If you’ve ever binge-watched anime, you know the pain of stumbling into filler episodes when all you want is to stay glued to the main storyline. And when it comes to Naruto Shippuden, the filler count is no joke. With a whopping 500 episodes, nearly half of them are fillers. You got it — without a guide you may get stuck in all this interminable boat-rides and flashbacks and dream-scenes, which do not advance the story.
But don’t worry. This guide breaks down the Naruto Shippuden filler list in the most straightforward way possible. We’ll talk about what fillers are, how many there are, which arcs to skip, and even which filler episodes are surprisingly worth watching. Think of it as your roadmap to enjoying Shippuden without losing your patience.
What Exactly Is a Filler Episode?
Before diving into the actual Naruto Shippuden filler list, let’s clear the air: what is filler?
In anime, filler episodes are stories that don’t exist in the manga. The anime studio produces them to allow the manga to get ahead or to allow the main plot to have a breather. In some cases filler may be entertaining, with quaint side stories or more character development.
But it is so simple to press the pause button when everything was getting exciting. Shippuden fillers vary between multiple episode filler arcs to single episode specials. And while many fans skip them, a few fillers are surprisingly good — some even fan-favorites.
How Many Fillers Are in Naruto Shippuden?
Get your shoulders set: filler in 200 of 500 episodes. That’s about 40% of the series. Therefore, in case you are going to rewatch some more episodes or if you have never watched the anime before, knowing the filler episodes will save you weeks of anime.
The good news? The main storyline is strong enough that you won’t feel lost skipping fillers. The even better news? A handful of filler arcs are actually worth watching.
Naruto Shippuden Filler List: Skip or Watch?
The big filler arcs and episodes are broken down below, and brief notes have been made whether fans would skip the filler or it was an episode worth viewing.
Twelve Guardian Ninja Arc (Episodes 57–71)
A decent early filler arc that introduces new characters and some lore. It’s optional, but many fans say it’s enjoyable enough to keep.
Verdict: Watch if you’re curious about side characters.
Three-Tails Appearance Arc (Episodes 91–112)
This one’s long, slow, and drifts far from the main plot. Unless you’re a completionist, you won’t miss much.
Verdict: Skip.
Six-Tails Unleashed Arc (Episodes 144–151)
Here we get some insight into the Tailed Beasts and a new Jinchūriki. If you love lore and world-building, this arc can be worth your time.
Verdict: Watchable.
Fourth Hokage’s Legacy (Episodes 170–171)
A short two-episode filler. Not terrible, but it doesn’t add much.
Verdict: Skip.
Past Arc: Locus of Konoha (Episodes 176–196)
This is essentially a flashback-heavy arc revisiting the childhood of many Konoha characters. It’s filler, but it’s heartwarming if you’re into backstories.
Verdict: Watch if you love character moments.
Paradise Life on a Boat (Episodes 223–242)
Imagine being stuck on a boat for twenty episodes. That’s basically what happens here. Fans widely agree it’s one of the weakest arcs.
Verdict: Skip without guilt.
Road to Sakura (Episode 271)
A one-off filler episode featuring an alternate version of Sakura. Fun for a laugh, but not plot-relevant.
Verdict: Skip.
Kakashi’s ANBU Arc (Episodes 349–361)
This is where filler shines. We get a deeper dive into Kakashi’s past, his ANBU days, and emotional development. Many fans consider this one of the best filler arcs in the series.
Verdict: Must-watch filler.
Mecha Naruto (Episodes 376–377)
Yes, this is a robotic Naruto that you read. It is prankish and totally out of canon. Fun for a “what the heck?” watch, but not necessary.
Verdict: Not worth watching unless you want something unintelligent.
Hinata and Hanabi’s Childhood (Episodes 389–390)
A heartfelt two-episode filler focusing on the Hyuga sisters. Emotional and worth the watch, especially for Hinata fans.
Verdict: Watch.
The New Chunin Exams (Episodes 394–413)
This arc drags out way too long and doesn’t contribute much. While it gives a spotlight to side characters, it can feel like a slog.
Verdict: Skip unless you’re really invested in the Chunin Exam theme.
Infinite Tsukuyomi Dream Arc (Episodes 427–450)
During the Great Ninja War, characters fall into dream sequences. Unfortunately, this means dozens of filler episodes in the middle of the war.
Verdict: Skip.
Shinobi History & Kakashi’s Face Reveal (Episodes 464–469)
This mini-arc is lighthearted and fun, especially because it finally reveals Kakashi’s face — something fans had waited for forever.
Verdict: Definitely watch.
Childhood Days (Episodes 480–483)
These short, slice-of-life fillers show the childhood of different characters. They’re sweet, nostalgic, and make a lovely ending touch.
Verdict: Watch for the feels.
Quick Filler Guide for Binge-Watching
In case you are in a rush and you can only see the most necessary episodes of Naruto Shippuden, you may use the cheat list:
- Film Recommendations: ANBU Arc, Six-Tails Arc, Hinata and Hanabi, Face Reveal, and Childhood Days by Kakashi.
- Safe to Skip: Paradise Life on a Boat, Infinite Tsukuyomi dreams, Three-Tails Appearance, New Chunin Exams.
- Bonus Fillers: Twelve Guardian Ninja, Past Arc: Locus of Konoha, Road to Sakura.
Why Does Naruto Shippuden Have So Much Filler?
The primary cause is rather straightforward, the anime was catching up with the manga. The studio had to pad the series with additional episodes, instead of halting the production. While this kept fans entertained week to week, it also meant a huge chunk of the show wasn’t directly tied to the main story.
Naruto Shippuden Filler List arcs tried to give fans more time with beloved characters, while others were pure stalling. The result is a mixed bag — some gems, some forgettable detours.
Should You Skip All Naruto Shippuden Filler List?
Here’s the thing: skipping fillers won’t hurt your understanding of the main plot. But watching select filler arcs can actually enrich your experience. You’ll see more of side characters who don’t always get the spotlight, learn extra lore about the ninja world, and sometimes enjoy lighter episodes in between heavy battles.
So the real answer depends on your patience and what you want from the show:
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If you’re here for the story: Stick to the canon and a few high-quality fillers.
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If you love the characters: Sprinkle in the emotional fillers — they’ll hit you right in the feels.
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If you’re a completionist: Well… good luck with all 500 episodes.
Naruto Shippuden Filler List: Final Thoughts
Your good friend is the Naruto Shippuden filler list, in case you do not want to lose your time watching the series because of redundant episodes. Out of 500 episodes, about 200 are filler, but not all of them deserve the “skip” stamp. Some are surprisingly good, offering emotional depth and backstories that enrich the journey.
At the end of the day, whether you skip or watch fillers depends on your viewing style. The beauty of having this list is choice — you can cut down your watch time drastically or savor every quirky, emotional, or downright strange filler episode.
One thing’s for sure: once you see the fillers, Naruto Shippuden delivers one of the most epic, emotional anime journeys ever created. Believe it!
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