14 Anime With Filler Episodes You Can Skip (and Still Follow the Story)

Sometimes anime series stretch their stories with filler episodes that don’t add much to the main plot. While these episodes can be fun, many viewers prefer to stick with the storyline that matters. Here are some popular shows with filler you can skip without losing track of what’s going on.

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Naruto

Naruto quickly became one of the most beloved shonen series, but it also built a reputation for long filler arcs. Entire storylines, such as the “Land of Tea” arc, were created just to buy time for the manga to progress. While these episodes add humor or side quests, they don’t push Naruto’s journey to becoming Hokage forward. Fans often skip them to stay focused on the rivalry between Naruto and Sasuke.

Despite the filler, the anime’s main arcs remain exciting and emotional. Moments like the Chunin Exams and the battle against the Akatsuki carry all the weight of the original manga. For viewers who prefer a tighter pace, trimming out the non-canon episodes keeps the story moving smoothly. This approach makes the adventure feel more intense and less dragged out.

Naruto: Shippuden

The sequel to Naruto raised the stakes but also carried over the problem of filler. Large arcs, such as the “Three-Tails Appearance” and other anime-only battles, often left fans feeling detached from the main story. These episodes can be entertaining, yet they stand apart from Naruto’s growth and the looming threat of Madara. Skipping them helps keep the focus on key confrontations and character development.

Shippuden’s canon episodes shine brightest when they tackle themes of loss, friendship, and determination. Watching Naruto face off against Pain or the Fourth Great Ninja War is far more gripping without breaks in pacing. For new viewers especially, cutting out filler makes the long-running series easier to enjoy. It helps the story feel more cohesive from start to finish.

Bleach

Bleach became famous for its flashy battles and memorable characters, but filler arcs often stalled momentum. Entire sagas like the “Bount Arc” or “Zanpakuto Rebellion” were created as side content. While these can introduce unique villains, they don’t contribute to Ichigo’s core journey. Fans who focus on manga-based episodes find the story far more engaging.

The main arcs, from the Soul Society rescue to the Thousand-Year Blood War, are where Bleach truly shines. Watching Ichigo fight to protect his friends feels more impactful when the story isn’t broken up by non-canon plots. For those looking to experience the best of Bleach, trimming out filler keeps the energy high. It also helps highlight the series’ strongest battles and emotional moments.

One Piece

One Piece has run for decades, and filler arcs have been used to give the manga breathing room. Episodes like the “Warship Island Arc” or side stories with new characters often feel like detours. While these fillers can be lighthearted, they don’t affect Luffy’s path toward the One Piece. Skipping them allows viewers to focus on the epic canon arcs.

The real magic of One Piece lies in sagas like Alabasta, Marineford, and Wano. These storylines carry emotional weight and tie directly to the overarching adventure. Watching without filler makes the journey feel more streamlined, especially for newcomers intimidated by the series’ length. It ensures every episode drives the Straw Hats’ story forward.

Dragon Ball Z

Dragon Ball Z is legendary, but it is filled with scenes and episodes that stretch out the action. From Goku’s “five minutes” on Namek lasting dozens of episodes to filler arcs like Garlic Jr., fans often debate what’s worth watching. These fillers add extra fights, but they don’t change the ultimate outcomes. For viewers who want a tighter experience, skipping them keeps the saga sharper.

Major arcs like the Saiyan Saga, Frieza Saga, and Cell Games carry the weight of the story. The stakes are clear, and every canon battle feels meaningful. Without filler, the action hits harder and the story feels faster-paced. This is why Dragon Ball Z Kai, the filler-cut version, has remained popular with fans.

Fairy Tail

Fairy Tail blends humor, friendship, and magic battles, but filler arcs slow the flow. Storylines like the “Daphne Arc” or smaller side missions pull attention away from Natsu and his guildmates. These episodes are lighthearted, yet they add little to the overarching battle against dark guilds and dragons. Many fans recommend trimming them for a smoother watch.

When Fairy Tail sticks to its manga arcs, it delivers strong emotional beats. The battles against Oración Seis and Tartaros show why the series gained such a following. By skipping filler, the sense of urgency and camaraderie shines more clearly. It keeps the series focused on the themes that matter most.

Inuyasha

Inuyasha mixes romance, folklore, and action, but filler sometimes drags down the pacing. The series often inserted monster-of-the-week episodes while waiting for manga chapters. These adventures may entertain, yet they rarely affect the group’s battle with Naraku. For first-time viewers, cutting them out makes the story more focused.

The canon arcs highlight Kagome and Inuyasha’s growing bond while exploring deeper lore about the Shikon Jewel. Key battles and emotional moments hit harder without breaks in momentum. Removing filler keeps the fantasy journey streamlined. It allows the story’s emotional core to shine through.

Rurouni Kenshin

Rurouni Kenshin is remembered fondly for its mix of action and heart, but the anime diverged from the manga. After the Kyoto arc, the story moves into an anime-original season filled with filler. While some episodes offer character moments, they stray from Kenshin’s main journey. This shift often feels like a slowdown compared to earlier arcs.

The manga concluded with more material that wasn’t adapted into the anime at the time. Viewers who stop after the Kyoto arc often feel they’ve seen the story at its strongest. Skipping the filler keeps the experience consistent with the manga’s themes. It also prevents the pacing from losing its strength.

Sailor Moon

Sailor Moon charmed audiences with its magical transformations, yet many episodes follow a monster-of-the-week formula. These filler battles can be fun, but they don’t advance the core plot of fighting the Dark Kingdom or later villains. Skipping them makes the larger story arcs feel more cohesive. It also keeps the focus on Sailor Moon’s growth as a heroine.

The canon arcs reveal the bigger mysteries of the Sailor Guardians and their destinies. Emotional moments, like the bond between Usagi and Mamoru, hit harder without distractions. Removing filler episodes helps highlight the dramatic and romantic elements that define the series. It also shortens the long runtime for new viewers.

Detective Conan (Case Closed)

Detective Conan has run for decades, blending canon mysteries with large amounts of filler. Many filler episodes feature one-off cases unrelated to the Black Organization. While these can be fun whodunits, they don’t move Conan’s main story forward. Skipping them allows viewers to stay focused on the overarching plot.

The canon episodes are where the tension peaks. Cases involving the Black Organization or Heiji Hattori add depth and excitement. Viewers who filter out filler experience a more gripping mystery series. This approach makes the long-running anime easier to tackle.

Pokémon

Pokémon is famous for its filler-heavy approach, especially in the original series. Episodes often revolve around random towns, trainers, or situations that don’t affect Ash’s Gym challenges. While these can be fun and nostalgic, they don’t matter for following Ash’s main progress. Many fans choose to skip them and stick to Gym battles and League arcs.

Key battles and emotional moments, such as Ash’s struggles in tournaments, shine brighter without filler. The main arcs involving rivalries and legendary Pokémon remain the highlights. By skipping filler, the journey feels more purposeful. It also trims down the massive episode count.

Black Clover

Black Clover delivers fast-paced action, but filler episodes sometimes slow the flow. Arcs like the Royal Knights Selection or training missions are extended with anime-original content. These fillers don’t affect Asta’s growth or the larger story of the Clover Kingdom. Skipping them helps the pacing stay sharp.

The canon arcs showcase intense rivalries and magical battles that drive the plot. Asta’s struggle to rise in the Magic Knights feels more powerful without interruptions. For those watching, skipping filler highlights the anime’s strengths. It makes the viewing experience more direct and rewarding.

Boruto: Naruto Next Generations

Boruto carries on Naruto’s legacy, but it has one of the highest filler counts in modern anime. Many episodes focus on slice-of-life stories or side missions not found in the manga. While some flesh out secondary characters, they don’t progress Boruto’s main conflicts. Fans often skip them to keep pace with the canon arcs.

The manga-based episodes deliver the real weight of Boruto’s story. Major confrontations with Kara and the Otsutsuki are what make the series gripping. Cutting filler keeps these moments at the center. It helps the sequel feel more intense and less stretched out.

Yu Yu Hakusho

Yu Yu Hakusho is shorter than many shonen series, but it still has filler content. A handful of episodes focus on comedic side adventures or lighter arcs. These episodes don’t hurt the story but can feel like detours. Fans often choose to skip them when rewatching.

The main arcs, especially the Dark Tournament and Chapter Black, are what define Yu Yu Hakusho. The battles and character growth stand out when viewed without interruption. Skipping filler keeps the story’s momentum intact. It allows the series’ best qualities to shine through.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.