Naruto is a rich world filled with incredible detail and interesting stories. While it was airing, one of the biggest banes of weekly watchers was the filler episodes scattered throughout the series. Out of the total 720 episodes between Naruto and Naruto: Shippuden, there are nearly 250 – 270 filler episodes (Some episodes are a mix of filler and canon, so the number depends on what you classify as filler).
These episodes made up entire arcs within the Naruto anime to give the manga some time to get ahead so there would be enough material for a canon episode. At the time, this wasn’t a particularly enjoyable experience. However, now that the series is finished, fans are looking for more ways to enjoy Naruto’s story. Some have turned to the Ninja storm games, and some have discovered a new-found love for the classic filler arcs in the series.
10 Star Guard Mission
Episodes: 178 – 183
The Star Guard Mission was one of the first filler episodes in Naruto. It featured an interesting new mechanic and had Naruto pairing with Team Guy, i.e., Neji, Tenten, and Lee. The six-episode long arc has the four genin explore a minor ninja village.
While this filler wasn’t up-to-par compared to some of the others in the show, it still shines through as good world-building and introduces the audience to a completely new village and the unique abilities employed by its ninjas.
9 Six Tails Unleashed
Episodes: 144 – 151
The Six Tails Unleashed arc spans eight episodes in Shippuden in which the life of the Six Tails Jinchuuriki is explored. Utakata, the Jinchuuriki in question, uses his unique Bubble-style ninjutsu in these episodes. The circumstances surrounding his fight against the Akatsuki and subsequent capture are also shown in this filler.
The attention to detail in this arc is quite good. It is a heart-wrenching story that adds a great amount of depth to an otherwise fodder character that comes up later in the Shinobi War arc.
8 Third Great Beast Arc
Episodes: 195 – 196
The Third Great Beast arc is a wonderful filler that more people should watch. It is a minor arc that occurs after the Sasuke Retrieval mission. These episodes explore the backstory of Guy’s father and introduce a direct foil to Lee. It is an interesting look into Guy’s character and gives some perspective on why he is as enthusiastic and flamboyant as he is in the series. Basically, this arc dives deeper into Guy’s overall personality; we don’t have to provide any other reason to convince you why you shouldn’t skip this arc.
7 Power
Episodes: 290 – 295
The Power arc in Naruto Shippuden was released to commemorate reaching 500 total episodes. It features some of the best animations in the series, rivaling even the movies. It has a pure and moving storyline that has some of the best fight scenes in the entire series.
This arc spans six episodes, and no doubt, the power level of Naruto is a big draw of the show, but this filler arc was more about the philosophy behind the power instead. Of course, just because it’s a little bit philosophical doesn’t mean it doesn’t have absolutely bombastic fights.
6 Kurosuki Family Removal Mission
Episodes: 152 – 157
The Kurosuki Family Removal Mission was quite an interesting filler arc. It fleshed out one of the seven swordsmen of the Mist, Raiga, and really made the audience think about the dual nature of man.
One of the most interesting aspects of this mission was the relationship between Raiga and his ward, which was presented as a parallel between him and his fellow swordsman, Zabuza. The world-building and character depth make this filler one of the best in the show.
5 Yakumo Kurama Rescue Mission
Episodes: 203 – 207
The Kurama rescue mission — which occurs after the Sasuke retrieval arc —explores one of the most neglected parts of the Naruto world, Genjutsu. It gives some more life to the character of Kurenai, the instructor for team 8.
The plight of the Kurama clan, a child who cannot control her powers, and Kurenai’s duty as a teacher and instructor; are all explored in this filler arc.
4 Childhood
Episodes: 480 – 483
The Childhood arc aired during one of the most frustrating times for a Naruto fan. The final battle was about to happen, and all the major players were in position, and yet we, as the audience, kept getting filler after filler. Even though the situation was stacked against it, Childhood ended up becoming one of the most beloved arcs in the entire series.
It covers some of the childhood stories of the main characters. Watching the young ninja’s to be run around and explore the world is a true delight and only adds to the overall enjoyment of the series. The content was good enough for people to overlook the unfortunate timing of the release and appreciate this arc on its own merit.
3 Kaima Capture Mission
Episodes: 169 – 173
The Kaima capture mission has a bit of an unusual pairing, which makes it particularly interesting to watch. Ino, Shino, and Naruto are put under the command of Anko, of all people, as they go on a mission to investigate one of Orochimaru’s hidden bases in the Land of Seas.
The arc gives the audience some much-needed backstory on Anko’s character. While her past under Orochimaru was hinted at in the canon, this arc really explores the extremes her then-mentor went to even when he was a part of the village.
2 Itachi Shinden
Episodes: 451 – 458
Itachi Shinden — which starts before the Kaguya arc — is one of the best filler arcs to come out of Naruto Shippuden. Learning about the exact details of the Uchiha massacre and everything leading up to it helps the audience sympathize with Itachi even more.
It wasn’t surprising that the studio decided to make an Itachi-centric filler considering the fanbase he commands. Almost every fan loved learning more about Itachi, the forgotten hero of the Leaf Village.
1 The Perfect Day for a Wedding
Episodes 494 – 500
The epilogue of Naruto was bittersweet, heartwarming, and nostalgic all in one. Seeing the beloved characters that you’ve been following for more than a decade finish their story and enter adulthood is an incredibly melancholic feeling.
Other anime like Naruto often never end. While that can be fun and exciting as well, getting a conclusive ending has its own merits. This arc isn’t a part of the Naruto canon, but it should be. The feelings this filler evokes in a fan of the series are unmatched by any other filler.
