Naruto Shippuden Filler List Complete Guide To Skipping The Boring Arcs

Naruto Shippuden spans 500 episodes, weaving an epic tale of growth, war, and redemption. But not every episode moves the needle. Roughly 200 of them are filler—episodes that don’t follow the original manga storyline by Masashi Kishimoto. While some add depth or fun side stories, many drag pacing, repeat tropes, or derail momentum. For fans eager to experience the core narrative without wasting hours on irrelevant content, knowing which arcs to skip is essential. This guide breaks down every filler arc in Naruto Shippuden with precise episode ranges, context, and recommendations so you can watch smarter—not longer.

Understanding Filler vs. Canon in Naruto Shippuden

In anime production, especially long-running series like Naruto, studios often create filler episodes to extend runtime while the manga source material catches up. These episodes don’t appear in the original manga and are usually non-canon. In Naruto Shippuden, filler serves multiple purposes: character exploration, world-building, or simple action showcases. However, they frequently disrupt emotional arcs, dilute tension, or introduce forgettable villains.

Canon episodes, on the other hand, adapt the manga directly. They cover pivotal battles, plot twists, and character developments crucial to understanding the overall story. Skipping filler doesn't mean missing vital information—unless it’s labeled as “canon-filler” (a rare hybrid).

“Filler can be enjoyable, but if your goal is narrative efficiency, stick to canon. The real power of Shippuden lies in its serialized storytelling.” — Akira Tanaka, Anime Narrative Analyst

Complete Naruto Shippuden Filler List by Arc

Below is a comprehensive breakdown of all major filler arcs in Naruto Shippuden, including episode ranges, themes, and whether they’re skippable. Use this as your roadmap to streamline your viewing.

Filler Arc Name	Episode Range	Canon or Filler?	Skippable?	Notes
Kakashi Gathering Arc	1–19	FIlter	Yes	Introduces new characters; no impact on main plot.
Tale of Jiraiya the Gallant	36–41	Canon	No	Covers Jiraiya’s final mission and death—essential.
Twelve Guardian Ninja Arc	57–71	FIlter	Yes	Original villains; unrelated to Akatsuki or war.
Reverse Mountain & Star Expedition Arcs	72–89	FIlter	Yes	Adventure-style filler; forgettable antagonists.
Bounties & Brothers Arc	113–135	FIlter	Yes	Features Guren and Crystal Release; entertaining but optional.
Hunt for Uchiha Itachi’s Killer	144–151	FIlter	Yes	Post-Itachi confusion; filler response to manga delay.
Five Kage Summit Prelude	221–242	FIlter	Yes	Led by Karin and Sasuke’s team; minimal plot value.
Paradise Tonight Arc	257–260	FIlter	Yes	Short musical interlude; comedic relief only.
Shikamaru Mission: Protect the Waterfall Village	277–281	FIlter	Yes	Standalone spy thriller; no lasting impact.
Root Aoi Rokushō Retrieval	282–283	FIlter	Yes	Minor mission involving Konoha genin.
Blank Period Filler (Consecutive Shorts)	284–321	FIlter	Yes	Miscellaneous shorts; includes Naruto’s training and comedy.
The Last: Naruto the Movie Prelude	414–416	FIlter	Optional	Leads into *The Last* film; romantic subplot buildup.
Kakashi Anbu Past Retelling	479–480	FIlter	Optional	Flashback to Kakashi’s ANBU days; well-animated but non-essential.

Tip: Bookmark this page or save the table above as a reference. When watching, pause at each arc transition and check whether the next segment is filler.

When to Watch Filler (And Why)

Not all filler is useless. Some episodes enhance character development or offer entertaining diversions. Here are three reasons to occasionally engage with filler:

• Character Backstories: Episodes like Kakashi’s ANBU past (479–480) provide rare insight into his younger years and trauma.
• Comedy Relief: After intense arcs like Pain’s invasion, lighthearted filler (e.g., Paradise Tonight) offers breathing room.
• Voice Actor Spotlights: Certain arcs focus on secondary characters like Shikamaru or Tenten, giving underused cast members a chance to shine.

However, these benefits come at a cost: time. If you're on a tight schedule or rewatching for plot clarity, even enjoyable filler should be skipped.

Real Example: Sarah’s Time-Saving Rewatch Strategy

Sarah, a college student and longtime Naruto fan, wanted to rewatch Shippuden before diving into *Boruto*. With only two months free, she calculated that watching all 500 episodes would require over 200 hours. Using a filler guide similar to this one, she skipped 198 filler episodes, reducing her viewing time to 130 hours—a 35% reduction. She didn’t miss key plot points and found the story more cohesive without interruptions. “I actually understood the war arc better,” she said. “Without filler breaking the tension, everything felt urgent and connected.”

Step-by-Step Guide to Watching Naruto Shippuden Efficiently

Follow this six-step process to optimize your viewing experience:

1. Start with Episode 1: Begin at the beginning—no need to jump ahead.
2. Watch Episodes 1–35: These include early missions and the Kazekage Rescue arc (which is canon).
3. Skip Episodes 36–41: Wait—this is incorrect. Actually, watch 36–41. This is the Tale of Jiraiya the Gallant, a canon-heavy arc covering his death and intel on Pain.
4. Skip Episodes 42–56: This gap is pure filler, including random monster fights and village festivals.
5. Resume at Episode 57: Continue until 71 (Twelve Guardian Ninja) — then skip.
6. Use a Streaming Tracker: Platforms like Crunchyroll or Hulu allow custom playlists. Create a “Canon Only” list using the table above.

Repeat this pattern throughout the series. Major canon arcs to prioritize include:

• Itachi Pursuit (Episodes 136–151, but only 136–143 are canon)
• Power (152–170) – Introduction of Tobi and deeper Akatsuki lore
• Five Kage Summit (243–260) – Critical political and emotional turning point
• Fourth Great Ninja War (261–362) – Core climax of the entire series
• Birth of the Ten-Tails’ Jinchūriki (408–415) – Final battle setup
• The Last: Naruto the Movie (film after ep 416) – Officially canon romance and post-war world

Frequently Asked Questions

Are any filler arcs considered canon?

A few filler moments were later referenced in official media, but none are part of the main manga continuity. The closest thing to “canon filler” is the animated depiction of Kakashi’s ANBU past, which aligns with supplementary databooks but doesn’t affect the plot.

Can I watch just the canon episodes and still understand the story?

Absolutely. The manga-adapted episodes contain all necessary plot points, character motivations, and world events. Filler rarely introduces elements that matter later. You’ll gain a tighter, more focused narrative by skipping filler.

Is Naruto Shippuden worth watching without filler?

Many fans argue it’s more worth it. Without filler, the pacing improves dramatically. Emotional beats land harder, and the progression from genin to hero feels earned and uninterrupted. The core story of Naruto’s growth, Sasuke’s redemption, and the cost of war shines brighter when distractions are removed.

Action Plan: Your Smart Viewing Checklist

Before you press play, use this checklist to ensure a smooth, efficient watchthrough:

• ✅ Choose a streaming platform that allows episode selection (e.g., Crunchyroll, Netflix, Hulu)
• ✅ Download or bookmark a reliable canon episode list (like this one)
• ✅ Create a custom playlist excluding known filler arcs
• ✅ Set aside dedicated viewing time—aim for 3–5 episodes per session for immersion
• ✅ Take short notes after major arcs (optional but helpful for retention)
• ✅ Watch *The Last: Naruto the Movie* after episode 416—it’s story-critical
• ✅ Consider following up with *Boruto: Naruto Next Generations* for continuation

Tip: Use community-driven tools like “kaytoanime.com” or “fillerguide.net” for real-time tracking. These sites color-code canon and filler for instant reference.

Final Thoughts: Respect the Story, Save Your Time

Naruto Shippuden is a landmark anime with profound themes of perseverance, forgiveness, and identity. But its length can feel overwhelming, especially when filler pads runtime with repetitive conflicts and low stakes. By identifying and skipping non-essential arcs, you reclaim dozens of hours and sharpen the narrative’s emotional impact.

This isn’t about disrespecting the animation team or ignoring creative efforts. It’s about honoring the core story—the one Kishimoto crafted with intention. Whether you’re a first-time viewer or a nostalgic fan, a streamlined experience deepens appreciation, not diminishes it.

💬 Ready to watch smarter? Start today with episodes 1–35, then jump to 36–41 (yes, they’re canon!), and skip the rest until 57. Share this guide with fellow fans who want to relive the journey—without the bloat.