It features a "passing of the torch" moment with a massive joint Rasengan and incredible hand-to-hand choreography that pays homage to classic Naruto moves.

Watch first-time reactions and expert breakdowns of the building tension in the Chunin Exams:

Episode 65 is widely regarded as one of the best examples of in early Naruto . While fans often come for the high-octane fights, this episode succeeds by withholding the main event—the long-awaited clash between Sasuke and Gaara.

While it serves as a "bridge" episode, the art style is consistent with the high quality of the Chunin Exam finals. The cinematic arrival of Sasuke remains one of the most iconic frames in the series.

The episode effectively showcases Gaara’s unsettling presence. His interactions under the stadium—including his chilling encounter with the two Grass ninja—cement him as a genuine horror-element antagonist before the fight even begins. Visuals and Animation

If you are looking for the modern masterpiece of animation involving Naruto and Sasuke, you may be thinking of .

This episode is frequently cited by fans and reviewers on Reddit and Anime News Network as one of the greatest anime episodes ever produced due to its god-tier animation during the Momoshiki fight.