Naruto Shippuden Filler Episodes: The Ultimate Guide For Fans

Mafalda Homenick 19 May 2025

Let's talk about something that every Naruto fan knows and loves—or sometimes hates—filler episodes! If you're diving into the world of Naruto Shippuden, it's essential to understand which episodes are canon and which ones are just there to stretch the story. Don't worry; we've got your back with this ultimate guide to Naruto Shippuden filler episodes.

Now, I know what you're thinking. "Why do I need to care about filler episodes?" Well, my friend, if you're a die-hard Naruto fan, you'll want to know what's worth watching and what you can skip without missing out on the main plot. This guide will help you navigate through the series like a pro.

But before we dive deep into the world of fillers, let's set the stage. Naruto Shippuden is an epic anime series that picks up where the original Naruto left off. It follows Naruto's journey as he returns to Konoha after training with Jiraiya and embarks on new adventures. With over 500 episodes, it's easy to get lost, so having a guide like this will save you time and energy.

What Are Filler Episodes Anyway?

Okay, let's break it down. Filler episodes are basically episodes that don't contribute to the main storyline. They're usually created to buy time while the manga catches up or to explore side stories that aren't part of the original narrative. In the case of Naruto Shippuden, these episodes can be a mixed bag. Some are entertaining, while others feel like a waste of time.

Think of it like this: if the main plot is the highway, fillers are the side roads. Sometimes, they lead to cool places, but other times, they just take you in circles. So, if you're a purist who only wants to experience the main storyline, you'll want to skip these episodes.

Here's the deal: filler episodes make up a decent chunk of the series, so knowing which ones to skip can save you hours of watching content that doesn't matter in the grand scheme of things.

Why Are Fillers Important?

Now, you might be wondering, "Why bother with fillers at all?" Well, here's the thing: some filler episodes add depth to characters or explore parts of the Naruto universe that the main plot doesn't have time for. For example, some fillers dive into the backstories of lesser-known characters or explore the culture of different villages.

Plus, let's be honest—some of the filler arcs are actually pretty entertaining. Sure, they might not move the main plot forward, but they can still be fun to watch if you're a fan of the series.

So, while you might want to skip most of them, don't completely write off all filler episodes. There are a few gems hidden in there that are worth checking out.

How Many Filler Episodes Are There in Naruto Shippuden?

Alright, let's get down to business. Naruto Shippuden has a total of 500 episodes, and out of those, around 99 episodes are considered filler. That's roughly 20% of the series, which is a pretty significant chunk. But don't panic—most of these fillers are grouped into specific arcs, so once you identify them, you can easily skip them.

Here's a quick breakdown of the major filler arcs:

The Kazekage Rescue Arc
The Three-Tails Arc
The Hidan and Kakuzu Arc (partially filler)
The Itachi Shinden Arc
The Konoha History Arc

These arcs contain a mix of filler and canon episodes, so it's important to know which ones are worth watching and which ones you can safely skip.

How to Spot a Filler Episode

Identifying filler episodes can be tricky, especially if you're new to the series. Here are a few tips to help you spot them:

Check the Episode Titles: Filler episodes often have titles that don't align with the main plot. If an episode seems out of place, it might be a filler.
Look for Recaps: Filler episodes frequently start with long recaps of previous episodes to catch new viewers up. If the recap feels excessive, it's probably a filler.
Consult a Filler List: There are plenty of resources online that list all the filler episodes in Naruto Shippuden. These lists are a lifesaver when you're trying to navigate the series.

By using these tips, you'll be able to spot filler episodes like a pro and avoid wasting your time on unnecessary content.

The Complete List of Naruto Shippuden Filler Episodes

Alright, here's what you've been waiting for—the complete list of Naruto Shippuden filler episodes. We've grouped them by arc to make it easier for you to follow along. Let's dive in!

The Kazekage Rescue Arc

This arc is almost entirely filler and focuses on Gaara's rescue after his capture by the Akatsuki. While it's not part of the main storyline, it does add some depth to Gaara's character.

Episodes 4 to 11
Episodes 14 to 17

These episodes are a mix of filler and canon, so if you're short on time, you can skip most of them without missing out on anything important.

The Three-Tails Arc

Another infamous filler arc, the Three-Tails Arc takes place after the Sasuke Retrieval Arc. It's mostly filler with only a few canon episodes sprinkled in.

Episodes 22 to 26
Episodes 28 to 34

If you're looking to save time, you can skip this entire arc without missing anything crucial to the main plot.

Are All Filler Episodes Bad?

Now, here's the million-dollar question: are all filler episodes bad? The answer is no—not all fillers are created equal. Some of them actually add value to the series by exploring side stories or character development that the main plot doesn't have time for.

For example, the Itachi Shinden Arc is a filler arc that dives deep into Itachi Uchiha's backstory. While it's not part of the main plot, it provides valuable insight into one of the series' most complex characters.

Similarly, the Konoha History Arc sheds light on the founding of the Hidden Leaf Village and the relationships between the founding members. These episodes might not move the main plot forward, but they add depth to the Naruto universe.

Pros and Cons of Watching Fillers

Let's weigh the pros and cons of watching filler episodes:

Pros: They can add depth to characters and explore parts of the Naruto universe that the main plot doesn't have time for.
Cons: They can be repetitive, drag the story out, and sometimes feel disconnected from the main narrative.

Ultimately, whether or not you watch filler episodes comes down to personal preference. If you're a completist who wants to experience every moment of the series, you might enjoy them. But if you're short on time or just want to stick to the main plot, you can safely skip most of them.

How to Watch Naruto Shippuden Without Fillers

Okay, let's say you've decided to skip the filler episodes. How do you go about watching Naruto Shippuden without them? Here's a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Get a Filler List – There are plenty of resources online that list all the filler episodes in Naruto Shippuden. Use one of these lists to identify which episodes to skip.

Step 2: Create a Watching Schedule – Once you have your list, create a schedule that skips the filler episodes. This will help you stay on track and avoid accidentally watching a filler episode.

Step 3: Stick to the Plan – It's tempting to watch a filler episode if it looks interesting, but try to stick to your plan. Remember, the goal is to experience the main storyline without getting sidetracked.

Where to Watch Naruto Shippuden

Now that you know how to watch Naruto Shippuden without fillers, let's talk about where to watch it. There are several streaming platforms that offer the series, including:

Crunchyroll
Hulu
Funimation

These platforms offer both subtitled and dubbed versions of the series, so you can choose the one that suits your preferences.

Conclusion: Your Next Move

And there you have it—the ultimate guide to Naruto Shippuden filler episodes. Whether you're a completist who wants to watch every episode or a purist who only cares about the main plot, this guide has got you covered.

Remember, filler episodes aren't inherently bad—they just serve a different purpose. Some of them add depth to the series, while others are just there to stretch the story. It's up to you to decide which ones are worth your time.

So, what's your next move? Are you going to binge-watch the entire series, fillers and all? Or are you going to stick to the main plot and skip the rest? Whatever you choose, make sure to share your thoughts in the comments below. And don't forget to check out our other articles for more Naruto goodness!

Until next time, keep chasing your dreams, just like Naruto!

What Are Filler Episodes Anyway?
Why Are Fillers Important?
How Many Filler Episodes Are There in Naruto Shippuden?
How to Spot a Filler Episode
The Complete List of Naruto Shippuden Filler Episodes
Are All Filler Episodes Bad?
Pros and Cons of Watching Fillers
How to Watch Naruto Shippuden Without Fillers
Where to Watch Naruto Shippuden
Conclusion: Your Next Move

Naruto Best Filler Episodes

16 Best Naruto Filler Episodes & Arcs

20 Naruto Filler Episodes Worth Watching

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