Naruto Shippuden Filler List: Your Ultimate Guide To Skip Or Watch

Jefferey Schuster II 11 May 2025

Let’s get real here, anime fans. Naruto Shippuden is one of those legendary shows that has touched the hearts of millions worldwide. But let’s face it, not all episodes are created equal. The infamous Naruto Shippuden filler list is something every fan needs to know about if you want to keep the story moving without unnecessary distractions. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a newcomer diving into the world of ninja adventures, this guide is your best friend. So, buckle up and let’s dive deep into the world of Naruto Shippuden fillers, shall we?

Naruto Shippuden is more than just an anime; it’s a cultural phenomenon. The series builds on the foundation laid by the original Naruto, taking the story to new heights with intense battles, emotional arcs, and character development. But as the series progressed, the creators had to stretch the story to keep up with the manga’s release schedule. Enter the fillers—episodes that don’t directly contribute to the main storyline. These episodes can be a mixed bag, but understanding which ones to skip or watch can enhance your viewing experience.

Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Do I really need to skip the fillers?” Well, that depends on how much time you have and how invested you are in the main story. Some fillers are pure fluff, while others offer interesting character insights or side stories. By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear understanding of which episodes to prioritize and which ones you can safely skip. So, without further ado, let’s break it down!

What Exactly Are Fillers in Naruto Shippuden?

Fillers are essentially episodes that aren’t part of the original manga storyline. They’re added by the anime creators to extend the series and give the manga author time to catch up with their storyline. In Naruto Shippuden, fillers often focus on side stories, character development, or standalone adventures that don’t impact the main plot. While some fans view fillers as unnecessary distractions, others find value in them for their entertainment or character-building aspects.

Here’s the thing: not all fillers are bad. Some of them provide interesting backstories or explore relationships between characters that aren’t covered in the main storyline. However, if you’re short on time or want to stick strictly to the main plot, knowing which episodes to skip is crucial. This guide will help you navigate through the Naruto Shippuden filler list so you can make the most of your viewing experience.

Why Should You Care About the Filler List?

For many fans, time is a precious commodity. Watching all 500+ episodes of Naruto Shippuden can be a monumental task, especially if you’re only interested in the main storyline. By following the Naruto Shippuden filler list, you can skip the unnecessary episodes and focus on the ones that matter most. This not only saves you time but also keeps you engaged with the core narrative of the series.

Save time by skipping irrelevant episodes.
Stay focused on the main storyline without distractions.
Enhance your overall viewing experience by avoiding filler fatigue.

How Many Fillers Are in Naruto Shippuden?

Naruto Shippuden consists of 500 episodes, and out of these, a whopping 106 episodes are considered fillers. That’s roughly 21% of the entire series! While this might seem like a lot, it’s actually less than the original Naruto series, which had a staggering 167 fillers. Still, 106 episodes is no small number, and knowing which ones to skip can make a huge difference in your viewing journey.

Breaking Down the Numbers

Here’s a quick breakdown of the filler percentage in Naruto Shippuden:

Total Episodes: 500
Canon Episodes: 394
Filler Episodes: 106

As you can see, about one-fifth of the series is made up of fillers. While this might seem overwhelming, the good news is that many of these fillers are concentrated in specific arcs, making it easier to skip them in bulk.

The Complete Naruto Shippuden Filler List

Now, let’s get to the meat of the matter. Below is a comprehensive list of all the filler episodes in Naruto Shippuden. This list is organized by arc for easy reference, so you can easily identify which episodes to skip based on the storyline you’re following.

1. The Kazekage Rescue Arc

This arc introduces the Akatsuki’s attack on Sunagakure and the subsequent rescue mission to save Gaara. While most of this arc is canon, there are a few filler episodes mixed in. Here’s what you need to know:

Filler Episodes: 11-13, 16-19
Canon Episodes: 1-10, 14-15, 20-25

These fillers primarily focus on side stories involving minor characters, so they can be safely skipped if you’re focused on the main plot.

2. The Pain Invasion Arc

This is one of the most iconic arcs in Naruto Shippuden, where Naruto confronts Pain and learns the truth about his parents. Fortunately, this arc has very few fillers, so it’s mostly worth watching in its entirety.

Filler Episodes: 35-36
Canon Episodes: 26-34, 37-49

The fillers here revolve around Konoha’s reconstruction efforts, which can be skipped without missing any critical plot points.

3. The Five Kage Summit Arc

This arc marks the beginning of the Fourth Great Ninja War and introduces us to Tobi’s true identity as Obito Uchiha. While the majority of this arc is canon, there are some fillers scattered throughout.

Filler Episodes: 70-71, 74-75, 78-79, 85-86
Canon Episodes: 50-69, 72-73, 76-77, 80-84, 87-94

These fillers mostly focus on character development and side missions, so they’re optional depending on your interest in those aspects.

4. The Shinobi World War Arc

The climax of the series, this arc sees the ninja world unite against the threat of Madara Uchiha and the Ten-Tails. Thankfully, this arc has minimal fillers, making it a must-watch for any fan.

Filler Episodes: 330-331
Canon Episodes: 95-329, 332-342

The two filler episodes here revolve around a side story involving the Hyuga clan, so they can be skipped without affecting your understanding of the main plot.

Should You Watch the Fillers?

This is a question every Naruto Shippuden fan eventually asks themselves. The answer, as with most things in life, depends on your personal preferences. If you’re all about the main storyline and want to experience the series in its most streamlined form, then skipping the fillers is the way to go. However, if you’re interested in exploring the world of Naruto more deeply, some fillers offer valuable insights into character backstories and relationships.

For example, the fillers in the Kazekage Rescue Arc provide a glimpse into the lives of minor characters like Temari and Kankuro. Similarly, the fillers in the Five Kage Summit Arc delve into the history of the Uchiha clan and their strained relationship with Konoha. If these aspects interest you, then watching the fillers can enhance your overall understanding of the series.

Pros and Cons of Watching Fillers

Here’s a quick summary of the pros and cons of watching fillers:

Pros: Gain deeper insights into character backstories, explore side stories, and experience more of the Naruto universe.
Cons: Can be repetitive or irrelevant to the main plot, may slow down your viewing progress.

How to Watch Naruto Shippuden Without Fillers

If you’ve decided to skip the fillers and focus on the main storyline, here’s how you can do it:

Create a playlist of all the canon episodes.
Use the filler list as a reference to skip the unnecessary episodes.
Stream the series on platforms like Crunchyroll, Funimation, or Netflix, which often offer filler-free viewing options.

By following these steps, you can ensure a seamless and uninterrupted viewing experience that keeps you engaged with the core narrative of the series.

Top 5 Must-Watch Fillers in Naruto Shippuden

While most fillers can be skipped without issue, there are a few that stand out as must-watches. Here are our top 5 recommendations:

1. Episodes 11-13: The Rescue Mission

These episodes provide a touching backstory for Shikamaru and his team as they embark on a dangerous mission to rescue a kidnapped ally. While not essential to the main plot, these episodes showcase the strength of Team Asuma and the bonds between its members.

2. Episodes 70-71: The Hyuga Clan’s Legacy

This arc delves into the history of the Hyuga clan and the sacrifices made by its members to protect their secrets. It’s a fascinating glimpse into the clan’s dynamics and the struggles faced by characters like Hinata and Neji.

3. Episodes 137-139: The Konoha Hospital Arc

These episodes focus on Sakura’s growth as a medical ninja and her interactions with her fellow shinobi. It’s a heartwarming arc that highlights Sakura’s development as a character and her importance to the team.

4. Episodes 211-213: The Samurai Chronicles

This arc explores the history of the Land of Iron and its samurai warriors. It’s a unique deviation from the usual ninja-centric storyline and provides valuable context for the political landscape of the ninja world.

5. Episodes 330-331: The Hyuga Clan’s Secret

These episodes reveal the truth behind the Hyuga clan’s curse seal and the sacrifices made by its members to protect their secrets. It’s a poignant arc that adds depth to the clan’s lore and its relationship with Konoha.

Conclusion: Your Naruto Shippuden Journey Awaits

And there you have it, folks—a comprehensive guide to navigating the Naruto Shippuden filler list. Whether you choose to skip the fillers or embrace them, the choice is yours. What matters most is that you enjoy the journey and appreciate the incredible world of Naruto Shippuden.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab some snacks, settle into your favorite spot, and dive into the epic adventures of Naruto Uzumaki and his fellow shinobi. And remember, the world of anime is vast and full of surprises—there’s always more to discover!

Before you go, don’t forget to leave a comment and share your thoughts on the Naruto Shippuden filler list. Which fillers did you enjoy the most? Did you find any hidden gems? Let’s keep the conversation going and spread the love for one of the greatest anime series of all time!

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