Naruto is this mega-popular anime that’s been a hit worldwide, connecting with millions of fans. Now, the first part of the series, before the time skip, gives us 220 episodes diving into Naruto’s early days as a ninja. But here’s the thing – there are 91 filler episodes in there, making up about 41% of the total episodes.
If you’re itching to dive into Naruto but want to stick to the main manga storyline without all the extras, we’ve got your back with our Naruto filler list. It’s like a cheat code to make sure you get the most out of your Naruto binge without getting sidetracked by the fillers.
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Naruto Filler Episodes Guide (2023)
Hey there, fellow Naruto enthusiasts! We get it; filler episodes can either be a nice little breather or a source of major eye-rolls in the midst of an epic storyline. It’s all about personal preference. So, if you’re wondering whether to dive into these fillers or skip them altogether in the 2002-2007 Naruto series, we’ve got the lowdown for you.
What’s the Naruto Story Anyway?
Meet Naruto, our trouble-magnet ninja from the Hidden Leaf village. Villagers aren’t exactly his fan club, thanks to a mysterious power dwelling within him. But Naruto’s dreaming big – he’s set on becoming not just any ninja but the next Hokage, the village’s big shot leader.
Naruto Filler List: Skip or Watch?
We’ve sorted out the fillers for you, and here’s the rundown on what to skip and what might just be worth your time. Keep in mind, the “Watch” tag doesn’t mean you have to binge them all – it’s just a nod to the fans who found these fillers entertaining. Perfect if you’re in the mood for some character quirks. Here’s the list:
| Filler Episodes or Arcs | Episode Numbers | Should You Watch or Skip it? |
| Recap of the First 25 Episodes | 26 | Skip |
| Attempting to Recover Tsunade’s Debt | 97 | Skip |
| Trying to Discover Kakashi’s Face | 101 | Watch |
| Land Of Tea Escort Mission | 102-106 | Skip |
| Land Of Rice Fields Investigation Mission | 136-141 | Watch |
| Mizuki Tracking Mission | 142-147 | Skip |
| Bikochu Search Mission | 148-151 | Watch |
| Kurosuki Family Removal Mission | 152-157 | Watch |
| Gosunkugi Capture Mission | 159, 160 | Skip |
| Cursed Warrior Extermination Mission | 162-167 | Watch |
| Kaima Capture Mission | 169-173 | Watch |
| Daimyo Heir Escort Mission | 174 | Skip |
| Buried Gold Excavation Mission | 175, 176 | Skip |
| Stopping The Courier Ninja | 177 | Skip |
| Star Guard Mission | 178-183 | Skip |
| Kiba, Naruto, and Shino One-Off Episodes | 184-186 | Skip |
| Peddlers Escort Mission | 187-191 | Watch |
| Ino’s Princess Disguise Mission | 192 | Skip |
| Rock Lee’s Dojo Challenge | 193 | Skip |
| Daimyo’s Wife Search Mission | 194 | Skip |
| Third Great Beast Arc | 195, 196 | Watch |
| Konoha Plans Recapture Mission | 197-201 | Watch |
| Recap of Top Five Battles | 202 | Skip |
| Yakumo Kurama Rescue Mission | 203-207 | Skip |
| Prized Artifact Escort Mission | 208 | Skip |
| Gantetsu Escort Mission | 209-212 | Watch |
| Menma Memory Search Mission | 213-215 | Watch |
| Sunagakure Support Mission | 216-220 | Watch |
| Total Naruto Filler Episodes | 91 |
Read: One Piece Filler List: Every Filler Arc You Can Skip
Season 1 (26)
In the first season, Naruto opens with a straightforward portrayal of the orphan’s life. He deliberately stirs up trouble to carve out an identity, facing widespread condemnation as a Jinchuuriki and finding himself in a challenging position within the village. Undeterred, Naruto’s resilience propels him to the esteemed rank of a ninja through unwavering determination and diligent effort.
The sole instance of filler content in this season is a thoughtfully executed recap episode preceding the second test in the Forest of Death. In this segment, the resourceful Konohamaru conducts an insightful interview with Naruto, skillfully extracting valuable information from Sasuke in a clever yet engaging manner.
Season 2 (97)
Season 2, marks a significant escalation in the narrative of Naruto. The culmination of the Chunin exams reveals itself as a mere ruse, orchestrated by Orochimaru to sow chaos in the Leaf Village and confront his former mentor.
This narrative arc stands out for its depth and engagement, with the only filler episode injecting humor into the storyline. In this instance, two hapless ninja find themselves tasked with reclaiming Tsunade’s debt, only to discover that the debt had long been settled.
While the initial two seasons saw minimal filler content, the third season marks the onset of original content, gradually creeping into the narrative. This, however, serves as a precursor to what viewers would later experience in terms of additional, less essential material.
Season 3 (101, 102-106, 136-141)
Season 3, spanning episodes 101 to 106 and 136 to 141, marks the conclusion of the pre-timeskip phase in Naruto’s narrative, particularly within the canon storyline.
The season commences with a lighthearted filler episode where Team 7 attempts to unveil Kakashi’s identity, injecting a humorous touch into the storyline. Subsequently, an escort mission in the Land of Tea unfolds, offering a relatively uneventful interlude.
Season 4 (142-183)
Season 4, spanning episodes 142 to 183, stands out as arguably the least compelling phase in Naruto’s narrative. Regrettably, the entirety of this season comprises filler episodes. The abundance of nonsensical plots and inconsequential moments may lead many viewers to lose interest.
It becomes apparent to casual viewers during this phase that these stories hold little significance, prompting some to reconsider their commitment and swiftly transition to Naruto: Shippuden.
Season 5 (184-219)
Season 5, encompassing episodes 184 to 219, shares a similar plight with its predecessor, Season 4, if not a more challenging one. The concluding season of Naruto is inundated with cumbersome filler content, with the exception of the final episode.
It becomes a rather tedious viewing experience, likely appealing only to the most ardent fans of Naruto. Despite the potentially cool moments in the final stages of various battles, these persistent filler arcs contribute little to the later canon narratives of Naruto and generally lack the quality associated with the main storyline.
Frequently Asked Questions about Naruto Fillers
Wondering what Naruto fillers to skip?
Honestly, you can skip them all if you’re on a mission to save time. But hey, if you’re in the mood for some extra ninja tales, we’ve got a list of the ones worth your while in our Naruto filler guide.
So, how much of Naruto is filler?
Out of the 220 episodes, a hefty 41 percent (91 episodes) are fillers. They kick in around the 100th episode and keep coming. Our advice? Stick to the filler guide, dodge the non-canon stuff, and keep your Naruto journey on track.
Why does Naruto have so many fillers?
Blame it on the gap! The anime studios pumped out these fillers to keep the space between the anime and the manga. It’s a common move in the anime world, and Naruto wasn’t exempt.
A Full Naruto Filler Episodes Guide
And there you have it – our ultimate list of Naruto fillers. While it’s hailed as one of the greatest anime series ever, we recommend diving into the canon episodes first. You know, the ones that stick to the manga story. The call to venture into the filler episodes? Well, that’s your personal ninja journey. Enjoy
