You’ve probably heard the horror stories about the "Infinite Filler-yomi."
It’s the reason many people dropped Naruto back in the day. You’re watching the peak of the Fourth Shinobi World War, the stakes are literally global, and suddenly—bam. We’re watching a flashback about a ostrich named Condor. Or a robot version of Naruto.
Honestly, it's a lot.
But here is the thing: not all filler is garbage. Some of it actually fixes the manga's mistakes by giving side characters like Neji, Hinata, or Tenten something to actually do. If you just follow a raw list of naruto filler episodes and hit skip on everything, you might actually miss some of the best world-building in the franchise.
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Let's break down what's actually happening in these 720 episodes and which ones deserve your time.
The Original Naruto: A Long Goodbye
The first series is famous for its "wall." After episode 135, the main story basically stops. It doesn't just slow down; it hits a brick wall. For the next 80+ episodes, Naruto just goes on random missions with different classmates.
Why? Because the anime caught up to Masashi Kishimoto’s manga too fast.
The Skips (Save Your Time)
If you’re in a rush, you can basically stop at 135 and jump to the last half of 220.
- Episode 26: Just a recap. Skip it.
- Episode 97: Naruto goes to a hot spring. Total fluff.
- Mizuki Tracking Mission (142–147): The guy from episode one comes back with a weird "tiger" power-up. It's kinda goofy and feels like a fever dream.
- The Peddlers Escort Mission (187–191): Forgettable characters, mediocre fights.
The "Actually Good" Filler
Don't skip Episode 101. It’s the legendary "Gotta See! Gotta Know! Kakashi-Sensei's True Face!" episode. It’s pure comedy gold where Team 7 tries to unmask their teacher.
Also, the Sunagakure Support Mission (216–220) is worth watching. It shows Gaara acting as a mentor to a student, which really pays off his character arc from the Chunin Exams. Plus, the very end of 220 is canon—it’s where Naruto finally leaves to train with Jiraiya.
Naruto Shippuden: The Filler Minefield
Shippuden is trickier. In the original series, filler was mostly at the end. In Shippuden, it’s shoved right into the middle of intense arcs. This is what messes with the pacing. You’ll be mid-battle, and suddenly you’re in a 20-episode flashback.
Major Filler Arcs to Note
- Twelve Guardian Ninja (57–71): This explores Sora, a kid with "pseudo-Nine-Tails" chakra. It’s okay, but mostly skippable unless you really love Asuma.
- Three-Tails' Appearance (91–112): This one introduces Guren and Crystal Release. Honestly? Guren is one of the coolest "non-canon" villains. It’s long, but the powers are unique.
- Six-Tails Unleashed (144–151): Focuses on Utakata. Since he’s a Jinchuriki, this actually adds weight to the Akatsuki’s hunt.
- Paradise Life on a Boat (223–242): This is the one people hate. It’s Naruto on a boat for 20 episodes. Unless you want to see Guy-sensei get seasick, keep moving.
- The Power Arc (290–295): This was made to celebrate 500 total episodes. The animation quality is movie-level. It’s short, punchy, and looks better than half the canon fights.
The "Mixed" Episode Trap
This is where the list of naruto filler episodes gets messy. Some episodes are half-canon. For example, Episode 71 is mostly filler, but the last ten minutes contain important plot points.
If you're using a guide, watch out for these "Mixed Canon/Filler" tags. Usually, they contain a tiny scene of the Akatsuki or a character making a decision that moves the plot, surrounded by 15 minutes of fluff.
The Masterpiece: Kakashi’s Anbu Arc
If you skip every filler, you’ll miss Episodes 349–361.
This is "Kakashi: Shadow of the ANBU Black Ops." It covers Kakashi’s time after the death of Rin and Minato. You see him working alongside a young Itachi Uchiha. It explains how Yamato got into the ANBU. It’s dark, atmospheric, and honestly feels like it should have been in the manga.
Most fans consider this "head-canon" because it fits the timeline so perfectly. If you watch nothing else on the filler list, watch this.
How to Handle the Fourth Shinobi War
The end of Shippuden is brutal for a binge-watcher. You’re in the final fight, and the show stops for a massive flashback arc called The Friends' Paths (394–413). This revisits the Chunin Exams.
It’s not bad content, but the timing is terrible.
Pro tip: Finish the war first. Then, if you're feeling nostalgic for the old days when they were kids, go back and watch the "Friends' Paths" or the "Jiraiya Shinobi Handbook" (432–450) arcs as separate side-stories. It won't ruin the momentum of the finale that way.
Practical Next Steps for Your Rewatch
If you want the "Pure" experience without the fluff, here is your path forward:
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- Use a live tracker: Sites like Anime Filler List are updated constantly, but don't just trust the red "Filler" label.
- Watch the Itachi Shinden (451–458): These episodes are based on official light novels. While technically labeled filler by some, they are 100% essential for understanding Itachi’s true motivations and his relationship with Izumi.
- Don't skip the last 20 episodes: Starting around 480, the show moves into "Childhood" stories and then into the wedding preparations. These are some of the most emotional moments in the series and lead directly into the Boruto era.
Basically, treat the filler list like a buffet. You don't have to eat the stale bread (the boat arc), but don't miss out on the gourmet sides (Kakashi Anbu and Itachi’s backstory) just because they aren't the main course.
Grab a remote with a good fast-forward button. If a flashback starts and you’ve seen the scene ten times already? Skip it. If it’s a new story with a character you like? Give it ten minutes. You might be surprised at what you actually enjoy.