15. The Allied Shinobi Forces Clash With the Reanimated Army in Season 13
Shippuden's 13th season kicks the action into overdrive with the Fourth Great Ninja War in full swing. What makes this season stand out is the sheer scale of the battles, especially when so many familiar characters are thrown into the chaos. The war against Tobi, Kabuto, and their army of reanimated ninja brings out the best in the Hidden Villages' warriors.
On the flip side, much of the season is made up of filler and smaller battles that either slow the pacing or aren't especially memorable. There’s also a side story arc that feels out of place in the middle of such a massive conflict. Despite those detours, the season's core remains thrilling, with Naruto and the Allied Shinobi Forces pushing back against overwhelming odds.
14. Naruto Joins the War in Shippuden Season 14
Season 14 is packed with action as Naruto finally joins the Allied Shinobi Forces on the battlefield. One of the biggest draws is seeing him fully unleash his Nine-Tails Chakra Mode, which dramatically increases both his power and presence in the war. His arrival gives the conflict new momentum as he battles Kabuto’s massive army of reanimated ninja.
The reanimation jutsu also brings back several familiar faces, creating emotional and nostalgic moments with characters like Itachi and Nagato. Itachi is a major highlight, especially when he uses Shisui’s Kotoamatsukami to break free from Kabuto’s control. While the battles are exciting, they can start to feel repetitive, and the pacing occasionally drags because of filler.
13. Kakashi Becomes the Tragic Star of the Show in Season 16
Season 16 of Naruto: Shippuden is a strong one for Kakashi fans, diving deeper into his backstory and time with the ANBU Black Ops. The season works as a character study, showing how the trauma of losing his teammates shaped his cold, distant demeanor. It also explores his relationships with important figures like Itachi, Yamato, and Minato.
This season has a darker tone, with the ANBU operating in a morally gray world of covert missions and assassinations. The biggest drawback is that the season is entirely filler and arrives right in the middle of the Fourth Great Ninja War. Some would argue that this season contains some of Naruto: Shippuden's best filler, but the timing isn't great.
12. Madara's Infinite Tsukuyomi Is Activated in Season 20
Season 20 of Naruto: Shippuden has its ups and downs, but it still delivers several crucial moments that make it worth watching. The battle against Madara Uchiha continues, and the season fully showcases his nearly god-like power. His activation of the Infinite Tsukuyomi traps nearly everyone in dreamlike states and gives fans a glimpse into various characters’ imagined lives.
These anime-original dream sequences offer some fun and heartbreaking alternate realities, but they also slow down the main plot. Frustrating though it may be, the Itachi Uchiha side story is a major highlight, though. It explores his tragic choices, his time in the Leaf Village, and his early days with the Akatsuki.
11. Team 7 Goes All Out Against Kaguya in Season 21
The introduction of Kaguya Ōtsutsuki, the “mother of all chakra,” as the final villain gives Season 21 a cosmic twist, with the original Team 7 desperately fighting to stop her world-ending plans. The stakes couldn’t be higher, and the action is visually stunning. Kakashi gaining the Perfect Susanoo is a major fan-favorite moment, giving him one last chance to shine in the final battle.
This season also explores Naruto and Sasuke’s connection to Ashura and Indra. Their inevitable final battle is about finally settling their emotional and ideological differences. Still, Season 21 isn’t without flaws. Kaguya’s sudden arrival as the final antagonist was jarring for many fans, especially since Zetsu’s betrayal abruptly removed Madara from the story.
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