Naruto Shippuden Filler Arcs You Can Skip (and the Few You Shouldn’t)

Naruto Shippuden is the action-packed continuation of the original Naruto series, following Naruto Uzumaki’s journey into adolescence as he faces powerful enemies, deep friendships, and emotional struggles. Airing from 2007 to 2017 with a whopping 500 episodes, it remains one of the most beloved shonen anime of all time.

But here’s the challenge—Naruto Shippuden contains over 200 filler episodes. For new viewers, this can feel overwhelming, and many fans prefer to skip fillers to follow the manga’s main storyline. However, some filler arcs in Shippuden are surprisingly well-crafted, offering valuable character backstories and entertaining side plots.

This guide breaks down the complete filler list, dividing episodes into skippable arcs and must-watch fillers, while also explaining why fillers exist and how to enjoy the series without losing the story’s momentum.

Why Do Fillers Exist in Naruto Shippuden?

As with the original Naruto, fillers in Shippuden exist to give the manga time to stay ahead of the anime. Since the anime adaptation caught up quickly with Masashi Kishimoto’s manga, filler arcs were added to avoid halting production.

But unlike the original series, Shippuden fillers often include deeper explorations of Konoha’s history, side characters, and even extended battle sequences. Some are worth watching for their world-building, while others can be skipped without hesitation.

Naruto Shippuden Filler Guide (Episodes 1–500)

Skippable Filler Arcs

These arcs don’t tie into the main manga storyline and can be skipped if you only want the canon plot:

• Episodes 57–71 – Twelve Guardian Ninja Arc
• Episodes 91–112 – Three-Tails Appearance Arc
• Episodes 144–151 – Six-Tails Unleashed Arc
• Episodes 170–171 – Big Adventure! Big Toad Contest!
• Episodes 176–196 – Past Arc: The Locus of Konoha
• Episodes 223–242 – Paradise Life on a Boat Arc
• Episodes 257–260 – Flashback Episodes
• Episodes 271, 279–281 – Side Mission Fillers
• Episodes 284–295 – Power Arc (although it has great animation, it’s anime-only)
• Episodes filler-heavy stretches up to 500 also include ep. filler recap content

Must-Watch (Worth Checking Out) Fillers

Some filler arcs in Shippuden add valuable lore or fan-favorite moments:

• Episodes 349–361 – Kakashi: Shadow of the ANBU Black Ops
  A beautifully written arc focusing on Kakashi’s dark past and his time in the ANBU. Many fans consider it essential.
• Episodes 376–377 – Naruto vs. Mecha Naruto
  A fun, lighthearted filler crossover that became a fan-favorite for its humor.
• Episodes 394–413 – Chunin Exam Arc (Anime Original)
  Explores a different version of the Chunin Exams that fills in gaps between storylines.
• Episodes 484–488 – Sasuke Shinden (Book of Sunrise)
  A fantastic arc that follows Sasuke’s redemption journey after the war.
• Episodes 489–493 – Shikamaru Shinden (Book of Ashes)
  Centers on Shikamaru and his struggles with responsibility as a strategist.
• Episodes 494–500 – Konoha Hiden: The Perfect Day for a Wedding
  A heartwarming epilogue to the entire series, focusing on Naruto and Hinata’s wedding. A must-watch for closure.

👉 If you want the fastest route through the story, stick to the canon arcs. But if you have time, don’t miss Kakashi’s ANBU arc or the epilogue arcs—they’re excellent.

Are Naruto Shippuden Fillers Worth Watching?

The answer depends on what you’re looking for. If you want a streamlined experience focused on Naruto, Sasuke, and the main battles, then skipping fillers is the best option. But if you enjoy world-building, backstory, and lighthearted breaks from the intensity, some filler arcs are gems.

For example, Kakashi’s ANBU arc provides powerful insights into his character, while the wedding episodes give emotional closure to the series. Skipping them means missing out on extra flavor, but you won’t lose any core plot details.

Tips for New Viewers

1. Use a filler guide – Saves you from wasting time on unnecessary episodes.
2. Don’t feel guilty skipping – The manga story is intact without fillers.
3. Watch must-watch fillers later – Treat them like bonus content.
4. Enjoy the pacing – Shippuden’s canon arcs are intense, so fillers can sometimes offer a needed breather.

Naruto Shippuden is a masterpiece of anime storytelling, but its sheer length can intimidate new fans. With over 200 filler episodes, knowing what to watch (and what to skip) is the key to enjoying the journey without burnout.

Whether you skip the fillers entirely or cherry-pick the best ones, Shippuden delivers one of the most iconic anime experiences ever, full of emotional battles, deep bonds, and unforgettable moments.

Follow this filler guide, and you’ll be able to enjoy Naruto’s story to the fullest without getting lost in the filler storm. Believe it!