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

Filler episodes in Naruto Shippuden
A list of Naruto 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.

We have prepared a list of all such filler episodes from the main series and also from Shippuden. Both these series have over 41% filler content, which could be tiresome for new viewers or for those trying to rewatch the whole series. While some fillers can be interesting, like the episode where they try to see Kakashi's unmasked face (Shippuden 469), most are irrelevant to the plot progression.


Naruto filler episodes you can skip without worry

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

Before we get into the list, some of the Naruto 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 filler episodes list

Episode 26Chunin Exams arc
Episode 97Search for Tsunade arc
Episode 101Gotta See! Gotta Know! Kakashi-Sensei's True Face!
Episode 102–106Land of Tea Escort Mission arc
Episode 136-141Land of Rice Fields Investigations arc
Episode 142-147 Mizuki Tracking Mission arc
Episode 148-151 Bikōchū Search Mission arc
Episode 152-157 Kurosuki Family Removal Mission arc
Episode 158Follow My Lead! The Great Survival Challenge
Episode 159-160 Gosunkugi Capture Mission arc
Episode 161The Appearance of Strange Visitors
Episode 162-167 Cursed Warrior Extermination Mission arc
Episode 168Mix it, Stretch it, Boil it Up! Burn Copper Pot, Burn!
Episode 169-173 Kaima Capture Mission arc
Episode 174Impossible! Celebrity Ninja Art: Money Style Jutsu!
Episode 175-176 Buried Gold Excavation Mission arc
Episode 177Please, Mr. Postman!
Episode 178-183 Star Guard Mission arc
Episode 184Kiba's Long Day
Episode 185A Legend from the Hidden Leaf: The Onbaa!
Episode 186Laughing Shino
Episode 187-191 Peddlers Escort Mission arc
Episode 192Ino Screams! Chubby Paradise!
Episode 193Viva Dojo Challenge! Youth is All About Passion!
Episode 194The Mysterious Curse of the Haunted Castle
Episode 195-196 Third Great Beast arc
Episode 197-201 Konoha Plans Recapture Mission arc
Episode 202The Top 5 Ninja Battles!
Episode 203-207 Yakumo Kurama Rescue Mission arc
Episode 208The Weight of the Prized Artefact!
Episode 209-212 Gantetsu Escort Mission arc
Episode 213-215 Menma Memory Search Mission arc
Episode 216-220 Sunagakure Support Mission arc

Naruto Shippuden filler episodes list

Team 7 in one of the filler episodes (Image via Studio Pierrot)
Team 7 in one of the filler episodes (Image via Studio Pierrot)
Episode 57–71Twelve Guardian Ninja arc
Episode 89–112Three Tails’ Appearance arc
Episode 144–151Six-Tails Unleashed arc
Episode 170–171Big Adventure! The Quest for the Fourth Hokage's Legacy Part 1 & Part 2
Episode 176–196Past Arc: The Locus of Konoha
Episode 223–242Paradise Life on a Boat arc
Episode 257–260Flashbacks
Episode 271Road to Sakura
Episode 279–281Fourth Shinobi World War: Confrontation arc
Episode 284–289Fourth Shinobi World War: Confrontation arc
Episode 290–295Power arc
Episode 303–320Fourth Shinobi World War: Confrontation arc
Episode 347–361Fourth Shinobi World War: Climax arc
Episode 376The Directive to Take the Nine-Tails
Episode 377Naruto vs. Mecha-Naruto
Episode 388–390Birth of ten-Tails’ Jinchuriki arc
Episode 394–413In Naruto's Footsteps: The Friends' Paths arc
Episode 416The Formation of Team Minato
Episode 422–423Birth of ten-Tails’ Jinchuriki arc
Episode 427–450Birth of ten-Tails’ Jinchuriki arc/Jiraiya Shinobi Handbook: The Tale of Naruto the Hero arc
Episode 464-468Asura and Indra arc
Episode 469A Special Mission
Episode 480–483Childhood arc

It is worth mentioning that skipping Naruto filler episodes 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.

For example, episodes 257 through 260 show important flashbacks from the titular character's childhood which help set up the dynamics between different characters. The Power arc was released as a part of the celebration of completing 500 episodes. It also acts as a break before the start of the Fourth Great Ninja War officially begins in the anime.

Episode 416 takes a step back from the events of the present and features a young Kakashi and Obito with Rin as members of Team Minato. It shows the trust that held them in the past and their collective admiration for Minato. The scene returns to the present in the next episode but the viewers get a taste of Obito and Kakashi working as a team in the past as they do against Madara now.

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.

In his journey, he learns to harness his powers as a Jinchuriki, trains under the famous Sanin Jiraiya, and forms many valuable bonds that would


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.

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Edited by Shaheen Banu
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