I discovered during my own Naruto Shippuden binge that omitting the majority of fillers maintained the story’s emotional and intense pacing. However, some storylines, such as Kakashi’s Anbu background, were so excellent that they were considered must-watch.
The Naruto Shippuden filler list helps viewers skip non-canon episodes that don’t follow the manga’s main story. About 41% of the series is filler, so this guide saves time while keeping the plot intact.
In this article we discuss about “Naruto Shippuden Filler List”
Introduction to Naruto Shippuden:
If you’ve started watching Naruto Shippuden, you’ve probably heard people talking about “fillers” and whether you should skip them. For newcomers, fillers can be confusing—you might wonder why they exist, whether they’re important to the story, and how to tell which episodes are fillers.
The truth is, Naruto Shippuden has over 40% filler content, and while some are fun and worth watching, others can feel like unnecessary detours from the main plot. This guide will give you the complete Naruto Shippuden filler list, highlight which ones are worth watching, and help you enjoy the anime without losing track of the main storyline.
What is Naruto Shippuden?
Following Naruto Uzumaki’s two-and-a-half-year training phase, Naruto Shippuden is the follow-up to the original Naruto anime. It describes his quest to fortify himself, defend his comrades, and face the Akatsuki organization’s impending threat. The anime, which consists of 500 episodes, is adored for its profound character arcs, spectacular battles, and poignant storytelling.
The series adapts the manga written by Masashi Kishimoto, but to keep up with the manga’s slower release pace, the anime often inserted original episodes—known as “fillers”—to avoid catching up too quickly.
Why Filler Episodes Exist in Anime:
Filler episodes aren’t unique to Naruto Shippuden—they’re common in long-running shonen anime. The main reasons fillers are created include:
- Avoiding Catch-Up to the Manga – If the anime catches up to the manga, production must pause. Fillers give the manga time to progress.
- Extra Character Development – Sometimes fillers explore side characters more deeply.
- Expanding the Universe – Filler arcs may add new settings, villains, or mini-stories not found in the manga.
While this sounds great in theory, not all filler episodes resonate with fans. Some are criticized for slowing down the main plot, while others are praised for emotional or comedic value.
Understanding Filler Episodes:
Canon vs. Filler – What’s the Difference?
- Canon Episodes – Directly adapted from the Naruto manga, part of the main storyline.
- Filler Episodes – Original content created by the anime team, not in the manga.
- Mixed Episodes – Contain both canon and filler content.
In Naruto Shippuden, skipping all fillers means sticking to manga-adapted episodes, which allows you to experience the story exactly as the author intended. However, you may miss out on some fun moments and side stories that aren’t officially part of the manga but still offer entertainment.
Why Skipping Fillers is Popular Among Fans:
Many fans skip fillers to maintain story momentum. When the main plot is building up to an intense battle or emotional moment, inserting a filler arc can feel like an interruption. This is especially true in Naruto Shippuden, where some filler arcs last 20+ episodes.
That said, some filler arcs are genuinely well-written and add charm to the series, so not all fans avoid them. It’s a matter of personal preference and viewing goals—are you watching for the core story, or do you enjoy extra adventures?
Naruto Shippuden Filler List:
Full Episode Guide with Filler Identification:
Here’s a quick breakdown of Naruto Shippuden’s episodes by type:
- Canon Episodes – Adapted directly from the manga.
- Filler Episodes – Completely original anime-only content.
- Mixed Episodes – Contain both manga and filler scenes.
A full detailed episode list (which we’ll expand later) will help you decide what to skip and what to watch, especially if you want to save time while still understanding the complete story.
Percentage of Filler in Naruto Shippuden:
Naruto Shippuden contains 205 filler episodes out of 500, making it about 41% filler content. This is one of the highest filler percentages in popular anime, which is why so many guides exist to help viewers navigate them.
For binge-watchers or those rewatching the series, knowing the filler episodes in advance can save hours—or even days—of viewing time while keeping the story experience intact.
Best Fillers Worth Watching:
Fan-Favorite Filler Arcs:
While many fillers are skippable, some stand out for their creativity, humor, or emotional depth. Popular ones include:
- Twelve Guardian Ninja Arc (Episodes 54–71) – Action-packed with interesting new characters.
- Kakashi’s Anbu Backstory (Episodes 349–361) – Reveals Kakashi’s life before Team 7.
- Chikara Arc (Episodes 290–295) – Features high-stakes battles and good animation quality.
These arcs add depth to characters and sometimes even foreshadow elements in the main story.
Emotional and Action-Packed Fillers:
Some fillers shine because they focus on emotional storytelling or intense fights. Episodes showing Naruto bonding with villagers or dealing with past trauma can be surprisingly moving, even if they’re not canon.
These episodes often serve as light-hearted or heartfelt breaks from the darker tone of the main arcs, giving fans a chance to breathe before diving back into high-stakes drama.
Fillers to Skip Without Missing Story:
Least Relevant Filler Arcs:
While some filler arcs are entertaining, others feel like unnecessary detours from Naruto Shippuden’s main plot. These episodes often introduce characters you never see again or feature side missions that don’t connect to the larger story. Notable arcs that most fans skip include:
- Three-Tails’ Appearance Arc (Episodes 89–112) – Overly drawn-out and with minimal impact on the main plot.
- Konoha History Arc (Episodes 176–196) – Heavy on flashbacks with little new content.
- Paradise Life on a Boat Arc (Episodes 223–242) – Light-hearted but repetitive in tone.
These arcs tend to stall momentum, especially when placed right before or after major battles in the canon storyline.
Reasons Some Fillers Are Skipped:
Fans often skip fillers for three main reasons:
- Problems with Pacing -– Filler arcs might stretch for ten to twenty episodes, which slows down the plot as a whole.
- Low Stakes – Villains introduced in fillers rarely have lasting consequences.
- Animation Quality – Some fillers have noticeably lower production values compared to canon episodes.
If you’re watching Naruto Shippuden for its central plot and emotional depth, skipping these fillers will help you maintain narrative flow without feeling like you’ve missed anything essential.
Chronological Filler Episode List:
1. Early Arc Fillers:
The early stages of Naruto Shippuden have relatively few fillers, but they do appear between major story arcs. Examples include:
- Episodes 57–71 – Twelve Guardian Ninja Arc (worth watching for some fans).
- Episodes 91–112 – Three-Tails’ Appearance Arc (generally skippable).
2. Mid-Series Fillers:
Fillers, which are frequently included in between fierce bouts to give the manga time to develop, are most prevalent in the middle portion of the series. Among the examples are:
- Episodes 144–151 – Six-Tails Unleashed Arc.
- Episodes 176–196 – Konoha History Arc (flashback-heavy).
3. Final Arc Fillers:
Even during the climax of the Fourth Great Ninja War, the anime inserted filler episodes:
- Episodes ** filler sequences in the 400s ** – Often break up war battles with side stories.
- Episodes 464–468 – Mostly historical flashbacks.
While some provide useful lore, many disrupt the pacing of the war’s high-stakes action.
Naruto Shippuden Mixed Canon/Filler Episodes:
1. What Are Mixed Episodes?
Mixed episodes contain both manga-adapted scenes and anime-original content. For example, an episode might start with canon material but fill the second half with unrelated side missions. These episodes can be tricky because skipping them entirely means missing important moments from the main story.
2. Why You Shouldn’t Skip Them:
Mixed episodes often reveal crucial details about characters, ongoing battles, or future plot twists. Even if some parts feel like filler, they usually contain at least one or two scenes that matter for understanding the story’s continuity.
A good strategy is to fast-forward through obvious filler segments while still watching the canon-relevant portions.
Impact of Fillers on Story Flow:
1. Break in Main Storyline:
The biggest criticism of fillers in Naruto Shippuden is how they break tension during major story arcs. Imagine being in the middle of a battle between Naruto and Pain, and suddenly—boom—you’re thrown into a light-hearted fishing trip episode. This shift can disrupt emotional investment.
2. Character Development in Fillers:
On the positive side, fillers sometimes offer rare character interactions we wouldn’t see in the main story. For example, certain episodes dive deeper into side characters like Tenten, Shino, or Iruka, giving them screen time that the manga didn’t provide.While these moments aren’t canon, they can enrich your connection to the world of Naruto.
How to Watch Naruto Shippuden Without Fillers:
1. Filler-Free Watch Order:
If you want to experience Naruto Shippuden without unnecessary detours, you can follow a filler-free episode guide. This means skipping all non-canon episodes while watching every canon and mixed episode that advances the main plot.
Many fan-made lists are available online, but in short, you’ll end up watching around 295 canon/mixed episodes instead of all 500.
2. Benefits of Skipping Fillers:
- Faster Progress – Cut watch time nearly in half.
- Better Pacing – Maintain the momentum of key story arcs.
- Focused Plot – Stick to the main events without side distractions.
Skipping fillers is especially appealing for first-time viewers who want to get to the heart of Naruto’s journey without spending months on unrelated stories.
Streaming Naruto Shippuden:
Platforms Offering Naruto Shippuden:
Naruto Shippuden is available on several major streaming services, including:
- Crunchyroll – Subbed and some dubbed episodes.
- Netflix – Availability varies by region.
- Hulu – Both subbed and dubbed versions.
- Funimation – Dubbed episodes for English viewers.
Watching in Dubbed vs. Subbed Versions:
Whether to watch dubbed or subbed is personal preference. The subbed version offers the original Japanese voice acting, which many fans consider more authentic. The dubbed version is convenient for those who prefer watching without reading subtitles.
Naruto Shippuden Arc List:
Naruto Uzumaki’s development into a formidable shinobi is the subject of multiple story arcs in Naruto Shippuden. Character growth, major story points, and various conflicts are the main topics of each arc. From the Fourth Great Battle to the Kazekage Rescue Mission.
Ninja War, these arcs blend intense action, emotional storytelling, and rich world-building. Understanding the arc list helps fans follow the story in order and appreciate how each part contributes to Naruto’s growth and the series’ grand narrative.
Naruto Shippuden Filler List Worth Watching:
While Naruto Shippuden has its share of filler episodes, some stand out for their engaging plots, character depth, and fun side stories. These worth-watching fillers offer fresh perspectives on beloved characters, explore untold events, and provide moments of lightheartedness amidst the intense main story.
Fans are given additional layers of emotional connection through episodes such as the Kakashi’s Anbu arc or stories about childhood friendships. The proper fillers can improve your viewing experience without detracting from the primary story.
Naruto Shippuden Filler List:
The filler list in Naruto Shippuden includes episodes not directly adapted from the manga, often used to give the original story more time to progress. These fillers range from light comedy to side missions and character-focused arcs.
While some viewers choose to skip fillers to follow only the main storyline, others enjoy them for their creativity and additional world-building. Having a complete filler list allows fans to decide which episodes to watch or skip, depending on whether they want a streamlined or expanded Naruto experience.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. How long is Shippuden without fillers?
Without fillers, Naruto Shippuden is around 300 episodes, totaling roughly 100 hours of watch time. This removes non-canon arcs and keeps only the main storyline.
2. What percent of Naruto Shippuden is filler?
About 41% of Naruto Shippuden’s episodes are filler. That’s over 200 episodes not directly tied to the main manga plot.
3. Which anime has the most fillers?
Detective Conan holds one of the highest filler counts due to its extremely long run. Naruto is also among the top in filler percentage.
4. Is it okay to skip filler episodes in Naruto?
Yes, skipping fillers won’t affect your understanding of the main story. However, some fillers offer fun side stories and character moments.
5. What does Infinite Tsukuyomi do?
It traps people in a dream-like illusion, making them experience their deepest desires. In reality, they’re immobilized under a powerful genjutsu.
6. How to watch Naruto Shippuden in order?
Follow the canon episode list, starting from episode 1 to 500, skipping filler arcs as needed. Many guides list the exact filler episodes to avoid.
7. How old is Naruto in Naruto Shippuden?
Naruto is 15 years old when Shippuden begins. By the series’ end, he’s 17.
8. What episodes of Shippuden can I skip?
You can skip most filler arcs, such as episodes 57–71 and filler-heavy ranges like filler-heavy filler arcs near the end. Check a detailed filler guide for specifics.
9. What is a canon episode?
A canon episode follows the official manga storyline. These episodes are directly written or inspired by the original creator’s work.
10. What percent of Boruto is filler?
Boruto currently has around 30–35% filler episodes. The percentage changes as new arcs are added.
11. Who is Kakashi’s son?
Kakashi has no biological children in canon. The rumor comes from fan theories and non-canon material.
12. Why does Kakashi have a Sharingan?
Kakashi received the Sharingan from his teammate Obito as a gift before Obito’s presumed death. It was implanted in Kakashi’s left eye.
Conclusion:
Naruto Shippuden’s mix of canon and filler episodes offers fans the flexibility to choose between a fast-paced, streamlined storyline or an expanded adventure filled with extra character moments and side plots. With over 40% of the series consisting of filler, having a clear guide to which episodes to skip or watch is essential for keeping the plot engaging while saving valuable viewing time.
While some fillers disrupt the pacing, others—like Kakashi’s Anbu arc—deliver rich character development and emotional depth that enhance the overall experience. The key is finding the right balance between enjoying the main story’s intensity and appreciating the charm of side adventures. Armed with a complete filler list, viewers can enjoy Naruto Shippuden in the way that best fits their personal viewing style.
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