Filler Episodes In Naruto Shippuden Ultimate Guide On What To Skip Without Missing Plot

Naruto Shippuden spans 500 episodes, but not all of them are essential to the core story. A significant portion consists of filler content—episodes not present in the original manga by Masashi Kishimoto. While some filler adds flavor or explores side characters, much of it slows pacing and distracts from the central narrative. For viewers short on time or revisiting the series, knowing which arcs to skip—and which to watch—is crucial. This guide breaks down every major filler arc, highlights pivotal non-filler moments, and provides a streamlined viewing path that preserves all critical plot developments.

Understanding Filler vs. Canon in Naruto Shippuden

In anime adaptations, \"canon\" refers to material derived directly from the source manga. \"Filler,\" conversely, is original content created by the anime studio—often to avoid overtaking the manga or to extend the series during production delays. In Naruto Shippuden, Studio Pierrot introduced numerous filler arcs between major story arcs from the manga.

The challenge lies in identifying which fillers contain meaningful character moments or world-building, and which are purely episodic detours. Skipping filler can save over 100 hours, but skipping too much risks missing subtle emotional beats or foreshadowing later reused in canon.

“Filler isn’t inherently bad—it’s about context. Some arcs gave side characters depth the manga never had time for.” — Hiroshi Tsurumaki, Anime Production Analyst

Key Differences at a Glance

Aspect	Canon Episodes	Filler Episodes
Source Material	Based on Masashi Kishimoto’s manga	Original anime-only content
Plot Impact	Advances main story, introduces key battles	Rarely affects long-term narrative
Character Development	Major growth (e.g., Sasuke’s return, Naruto’s training)	Limited; sometimes expands minor characters
Animation Quality	Generally high, especially during arcs	Variable; often lower budget
Recommended?	Essential	Selective viewing advised

Tip: Use episode databases like Naruto Wiki or Kistune’s Watch Order to identify filler markers quickly.

Major Filler Arcs: What to Skip (and When to Watch)

Naruto Shippuden’s filler is clustered in distinct arcs. Below is a breakdown of the most notable ones, their episode ranges, and whether they’re skippable.

1. The Gap Filler (Episodes 1–20, 29–41, 73–89)

This early stretch includes multiple mini-arcs following Naruto’s return from training with Jiraiya. Most are forgettable missions involving rogue ninjas or village disputes. Exceptions include Episode 36 (“A Box of Pocky”), which shows Naruto and Hinata’s subtle interactions—a quiet moment fans appreciate.

• Skip: 1–19, 30–41, 73–88
• Watch: Episode 20 (Sasuke vs. Itachi setup), Episode 29 (Team 7 reunion foreshadowing)

2. Hidan and Kakuzu Arc (Episodes 90–112)

One of the few fully canon stretches post-timeskip. Features Team 10’s battle against Akatsuki members Hidan and Kakuzu. Critical for understanding Akatsuki’s immortality techniques and Shikamaru’s leadership.

Tip: Do not skip this arc. It's canon and vital for Akatsuki lore.

3. Three-Tails Arc (Episodes 113–143)

A lengthy filler centered around Rin’s reincarnated form and a civilian girl named Yū. Despite decent animation, the arc introduces no lasting characters or plot threads. The Three-Tails appears briefly in later canon, but its origin here is irrelevant.

• Skip entirely: Episodes 113–143

4. Itachi Pursuit Arc (Episodes 144–151)

Canon-compliant. Depicts Sasuke’s team hunting Itachi, leading to their final confrontation. Essential for Sasuke’s descent into vengeance and the revelation of Itachi’s true motives.

“This arc redefined how fans saw Itachi—not just a villain, but a tragic protector.” — Akari Sato, Manga Historian

5. Pain’s Assault & Five Kage Summit (Episodes 152–196, 221–263)

Core canon. Includes Naruto mastering Sage Mode, the destruction of Konoha, and his battle with Pain. Later, the Five Kage Summit reveals Obito as “Tobi” and sets up the Fourth Great Ninja War. Absolutely mandatory viewing.

6. Power (Chikara) Arc (Episodes 264–275)

An obscure filler arc involving a cursed island and ancient chakra beasts. No impact on future events. Animation dips significantly. Skip without hesitation.

• Skip: 264–275

7. Fourth Shinobi World War Arc (Episodes 276–316, 349–361)

The war’s initial phase is canon-heavy: Kaguya’s backstory, Madara’s resurrection, and the Ten-Tails’ revival. However, filler interrupts with random skirmishes. Stick to key battles only.

8. Naruto the Movie: Blood Prison Tie-In (Episodes 317–328)

Promotional filler for the movie *Blood Prison*. Features Naruto being falsely imprisoned and escaping. Entertaining for some, but zero continuity relevance.

• Skip: 317–328

9. Parental Investigation Arc (Episodes 330–348)

Explores Minato and Kushina’s youth through flashbacks triggered by Naruto’s memories. While touching, these scenes were later adapted more faithfully in *Road to Ninja* and manga extras. Not essential.

• Skip: 330–348

10. Blank Period Filler (Episodes 362–371, 375–393)

Random missions, comedy episodes, and minor villains. Includes “Konoha Festival” and “Ninja Battle Royale.” Pure fluff.

• Skip: All listed episodes

11. The Last: Naruto the Movie Lead-In (Episodes 414–416, 418–419)

Short prelude to *The Last: Naruto the Movie*, showing Tsunade stepping down and Naruto adjusting post-war. Mildly relevant but mostly setup.

• Optional: Watch if planning to see *The Last*

Streamlined Viewing Checklist

To experience the full Naruto Shippuden story in under 300 episodes, follow this checklist:

1. Start at Episode 1 (Naruto returns)
2. Skip Episodes 2–19
3. Watch Episode 20 (Team 7 reunion)
4. Skip Episodes 21–28
5. Watch Episodes 29–41? No—skip until Episode 42
6. Watch Episodes 42–72 (Sasuke vs. Orochimaru, Sai introduction, Akatsuki tracking)
7. Skip Episodes 73–88
8. Watch Episodes 89–112 (Hidan & Kakuzu arc – canon)
9. Skip Episodes 113–143 (Three-Tails filler)
10. Watch Episodes 144–151 (Itachi pursuit – canon)
11. Watch Episodes 152–196 (Pain arc – essential)
12. Skip Episodes 197–220 (Zetsu Army investigations – filler)
13. Watch Episodes 221–263 (Five Kage Summit – canon climax)
14. Skip Episodes 264–275 (Power arc)
15. Watch Episodes 276–316 (War begins – canon)
16. Skip Episodes 317–328 (Blood Prison tie-in)
17. Skip Episodes 330–348 (Parental flashbacks)
18. Watch Episodes 349–361 (War continues – Obito revealed)
19. Skip Episodes 362–371, 375–393 (random filler)
20. Watch Episodes 394–413 (Obito’s past, birth of Akatsuki)
21. Watch Episodes 414–416, 418–419 (lead-in to The Last)
22. Watch Episodes 420–450 (final battles, Kaguya fight, ending)

Total runtime reduced from ~250 hours to approximately 150 hours—with zero loss of plot integrity.

Mini Case Study: Sarah’s Shippuden Journey

Sarah, a college student, wanted to catch up on Naruto before watching *Boruto*. She initially tried watching all 500 episodes but quit after 120 due to slow pacing and repetitive filler. After discovering a skip list online, she resumed with the canon-only route. Within three weeks, she completed the entire story, understood character motivations, and felt emotionally invested in the finale. “I didn’t miss anything,” she said. “The pain arc hit harder because I wasn’t numbed by filler.” Her experience underscores the value of selective viewing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do any filler episodes become canon later?

No filler episodes were retroactively made canon. However, some concepts—like the Life Return Technique used in the Three-Tails arc—were referenced briefly in later fights. These references don’t require prior knowledge to understand.

Is the Itachi Shinden arc worth watching?

The anime never adapted *Itachi Shinden*, but its novel content explains Itachi’s ANBU years and relationship with Shisui. While enriching, it’s optional. The anime implies enough through dialogue and flashbacks.

Can I skip all filler and still understand Boruto?

Yes. *Boruto* assumes familiarity with major events—Pain’s attack, the war, Naruto becoming Hokage—but doesn’t rely on filler-exclusive characters or plots. Watching the canon path prepares you fully.

Final Recommendations and Expert Tips

Not all filler is useless. A few episodes offer charm or nostalgia. For example, Episode 310 (“Friends”) features heartfelt conversations between Naruto and Sakura, reflecting on their journey. But such moments are rare.

Tip: If you enjoy filler, watch it after finishing the main story. That way, it enhances rather than interrupts.

Stick to the manga-sourced arcs for the strongest emotional payoff. The power of Naruto lies in its progression—from revenge to reconciliation, isolation to connection. Filler often dilutes that message with temporary conflicts and recycled tropes.

Conclusion: Reclaim Your Viewing Time

You don’t need to watch every episode of Naruto Shippuden to appreciate its legacy. By focusing on canon arcs and skipping non-essential filler, you preserve the story’s intensity and pacing. Whether you’re a first-time viewer or a returning fan, this guide ensures you experience the true heart of the series—without wasting time on forgettable detours. Start today, follow the recommended path, and finish with a clear understanding of Naruto’s journey from outcast to Hokage.

💬 Have your own skip list or favorite filler episode? Share your thoughts and help others navigate the vast world of Naruto Shippuden more efficiently!