Whenever you consider Naruto, the very first thing that involves thoughts is high-stakes battles, heartfelt speeches, and the limitless pursuit of desires below the banner of “ninja approach.” However with the long-lasting arcs that outlined the collection, there’s one other a part of Naruto’s legacy that followers know all too properly. They usually’re filler episodes.
With Naruto operating for years and spanning tons of of episodes between the unique collection and Shippuden, it was inevitable that the anime would wish to stretch its legs with aspect tales whereas ready for the manga to catch up. And whereas fillers have a popularity for being skippable, not all of them deserve that label. A few of these episodes are exceptionally entertaining. They typically lean into humor and supply character moments that the principle story by no means had time to discover, all whereas holding on to feelings that really feel proper at residence on this planet of shinobi.
So whereas many people instinctively skip filler episodes to remain on observe with the canon, there are a choose few gems price watching. Listed below are the ten greatest Naruto filler episodes.
10
“Deep Cowl?! A Tremendous S-Ranked Mission!”
(Episode 136)
“Deep Cowl?! A Tremendous S-Ranked Mission!” is episode 136 of the unique Naruto anime, first airing in Japan on Might 25, 2005. The story picks up after Sasuke’s defection, with Naruto and Sakura nonetheless decided to convey him again. Jiraiya, nervous about their emotional state, convinces Tsunade to ship them on a mission with him. The trio heads to the Land of Rice Fields, the place they start investigating the Hidden Sound Village and its ties to Orochimaru.
A turning level for Naruto and Sakura, this one earns its spot as a result of it bridges the emotional fallout of Sasuke’s departure with a brand new storyline that also feels related to the principle arc. Naruto, Sakura, and Jiraiya get loads of time collectively on the journey, and the episode additionally units up the bigger Fūma clan arc, which, whereas filler, explores themes that mirror the principle plot whereas holding the strain alive throughout a transitional interval.
9
“Laughing Shino”
(Episode 186)
In “Laughing Shino,” Naruto and Shino are despatched to Motoyoshi Village to help the Kagetsu household throughout a peculiar inheritance ritual. The eldest son, Fūta Kagetsu, should keep away from laughing at his father’s funeral to safe his fortune, however the family members and weird circumstances make this almost unimaginable. Naruto’s antics solely make issues worse, whereas Shino, who’s often unreadable, finds himself in absurd conditions that check his composure.
Placing a uncommon highlight on Shino’s character, this Naruto filler episode stands out as a result of it provides him an opportunity to be on the middle. Seeing him pushed to the brink of laughter humanizes his usually stoic and reserved character, and the humor lands as a result of it’s such a pointy distinction. For followers, it’s refreshing as a result of it’s a break from heavier arcs. Plus, the Kagetsu household’s eccentricity makes the episode much more memorable.
8
“Viva Dojo Problem! Youth Is All About Ardour!”
(Episode 193)
Episode 193 of Naruto, titled “Viva Dojo Problem! Youth Is All About Ardour!” finds Naruto getting back from a mission and discovering that Rock Lee has opened a dojo and is determined for challengers to show his youthful spirit. When nobody steps up, May Man encourages Lee, however an impostor unexpectedly arrives to check the dojo’s power. Naruto, Lee, and their pals are drawn into the problem, which turns right into a spirited contest of kinds.
This filler episode is among the greatest as a result of it captures the essence of Lee’s character, along with his boundless enthusiasm and drive to show himself. The dojo setting permits for frolicsome aggressive vibes, and the exaggerated power of each Lee and Man makes it one of many funniest fillers within the collection. We by no means get a Naruto vs. Lee showdown, however there are many humorous moments to make up for it. General, it is a lighthearted entry the place beloved characters get an opportunity to affix within the enjoyable.
7
“Gotta See! Gotta Know! Kakashi-Sensei’s True Face!”
(Episode 101)
Episode 101 of Naruto, titled “Gotta See! Gotta Know! Kakashi-Sensei’s True Face!,” aired in Japan on September 15, 2004. The plot revolves round Naruto, Sakura, and Sasuke scheming to uncover what their instructor seems like beneath his ever-present masks. They’ve these ridiculous theories, like Kakashi has buck enamel or weird lips, which gasoline a collection of comedic makes an attempt to catch him off guard.
However regardless of their elaborate traps and chronic makes an attempt, Kakashi cleverly evades them, and when he lastly reveals what’s beneath, it seems to be… one other masks. A nostalgic, feel-good filler, this one not solely fleshes out one of many collection’ longest-running mysteries but additionally highlights Crew 7’s chemistry and playful dynamic. The humor feels natural, and the payoff comes when Kakashi trolls his college students. Even years later, followers keep in mind this as one of many uncommon fillers that genuinely entertains.
6
“Vanished Recollections”
(Episode 213)
Episode 213, “Vanished Recollections,” aired in 2006. In it, Naruto discovers an injured younger man by a river who has misplaced his reminiscence. Naming him Menma, Naruto brings him again to the village regardless of Tsunade’s warnings. Menma proves type and useful; he bonds with the villagers, however his forgotten previous progressively resurfaces, revealing ties to enemies. The episode units up the Menma arc, which is a redemptive one.
What makes the filler probably the greatest fillers in Naruto is the way it makes use of Naruto’s empathy to drive the story. His insistence on giving Menma an opportunity displays his personal perception in second possibilities. The episode additionally has a mysterious arc, displaying how reminiscence and belonging form one’s decisions. Whereas not canon, followers adore the Menma storyline for its depth and texture.
5
“Scorching-Blooded Confrontation: Pupil vs. Sensei”
(Episode 196)
Scorching-Blooded Confrontation: Pupil vs. Sensei is Episode 196 in Naruto. The story facilities on Mighty Man, who’s focused by the Ryūdōin brothers in search of revenge for his or her father’s defeat. Genhō, disguised as Yagura, confronts Man with distinctive picket puppet strategies, trapping him in a battle that forces his college students to step up.
Lee, Tenten, Negi, and Naruto be a part of within the struggle, however Man’s ardour, loyalty, and perception in his college students stand out. The confrontation isn’t nearly flashy jutsu, but additionally concerning the weight of previous conflicts and the way they ripple into the current. It is among the higher filler arcs for showcasing Man’s significance past comedian aid. It’s a reminder that even aspect tales can keep true to the essence of Naruto.
4
“Minato’s Demise”
(Episode 350)
“Minato’s Demise” is Episode 350, and it’s a part of Kakashi’s Anbu arc. It explores the aftermath of the Third Nice Ninja Battle and the toll it takes on the Konoha. Kakashi, now a younger Anbu operative, is tasked with missions that mirror his rising popularity as “Konoha’s White Fang’s son.” It additionally seems again on the tragedy of Minato Namikaze, the Fourth Hokage, whose sacrifice through the 9-Tails’ assault left Naruto orphaned.
The filler holds significance as a result of it deepens Kakashi’s backstory, displaying how Minato’s dying and the trauma of battle formed his chilly, indifferent character. It reframes the 9-Tails assault from Kakashi’s perspective and fills gaps within the timeline, providing context for Kakashi’s later management type.
3
“A Conflict Of Destiny: You Cannot Carry Me Down”
(Episode 147)
Episode 147 of the unique Naruto, “A Conflict of Destiny: You Can’t Carry Me Down,” aired in Japan on August 17, 2005. The episode continues the Mizuki Monitoring Mission arc, the place Naruto, Iruka, and others confront Mizuki after he escapes from jail. After that harmful transformation, Mizuki turns into a formidable opponent, forcing Iruka to step in to guard Naruto.
The battle highlights the teacher-student relationship between Iruka and Naruto, finally revisiting Iruka’s significance in Naruto’s life. Whereas Mizuki’s transformation is filler-only, the emotional core feels genuine to the collection. It’s typically cited as probably the greatest filler episodes in Naruto as a result of it balances motion with character drama.
2
“Blaze Away, Byakugan! This Is My Ninja Means!”
(Episode 151)
Episode 151, “Blaze Away, Byakugan! This Is My Ninja Means!,” is a part of the Bikōchū Search Mission arc, and it focuses on Hinata Hyuga, who steps up when her staff is cornered by Suzumebachi and her insect clan. Naruto, Kiba, and Shino are trapped, and Hinata is left to show her power. She unleashes her refined Mild Fist strategies, declaring her personal ninja approach and stunning each allies and enemies.
A memorable episode, this one provides Hinata a uncommon highlight exterior the principle manga storyline. Her willpower, her declaration of independence, and her willingness to struggle for her staff touched followers who wished extra improvement for her character. Whereas the Bikōchū arc is filler, Hinata’s progress feels real, and general, the episode focuses on her journey.
1
“Run! The Curry Of Life!”
(Episode 157)
“Run! The Curry Of Life!” is Episode 157 of Naruto. A part of the Kurosuki Household Elimination Mission, the episode follows Naruto, Neji, and Lee as they battle Raiga Kurosuki. After Lee is gravely injured, Grandma Sanshō and her household revive him with the legendary “Curry of Life,” a dish so spicy it jolts him again into motion.
As Lee’s restoration turns into each absurd and heroic, the episode blends humor and fight in probably the most entertaining methods. The Curry of Life is ridiculous, but it suits Lee’s character, turning a filler gag into an unforgettable second. There’s a mixture of comedy and motion as properly, and watching Raiga go fully berserk and tear by a military of Naruto’s Shadow Clones is price it.
