10 Best ‘Naruto’ Filler Episodes

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Okay, let’s talk Naruto. When I think back on the series, it’s all epic fights, those incredibly moving speeches, and the constant drive to achieve your dreams – the whole ‘ninja way’ thing. But honestly, alongside all those amazing, defining story arcs, there’s something else Naruto is almost as famous for… and that’s its filler episodes. They’re just part of the experience, for better or worse!

After running for so long with hundreds of episodes, it was natural for the Naruto anime to include side stories while waiting for the manga to get ahead. While filler episodes often get a bad reputation for being unnecessary, many of them are actually quite enjoyable. They frequently focus on comedy and give viewers a chance to see different sides of the characters, offering moments that weren’t included in the main plot – all while staying true to the emotional heart of the Naruto world.

Most fans prefer to focus on the main storyline of Naruto and skip filler episodes, but a handful of them are actually quite good. Here’s a list of the 10 best Naruto filler episodes to check out.

10
“Deep Cover?! A Super S-Ranked Mission!”

(Episode 136)


TV Tokyo

Episode 136 of the original Naruto anime, titled “Deep Cover?! A Super S-Ranked Mission!”, originally aired in Japan on May 25, 2005. The episode follows Naruto and Sakura as they continue trying to convince Sasuke to return, despite his departure. Concerned for their well-being, Jiraiya persuades Tsunade to let him take them on a mission. Together, they travel to the Land of Rice Fields to investigate the Hidden Sound Village and its connection to Orochimaru.

This episode is a key moment for Naruto and Sakura, successfully connecting Sasuke’s departure to a new story that still feels relevant to the overall plot. We see a lot of interaction between Naruto, Sakura, and Jiraiya as they travel, and the episode begins to introduce the Fūma clan arc. While this arc is technically filler, it explores similar themes to the main story and maintains a sense of suspense during a period of transition.

9
“Laughing Shino”

(Episode 186)


TV Tokyo

In the Naruto story “Laughing Shino,” Naruto and Shino are sent to Motoyoshi Village to help the Kagetsu family with a strange inheritance ceremony. The oldest son, Fūta, needs to remain serious during his father’s funeral to inherit the family wealth, but his relatives and the unusual events make it very difficult. Naruto’s playful behavior complicates things, and Shino, who rarely shows emotion, is put in funny and challenging situations that push his limits.

This Naruto filler episode is special because it focuses on Shino, giving him a rare chance to be the main character. Seeing him almost break from laughter makes him more relatable, as he’s usually quiet and serious, and the humor works really well because of this contrast. It’s a welcome change of pace for fans who are used to more intense storylines, and the unique Kagetsu family adds to the episode’s memorability.

8
“Viva Dojo Challenge! Youth Is All About Passion!”

(Episode 193)


TV Tokyo

In the 193rd episode of Naruto, titled “Viva Dojo Challenge! Youth Is All About Passion!”, Naruto returns from a mission to find his friend Rock Lee running a dojo. Lee is eager to prove his dedication and skill, but no one will challenge him. With encouragement from Might Guy, Lee’s hopes are briefly lifted, until a mysterious challenger appears to test the dojo. Naruto, Lee, and their friends end up getting involved in a lively competition.

Despite being a filler episode, this one stands out because it perfectly showcases Lee’s personality – his incredible energy and determination to improve. The training setting creates a fun, competitive atmosphere, and the over-the-top energy of both Lee and Guy makes for some of the series’ funniest moments. While we don’t see a fight between Naruto and Lee, the episode is packed with humor. It’s a light and enjoyable installment that lets some of our favorite characters have a good time.

7
“Gotta See! Gotta Know! Kakashi-Sensei’s True Face!”

(Episode 101)


TV Tokyo

The first episode of Naruto, titled “Gotta See! Gotta Know! Kakashi-Sensei’s True Face!”, first aired in Japan on September 15, 2004. The episode focuses on Naruto, Sakura, and Sasuke trying to find out what their teacher, Kakashi, looks like under his mask. They come up with silly ideas – like he has big teeth or strange lips – and try several funny ways to sneak a peek.

Okay, so these guys set up a ton of traps for Kakashi, but honestly, he just breezes right through them. And the big reveal of what he was hiding under all that? Another mask! It’s a really fun, lighthearted episode – one of those filler arcs that actually works. It’s cool to see more of the mystery around Kakashi’s past, but what I really loved was how it showed Team 7 just messing around and having a good time together. The jokes land naturally, and the best part is Kakashi totally pranking his students! Even now, years later, it’s one of those filler episodes that fans still talk about because it’s genuinely entertaining.

6
“Vanished Memories”

(Episode 213)


TV Tokyo

The 2006 episode, “Vanished Memories,” features Naruto finding a wounded man with amnesia near a river. Naruto names him Menma and brings him back to the village, even though Tsunade advises against it. Menma quickly becomes a friend to everyone, but fragments of his past begin to reappear, hinting at connections to their enemies. This episode kicks off the ‘Menma arc,’ a storyline focused on redemption.

As a huge Naruto fan, I think what really makes the Menma arc stand out is how it taps into Naruto’s core personality – his ability to understand and empathize with others. Seeing him so determined to help Menma, even after everything, just shows how much he believes in giving people a second chance, which is so Naruto! Beyond that, the storyline is genuinely intriguing, exploring themes of memory, where you come from, and how all of that impacts the choices we make. Even though it’s not part of the original story, so many fans, including me, absolutely love it because it feels so well-developed and adds a lot of depth to the whole Naruto world.

5
“Hot-Blooded Confrontation: Student vs. Sensei”

(Episode 196)


TV Tokyo

Episode 196 of Naruto, titled “Hot-Blooded Confrontation: Student vs. Sensei,” focuses on Mighty Guy as he’s targeted by the Ryūdōin brothers, who want revenge for their father’s loss. Genhō, cleverly disguised, challenges Guy with special wooden puppets, leading to a difficult fight where Guy’s students must prove their abilities.

Lee, Tenten, Negi, and Naruto all pitch in to help, but the arc really highlights Guy’s dedication and faith in his students. The battle isn’t just about cool ninja techniques; it also explores how old conflicts continue to affect the present. This is a surprisingly good filler story because it demonstrates how important Guy is to the series, showing he’s more than just a funny character. It’s a good example of how even side stories can capture the heart of what makes Naruto special.

4
“Minato’s Death”

(Episode 350)


TV Tokyo

Episode 350, titled “Minato’s Death,” focuses on Kakashi’s time as an Anbu operative and the consequences of the Third Great Ninja War for the village of Konoha. The episode shows Kakashi undertaking missions that highlight his connection to his father, the famed “White Fang.” It also reveals the story of Minato Namikaze, the Fourth Hokage, and the tragic events surrounding his death while protecting the village from the Nine-Tails, which left Naruto without parents.

This storyline is important because it reveals more about Kakashi’s past, explaining how the loss of Minato and the horrors of war led him to become distant and reserved. It shows the Nine-Tails attack through Kakashi’s eyes, adding missing pieces to the story and helping us understand why he leads the way he does later on.

3
“A Clash Of Fate: You Can’t Bring Me Down”

(Episode 147)


TV Tokyo

Episode 147 of the original Naruto, titled “A Clash of Fate: You Can’t Bring Me Down,” first aired in Japan on August 17, 2005. This episode continues the story of the Mizuki Tracking Mission, where Naruto, Iruka, and their allies face off against Mizuki after his escape. Mizuki undergoes a powerful transformation, becoming a strong enemy, and Iruka jumps in to defend Naruto.

This fight really emphasizes the strong bond between Iruka and Naruto, reminding us how important Iruka has been in Naruto’s life. Though the villain’s story is unique to this episode, the heartfelt emotions feel true to the series. Many fans consider it one of the best filler episodes because it effectively combines exciting action with compelling character development.

2
“Blaze Away, Byakugan! This Is My Ninja Way!”

(Episode 151)


TV Tokyo

Episode 151, titled “Blaze Away, Byakugan! This Is My Ninja Way!”, features Hinata Hyuga taking charge when her team – Naruto, Kiba, and Shino – is surrounded by Suzumebachi and her insect allies. With her teammates trapped, Hinata must demonstrate her skills. She uses her improved Gentle Fist fighting style, showcasing her unique approach to being a ninja and astonishing everyone around her.

This episode is a standout moment for Hinata, offering a glimpse into her character outside of the main story. Fans were moved by her strong will, her desire for independence, and her dedication to her team, especially since they’d been hoping to see her develop more. Though the episode is part of a side story, Hinata’s growth feels real and the episode centers around her personal journey.

1
“Run! The Curry Of Life!”

(Episode 157)


TV Tokyo

Episode 157 of Naruto, titled “Run! The Curry Of Life!”, features Naruto, Neji, and Lee fighting against Raiga Kurosuki as part of a mission to eliminate the Kurosuki family. When Lee is seriously hurt during the battle, he’s miraculously healed by Grandma Sanshō and her family using a famous dish called the “Curry of Life” – a super spicy curry that instantly restores his strength.

The episode strikes a perfect balance between funny and exciting as Lee’s recovery takes an unexpectedly epic turn. What starts as a silly gag – ‘The Curry of Life’ – actually enhances Lee’s personality and becomes a truly memorable scene. The combination of humor and action is fantastic, and it’s especially rewarding to see Raiga lose control and battle through countless Shadow Clones.

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2025-12-08 04:22