emotionally engaging. Naruto and Kawaki’s relationship provides a strong emotional anchor here. The Boruto anime also shows subtle but important changes in Kawaki’s character in Episode 195, making it an underrated gem.
6 Sarada Uses Chidori Against Boro
Boruto, Episode 207: "Regeneration"
Boruto had been building up Sarada’s moment to shine for a long time, and Episode 207 delivers that long-awaited payoff. During the climax of Team 7 and Kawaki’s battle against Boro, Sarada managed to identify and destroy Boro’s weak spot using her Sharingan. It’s a truly epic character moment for Sarada. Studio Pierrot doesn’t disappoint either, with some great choreography coupled with impact frames that perfectly sell the moment.
Kawaki, Mitsuki, and Boruto all get to shine as well, allowing Sarada to land that beautiful Chidori. Unfortunately, that isn’t quite enough to completely defeat Boro. The episode uses Boro’s tenacity to create a dire situation, prompting Momoshiki to possess Boruto’s body. It’s a frustrating, yet exciting cliffhanger that perfectly ends this Boruto episode.
5 The Uchiha Family's Bond Grows Stronger
Boruto, Episode 23: "Bonds Come In All Shapes"
The Shin Arc in its entirety is one of the most underrated storylines of Boruto. Naturally, the climax of the arc in Episode 23 is no different. Studio Pierrot put in extra attention to detail when animating this episode, making sure to give Sakura a well-deserved fight scene against Shin. The episode also includes heavy emotional stakes for the Uchiha family. It’s one of the first times Boruto shows how much Sakura and Sasuke care for each other.
With the introduction of the Karin drama and Sasuke being absent, it was only natural for the viewers to question Sakura and Sasuke’s relationship. However, Episode 23 of Boruto clears all of those doubts and makes the Uchiha family’s bond even stronger. With its mix of thrilling action and heartfelt emotion, the episode rightfully earns its ranking. It’s held back from the top spot only by the relatively low stakes during the fight.
4 Kawaki Is Finally Introduced After Years Of Foreshadowing
Boruto, Episode 189: "Resonance"
The Boruto anime originally showed Kawaki in the first episode, as he faced off against an older Boruto in a destroyed Hidden Leaf village. Since then, fans have endlessly speculated about who Kawaki could potentially be. Episode 189 of Boruto finally reveals the answer.
From start to finish, Studio Pierrot maintains a high-quality art and animation style that only seems to get better. Kawaki’s gruesome battle against Garo is still one of the most impressive and underrated fights in Boruto. Additionally, Episode 189 did a great job of adding even more intrigue to Kawaki’s already mysterious existence.
3 Kashin Koji Takes His Opportunity To Attack Jigen
Boruto, Episode 214: "Predestined Fate"
After his battle with Naruto and Sasuke, Jigen is weakened quite significantly. Episode 214 of Boruto explores the fallout of this, with Kashin Koji taking advantage of the situation by directly attacking Jigen. It’s a surprisingly emotional encounter because Kashin Koji resembles Jiraiya so much. What makes it even more powerful is that Amado is intentionally showing the entire encounter to Naruto and the others.
Even Naruto can’t help but show emotion for Kashin Koji, all done on purpose to remind the viewers of Jiraiya. At the same time, Amado was trying to seek asylum in the leaf village. Seeing him negotiate his way in with the information he has is just as fascinating. Episode 214 also does a great job of keeping the viewers on the edge of their seats, as the stakes and tensions are higher than ever.
2 Boruto Makes A Selfless Sacrifice
Boruto, Episode 292: "Hunger"
Even during the fight scenes, Episode 292 of Boruto maintains a dark atmosphere from start to finish. Momoshiki takes over Boruto’s body during the chaotic battle against Code, eventually bringing both Naruto and Shikamaru into the fray. There’s a real sense of danger here. The battle between Borushiki and the now-awakened Kawaki is nothing to scoff at either.
There are no flashy jutsu or smoke-filled visuals, only pure hand-to-hand combat with exceptional choreography. It perfectly leads up to the climax, where Boruto willingly lets Kawaki kill him to stop Momoshiki from manifesting ever again. Although Boruto does later come through unscathed, this apparent death does carry lots of weight. It’s a grim and emotional end to an incredible episode.
1 Kawaki's Horrible Past Explains His Actions
Boruto, Episode 192: "Past"
From everything Boruto brings to the table, Kawaki’s backstory is a masterpiece and the anime’s most powerful episode. It’s filled with masterful symbolism and incredible direction that isn’t nearly talked about enough. Kawaki’s initial distrust is perfectly explained by the constant abuse and betrayal he faced as a child.
Even though it lacks action, the raw emotion viewers feel more than justifies its place as the most underrated episode in Boruto. Every scene is made in a way that pulls the viewers deeper into Kawaki’s pain. It sets the stage for what comes later, making Kawaki’s questionable decisions a bit more understandable.
Boruto: Naruto Next Generations
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