I wouldn’t say it’s overrated, but Naruto is written for kids that are the same age as Naruto. I grew up watching Naruto when I was the same age as Naruto, and for me it was the best show I had seen. It’s a show that gives kids good life lessons and direction, while mixing in some sick battles and usually manages to keep the main cast on close to equal grounds in any fights they find themselves in.

I didn’t start watching Shippuden until this past year, and to me it starts pretty great. Naruto comes back as the same doofus you know and love, but with a hint more maturity now. What’s great for me is that it feels like you’re back where you left off when Sasuke first leaves. Plus, now the villains, the Akatsuki, mostly in the background for ages start showing up to cause trouble front and center.

I went from loving Naruto, to hating Naruto, and back to Naruto again while on my journey of growing. To me Naruto is great not because it’s some perfect show, but because it has flawed characters with blaring flaws that you would expect from someone that age. It’s great to me because it serves as a great reminder for how to get back on the path you want to be on in life. The minor/background characters all feel so interesting, and really come together to make the show feel special, like it could be your hometown.