The anime industry is a huge source of entertainment for people, and there have been many shows that have captivated the audiences’ attention. But where there is love, there is hate as well, and in this case, the filler episodes. Most anime stories are derived from manga, and if there are not enough chapters to choose from, anime writers write filler episodes so that the mangakas will have enough time to draw new chapters.
The majority of viewers skip filler episodes in anime since they’re invested in the story and want to keep watching the show uninterrupted. However, not all filler episodes in anime are meant to be skipped; many filler episodes are successful at grabbing the viewer’s attention.
Watching filler episodes can be fun as they introduce us to new characters or bring to light some of the supporting characters who don’t get enough screen time. Additionally, there are also times when a character’s past life is revealed during the filler episodes, which can help viewers understand the character better While also providing character development that can be important for the story.
So, here are the Top 10 Anime Filler Arcs you should not skip –
10. InuYasha: The Faithful Night in Togenkyo
InuYasha anime is based on the manga series of the same name illustrated by Rumiko Takahashi. The story follows Kagome Higurashi. She is a 15-year-old girl who ends up in the Sengoku period.
This Arc focuses on Inuyasha and Kagome’s romantic adventure as Tokajin kidnaps Kagome. Later it becomes difficult for Inuyasha to fight Tokajin because it’s the night of the new moon. This Arc gave us good romantic moments between both characters, which helped signify their role in the story.
You can watch this series on Netflix.
Episode list – 57- 58
9. Yu-Gi-Oh: Virtual World
Yu-Gi-Oh’s virtual world arc focuses on the duels between Noah and Yami Yugi. This Arc is loved by the fans of Yu-Gi-Oh anime. This Arc introduced a new concept of deck master in the game. Many New cards were introduced. The five-headed dragon and the spirit monster are the best things about the Arc.
Episode List – 98-121
8. Naruto Shippuden: Guardian Shinobi Twelve
As an Anime series, Naruto Shippuden is undoubtedly one of the most popular. It can also be classified as one of the big three and one of the series with the most filler episodes, but it has some good arcs that viewers will enjoy.
The Guardian Shinobi twelve arc focuses on the Kakashi squad, led by Yamato, and their mission to find grave robbers. When investigating, Naruto comes across Sora, who has a nine-tailed fox inside. This Arc had one of the best opening songs, which was Bluebird. The grave robbers’ mystery and Sora having a nine-tailed fox inside him made this Arc much more enjoyable; the final battle where Naruto tries to control Sora is a must-watch.
You can watch this Anime on Crunchyroll
Episode List – 54-71
Also, Read – Top 10 Youngest Ninja Academy Graduates In Naruto History
7. Bleach: Reigai Uprising
As part of Bleach Reigai’s Uprising arc, kageroza Inaba creates modified souls of Gotei 13 members and places them into spirit bodies to maintain their form in soul society.
This Arc is known for its great fight sequences, especially Ichigo vs kageroza. The fight between both the characters was very fierce. There were also many great battles between Gotei 13 fighting their own modified souls, like Kenpachi Zaraki fighting his modified soul; It was pretty intense to watch. This Arc also focuses on Kon, which helps develop its character.
Episode list – 317-342
Also, Read – Top 10 Most Thrilling Bleach Fights Of All Time – Ranked
6. Fairytale: Key of Starry Sky
The Fairytale Key of starry sky arc occurs when the fairytale guild returns after seven years as they were trapped inside the fairy sphere. They didn’t age or grow during that time.
One of the fairytale guild members, Lucy, tries to contact her father but later finds that he died about a month ago. Lucy must cope with her father’s death and the problems she faces with her family’s dynamic during this Arc. This Arc is very emotional and has many mysteries that unfold. The Arc feels more like a canon than a filler.
You can watch this Anime on Netflix
Episode List – 125-150
5. Naruto Shippuden: The Three-Tails
Naruto Shippuden Three Tails Appearance Arc is one of the most exciting arcs in Naruto Shippuden as it focuses on three seats. Tsunade instructs various teams about capturing and sealing the three tails and sending Kakashi with team 8 to Orochimaru’s den.
Sai and Sakura, along with Yamato, also meet up with Naruto, and they all help the other team members by combining their power to defeat the three tail and seal it entirely. Still, the whole process fails due to the intervention of the Team guren. This Arc has many great action sequences; there is also a moment where Naruto uses a new technique.
You can watch this Anime on Crunchyroll
Episode List – 89-112
Also, Read – Strongest Male Characters In Naruto & Naruto Shippuden – Ranked
4. Dragon Ball Z: Other World Tournament Saga
Dragon Ball Z, the other world tournaments saga arc, focuses on Goku’s journey after his fight with Cell, who was the perfect villain for the dragon ball series. Goku had an excellent time-fighting cell, and after the deceased, Goku departed Earth to go to heaven. What more could he get to participate in the other world tournament with the help of king kai?
During the other world tournament, Goku gets to fight many mighty warriors, and we also see him go beyond his abilities again. Witness Pikkon and Goku’s ultimate fight in these filler episodes.
Episode List – 195-199
Also, Read – Dragon Ball Characters: How They Looked Then Vs. Now!
3. Bleach: Zanpakuto Rebellion
Zanpakuto Rebellion is one of the most excellent arcs in Bleach that deals with the chaos among Zanpakuto wielders as Ichigo and all the Gotei 13 members battle against their own Zanpakuto as well as try to figure out what is happening.
The story is perfect for filler episodes; most people count this filler series as one of the canon episodes, as the character development is excellent in this Arc. The Zanpankuto sprits characters of Zabimura and Senbonzakura were very well-liked by viewers, and the fight with Muramasa was intense.
Episode List – 230-265
Also, Read – Who Does Meredith End Up With? All About The Beloved Grey’s Anatomy Character!
2. Naruto Shippuden: Shadow of the ANBU Black Ops
Naruto Shippuden’s Shadow of the ANBU Black Ops arc occurred during the Fourth Shinobi World War Climax, focusing on Kakashi Anbu Background, including many Special Assassinations and covert operations to keep the peace between the villages.
This Arc focuses on Kakashi and his past and the past of Yamato and Itachi Uchiha. Their histories embody sorrows and regrets they will most likely have for the rest of their lives, especially Kakashi, as Kakashi learns from his mistake and becomes a great mentor for Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura, teaching them the purpose of teamwork and trust between friends. This Arc is very emotional, and It gives essential life lessons.
You can watch this Anime on Crunchyroll.
Episode List – 349-361
Also, Read – In Which Episode Does Sasuke Fight Itachi In Naruto Shippuden?
1. One Piece: G-8
One Piece G-8 Arc continues from the Sky Island arc as Luffy and his friends after defeating Enel. When they return to the sea, their Going Merry is stuck at a Marine base G-8. And before they could make a plan, they had to flee the ship as the marine were upon them to capture them. They succeed at escaping, but now all the crew members have to disguise themselves so they can’t get caught by the Marines.
Luffy and Sanji take the disguise of chefs. The commander of the G-8 Marine Base is Jonathan; he is a Peace-loving commander and also very wise. This Arc is probably the best Filler Arc in the anime. The character development and the story are set up so that viewers will not be able to guess if this Arc is a filler or a canon.
Episode List – 196-206
Also, Read – Strongest One-Man Army Characters in Anime
