Watching all 500 episodes of Naruto Shippuden can be a huge commitment, especially if your main goal is to follow the original manga storyline. This Naruto Shippuden filler guide shows which episodes are filler, which are canon, which contain a mix of both, and which filler arcs are worth watching.
According to the current Anime Filler List classification, Naruto Shippuden has 500 episodes, including 203 filler episodes, meaning roughly 41% of the series is classified as filler.
If you only want the main story, you can skip the pure filler episodes. However, mixed canon/filler episodes should not automatically be skipped, because they contain material connected to the manga storyline.
Quick Answer: Naruto Shippuden Filler Episodes
Here are the main filler ranges:
57–71, 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, 416–417, 422–423, 427–450, 464–468, and 480–483.
If you want to watch only the main storyline, these are the episodes you can generally skip.
Important: Episode classifications can vary between filler databases. This guide follows the Anime Filler List classification and treats mixed canon/filler episodes separately from pure filler.
Naruto Shippuden Filler List at a Glance
| Episode(s) | Classification | Skip? |
| 1–19 | Mixed Canon/Filler | No |
| 20–23 | Manga Canon | No |
| 24–25 | Mixed Canon/Filler | No |
| 26–27 | Manga Canon | No |
| 28 | Anime Canon | Optional |
| 29–44 | Manga Canon | No |
| 45 | Mixed Canon/Filler | No |
| 46–48 | Manga Canon | No |
| 49–50 | Mixed Canon/Filler | No |
| 51–53 | Manga Canon | No |
| 54 | Mixed Canon/Filler | No |
| 55 | Manga Canon | No |
| 56 | Mixed Canon/Filler | No |
| 57–71 | Filler | Yes |
| 72–88 | Manga Canon | No |
| 89–90 | Mixed Canon/Filler | No |
| 91–112 | Filler | Yes |
| 113 | Mixed Canon/Filler | No |
| 114 | Manga Canon | No |
| 115 | Mixed Canon/Filler | No |
| 116–126 | Manga Canon | No |
| 127–128 | Mixed Canon/Filler | No |
| 129–143 | Manga Canon | No |
| 144–151 | Filler | Yes |
| 152–169 | Manga Canon | No |
| 170–171 | Filler | Yes |
| 172–175 | Manga Canon | No |
| 176–196 | Filler | Yes |
| 197–212 | Manga Canon | No |
| 213 | Mixed Canon/Filler | No |
| 214–222 | Manga Canon | No |
| 223–242 | Filler | Yes |
| 243–253 | Manga Canon | No |
| 254 | Mixed Canon/Filler | No |
| 255–256 | Manga Canon | No |
| 257–260 | Filler | Yes |
| 261–270 | Manga Canon | No |
| 271 | Filler | Yes |
| 272–278 | Manga Canon | No |
| 279–281 | Filler | Yes |
| 282–283 | Manga Canon | No |
| 284–295 | Filler | Yes |
| 296 | Mixed Canon/Filler | No |
| 297–302 | Manga Canon | No |
| 303–320 | Filler | Yes |
| 321–323 | Manga Canon | No |
| 324 | Mixed Canon/Filler | No |
| 325–326 | Manga Canon | No |
| 327–328 | Mixed Canon/Filler | No |
| 329 | Manga Canon | No |
| 330–331 | Mixed Canon/Filler | No |
| 332–337 | Manga Canon | No |
| 338 | Mixed Canon/Filler | No |
| 339–345 | Manga Canon | No |
| 346 | Mixed Canon/Filler | No |
| 347–361 | Filler | Yes |
| 362 | Mixed Canon/Filler | No |
| 363–375 | Manga Canon | No |
| 376–377 | Filler | Yes |
| 378–384 | Manga Canon | No |
| 385–386 | Mixed Canon/Filler | No |
| 387 | Manga Canon | No |
| 388–390 | Filler | Yes |
| 391–393 | Manga Canon | No |
| 394–413 | Filler | Yes |
| 414 | Manga Canon | No |
| 415 | Mixed Canon/Filler | No |
| 416–417 | Filler | Yes |
| 418 | Manga Canon | No |
| 419 | Mixed Canon/Filler | No |
| 420–421 | Manga Canon | No |
| 422–423 | Filler | Yes |
| 424–425 | Manga Canon | No |
| 426 | Mixed Canon/Filler | No |
| 427–450 | Filler | Yes |
| 451–458 | Mixed Canon/Filler | Generally watch |
| 459 | Manga Canon | No |
| 460–462 | Mixed Canon/Filler | No |
| 463 | Manga Canon | No |
| 464–468 | Filler | Yes |
| 469 | Mixed Canon/Filler | No |
| 470 | Manga Canon | No |
| 471–472 | Mixed Canon/Filler | No |
| 473–477 | Manga Canon | No |
| 478–479 | Mixed Canon/Filler | No |
| 480–483 | Filler | Yes |
| 484–500 | Manga Canon | No |
The classifications above follow the current Anime Filler List episode database.
Complete Naruto Shippuden Filler Episodes
Episodes 57–71 — Twelve Guardian Ninja Arc
Episodes: 57–71
Type: Filler
Recommendation: Skip if you only want the manga storyline.
This arc focuses on Naruto and other characters becoming involved with the Twelve Guardian Ninja storyline.
It contains additional anime-original material, but it isn’t necessary to understand the main manga storyline.
Verdict: Skip for a fast canon-only watch. Watch if you enjoy extra Naruto-world stories.
Episodes 91–112 — Three-Tails’ Appearance Arc
Episodes: 91–112
Type: Filler
Recommendation: Optional.
This is one of the longest filler arcs in Naruto Shippuden.
The story revolves around the Three-Tails, with several characters becoming involved in attempts to capture or control the tailed beast.
Although it isn’t required for the main manga storyline, it expands the world around the tailed beasts and gives some supporting characters additional screen time.
Verdict: Skip if you’re watching only canon. Consider watching if you enjoy tailed-beast stories.
Episodes 144–151 — Six-Tails Unleashed Arc
Episodes: 144–151
Type: Filler
Recommendation: Optional.
This arc introduces additional material surrounding the Six-Tails and the character Utakata.
It provides extra world-building and character development but isn’t necessary to follow the main story.
Verdict: Skip for a fast watch; optional for fans of the Jinchuriki storyline.
Episodes 170–171
Episodes: 170–171
Type: Filler
Recommendation: Skip.
These are short anime-original stories placed between major canon sections.
Verdict: Easy skip.
Episodes 176–196 — Naruto’s Past / Konoha Flashback Arc
Episodes: 176–196
Type: Filler
Recommendation: Skip for a canon-only watch.
This long stretch revisits earlier events and provides additional stories involving Naruto and other characters.
Some episodes can be entertaining for longtime fans, but they aren’t necessary to understand the manga storyline.
Verdict: Skip if you’re trying to reach the main plot faster.
Episodes 223–242 — Paradise Life on a Boat
Episodes: 223–242
Type: Filler
Recommendation: Skip.
Naruto and other characters spend time aboard a ship as they travel toward the next major stage of the story.
The arc contains several anime-original adventures.
Verdict: Skip if you’re watching Shippuden for the main story.
Episodes 257–260
Episodes: 257–260
Type: Filler
Recommendation: Skip.
These episodes revisit elements of Naruto and Sasuke’s history before the story returns to the main Fourth Great Ninja War storyline.
Verdict: Skip if you’ve already seen the original Naruto series and want to stay focused on the main Shippuden plot.
Episode 271
Episode: 271
Type: Filler
Recommendation: Skip.
This is a standalone anime-original episode.
Verdict: Easy skip.
Episodes 279–281
Episodes: 279–281
Type: Filler
Recommendation: Skip.
These episodes are anime-original additions during the larger war storyline.
Verdict: Skip for a streamlined watch.
Episodes 284–295 — Fourth Great Ninja War Filler
Episodes: 284–295
Type: Filler
Recommendation: Skip.
These episodes expand the Fourth Great Ninja War with additional battles and side stories.
They can provide more context for supporting characters, but they aren’t required for the core story.
Verdict: Skip if you’re following the manga storyline.
Episodes 303–320
Episodes: 303–320
Type: Filler
Recommendation: Skip.
This is another significant anime-original stretch during the Fourth Great Ninja War.
Verdict: Skip for a canon-only viewing order.
Episodes 347–361 — Kakashi: ANBU Black Ops
Episodes: 347–361
Type: Filler
Recommendation: Worth watching for many fans.
This is one of the most popular filler sections in Naruto Shippuden.
Rather than being a collection of unrelated side adventures, these episodes explore Kakashi’s time in the ANBU, along with characters such as Minato, Yamato, and Itachi.
Even though the episodes are classified as filler, they provide additional character background and expand the history surrounding Konoha’s shinobi.
Verdict: Optional, but one of the filler arcs most worth watching.
Episodes 376–377
Episodes: 376–377
Type: Filler
Recommendation: Skip.
These episodes provide anime-original material connected to the ongoing war storyline.
Verdict: Easy skip.
Episodes 388–390 — Hanabi Story
Episodes: 388–390
Type: Filler
Recommendation: Optional.
These episodes focus more heavily on Hanabi and the Hyuga family.
They’re not required for the main storyline.
Verdict: Skip if you’re watching canon only; optional for Hyuga and character-development fans.
Episodes 394–413 — New Chunin Exams
Episodes: 394–413
Type: Filler
Recommendation: Optional.
This arc introduces another version of the Chunin Exams and gives several characters additional screen time.
The concept is entertaining, particularly for fans who enjoyed the original Chunin Exams in Naruto.
Verdict: Skip for a fast watch. Watch if you enjoy tournament-style Naruto stories.
Episodes 416–417
Episodes: 416–417
Type: Filler
Recommendation: Skip.
These episodes explore additional material involving the formation and history of Team Minato.
Verdict: Skip if you’re following the main story.
Episodes 422–423
Episodes: 422–423
Type: Filler
Recommendation: Skip.
These episodes provide additional anime-original material before the story returns to the main plot.
Verdict: Easy skip.
Episodes 427–450 — Infinite Tsukuyomi Dream Arc
Episodes: 427–450
Type: Filler
Recommendation: Skip for a canon-only watch.
This is one of the biggest filler blocks in the entire series.
The episodes explore alternate dream scenarios created around characters caught within the Infinite Tsukuyomi.
The stories can be fun because they show unusual versions of familiar characters, but they aren’t necessary to understand the main ending of Naruto Shippuden.
Verdict: Skip if your priority is the main story.
Episodes 464–468 — Ashura and Indra Stories
Episodes: 464–468
Type: Filler
Recommendation: Optional.
These episodes explore the history surrounding Ashura and Indra.
They provide additional mythology and background related to the origins of the shinobi world.
Verdict: Optional for fans interested in Naruto’s mythology; skip for a strict canon run.
Episodes 480–483 — Character Childhood Stories
Episodes: 480–483
Type: Filler
Recommendation: Skip.
These episodes provide additional stories involving Naruto, Hinata, Sasuke, Sakura, Gaara, Shikamaru, Jiraiya, and Kakashi.
They are mostly character-focused side stories.
Verdict: Skip if you want to finish the main storyline quickly.
Naruto Shippuden Filler Arcs Worth Watching
Not all filler is equal.
If you have already decided to skip most filler but still want some of the better anime-original material, consider these sections.
1. Kakashi: ANBU Black Ops — Episodes 347–361
Best for: Kakashi fans, ANBU history, Minato, Itachi
This is probably the easiest filler arc to recommend to viewers who want additional character development.
Watch rating: ★★★★★
2. Six-Tails Unleashed — Episodes 144–151
Best for: Jinchuriki and tailed-beast fans
The arc gives additional attention to Utakata and the Six-Tails.
Watch rating: ★★★★☆
3. Three-Tails’ Appearance — Episodes 91–112
Best for: Tailed-beast and side-story fans
It’s long, but it adds additional material around the Three-Tails.
Watch rating: ★★★☆☆
4. New Chunin Exams — Episodes 394–413
Best for: Fans of the original Chunin Exams
The premise makes it enjoyable for viewers who like Naruto’s tournament-style stories.
Watch rating: ★★★☆☆
5. Ashura and Indra Stories — Episodes 464–468
Best for: Naruto mythology fans
These episodes expand the historical background around the shinobi world.
Watch rating: ★★★☆☆
Which Naruto Shippuden Filler Episodes Can You Safely Skip?
If your only goal is to follow the main manga storyline, the pure filler ranges can generally be skipped.
The easiest approach is:
Watch Manga Canon → Watch Mixed Canon/Filler → Skip Pure Filler.
This is safer than simply watching every episode not labeled “canon.”
The current classification separates mixed episodes from pure filler, which is important because mixed episodes contain both canon and anime-original content.
Should You Skip Mixed Canon/Filler Episodes?
Generally, no.
Mixed canon/filler episodes contain material from both categories.
For example, episodes 1–19 are classified as mixed canon/filler rather than pure filler. Similarly, episodes such as 24–25, 45, 49–50, 54, 56, 89–90, 113, 115, and 127–128 are also classified as mixed.
If you’re watching Naruto Shippuden for the first time, the safest approach is to watch these episodes.
What About Episode 28?
Episode 28, “Beasts! Alive Again!”, is classified as Anime Canon rather than Manga Canon or pure Filler by the current Anime Filler List database.
That makes it different from a standard filler episode.
Recommendation: Optional, but there’s no need to treat it as part of the large filler blocks above.
Naruto Shippuden Canon Episodes
If you want to avoid filler, these are the manga-canon episode ranges according to the current classification:
20–23, 26–27, 29–44, 46–48, 51–53, 55, 72–88, 114, 116–126, 129–143, 152–169, 172–175, 197–212, 214–222, 243–253, 255–256, 261–270, 272–278, 282–283, 297–302, 321–323, 325–326, 329, 332–337, 339–345, 363–375, 378–384, 387, 391–393, 414, 418, 420–421, 424–425, 459, 463, 470, 473–477, and 484–500.
For a first-time viewer, however, we recommend not trying to watch only this list because it excludes mixed canon/filler episodes that may contain useful story material.
Naruto Shippuden Mixed Canon/Filler Episodes
The current classification includes these mixed episodes:
1–19, 24–25, 45, 49–50, 54, 56, 89–90, 113, 115, 127–128, 213, 254, 296, 324, 327–328, 330–331, 338, 346, 362, 385–386, 415, 419, 426, 451–458, 460–462, 469, 471–472, and 478–479.
What should you do with them?
Watch them.
They’re not the same as pure filler.
Naruto Shippuden Without Filler: Recommended Watch Strategy
If this is your first time watching Naruto Shippuden, use this simple system:
Step 1: Watch every canon episode
These contain the primary manga storyline.
Step 2: Watch mixed canon/filler episodes
They can contain important canon material.
Step 3: Skip pure filler if you’re short on time
This removes the biggest anime-original detours.
Step 4: Return to selected filler later
If you finish the main story and want more Naruto content, come back to the better filler arcs.
This gives you the best balance between story progression and extra content.
How Much Naruto Shippuden Can You Skip?
Naruto Shippuden has 500 total episodes, with 203 classified as filler by Anime Filler List. That means pure filler makes up about 41% of the entire anime.
That’s a substantial amount of viewing time.
At approximately 23 minutes per episode, skipping 203 filler episodes represents roughly 78 hours of episode runtime.
Actual viewing time will vary depending on opening themes, endings, recaps, pauses, and playback speed.
Is Naruto Shippuden Filler Worth Watching?
Sometimes.
If you want to finish the story as efficiently as possible, skip the pure filler.
If you love the Naruto universe and want more character stories, some filler is worth watching.
Best filler to prioritize
- Episodes 347–361 — Kakashi’s ANBU story
- Episodes 144–151 — Six-Tails storyline
- Episodes 91–112 — Three-Tails storyline
- Episodes 394–413 — New Chunin Exams
- Episodes 464–468 — Ashura and Indra material
These recommendations are editorial judgments rather than official classifications.
Naruto Shippuden Filler vs Canon: What’s the Difference?
Manga Canon
Episodes based primarily on the original Naruto manga.
Action: Watch.
Mixed Canon/Filler
Episodes containing both manga material and anime-original additions.
Action: Watch, especially on a first viewing.
Filler
Anime-original episodes or arcs that aren’t required for the manga storyline.
Action: Skip if you want a faster watch.
Anime Canon
Anime-original material that may be treated separately from conventional filler classifications.
Action: Optional depending on your viewing goal.
Is Naruto Shippuden Filler Skippable?
Yes, pure filler is generally skippable if your goal is the main storyline.
However, don’t confuse filler with mixed canon/filler.
If you’re watching the series for the first time, a good rule is:
Skip pure filler, but watch canon and mixed episodes.
That approach keeps the main story intact while eliminating most of the unnecessary detours.
Naruto Shippuden Filler Guide: Final Verdict
The simplest way to watch Naruto Shippuden is not to ask, “Which episodes aren’t manga canon?”
Instead, ask:
“Which episodes are pure filler?”
That distinction matters.
There are 500 Naruto Shippuden episodes, and the current Anime Filler List classification identifies 203 as filler.
Quick recommendations
Want the fastest story?
Skip all pure filler ranges.
First time watching?
Watch canon + mixed canon/filler.
Want additional Naruto content?
Watch selected filler arcs.
Best filler arc:
Episodes 347–361 — Kakashi: ANBU Black Ops
Longest major filler blocks:
91–112, 176–196, 223–242, 303–320, 347–361, 394–413, and 427–450.
Bottom line: You don’t need to watch every Naruto Shippuden episode to understand the main story. Follow the canon and mixed episodes, skip pure filler when you want to save time, and return to the better filler arcs whenever you want more Naruto.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many filler episodes are in Naruto Shippuden?
The current Anime Filler List classification identifies 203 filler episodes out of 500, or approximately 41% of the series.
What Naruto Shippuden episodes can I skip?
The pure filler ranges include 57–71, 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, 416–417, 422–423, 427–450, 464–468, and 480–483.
Can I skip Naruto Shippuden filler?
Yes. Pure filler can generally be skipped if you only want the main manga storyline.
Should I skip mixed canon/filler episodes?
No. For a first viewing, it’s better to watch mixed episodes because they contain canon material.
What is the best Naruto Shippuden filler arc?
The Kakashi: ANBU Black Ops arc, episodes 347–361, is one of the strongest filler sections for viewers interested in character history and Konoha’s past.
Is the Three-Tails arc worth watching?
It’s optional. Fans interested in tailed beasts and additional world-building may enjoy episodes 91–112, while viewers focused only on the manga storyline can skip them.
Is episode 28 filler?
The current Anime Filler List classification labels episode 28 as Anime Canon, not pure filler.
How many Naruto Shippuden episodes are there?
Naruto Shippuden has 500 episodes, originally airing from 2007 through 2017.
How much time can I save by skipping filler?
There are 203 classified filler episodes. At roughly 23 minutes per episode, that represents around 78 hours of episode runtime, although actual saved viewing time depends on how you watch.
