The Filler Episodes of Naruto: Hidden Gems Worth Watching
The journey of Naruto Uzumaki in the iconic anime series extends beyond his pursuit of Sasuke and his aspiration to become Hokage. Throughout the series, fans are met with a significant portion of filler episodes, constituting around 40% of the entire narrative. While many viewers often choose to skip these non-canonical episodes, claiming they add little to the main storyline, some fillers present moments that are not only entertaining but also emotionally impactful and revealing. Amidst the forgettable side arcs, there are hidden gems that broaden the understanding of the ninja world and deepen the development of secondary characters.
In this article, we will explore some of the most noteworthy filler episodes from the original Naruto series that truly deserve a second look.
The Death of Naruto (Episode 165)
Despite its misleading title, this episode does not portray Naruto’s demise. Instead, it unfolds during the Curse Warrior arc, where Naruto uncovers the truth behind Lord Sagi’s revenge plot. Kakashi, Neji, and Tenten pretend to abandon their mission in an effort to deceive their enemy. This episode is notable for its blend of mystery, strategy, and action, especially highlighted by the battle between Kakashi and an enemy capable of absorbing jutsus and morphing according to the surrounding elements. The tension and clever tactics make it a captivating watch for fans.
Mix It, Stretch It, Boil It! Burn, Copper Pot, Burn! (Episode 168)
One of the most absurd and hilarious episodes in the series, this installment features Naruto, Chōji, and Sakura embarking on an unexpected mission to save Ayame, the daughter of the Ichiraku Ramen shop owner, who has been kidnapped by culinary ninjas. The only way to rescue her? To prepare the best ramen ever made. Packed with slapstick humor, this episode showcases Naruto employing his shadow clones to make noodles, culminating in a comical twist when Ayame returns significantly altered, thanks to the kidnappers’ cooking.
The Laughter of Shino (Episode 186)
Shino, typically known for his stoicism, finds himself at the center of one of the series’ most amusing episodes. During a mission where laughter is strictly prohibited, he inadvertently consumes a substance that causes uncontrollable laughter. Witnessing Shino, usually reserved and serious, laughing hysterically is a delightful contrast that elevates the episode’s memorability. It brings a lighthearted touch to his character, showcasing a side of him that fans rarely see.
Long Live the Dojo Challenge! Youth is Pure Passion! (Episode 193)
In this episode, Rock Lee sets up a dojo to attract challengers, but initially, no one shows up—until Naruto arrives, uninterested in fighting. The dynamics shift dramatically when Guy disguises himself to motivate Lee, leading to a series of comedic misunderstandings when a spy adopts the same disguise. This episode is filled with light-hearted fun, showcasing the charisma and energetic spirit characteristic of both Guy and Lee, making it a joy to watch.
Genjutsu or Reality? (Episode 206)
The story takes a darker turn as Naruto, Sakura, Kurenai, and other villagers return to find Konoha in ruins—only to discover that it is a result of a powerful genjutsu. This episode effectively illustrates the impact of such illusions and immerses the characters in an almost psychological horror scenario. As they break free from the illusion, the group embarks on a mission to investigate a suspicious mansion to rescue Kurenai and Yakumo, creating a suspenseful atmosphere that keeps viewers engaged.
Confrontation in Flames: Student vs. Teacher (Episode 196)
Focusing once again on Lee and Guy, this episode features Lee unknowingly facing off against his own mentor in a mission to rescue him. The energetic battle between master and student is filled with well-animated action sequences and even includes Morse code communication. Though it doesn’t directly contribute to the overarching plot, it serves as an excellent example of how fillers can explore beloved character dynamics, adding depth to their relationships.
Lost Memories (Episode 213)
In this touching episode, Naruto stumbles upon a man without memories by the riverside and decides to name him Menma. As they spend time together, Menma reveals himself to be both generous and enigmatic. When an enemy appears, he uses a flute to enhance Naruto’s powers, unveiling that he has more to his character than initially meets the eye. The mystery surrounding Menma and his brief backstory makes this episode compelling, even if it stands apart from the main narrative.
These fillers, while not part of the original manga storyline, demonstrate that the creators of Naruto utilized their additional time wisely. Some episodes deliver hearty laughs, while others delve into the emotional journeys of the characters, and a few even feature exciting battles. For viewers curious about the ninja world beyond the canonical arcs, these filler episodes are definitely worth watching.
A Brief Overview of Naruto Shippuden
Naruto Shippuden aired from 2007 to 2017, continuing the saga of Naruto and his friends. It picks up two years after Naruto’s training journey, where he is tasked with combating the Akatsuki and rescuing Sasuke from Orochimaru’s grasp. The Akatsuki’s quest for the Bijuus paves the way for an impending crisis that the ninja world has never before encountered.
In total, the Naruto series comprises 500 episodes, including the fillers from Naruto Shippuden, concluding the stories of Naruto, Sasuke, Sakura, and Kakashi. Moreover, it sets the stage for the direct continuation of the narrative, ensuring that fans have a comprehensive understanding of the characters’ journeys.
For those interested in experiencing the entirety of Naruto, including its fillers, the series is available for streaming on Crunchyroll. This platform allows fans to immerse themselves in the complete world of ninjas, exploring both the main plot and the charming filler episodes that add layers to the beloved characters.
