It was 2 a.m., and Jake found himself five episodes deep into Naruto Shippuden, completely engrossed in the epic battle between Naruto and Pain. He had already spent weeks devouring the original Naruto series and was now determined to watch Naruto Shippuden from start to finish. But halfway through another episode, the plot suddenly shifted. Naruto was back in the Hidden Leaf Village, chasing after a rogue ninja for no clear reason. The tense arc involving the Akatsuki was abruptly interrupted by a filler episode—an all-too-common experience for Naruto fans.
Jake paused the episode and wondered, “How much of Naruto Shippuden is filler, and can I skip it?” His late-night frustration was not unique. Naruto Shippuden is infamous for having many filler episodes, often interrupting key story arcs’ flow. Fillers can be a frustrating obstacle for those trying to power through the series. However, with a well-curated filler list, you can focus on the core story and avoid the episodes that don’t contribute to the main plot.
In this article, we’ll explore the Naruto Shippuden filler episodes, explain why they exist, and guide you on which episodes are worth skipping. We’ll also dive into some stats about the series and provide tips for navigating the long list of episodes.
What Are Fillers and Why Do They Exist?
The Purpose of Filler Episodes
Naruto Shippuden filler list episodes are non-canon content, meaning they don’t follow the original story from the manga (the source material). In long-running anime series like Naruto Shippuden, fillers are often inserted to allow the manga to stay ahead of the anime adaptation. Since anime episodes typically air weekly and can cover a significant portion of manga chapters quickly, there’s a risk of the anime catching up to the manga’s story. When this happens, studios insert filler arcs instead of halting the anime production to give the manga time to progress.
The concept of fillers is common to Naruto Shippuden. Other long-running anime like One Piece and Bleach have similar strategies, but Naruto Shippuden stands out for the sheer volume of its filler content.
The Stats: How Much of Naruto Shippuden Is Filler?
A Hefty Percentage of Non-Canon Content
Naruto Shippuden ran from 2007 to 2017, airing 500 episodes. Of these, 203 are considered filler, accounting for roughly 41% of the series. This high percentage is often cited as one of the major frustrations for fans who want to experience the story of Naruto without being bogged down by unrelated side plots.
To break it down further:
- Total Episodes: 500
- Filler Episodes: 203
- Canon Episodes: 297
For comparison, Naruto, the original series, had 220 episodes and 91 fillers, giving it a filler percentage of 41.36%, which is quite similar to Naruto Shippuden’s. However, Naruto Shippuden is longer and involves more intricate storylines, so the filler content feels more disruptive.
(Source: AnimeFillerList.com)
Naruto Shippuden Filler List: The Arcs You Can Skip
Top Filler Arcs to Avoid
While many filler episodes in Naruto Shippuden are standalone or short, others come in long, multi-episode arcs far from the main plot. For those who want to skip to the important parts, here’s a breakdown of the most commonly skipped arcs:
- Twelve Guardian Ninja Arc (Episodes 57-71): This arc focuses on a group called the Twelve Guardian Ninja, with little connection to the Akatsuki or Naruto’s development as a character. It can be safely skipped without losing any plot momentum.
- Three-Tails’ Appearance Arc (Episodes 89-112): This filler arc involves Naruto and his friends trying to capture the Three-Tails beast. While entertaining, it deviates from the main storyline and can be skipped.
- Six-Tails Unleashed Arc (Episodes 144-151): This arc centers on the Jinchūriki of the Six-Tails, Utakata. It’s another arc with little relevance to the main plot involving the Akatsuki or Naruto’s growth.
- Chikara Arc (Episodes 290-295): This mini-arc is completely non-canon and has a supernatural theme that doesn’t fit well with the overarching story. Most fans skip this arc entirely.
- The Infinite Tsukuyomi Filler Episodes (432-450): This is one of the more notorious filler sequences. After a major plot development (the activation of the Infinite Tsukuyomi), the anime diverges into a long string of filler episodes. These episodes show “dreams” that various characters have while under the Tsukuyomi’s power. While interesting for character development, they don’t progress the main plot.
- Kaguya Ōtsutsuki Strikes Arc Filler Episodes (Episodes 451-458): This arc brings back Itachi Uchiha for a filler-based story, but it’s largely irrelevant to the larger conflict of the Fourth Great Ninja War.
Filler Episodes Worth Watching
Not all filler episodes are created equal; some add enjoyable depth to the characters and world. If you’re looking for a filler that’s worth your time, consider the following:
- Kakashi’s Anbu Arc (Episodes 349-361): This arc explores Kakashi’s time in the Anbu Black Ops, giving fans insight into his past and relationship with key characters like Itachi and the Third Hokage. While technically filler, it’s often considered canon-adjacent and helps develop Kakashi’s backstory.
- The Power Arc (Episodes 290-295): Though non-canon, this arc is highly regarded for its animation quality and exciting battles. The plot involves a mysterious group using forbidden jutsu, leading to some interesting fight scenes.
- Naruto’s Training Journey (Filler Flashbacks) (Episodes 176-196): These episodes occur after the Pain arc and offer some flashbacks to Naruto’s training, though the narrative needs to be canon. Still, they provide decent character development and are mildly entertaining.
Why Some Fans Choose to Skip Fillers
Preserving Story Flow
Fans choose to skip filler episodes to preserve the flow of the core narrative. Naruto Shippuden tells an intense, high-stakes story involving the Akatsuki, Naruto’s growth, and the Fourth Great Ninja War. Many filler episodes tend to break up the tension or introduce irrelevant plots, which can frustrate viewers who are invested in the main story.
For example, during the highly anticipated Fourth Great Ninja War Arc, the series inserts several filler episodes that disrupt the pacing of the war and Naruto’s journey toward his final confrontation with the series’ villains. By skipping these fillers, fans can maintain the narrative momentum without getting distracted by side stories that don’t contribute to Naruto’s ultimate goal of becoming Hokage.
How to Skip Filler Episodes and Enjoy the Show
Using Filler Guides and Resources
Several resources are available for fans like Jake, who want to experience Naruto Shippuden with minimal interruptions. Websites like AnimeFillerList.com provide detailed guides that break down which episodes are canon, filler, or a mix of both. These guides make it easy for viewers to skip non-essential content while ensuring they don’t miss important story moments.
Some streaming platforms hosting Naruto Shippuden, such as Crunchyroll and Hulu, allow you to skip episodes or jump between seasons easily. This makes it convenient to bypass fillers without manually searching through episode lists.
The Value of Fillers: Not All Filler Is Bad
While fillers often get a bad reputation, they do serve some purpose. For fans deeply invested in Naruto, fillers offer a chance to explore side characters, develop relationships, and even provide comic relief during otherwise serious arcs. Filler episodes allow fans to see more of the Hidden Leaf Village’s everyday life, which isn’t always possible in the fast-paced manga.
However, skipping the filler is a reasonable choice for those focused on following Naruto’s journey to becoming Hokage. With around 41% of the show considered non-canon, skipping the fillers can save viewers considerable time while still enjoying the primary narrative.
Conclusion: To Skip or Not to Skip?
For fans like Jake, the decision to skip filler episodes in Naruto Shippuden comes down to personal preference. For those who value a streamlined viewing experience, avoiding the 203 filler episodes can make the series feel tighter and more focused. However, for those who enjoy spending extra time with their favourite characters, fillers offer an opportunity to explore new stories—even if they aren’t part of the official canon.
Ultimately, the choice is yours. Whether you skip the fillers or embrace them, Naruto Shippuden offers a rich, immersive world filled with action, emotion, and unforgettable characters. By knowing which episodes to skip, you can tailor your viewing experience to match your preferences—and still enjoy one of the most iconic anime series ever.
