When you think of Naruto, the first thing that comes to mind is high-stakes battles, heartfelt speeches, and the endless pursuit of dreams under the banner of “ninja way.” But with the iconic arcs that defined the series, there’s another part of Naruto’s legacy that fans know all too well. And they’re filler episodes.
With Naruto running for years and spanning hundreds of episodes between the original series and Shippuden, it was inevitable that the anime would need to stretch its legs with side stories while waiting for the manga to catch up. And while fillers have a reputation for being skippable, not all of them deserve that label. Some of these episodes are exceptionally entertaining. They often lean into humor and offer character moments that the main story never had time to explore, all while holding on to emotions that feel right at home in the world of shinobi.
So while many of us instinctively skip filler episodes to stay on track with the canon, there are a select few gems worth watching. Here are the 10 best Naruto filler episodes.
10
“Deep Cover?! A Super S-Ranked Mission!”
(Episode 136)
“Deep Cover?! A Super S-Ranked Mission!” is episode 136 of the original Naruto anime, first airing in Japan on May 25, 2005. The story picks up after Sasuke’s defection, with Naruto and Sakura still determined to bring him back. Jiraiya, worried about their emotional state, convinces Tsunade to send them on a mission with him. The trio heads to the Land of Rice Fields, where they begin investigating the Hidden Sound Village and its ties to Orochimaru.
A turning point for Naruto and Sakura, this one earns its spot because it bridges the emotional fallout of Sasuke’s departure with a new storyline that still feels connected to the main arc. Naruto, Sakura, and Jiraiya get a lot of time together on the journey, and the episode also sets up the larger Fūma clan arc, which, while filler, explores themes that mirror the main plot while keeping the tension alive during a transitional period.
9
“Laughing Shino”
(Episode 186)
In “Laughing Shino,” Naruto and Shino are sent to Motoyoshi Village to assist the Kagetsu family during a peculiar inheritance ritual. The eldest son, Fūta Kagetsu, must avoid laughing at his father’s funeral to secure his fortune, but the relatives and bizarre circumstances make this nearly impossible. Naruto’s antics only make matters worse, while Shino, who is usually unreadable, finds himself in absurd situations that test his composure.
Putting a rare spotlight on Shino’s character, this Naruto filler episode stands out because it gives him a chance to be at the center. Seeing him pushed to the brink of laughter humanizes his normally stoic and reserved personality, and the humor lands because it’s such a sharp contrast. For fans, it is refreshing because it’s a break from heavier arcs. Plus, the Kagetsu family’s eccentricity makes the episode even more memorable.
8
“Viva Dojo Challenge! Youth Is All About Passion!”
(Episode 193)
Episode 193 of Naruto, titled “Viva Dojo Challenge! Youth Is All About Passion!” finds Naruto returning from a mission and finding that Rock Lee has opened a dojo and is desperate for challengers to prove his youthful spirit. When no one steps up, Might Guy encourages Lee, but an impostor unexpectedly arrives to test the dojo’s strength. Naruto, Lee, and their friends are drawn into the challenge, which turns into a spirited contest of sorts.
This filler episode is one of the best because it captures the essence of Lee’s character, with his boundless enthusiasm and drive to prove himself. The dojo setting allows for playful competitive vibes, and the exaggerated energy of both Lee and Guy makes it one of the funniest fillers in the series. We never get a Naruto vs. Lee showdown, but there are plenty of humorous moments to make up for it. Overall, it’s a lighthearted entry where beloved characters get a chance to join in the fun.
7
“Gotta See! Gotta Know! Kakashi-Sensei’s True Face!”
(Episode 101)
Episode 101 of Naruto, titled “Gotta See! Gotta Know! Kakashi-Sensei’s True Face!,” aired in Japan on September 15, 2004. The plot revolves around Naruto, Sakura, and Sasuke scheming to uncover what their teacher looks like beneath his ever-present mask. They have these ridiculous theories, like Kakashi has buck teeth or bizarre lips, which fuel a series of comedic attempts to catch him off guard.
But despite their elaborate traps and persistent attempts, Kakashi cleverly evades them, and when he finally reveals what’s underneath, it turns out to be… another mask. A nostalgic, feel-good filler, this one not only fleshes out one of the series’ longest-running mysteries but also highlights Team 7’s chemistry and playful dynamic. The humor feels organic, and the payoff comes when Kakashi trolls his students. Even years later, fans remember this as one of the rare fillers that genuinely entertains.
6
“Vanished Memories”
(Episode 213)
Episode 213, “Vanished Memories,” aired in 2006. In it, Naruto discovers an injured young man by a river who has lost his memory. Naming him Menma, Naruto brings him back to the village despite Tsunade’s warnings. Menma proves kind and helpful; he bonds with the villagers, but his forgotten past gradually resurfaces, revealing ties to enemies. The episode sets up the Menma arc, which is a redemptive one.
What makes the filler one of the best fillers in Naruto is how it uses Naruto’s empathy to drive the story. His insistence on giving Menma a chance reflects his own belief in second chances. The episode also has a mysterious arc, showing how memory and belonging shape one’s choices. While not canon, fans adore the Menma storyline for its depth and texture.
5
“Hot-Blooded Confrontation: Student vs. Sensei”
(Episode 196)
Hot-Blooded Confrontation: Student vs. Sensei is Episode 196 in Naruto. The story centers on Mighty Guy, who is targeted by the Ryūdōin brothers seeking revenge for their father’s defeat. Genhō, disguised as Yagura, confronts Guy with unique wooden puppet techniques, trapping him in a battle that forces his students to step up.
Lee, Tenten, Negi, and Naruto join in the fight, but Guy’s passion, loyalty, and belief in his students stand out. The confrontation isn’t just about flashy jutsu, but also about the weight of past conflicts and how they ripple into the present. It is one of the better filler arcs for showcasing Guy’s importance beyond comic relief. It is a reminder that even side stories can stay true to the essence of Naruto.
4
“Minato’s Death”
(Episode 350)
“Minato’s Death” is Episode 350, and it’s part of Kakashi’s Anbu arc. It explores the aftermath of the Third Great Ninja War and the toll it takes on the Konoha. Kakashi, now a young Anbu operative, is tasked with missions that mirror his growing reputation as “Konoha’s White Fang’s son.” It also looks back on the tragedy of Minato Namikaze, the Fourth Hokage, whose sacrifice during the Nine-Tails’ attack left Naruto orphaned.
The filler holds significance because it deepens Kakashi’s backstory, showing how Minato’s death and the trauma of war shaped his cold, detached personality. It reframes the Nine-Tails attack from Kakashi’s perspective and fills gaps in the timeline, offering context for Kakashi’s later leadership style.
3
“A Clash Of Fate: You Can’t Bring Me Down”
(Episode 147)
Episode 147 of the original Naruto, “A Clash of Fate: You Can’t Bring Me Down,” aired in Japan on August 17, 2005. The episode continues the Mizuki Tracking Mission arc, where Naruto, Iruka, and others confront Mizuki after he escapes from prison. After that dangerous transformation, Mizuki becomes a formidable opponent, forcing Iruka to step in to protect Naruto.
The battle highlights the teacher-student relationship between Iruka and Naruto, ultimately revisiting Iruka’s importance in Naruto’s life. While Mizuki’s transformation is filler-only, the emotional core feels authentic to the series. It’s often cited as one of the best filler episodes in Naruto because it balances action with character drama.
2
“Blaze Away, Byakugan! This Is My Ninja Way!”
(Episode 151)
Episode 151, “Blaze Away, Byakugan! This Is My Ninja Way!,” is part of the Bikōchū Search Mission arc, and it focuses on Hinata Hyuga, who steps up when her team is cornered by Suzumebachi and her insect clan. Naruto, Kiba, and Shino are trapped, and Hinata is left to prove her strength. She unleashes her refined Gentle Fist techniques, declaring her own ninja way and surprising both allies and enemies.
A memorable episode, this one gives Hinata a rare spotlight outside the main manga storyline. Her determination, her declaration of independence, and her willingness to fight for her team touched fans who wanted more development for her character. While the Bikōchū arc is filler, Hinata’s growth feels genuine, and overall, the episode focuses on her journey.
1
“Run! The Curry Of Life!”
(Episode 157)
“Run! The Curry Of Life!” is Episode 157 of Naruto. Part of the Kurosuki Family Removal Mission, the episode follows Naruto, Neji, and Lee as they battle Raiga Kurosuki. After Lee is gravely injured, Grandma Sanshō and her family revive him with the legendary “Curry of Life,” a dish so spicy it jolts him back into action.
As Lee’s recovery becomes both absurd and heroic, the episode blends humor and combat in the most entertaining ways. The Curry of Life is ridiculous, yet it fits Lee’s character, turning a filler gag into an unforgettable moment. There’s a mix of comedy and action as well, and watching Raiga go completely berserk and tear through an army of Naruto’s Shadow Clones is worth it.
- Release Date
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2002 – 2007-00-00
- Showrunner
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Masashi Kishimoto
- Directors
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Hayato Date