Number of Episodes: still running in Japan

Written by: Kishimoto Masahi

Directed by: Date Hayato

Characters:

• Naruto Uzumaki
• Sasuke Uchiha
• Sakura Haruno
• Iruka Umuino
• Kakashi Hatake

Summary: Naruto is a ninja who wants to become the greatest ninja in his village and earn the title Hokage. Unfortunately, no one seems to like Naruto. The other children snub him and the parents are even rude and cold to him. He finds out the reason - he is the Demon Fox that terrorized his village and killed many people. The village Hokage sealed the demon away into a newborn child. Though this means that Naruto is harmless - the demon safely locked away inside him - the people who remember the demon do not want Naruto around. Because of this, his goal to become Hokage will not be easy.

Commentary: This is a really great show. I love Sakura (especially Inner Sakura!) and Naruto is also a very likeable character - though he is a bit of a trouble-maker, he is hard-working and determined to meet his goal. This series, based on a manga, is still going in Japan, and has spawned a trading card game and a movie (which opens in Japan this summer). Though none of these (expect the manga) have been brought over to the U.S., Naruto is "wildly popular" in Japan, and will more than likely be brought to the States soon. I'll keep everyone updated.

Rating: 10/10
Reasons for Rating: Cute, funny, who couldn't loved Ninja clad in orange?!, beautifully animated, great music.