Naruto Filler Guide: Your Ultimate Episode Skipping List for Part 1

While the Naruto anime series concluded years ago, its captivating story continues to attract new viewers. However, newcomers often find themselves facing a significant hurdle: a large number of filler episodes. These episodes, created to allow Masashi Kishimoto’s manga to progress, can disrupt the viewing experience for those eager to follow the main storyline. For first-time watchers, knowing which Naruto Part 1 episodes are skippable filler is crucial to enjoying the core narrative without unnecessary detours.

Naruto, like many long-running anime adaptations of popular manga, encountered the challenge of catching up to its source material. Initially, the anime adapted several manga chapters per episode. To avoid overtaking the manga, the studio implemented filler content, sometimes weaving it into canon episodes with flashbacks, and often creating entire filler episodes or arcs. This guide will help you navigate the filler content in Naruto Part 1, allowing you to focus on the essential story.

Every Filler Episode In Naruto Part 1

Of The 220 Naruto Part 1 Episodes, 91 Were Filler

In Naruto Part 1, a significant portion of the 220 episodes, 91 episodes or forty-one percent, are filler. These original stories, not part of Masashi Kishimoto’s manga, often bridge the gaps between canon arcs. Notably, a large concentration of Naruto filler occurs after episode #135, which marks the point where the anime storyline diverges from the manga before the Naruto Shippuden time skip. This period was particularly challenging for viewers watching weekly, as they experienced over 21 months of filler, ranging from lighthearted character explorations to arcs that felt ultimately inconsequential to the overarching plot.

Which Naruto Part 1 Filler Episodes Should Be Skipped?

Nearly Two Years of Naruto Filler Before Shippuden

The least engaging Naruto filler episodes frequently introduce new characters that fail to resonate with audiences and are quickly forgotten. Some of the weaker Naruto Part 1 filler episodes even detract from the established characters, misrepresenting their personalities or simplifying them for weak storylines that contribute nothing to the main narrative. Unfortunately, several filler episodes seem designed purely to fill broadcast time, lacking compelling storylines.

Naruto Shippuden key visual featuring Naruto Uzumaki in his Shippuden attire

Related: Naruto: Shippuden Filler List – Which Episodes To Skip

For viewers looking to streamline their Naruto experience, skipping the majority of these filler episodes is advisable. While opinions vary, episodes like “Ino Screams! Chubby Paradise!” which clumsily attempts to develop Ino’s character but resorts to body-shaming themes, are often cited as low points. Even episodes with potentially humorous concepts, such as “The Appearance of Strange Visitors” with Guy and Rock Lee impersonators, or entire arcs like the “Land of Rice Fields Investigation Mission“, can feel tedious to some viewers. Ultimately, deciding which Naruto filler episodes to skip often comes down to individual preferences, but a significant portion can be safely avoided without missing crucial plot developments.

Which Episodes Of Naruto Part 1 Filler Are Worth Watching?

Some Filler Episodes Offer Fun and Expand the Naruto Universe

While skipping filler is generally recommended for plot progression, certain non-canon episodes offer enjoyable side stories, introduce interesting abilities, and can enhance the Naruto world. The experience of watching filler weekly, while waiting for canon episodes, was different from watching retrospectively. Some filler episodes hold up surprisingly well even when viewed outside of their original broadcast context.

Related: 10 Best Naruto Filler Episodes That Actually Improve The Series

Naruto‘s appeal lies in its action, drama, and comedy. Some of the more appreciated filler episodes embrace the comedic aspects, particularly those centered around Team Guy, such as “The Kurosaki Family Removal Mission” and “Viva Dojo Challenge! Youth Is All About Passion!“. However, there are also more dramatic filler arcs with engaging storylines. Examples include the “Bikōchū Search Mission“, which provides a focus on Hinata, and the emotionally resonant “Menma Memory Search Mission“. As fans eagerly anticipate the delayed new Naruto episodes, revisiting Naruto filler episodes might reveal unexpected entertainment value.