Naruto filler episodes: Full list of every episode you can skip 

Filler episodes in Naruto Shippuden
A list of filler episodes that can be skipped (Image via Pierrot)

Naruto is one of the most popular shonen anime and manga series that has enjoyed a level of success that very few series have managed to achieve. While this series is adored by fans worldwide, there are certain complaints regarding a few aspects of it.

One of the most common complaints among fans is the prevalence of filler episodes. Sometimes, filler episodes are necessary when the anime is catching up to the manga, but the series has a ton of them. Hence, we have compiled a list of filler episodes that can be avoided while watching the series.


Naruto filler episodes you can skip without worrying

Mecha in a filler episode (Image via Pierrot)
Mecha in a filler episode (Image via Pierrot)

Before we get into the list, some of the filler episodes are enjoyable to watch, and a good chunk of the fan base tends to watch every single episode. However, these filler episodes don’t have a significant effect on the plot, and one can avoid these while watching this series. The list also includes filler episodes from Shippuden.

  • Naruto 26: Chunin Exams arc
  • Naruto 97: Search for Tsunade arc
  • Naruto 102–106: Land of Tea Escort Mission arc
  • Naruto 136–219: Land of Rice Fields Investigations arc
  • Shippuden 57–71: Twelve Guardian Ninja arc
  • Shippuden 89–112: Three Tails’ Appearance arc
  • Shippuden 119–120: Kakashi Gaiden arc
  • Shippuden 144–151: Six-Tails Unleashed arc
  • Shippuden 170–171: Big Quest for Fourth Hokage’s Legacy
  • Shippuden 176–196: Past arc: Locus of Konoha
  • Shippuden 223–242: Paradise Life on a Boat arc
  • Shippuden 257–260: Flashbacks
  • Shippuden 272: Fourth Shinobi World War: Confrontation arc
  • Shippuden 280–281: Fourth Shinobi World War: Confrontation arc
  • Shippuden 284–289: Fourth Shinobi World War: Confrontation arc
  • Shippuden 300–317: Fourth Shinobi World War: Confrontation arc
  • Shippuden 319–320: Fourth Shinobi World War: Confrontation arc
  • Shippuden 347–361: Fourth Shinobi World War: Climax arc
  • Shippuden 376–377
  • Shippuden 388–390: Birth of ten-Tails’ Jinchuriki arc
  • Shippuden 394–413: Birth of ten-Tails’ Jinchuriki arc
  • Shippuden 416: The Formation of Team Minato
  • Shippuden 422–423: Birth of ten-Tails’ Jinchuriki arc
  • Shippuden 427–457: Birth of ten-Tails’ Jinchuriki, Jiraiya Shinobi Handbook: The Tale of Naruto the Hero, Itachi Shinden Book: Light and Darkness arcs
  • Shippuden 469: Kakashi's Face Reveal
  • Shippuden 480–500: Childhood, Sasuke Shinden Book: Book of Sunrise, Shikamaru Hiden: A Cloud Drifting In Silent Darkness, Konoha Hiden: The Perfect Day For a Wedding arcs

It is worth mentioning that these are filler episodes, and skipping them will not affect the understanding of the plot. However, some of the filler episodes are entertaining to watch. It is advisable to watch some of the fillers based on the viewer's interests. Animation studios generally add filler to add length to the series and retain their slots for broadcasting. Shows that run longer are, quite simply, more profitable.

Also read: Why is the Naruto live-action film a step in the wrong direction?

Filler episodes are frequently criticized for deviating from the main plot. Yet, they can also provide space for additional character development and world-building, which can improve the entire viewing experience. They can introduce new characters and delve into the backstories of existing characters, making the Naruto world richer than the mangaka could.


Synopsis

Many years ago, the Nine-Tailed Beast attacked Konohagakure. In an attempt to save the village, the Fourth Hokage and his wife sacrificed their life and sealed the beast in their son. Orphaned by the Tailed Beast’s attack, he was ignored by the villagers, who harbored a great deal of animosity towards him out of fear and hatred.

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Growing up in such conditions, the young boy wanted to be acknowledged by everyone in the village. He then decided to become the greatest Hokage in the village. With a handful of friends who look out for him, he sets on a journey to hone his potential and become the best shinobi ever.


Follow us for updates as Naruto anime returns. The studio is releasing four episodes of the anime, which will start running in September 2023 for all fans to watch, in honor of the 20th anniversary of the original anime's debut.