Fans of Boruto: Naruto Next Generations often complain about the high amount of filler episodes in the show, reaching up to 70 percent. This calls for a guide to help viewers navigate between the manga canon and filler episodes.
The reason behind the abundance of filler episodes in Boruto: Naruto Next Generations is the necessity for the studio to allow the manga author to stay ahead of the series. Compounded by the fact that the manga releases chapters monthly instead of weekly, this leads to the inclusion of more fillers in the anime.
Boruto using lightning and wind transformation with his shadow clones. - Nonetheless, the series, even with filler, is still very popular and enjoyed by many
Nonetheless, the series, even with filler, is still very popular and enjoyed by many. Here is a guide for all filler episodes for fans who want to stick with canon.
Every Filler Episode Of Bleach
Episode/Arc Title | Episode # |
---|---|
Academy Entrance Arc | 2-17 |
School Trip Arc | 25-38 |
Genin Mission Arc | 40-52 |
Byakuya Gang Arc | 43-52 |
Chocho Arc | 67-71 |
Mitsuki’s Disappearance | 72-92 |
Curse Mark Arc | 98-105 |
Konohamaru's Love | 116-119 |
One Tail Escort | 120-126 |
Time Slip | 128-136 |
The Funato War | 232-255 |
Kawaki Goes Undercover | 256-273 |
Labyrinth Games | 274-281 |
There are a total of 206 filler episodes in Boruto: Naruto Next Generations. While Naruto: Shippuden had about the same number of filler episodes, the latter series had a total of 500 episodes whereas Boruto only has a total of 293 episodes. This means that 70% of Boruto is filler, which is quite high compared to Naruto & Shippuden's 41% and Bleach's 45% of filler episodes.
In Boruto's case, anything not canon to the manga is considered filler content. Though it is heavily debated what constitutes filler in Boruto's case.
Which Boruto Filler Episodes are Worth Watching?
Studio Pierrot has a reputation for adding side stories not found in the original manga, as seen in series like Black Clover and Naruto Shippuden. Filler episodes and arcs are commonly used to provide manga creators with time to produce more chapters. Due to Studio Pierrot's year-round episode production, they often find themselves catching up to the source material. However, when the source material is fully available, such as in Bleach Thousand Year Blood War, there are no filler episodes included and the adaptation remains faithful.
Some of Boruto's Filler Actually Adds a Lot to the Series
Screenshot from the Boruto anime shows a young Genin Naruto holding a rubber ball while a frustrated Boruto stands in front of him. Jiraiya stands behind them. - Some of Boruto's Filler Actually Adds a Lot to the Series - Which of Boruto's Filler Episodes are Worth Watching?
Which Boruto Filler Episodes Should Be Avoided?
While Boruto is often criticized for its fillers, there are some episodes that are definitely worth watching. One of the standout filler arcs is Mitsuki's Disappearance Arc, which delves into Mitsuki's backstory and features an epic fight between Orochimaru and Log. Another entertaining filler arc is the Time Slip arc, where Sasuke and Boruto travel back in time to meet the young Naruto cast and Jiraiya.
Boruto's Sumire freaks out while Wasabi and Namida fight in front of cages. - Which Boruto Filler Episodes Should Be Avoided?
However, not all filler episodes in the series are of high quality. Episode 49, featuring Wasabi & Namida, is often considered one of the most uninteresting fillers by Boruto fans. The episode revolves around Wasabi and Namida arguing about how to approach a mission related to rescuing animals. Since these characters are not deeply explored and do not significantly impact the main storyline, the episode may not hold much significance for viewers.
Despite its Abundant Filler, Boruto is Still a Good Watch For Fans of Naruto
In terms of entire arcs, the Super Chocho Love arc is also seen as a step down in quality. The arc sees Chocho assigned to protect a celebrity she has a crush on, causing the young ninja to change her appearance through ninjutsu to earn his affection. While the episode might have good intentions in that it's largely about body positivity and not changing for other people, it's undermined by a largely forgettable story.
Naruto and Sasuke pose with the rest of Boruto's cast against a sky back drop. - Despite its Abundant Filler Boruto is Still a Good Watch For Fans of Naruto
Boruto: Naruto Next Generations is often criticized for having a lot of filler episodes. Despite this, many fans still find Boruto enjoyable. The fillers actually help keep fans entertained while the manga creators are busy working on new chapters. Luckily, you can easily skip the fillers that aren't as good. The anime does a great job of giving more depth to characters who don't get much attention, which can make the show even more interesting when those characters show up in the manga. Whether it's hinting at new powers or introducing the mysterious Jougan, the Boruto: Naruto Next Generations anime deserves a chance.
Editor's P/S:
The article provides a comprehensive overview of the filler episodes in "Boruto: Naruto Next Generations." It highlights the high percentage of filler content, which has been a point of contention among fans. The author explains the reasons behind this abundance, including the need to allow the manga author time to create new material.
Despite the criticism, the article also acknowledges that the filler episodes have their merits. They offer a deeper exploration of characters and storylines that may not be fully developed in the manga. The author suggests that while some filler episodes are worth skipping, others can enhance the overall viewing experience. The article ultimately encourages fans to give "Boruto: Naruto Next Generations" a chance, despite the presence of filler content.