Introduction
Naruto Shippuden is a beloved anime series with a massive following. However, with over 500 episodes, it can be challenging to stay engaged throughout the entire series – especially with the presence of filler episodes. These episodes have no relevance to the overall storyline and purely exist to give the writers more time to catch up to the manga series. With the sheer number of filler episodes, it’s easy to get sidetracked and lose interest. That’s where this guide comes in – we’ll provide a comprehensive guide on how to identify and skip filler episodes, so you can enjoy the show without unnecessary distractions.
A Comprehensive Guide to Identifying and Skipping Naruto Shippuden’s Filler Episodes
Filler episodes are episodes that are not based on the original source material (the manga) but instead created to fill space while the writing team catches up with the manga series. These episodes are not essential to the storyline and can distract from the overarching plotline of the anime.
There are several reasons why filler episodes exist. In many cases, they’re meant to buy time while the writers wait for the original source material to catch up. Other times, it’s an opportunity for the writers to experiment with new ideas and characters without affecting the main storyline. Unfortunately, filler episodes can be detrimental to the viewer’s overall experience.
Identifying filler episodes can be challenging. One of the most effective ways is to look for episodes that have little to no bearing on the overall plotline. Often, these episodes will revolve around characters or concepts that are never mentioned again, or they’ll have a different tone than the rest of the series. With some experience, it’s easy to spot filler episodes and skip them.
One of the easiest ways to skip filler episodes is to use an online guide that lists the episodes that are skippable. If you’re short on time, consider watching compilations of essential episodes online to stay current; there are several online guides that provide recommendations based on specific users’ tastes and preferences.
The Ultimate List of Filler Episodes in Naruto Shippuden: What to Skip and What to Watch
Here is a comprehensive list of the Naruto Shippuden Filler Episodes:
57-70, 91-112, 144-151, 170-171, 176-196, 223-242, 257-260, 271, 279-281, 284-295, 303-320, 347-361, 376-377, 388-390, 394-413, 416, 422-423, 427-457, 460-461, 464-469, 480-483, 485-486, 489-493, 497, 499-501, 503-506, 513-517, 519-522, 524-526
We’ve separated them into three categories: Must-Watch, Watch-if-you-have-time, and Skippable episodes.
Must-Watch Episodes
With essential story developments that cannot be missed, make sure you do not skip any of these episodes:
1. Episode 10: Sealing Jutsu: Nine Phantom Dragons
2. Episode 28: Beasts: Alive Again!
3. Episode 57 – 71: Kazekage Rescue Mission Arc
4. Episode 82-83: Team Assembles: Go Volunteer!
5. Episode 126 – 127: Tales of a Gutsy Ninja~Jiraiya Ninja Scroll~Part 1 & 2
6. Episode 129 – 133: Invasion of Pain Arc
7. Episode 197 – 222: Five Kage Summit Arc
8. Episode 243 – 256: Fourth Shinobi War Arc
9. Episode 307 – 310: Kakashi: Shadow of the ANBU Black Ops Arc
10. Episode 389 – 390: The Adored Elder Sister
Watch-if-you-have-time Episodes
These episodes may provide additional insight or entertainment value, but they are not necessary for understanding the main storyline:
1. Episode 152 – 157: The Young Man and the Sea
2. Episode 170 – 171: Big Adventure! The Quest for the Fourth Hokage’s Legacy Part 1 & 2
3. Episode 186 – 196: Chikara Arc
4. Episode 227 – 228: The Forgotten Island
5. Episode 271: Road to Sakura
6. Episode 282 – 283: The New Chunin Exams Arc
7. Episode 296 – 302: Fourth Great Ninja War – Countdown
8. Episode 343 – 346: Reanimation Jutsu: Release!
9. Episode 472 – 473: You Better…
10. Episode 483: Jiraiya and Kakashi
Skippable Episodes
These episodes do not contribute to the overall plotline and can be skipped entirely:
1. Episode 91 – 112: Three-Tails’ Appearance
2. Episode 144-151: The Six-Tailed Demon Slug Arc
3. Episode 176 – 196: Tales of a Gutsy Ninja~Jiraiya Ninja Scroll~Part 1 & 2
4. Episode 223 – 242: The Hero of the Hidden Leaf
5. Episode 257 – 260: Meeting
6. Episode 303 – 320: Prologue of Road to Ninja
7. Episode 347 – 361: Kakashi: Shadow of the ANBU Black Ops
8. Episode 376 – 377: The Directive to Take the Nine Tails
9. Episode 388 – 390: My First Friend
10. Episode 416: The Formation of Team Minato
A Breakdown of the Most Important and Crucial Episodes of Naruto Shippuden
While the filler episodes can be entertaining, they’re not crucial to understanding the main plot. Here are the episodes you absolutely should not skip:
1. Episode 1 – 2: Homecoming
2. Episode 35 – 36: The New Target
3. Episode 58 – 59: The Five Kage’s Decision
4. Episode 82 – 83: Team Ten
5. Episode 101 – 106: Tsunade’s Warning
6. Episode 127 – 128: Tales of a Gutsy Ninja~Jiraiya Ninja Scroll~Part 1 & 2
7. Episode 133 – 134: The Pain of Knowing
8. Episode 197 – 222: Five Kage Summit Arc
9. Episode 243 – 256: Fourth Shinobi War Arc
10. Episode 478 – 479: Naruto Uzumaki!!
Streamlining Naruto Shippuden: How to Get the Best Viewing Experience
Skipping fillers is an excellent way to streamline your Naruto Shippuden viewing experience, but it’s not the only method. Here are some tips on how to make the most out of your watching experience:
– Avoid recaps, previews, and theme songs
– Skip through any scenes that do not interest you
– Watch several episodes at a time
– Create a schedule to maximize efficiency
Naruto Shippuden: Which Episodes You Can Skip to Meet Your Deadline
If you’re short on time, then these episodes can be safely skipped without affecting your understanding of the storyline:
1. Episode 57 – 70: Kazekage Rescue Mission Arc
2. Episode 91 – 112: Three-Tails’ Appearance
3. Episode 144 – 151: The Six-Tailed Demon Slug Arc
4. Episode 223 – 242: The Hero of the Hidden Leaf
5. Episode 257 – 260: Meeting
6. Episode 303 – 320: Prologue of Road to Ninja
7. Episode 347 – 361: Kakashi: Shadow of the ANBU Black Ops
8. Episode 376 – 377: The Directive to Take the Nine Tails
9. Episode 388 – 390: My First Friend
10. Episode 416: The Formation of Team Minato
Naruto Shippuden: A Filler-Free Viewing Guide to Catch Up Quickly
Here is a guideline for a filler-free viewing experience for those who want to catch up quickly:
1. Episode 1-2: Homecoming
2. Episode 35-36: The New Target
3. Episode 58-59: The Five Kage’s Decision
4. Episode 82-83: Team Ten
5. Episode 101-106: Tsunade’s Warning
6. Episode 127-128: Tales of a Gutsy Ninja~Jiraiya Ninja Scroll~Part 1 & Part 2
7. Episode 133-134: The Pain of Knowing
8. Episode 197-222: Five Kage Summit Arc
9. Episode 243-256: Fourth Shinobi War Arc
Remember, this is a general guideline, and viewers should adjust it based on their preferences and availability.
Conclusion
Skipping filler episodes is the best way to streamline your Naruto Shippuden viewing experience and avoid getting bored with the show. With this guide, you can confidently sift through filler episodes and get back to the main storyline without distraction. Remember, while the fillers can be entertaining, they’re often not essential to the overall plot. With a few adjustments to your viewing habits, you can enjoy Naruto Shippuden without the hassle of filling episodes and get back to the story you love.