Summary
Long-running shonen animeand filler content go hand-in-hand, as studios are often forced to prolong the anime adaptations if the manga lags behind. However,Naruto’scase is rather unique, with approximately 290 of the series' 720 episodes being non-canon. Sitting through the entire show would essentially mean that viewers will spend nearly 40 percent of their watchtime on filler episodes.
WithNarutocomprising such a large chunk of non-canon episodes, fans often question whether they should sit through 290 episodes of filler or simply filter out these episodes to cut right to the main story. However, filler content doesn’t automatically equate to a dull, mundane narrative, as some are imbued with much-needed humor, while others add more tothe series’ worldbuilding elements. Considering these essential aspects that accompany these episodes, it’s worth debating whetherNaruto’sfiller episodes are actually worth watching.
Why Is Naruto Laced With So Much Filler?
Viewers are often frustrated by the absurd number of non-canon episodes found in Naruto, yet most fail to acknowledge that these episodes are merely a result of necessity. Similar tomost long-running series,Naruto’sanime adaptation caught up with the manga quite early on, forcing the production studio to borrow time by adding in filler content. However, this isn’t the only reason non-canon content is used so vehemently, as these episodes can add on to the show’s narrative by filling in the gaps in the story.
Moreover, some filler arcs are set in place after an intense plot, serving as a breather of sorts for fans. Despite the negative connotations associated with these episodes, filler arcs serve a significant purpose. However, it still matters how well the series produces its filler content, which eventually becomes the deciding factor for fans that are torn between watching these episodes or simply filtering them out.
What Naruto’s Filler Content Adds to the Narrative
There’s no denying that almost every shonen anime out there has at least some semblance offiller content embedded in its watchtime. It all comes down to what these filler episodes offer, and how compelling they are in terms of the storyline, characterization, and worldbuilding.
The filler arcs in both part 1 ofNarutoandShippudenhave a lot to offer in terms of improving worldbuilding, character growth, and just an overall break from the tense premise. Not all filler episodes are the same, but the ones that add on to the show’s narrative are surely worth a watch.
Some Filler Arcs Add More Depth to Characters
SinceNaruto’soriginal source is only confined to the main overarching plot, several characters and their backstories have been completely overlooked. This is whereNaruto’s non-canon arcscome in, as they make up for the lack of character development. A few filler arcs are known for just this, with Kakashi’s Anbu Arc being one of the most highly reputed non-canon arcs in the entire show.
Presenting most of Kakashi’s backstory and the hardships he faced in his youth, fans rave about the depth this arc adds to the silver-haired sensei’s story.The Second Chunin Exams Arc, while not as popular, serves a similar purpose, as it highlights Sakura and Ino’s growth during the timeskip, and adds on to Konoha 11’s characterization.
Many Non-Canon Episodes Offer a Much-Needed Break
Filler arcs don’t just serve the purpose of creating a gap between the manga and the anime adaptation, as several filler episodes also provide a much-needed breather after an intense arc. A few episodes also offer unparalleled humor, something that isn’t exactly found in the canon episodes ofNaruto.
Gotta See! Gotta Know! Kakashi-sensei’s True Face,Laughing Shino, andThe Curry Of Lifeare some ofNaruto’sfunniest episodes, and fans of the series wouldn’t mind rewatching these classics either. Viewers not only get a break from the intense fights and heavy-hitting plot twists, but also get to see a side of their favorite characters that is usually masked by the gravity of the plot.
Filler Episodes Add to Naruto’s Worldbuilding
Narutois set in a time period that represents Japan’s Feudal age, yet most of the story is contained withinthe Hidden Leaf Village. This devoids the series of any proper worldbuilding that would give viewers a better glimpse ofNaruto’sshinobi world.
Most ofNaruto’s filler episodesrevolve around missions in far-off nations, which naturally add on to the show’s worldbuilding. The Land Of Tea Escort Mission and The Land Of Rice Fields Investigation Mission arcs are perfect examples of filler arcs that showcase smaller nations within the shinobi world.
Several Non-Canon Episodes Explain Gaps Left in the Main Story
With time constraints and limited panel space, mangaka are forced to leave out crucial information. Naruto underwent a similar issue, leading to several plot holes and inconsistencies in the main story. However, several filler arcs have stepped up to fill in these gaps by providing the necessary context to the primary story.
The arc that showcasesDanzo’s heinous role in killing off Yahikooffers a new perspective to the entire Akatsuki situation, yet the entire arc is brushed over due to being flagged as filler content. These arcs supplement the main story and fill the gaps left in the manga, making them worth watching.
Are Naruto’s Filler Episodes Truly Worth the Watch?
There’s no denying that filler episodes tend to be subpar compared to their canon counterparts, yet many filler arcs have proven to defy this preset notion. Considering the value these filler arcs add toNaruto’snarrative, sitting through these episodes is certainly worth it. However, it all boils down to personal preference and the time viewers are willing to invest in the series.
For fans ofNarutothat absolutely adore the characters and their stories, sitting through filler episodes is a must, as these arcs not only add on to the story but also present a morefleshed-out version of the main characters. However, regular viewers that simply want to complete the story can safely skip the filler arcs, as the main plot remains unaffected by the non-canon filler arcs. Still, giving these episodes a try will certainly showcase a side ofNarutothat is often lost to the gravity of the series' overarching plot.
Narutois available to stream onPrime Video.
Naruto
A popular shonen anime based on Masashi Kishimoto’s manga, Naruto follows its eponymous shinobi’s journey as he goes from his town’s outsider to its hero.
