Naruto Shippuden Filler Guide: Skip Or Watch? [Complete List]
Are you ready to embark on a ninja journey, but dreading the dreaded filler episodes that plague the Naruto and Naruto Shippuden anime series? With nearly half of the episodes in both series consisting of content not found in the original manga, navigating the Naruto universe can be a minefield for fans seeking a streamlined experience.
For many, the allure of the Naruto saga, with its compelling characters, intricate plotlines, and breathtaking action sequences, is undeniable. However, the presence of filler episodes, those self-contained stories that deviate from the manga's core narrative, has long been a source of contention among fans. While some find these episodes entertaining diversions, offering a break from the main plot, the majority view them as unwelcome interruptions, disrupting the flow and pacing of the story.
This article will serve as your comprehensive guide to navigating the Naruto and Naruto Shippuden anime, helping you to identify and bypass the filler episodes, ensuring you experience the series as intended by the original creator. We'll delve into the specifics, providing a detailed breakdown of the filler content, so you can make informed decisions about which episodes to watch and which to skip. This comprehensive guide is designed to empower you, the viewer, to curate your own Naruto experience, focusing on the episodes that contribute to the overarching narrative.
| Series | Total Episodes | Filler Episodes | Filler Percentage | Canon Episodes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Naruto | 220 | 90 | 41% | 130 |
| Naruto Shippuden | 500 | 203 | 41% | 297 |
| Combined | 720 | 293 | 41% | 427 |
Source: Your Trusted Anime Source
The original Naruto anime, which aired from 2002 to 2007, sets the stage for the epic tale of a young ninja with an indomitable spirit. With a total of 220 episodes, Naruto introduces us to the world of ninjas, hidden villages, and the trials and tribulations of the young protagonist, Naruto Uzumaki. The series adapted the manga up to volume 27, but not without the inclusion of filler episodes. Roughly 41% of the original Naruto series consists of filler, amounting to 90 episodes that diverge from the main storyline. This means only about half of the series' episodes were directly taken from the manga.
Naruto Shippuden, the sequel, picks up the story after a two-and-a-half-year time skip, following Naruto's return to the Hidden Leaf Village. Aired from 2007 to 2017, Shippuden significantly expands the Naruto universe, introducing new characters, complex storylines, and escalating conflicts. However, this series also has a high filler rate of 41%, with 203 out of 500 episodes classified as filler. The sequel's longer run and expanded storyline allowed for more opportunities to deviate from the core manga narrative. This high filler content meant that only around 60% of the episodes stayed true to the original manga.
The presence of filler episodes in both Naruto and Naruto Shippuden has led to varying opinions within the fanbase. While some viewers appreciate the additional content as a means of exploring side characters and expanding the world-building, others find them disruptive to the pacing and flow of the story. The primary criticism is that these episodes often interrupt crucial plot arcs, leading to a disjointed viewing experience. Furthermore, the quality of filler episodes can be inconsistent, with some being deemed entertaining while others are criticized for their lack of relevance or impact on the main narrative.
One of the main reasons why filler episodes are created is to provide the manga writers with time to continue the story. By inserting filler episodes, the anime production team can avoid catching up to the manga and potentially having to pause the anime production. This allows the manga to get ahead, ensuring a continuous flow of new content for the anime adaptation. However, this can also result in the pacing of the anime slowing down for the viewer. The aim is to produce enough content to keep the audience engaged, however, they could unintentionally disrupt the viewing experience.
Identifying filler episodes can sometimes be challenging. However, various online resources and fan-made guides have been created to help viewers distinguish between canon and filler content. These resources provide detailed episode lists, marking each episode as either filler or canon. This allows viewers to plan their viewing experience accordingly, either skipping the filler episodes entirely or watching them selectively based on their interest.
In the context of Naruto and Naruto Shippuden, certain filler arcs are often considered more enjoyable and well-received by fans. These arcs may delve into the backstories of beloved characters, explore unique storylines, or provide comedic relief. However, even these enjoyable filler arcs can disrupt the overall narrative flow, particularly when they appear in the middle of a crucial story arc. Therefore, the decision of whether or not to watch filler episodes ultimately comes down to individual preference.
The impact of filler episodes extends beyond individual viewing experiences. The high filler rate in both Naruto and Naruto Shippuden has influenced how the anime is perceived by potential new viewers. The sheer amount of filler episodes can be discouraging for those who want to experience the core story without unnecessary detours. This can lead to some people abandoning the series altogether or looking for ways to skip the filler content altogether. The impact can change the way people begin the series, and how they can connect with it.
The decision to skip filler episodes can significantly alter your viewing experience. By focusing on the canon episodes, you can ensure that you experience the story as it was intended by the original creator. The main storyline will provide a more immersive and impactful experience, with a more consistent pacing and flow. This will allow for a deeper emotional connection with the characters and the plot. However, it's important to consider the potential benefits of watching filler episodes as well.
The presence of filler episodes in the Naruto and Naruto Shippuden anime series is a complex issue. While the episodes can offer a brief respite from the main plot, they can also interrupt the continuity of the story. For those who are new to the series, the high filler rate can be a significant deterrent. However, with the help of resources and guides, viewers can navigate the filler episodes and curate an experience that aligns with their preference. Whether one chooses to skip them entirely or watch them selectively, the ability to distinguish between filler and canon content is a powerful tool.
The "Naruto" series has a total of 220 episodes divided into 9 seasons, with 89 filler episodes, which is equivalent to 41% of the anime. The canon episodes are 131. This means that only half of the anime was adapted from the manga, which could be discouraging for those who want to start watching the series.
The sequel of Naruto, Naruto Shippuden, has a total of 500 episodes. Out of those episodes, 203 episodes are filler, which makes up 41% of the series. When combined with Naruto, Naruto and Naruto Shippuden have a total of 295 filler episodes.
All Naruto movies are fillers, except "The Last: Naruto the Movie" and "Boruto: Naruto the Movie" which are canon. All filler movies arent connected to Naruto or Naruto Shippuden.
In addition to the main series, Naruto has various movies. However, most of the movies are filler and are not directly connected to the events of the main series. Therefore, skipping these movies would have no impact on the understanding of the overall narrative.
Navigating the world of Naruto and Naruto Shippuden anime can be a journey, but its one that can be made much more enjoyable by being informed. By using this guide, fans can take control of their viewing experience, focusing on the episodes that drive the story forward.
Whether you choose to embrace the filler or skip it entirely, the goal is to enjoy this iconic anime series to its fullest. The choice is yours, but the key to a great Naruto experience is to be informed and to tailor your viewing to your liking. The adventure awaits!
For an optimal viewing experience, especially if you're new to the series, consider using a guide. This will help you prioritize the canon episodes and minimize interruptions. Several detailed guides are available online, often created by dedicated fans, that break down each episode and its status as either canon or filler.
While the filler episodes are often created to give the manga writers time to catch up, the downside is that they can disrupt the flow and pacing of the story. This can lead to viewers losing interest or becoming frustrated. This is especially true if you're watching the series for the first time and are eager to see how the main plot unfolds.
In conclusion, while some filler episodes may have their appeal, the decision to skip them or not depends on your personal preference. By being informed about the filler content, you can make the best viewing decision. With the knowledge, you can enjoy the adventures of Naruto and the rest of the characters.
Remember, the goal is to enjoy the story. Use this guide to navigate the filler content and enjoy the epic saga of Naruto.
