Naruto Shippuden – Filler and Canon Episode Guide

Naruto Shippuden has many fillers, and if you want to watch only the canon episodes of the anime, you will probably need a guide for that.

How many fillers are we talking about? Around 44%, or about 221 episodes that were added to the main story. This addition, however, was made to prevent the anime from catching up to the manga, allowing Masashi Kishimoto’s story to develop at the necessary pace in the printed version.

If you want to watch Naruto Shippuden in a more compact version, free of fillers, just keep reading and follow our guide below.

Additionally, we have also listed which non-canon episodes are worth watching and which seasons of the Netflix version of the anime are fillers.

To complete the guide, we have also included the canon and non-canon episodes of Naruto Classic, all in the same list.

Check out our guide to watching Naruto Shippuden without fillers below

Canon and Non-Canon Episodes of Naruto Shippuden

Below, you will find a straightforward episode list.

Naruto Shippuden Canon Episodes:

1-27, 29-44, 46-56, 72-90, 113-143, 152-169, 172-175, 179, 197-212, 214-222, 243-256, 261-270, 272-278, 282-283, 296-302, 321-326, 328-346, 362-375, 378-385, 387, 391-393, 414-415, 418, 420-421, 424-426, 458-459, 462-463, 470-479, 484-500

Naruto Shippuden Filler Episodes:

28, 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, 422-423, 427-450, 464-469, 480-483

Synopsis of Naruto Shippuden Filler Episodes

Naruto Shippuden contains a large number of filler episodes. If you’re curious, we have listed each episode or series of episodes below and summarized what happens in each one.

It is worth noting that episodes marked with an asterisk (*) are the ones we recommend watching.

Episode 28

In this episode, during the Rescue Gaara arc, we see the battle between Team Guy and their clones. While the fight happened “offscreen” in the manga, it is shown in full here.

Episode 45

This episode expands on the events of the battle between Naruto, possessed by Kurama, and Orochimaru. Here, we see Yamato, Naruto, and Sakura discussing the alliance between Danzo and Orochimaru. Additionally, both Naruto and Sakura are shown to be completely exhausted after the fight.

Episode 49

During Sai’s desertion, he is freed by Kabuto but ends up turning against him and reunites with Naruto, Sakura, and Yamato.

After that, the reformed Team 7 pairs up and resumes their search for Sasuke inside Orochimaru’s hideout.

Episodes 57-71

These filler episodes belong to the Twelve Guardian Ninja arc. The arc introduces the Twelve Guardian Ninja and Naruto’s wind control training, featuring a new character named Sora. This arc follows the Tenchi Bridge Reconnaissance Mission and is followed by the Akatsuki Suppression Mission.

In this arc, Naruto is sent on a mission from the Fire Temple to track down grave robbers targeting the tombs of the Twelve Guardian Ninja, who once protected the Feudal Lord.

Naruto, Sakura, Sai, and Yamato meet Sora, an original anime character who becomes the target of these grave robbers.

Episodes 89-112

These episodes make up the Three-Tails’ Appearance arc. It focuses on the efforts of Akatsuki, Konoha, and Team Guren to capture the Three-Tails. This arc follows the Akatsuki Suppression Mission and is succeeded by the Itachi Pursuit Mission.

Naruto and the Konoha ninjas battle Orochimaru’s Team Guren. Naruto also uses an anime-exclusive jutsu, Wind Release: Toad Oil Flame Bullet, which is powerful enough to temporarily bring down the Tailed Beast.

However, in the end, Akatsuki manages to capture the Three-Tails after defeating the ANBU in charge of sealing it.

Episodes 144-151

Another filler arc in Naruto Shippuden, this one is called Six-Tails Unleashed. It focuses on the bond between the Six-Tails Jinchuriki, Utakata, and his student Hotaru.

Naruto, Sakura, Sai, and Yamato protect Hotaru during this arc. Unfortunately, they fail, and she is captured. Their mission then shifts to rescuing her.

Episodes 170-171*

In these two filler episodes, Naruto, Sakura, Chouji, Ino, and Shikamaru embark on a mission to find the Fourth Hokage’s legacy. However, to their surprise, it is not what they expected.

These episodes are adaptations of Omakes—extra content from the Naruto manga.

Episodes 176-179*

These episodes feature Iruka’s memories from Naruto’s time at the Ninja Academy. They are fillers but are worth watching since they provide a deeper look into Naruto’s past and his relationships with his classmates.

Episodes 180-196

One of the most tedious filler arcs in Naruto Shippuden. It consists mainly of flashbacks of the Konoha 11 before the timeskip.

Additionally, it includes the reconstruction of Konoha after Pain’s attack, a new fight between Naruto and a fake Gaara, Kankuro building a new puppet, and even some scenes of Naruto and Jiraiya training to defend against Genjutsu.

The arc also features a mission in the Land of Rice Fields.

Episode 213

This is one of those episodes where the story is better developed than in the manga. Here, Naruto reflects on whether to return to Konoha and abandon his plea for Sasuke’s pardon to the Raikage.

To conclude, Gaara announces that a new Hokage has been chosen: Danzo Shimura.

Episodes 223-242

These episodes belong to the filler arc Paradise Life on a Boat. In this arc, Naruto and his team travel by sea to the Land of Lightning to keep him hidden from Akatsuki during the Fourth Shinobi World War. The arc also focuses on the development of the Konoha 11 members.

Before arriving in the Land of Thunder, however, the group faces several obstacles, including a ghost ship, a pirate ship, a storm, an island full of mysterious dangers and giant animals, fake Narutos, and mercenary ninjas.

As if that wasn’t enough, they also have to deal with a supposed rebellion on the ship and a dangerous encounter with Shikaku and Tenten.

Episodes 257-260*

More filler episodes that, despite not being canon, help fans learn more about Naruto’s childhood. In the first episode, we see the classic scene where Naruto asks the Third Hokage about his parents. After that, the episodes explore Naruto and Sasuke’s growing rivalry.

Episode 271

One of those Naruto Shippuden fillers that you will either love or hate. In this episode, Sakura loses her memory and is gradually helped to recover it by Ino.

However, just as she is about to regain full consciousness, Ino discovers that she is not the real Sakura.

Episodes 280-281*

Two episodes that, while not canon, depict events that happened parallel to the manga. Here, Deidara escapes, and Shino, Kiba, and Hinata try to uncover the identity of the White Zetsu infiltrated among the Allied Shinobi Forces.

Episodes 284-289

This first part of a filler series focuses on Sai’s training to learn sealing techniques. Additionally, there are developments involving Maki and Pakura.

Episodes 290-295*

This Naruto Shippuden filler arc is considered one of the best among fans, making it worth watching. In it, Naruto and Kabuto fight, and a clone absorbs the Nine-Tails’ chakra, going completely out of control.

Episodes 303-320

An interesting Naruto Shippuden filler sequence. In it, we see the return of the Sound Four from the Sasuke Retrieval Arc.

Additionally, there is a battle between Might Guy and Master Chen, one of the greatest Taijutsu users of all time.

To top it off, we also witness the return of Gekkou Hayate and Kabuto causing chaos among the ninjas during the war.

Episode 327*

An important episode for the development of Naruto and Kurama’s friendship. In this episode, Naruto promises to save Son Goku, the Four-Tails Bijuu.

Episodes 347-361*

A Naruto Shippuden filler arc that explores Kakashi’s time in the ANBU. Unlike other episodes, this was not covered in the manga, but it helps expand the story of important characters.

Episodes 376-377*

The infamous episodes where Mecha Naruto attacks the Hidden Leaf Village. They aren’t particularly great, but if you’re curious to watch them, here they are.

Episodes 389-390*

For fans who feel that Hinata was underutilized in Naruto’s story, these two filler episodes are essential. They explore Hinata and Hanabi’s relationship, showing how the younger sister comes to understand what her older sister endured and decides to change her own fate.

Episodes 394-413*

These Naruto Shippuden filler episodes may have frustrated fans when they first aired, but they are quite interesting for those who feel the supporting characters deserved more screen time. This arc covers the second Chunin Exam, which takes place after Sasuke leaves the village and Naruto departs to train with Jiraiya during the timeskip.

Episode 416*

An episode focusing on the formation of Minato’s Team, but instead of seeing the story from Kakashi’s perspective, it is told from Obito Uchiha’s point of view.

Episodes 422-423*

If you’ve ever been curious about how and when Naruto taught Konohamaru the Rasengan, these are the fillers that tell that story. This takes place right after Naruto returns from his training with Jiraiya.

Episodes 427-457*

A Naruto Shippuden filler series that reveals what most characters dreamed about during the Infinite Tsukuyomi. For example, Tenten gathers the Six Paths Sage’s Ninja Tools.

Additionally, this arc features a storyline about a book written by Jiraiya, where Naruto is the hero, and Minato praises the story. Within the Infinite Tsukuyomi, Tsunade reads this book, where several aspects of Naruto’s life are different.

Episodes 460-461 and 464-468*

Episodes that tell the story of Kaguya, Hagoromo, Indra, and Ashura Otsutsuki.

Episode 469*

This is the episode that all fans eagerly awaited. Here, Kakashi finally reveals his true face, making it arguably the best Naruto Shippuden filler episode.

Episodes 480-483*

A series of episodes that delve deeper into the childhoods of various characters. They are not mandatory, but they provide additional flashbacks into the pasts of some of Naruto’s most important figures.

All Canon and Filler Arcs of Naruto Shippuden

All arcs listed in bold below are canon arcs of Naruto Shippuden. However, it is important to note that not all of these arcs are adapted from the manga—some of the later ones (Sasuke and Itachi Shinden and Shikamaru Hiden) were adapted from light novels released later.

The arcs that are not in bold are filler arcs created by TV Tokyo to prevent the anime from catching up to the manga.

Canon and Filler Arc List

Kazekage Rescue Mission (Episodes 1-32)
Tenchi Bridge Reconnaissance Mission (Episodes 33-53)
Twelve Guardian Ninja (Episodes 54-71)
Akatsuki Suppression Mission (Episodes 72-88)
Three-Tails’ Appearance (Episodes 89-112)
Itachi Pursuit Mission (Episodes 113-123)
Tale of Jiraiya the Gallant (Episodes 124-133)
Fated Battle Between Brothers (Episodes 134-143)
Six-Tails Unleashed (Episodes 144-151)
Pain’s Assault (Episodes 152-175)
Past Arc: The Locus of Konoha (Episodes 176-196)
Five Kage Summit (Episodes 197-215)
Fourth Shinobi World War: Countdown (Episodes 216-222)
Paradise Life on a Boat (Episodes 223-242)
Power (Episodes 290-295)
Fourth Shinobi World War: Confrontation (Episodes 256-321)
Kakashi ANBU: The Shinobi Who Lives in the Darkness (Episodes 349-361)
Fourth Shinobi World War: Climax (Episodes 362-375)
Naruto’s Footsteps: The Friends’ Paths (Episodes 394-413)
Birth of the Ten-Tails’ Jinchuriki (Episodes 424-427)
Jiraiya’s Ninja Scrolls: The Tale of Naruto the Hero (Episodes 432-450)
Itachi Shinden Book: Light and Darkness (Episodes 451-458)
Kaguya Otsutsuki Strikes (Episodes 427-431 & 459-479)
The Childhood Period Arc (Episodes 480-483)
Sasuke Shinden: Book of Sunrise (Episodes 484-488)
Shikamaru Hiden: A Cloud Drifting in Silent Darkness (Episodes 489-493)
Konoha Hiden: The Perfect Day for a Wedding (Episodes 494-500)

Which Seasons Should You Skip on Netflix?

As you may know, Naruto Shippuden is also available on Netflix with dubbed episodes. However, the anime is not fully available on the platform.

If you are watching Naruto Shippuden on Netflix, below is a list of which seasons are canon and which contain filler episodes.

Season 3: Episodes 1 to 18 are filler
Season 5: Episodes 1 to 24 are filler

All other episodes (Seasons 1, 2, and 4) are canon.

Naruto Classic – Canon Episode Guide

List of Canon Episodes in Naruto Classic

1-25, 27-96, 98-100, 107-135, 141-142, 220

List of Filler Episodes in Naruto Classic

26, 97, 101-106, 136-140, 143-219

About the Anime

Naruto Shippuden aired between 2007 and 2017, covering the second phase of the anime.

In this series, Naruto returns after two years of training with the mission of fighting Akatsuki and rescuing Sasuke from Orochimaru’s grasp.

Meanwhile, Akatsuki begins its search for the Tailed Beasts, and the ninja world is about to face its greatest crisis in history.

In total, the anime consists of 500 episodes, concluding the stories of Naruto, Sasuke, Sakura, and Kakashi. It also sets the stage for the direct continuation of the series.

You can watch Naruto in its entirety on Crunchyroll, which also offers Naruto Classic and Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, its direct sequel.

In today’s post, we provided a complete guide to Naruto Shippuden, covering its fillers and canon episodes.