Naruto Filler List Which Episodes Can You Skip Without Missing The Plot

For fans diving into the world of Naruto, the sheer volume of episodes—over 700 across Naruto, Naruto: Shippuden, and Boruto—can be overwhelming. A significant portion of these are filler episodes: stories not present in the original manga by Masashi Kishimoto. While some fillers offer character development or fun side adventures, many don’t contribute to the main storyline. If your goal is to follow the core narrative without unnecessary detours, knowing which episodes to skip is essential.

This guide breaks down the Naruto and Naruto: Shippuden series into clear arcs, identifies filler-heavy stretches, and provides a detailed list of episodes you can safely skip. Whether you're a first-time viewer or revisiting the series, this resource will help you streamline your viewing experience while preserving all crucial plot developments.

Understanding Filler vs. Canon in Naruto

In anime adaptations of manga, \"filler\" refers to episodes created by the animation studio to extend the runtime when the anime catches up to the source material. In the case of Naruto, produced by Studio Pierrot, filler episodes were used to slow down the adaptation pace, allowing the manga to progress further ahead.

Canon episodes align directly with Masashi Kishimoto’s original manga and are essential for understanding character arcs, world-building, and major plot twists. Filler episodes, while sometimes entertaining, often introduce temporary characters, side quests, or alternate scenarios that are later ignored or contradicted by canon events.

“Filler isn’t inherently bad, but if you’re focused on the story’s progression, skipping non-essential arcs keeps the momentum intact.” — Hiroshi Nishioka, Anime Production Analyst

Knowing the difference allows viewers to create a lean, plot-focused watchlist. Below is a breakdown of the major arcs in both Naruto and Naruto: Shippuden, with clear indicators of which episodes are safe to skip.

Naruto (Seasons 1–9): Filler Arcs and Skippable Episodes

The original Naruto series spans 220 episodes. Approximately 40% of these are filler. The early seasons contain minimal filler, but as the anime progresses, especially after the Chunin Exams, filler becomes more frequent.

Key Canon Arcs in Naruto (Must-Watch)

• Prologue & Academy Days (Episodes 1–3)
• Konoha Crush / Chunin Exam Arc (Episodes 28–66, 97–137)
• Search for Tsunade (Episodes 78–92)
• Sasuke Retrieval Arc (Episodes 107–135)

Fan-Favorite Filler That Can Be Skipped

• Naruto vs. Hiruko (Episodes 54–59)
• Mission: Protect the Waterfall Village (Episodes 141–143)
• The Legend of the Super Squash (Episodes 152–154)
• Kids’ Day Festival (Episodes 161–162)
• Land of Rice Fields Arc (Episodes 173–181)
• Temari’s Secret Support Mission (Episodes 184–186)
• Three-Tails Appearance Arc (Episodes 187–196)
• Hinata’s Kidnapping Arc (Episodes 197–201)
• Itachi Pursuit Arc (Episodes 206–211)
• Pain Beast Summoning Arc (Episodes 212–220)

Tip: Use the “Naruto Ultimate Fan Guide” or online fan-made watchlists to jump between canon episodes seamlessly.

Naruto: Shippuden – Major Filler Stretches and Safe Skips

Naruto: Shippuden continues the story two-and-a-half years after the original series, with Naruto returning from training with Jiraiya. This sequel series has 500 episodes, with filler making up nearly half. Unlike the original Naruto, Shippuden alternates between canon and filler frequently, making it harder to distinguish what's essential.

Essential Canon Arcs in Shippuden (Do Not Skip)

• Return of the Shinobi (Episodes 1–16)
• Rescue Gaara Arc (Episodes 17–32)
• Search for Itachi (Episodes 33–42)
• Twelve Guardian Ninja (Episodes 43–56) – Partially filler, but Episode 56 is critical
• Asura Path & Pain’s Assault (Episodes 152–169)
• Five Kage Summit (Episodes 210–242)
• Fourth Great Ninja War (Episodes 262–361)
• Obito Revealed & Kaguya Fight (Episodes 390–413)
• Marriage & Epilogue (Episodes 479–480, 489)

Extended Filler Arcs (Safe to Skip)

• Bounty Hunter Bridge Mission (Episodes 57–71)
• Kakashi Anbu Past Retelling (Episodes 119–120)
• Kimimaro Resurrection Plot (Episodes 144–151)
• Tsuchigumo Conspiracy (Episodes 220–241) – Overlaps slightly with canon; start at 242
• Shikamaru Special Mission (Episodes 243–255)
• Chunin Exam Revival Special (Episodes 260–261)
• Root Aoi & Time Travel Rumors (Episodes 315–321)
• Blank Period (Episodes 349–361) – Mostly recaps and fluff during war buildup
• Raid on Hidden Cloud & Land of Vegetables (Episodes 363–379)
• Shikamaru’s Strategy Game (Episodes 381–385)
• Final Battle Preparation (Episodes 414–450) – Includes many emotional flashbacks but no new plot

“Studio Pierrot inserted long filler arcs to manage production timelines, but modern viewers benefit from curated lists that preserve narrative continuity.” — Akira Tanaka, Anime Historian

Detailed Episode Skip List (Naruto & Shippuden Combined)

Below is a concise table summarizing major filler blocks and their corresponding episode ranges. This list assumes you want to follow only canon plot points and skip all non-essential content.

Series	Arc Name	Episode Range	Status
Naruto	Naruto vs. Hiruko	54–59	Skip
Naruto	Waterfall Village Protection	141–143	Skip
Naruto	Super Squash Festival	152–154	Skip
Naruto	Land of Rice Fields	173–181	Skip
Naruto	Three-Tails Arc	187–196	Skip
Naruto	Hinata Kidnapping	197–201	Skip
Naruto	Itachi Pursuit (Filler Version)	206–211	Skip
Shippuden	Bounty Hunter Bridge	57–71	Skip
Shippuden	Kakashi’s Anbu Past	119–120	Skip
Shippuden	Kimimaro Return	144–151	Skip
Shippuden	Tsuchigumo Conflict	220–241	Skip (except 242)
Shippuden	Shikamaru Special	243–255	Skip
Shippuden	Chunin Exam Revival	260–261	Skip
Shippuden	Blank Period / War Prep	349–361	Skip
Shippuden	Vegetable Island	363–379	Skip
Shippuden	Post-Kaguya Flashbacks	414–450	Skip (optional for nostalgia)

Tip: Always double-check transitions between arcs. Some filler episodes end with teasers for upcoming canon events—skip them unless you enjoy dramatic previews.

Step-by-Step Guide to Watching Naruto Efficiently

Follow this timeline to experience the full Naruto saga without wasting time on filler:

1. Start with Naruto Episodes 1–25 – All canon, introduces core cast and setting.
2. Skip Episodes 54–59 – First major filler arc.
3. Watch Chunin Exam Arc (28–66, 97–137) – Critical for character growth and foreshadowing.
4. Skip Episodes 141–220 except key ones – Only watch 144–151 if interested in Kimimaro, otherwise skip to 220.
5. Begin Naruto: Shippuden at Episode 1 – First 16 episodes are canon.
6. Skip Episodes 57–71, 119–120, 144–151 – These have no impact on the main plot.
7. Resume at Episode 152 – Leads directly into the Pain arc.
8. Watch straight through 210–242 – Five Kage Summit is vital for Sasuke and Madara lore.
9. Skip 243–261 – Resume at 262 for the Fourth Great Ninja War.
10. Watch 262–413 continuously – This includes the war, Obito reveal, and Kaguya battle.
11. Skip 414–480 except 479, 489 – Final marriage and epilogue episodes are canon-critical.

Mini Case Study: Sarah’s First Naruto Marathon

Sarah, a college student and anime newcomer, wanted to watch Naruto before seeing *The Last: Naruto Movie*. With over 700 episodes, she felt overwhelmed. After researching, she followed a strict canon-only list, skipping all filler arcs listed above.

She completed the entire story—from Naruto’s childhood to his marriage with Hinata—in six weeks, averaging five episodes per day. By avoiding filler, she maintained strong narrative momentum and emotional investment. When she watched *The Last*, she fully understood the references to Sasuke’s exile, Naruto’s growth, and the post-war world.

“Skipping filler didn’t make me feel like I missed anything,” Sarah said. “If anything, the story felt tighter and more impactful.”

FAQ: Common Questions About Naruto Filler

Can I skip all filler without losing context?

Yes. Nearly all filler content is self-contained and never referenced again. The only exceptions are minor visual gags or background music reused in later episodes, but these don’t affect comprehension.

Are there any filler episodes worth watching?

A few are praised by fans: “Itachi Shinden” (Episodes 352–353) explores Itachi’s past with Anbu, and “Kakashi: Shadow of the ANBU Black Ops” (Episodes 119–120) offers backstory. However, these are optional and not required for plot understanding.

Does Boruto contain filler?

Yes. While Boruto: Naruto Next Generations started as canon, it has since introduced filler arcs, especially in the anime-original middle sections. For continuity, stick to manga-adapted episodes or use a Boruto canon guide.

Checklist: Your Naruto Viewing Plan

• ☐ Confirm streaming platform supports episode skipping
• ☐ Bookmark a reliable canon-only watchlist
• ☐ Start with Naruto Episodes 1–25
• ☐ Skip filler arcs using the table above
• ☐ Resume Shippuden at Episode 152 for Pain arc
• ☐ Watch continuously from Episode 262 to 413
• ☐ Include final episodes 479 and 489
• ☐ Watch *The Last: Naruto Movie* after completion

Conclusion: Stream Smarter, Not Harder

The Naruto series is a landmark in anime history, with a rich narrative spanning friendship, loss, redemption, and peace. But its length can be a barrier. By identifying and skipping non-essential filler episodes, viewers can experience the full emotional and dramatic weight of the story in less than half the time.

You don’t need to watch every episode to understand Naruto’s journey. Focus on the canon arcs, respect the pacing of the original manga, and trust that the core message remains unchanged. Whether you're preparing for Boruto or simply want to relive the adventure, a streamlined approach enhances rather than diminishes the experience.

💬 Have a favorite filler episode or a personal skip list? Share your thoughts and help fellow fans optimize their Naruto journey!