'Boruto' Filler List: Every Episode You Can Skip

Not all "Boruto" episodes are created equal. When you're watching this anime, canon episodes serve the larger arc while filler episodes provide, well, filler. Nicole Antonio / DALL-E

The "Boruto: Naruto Next Generations" anime has taken a different route from its manga counterpart, incorporating a high percentage of filler episodes and anime canon content.

This comprehensive "Boruto" filler list helps fans of the anime series navigate the story and skip episodes that don't contribute to the main narrative based on the manga.

While some filler arcs offer character development and lighthearted stories, many fans feel the show diverges too often from the manga canon, slowing down the pacing of Boruto Uzumaki's journey.

Contents

Super Beast Scroll Arc (Episodes 16–18)
Byakuya Gang Arc (Episodes 43–50)
Chocho Arc (Episodes 67–69)
Mitsuki’s Disappearance Arc (Episodes 71–92)
Konohamaru’s Love Arc (Episodes 116–119)
Time Slip Arc (Episodes 128–136)
Hashirama Cell Arc (Episodes 157–160)
Kara Actuation Arc (Episodes 157–175)
Great Sea Battle of Kirigakure Arc (Episodes 231–260)
Kawaki & Himawari Ninja Academy Arc (Episodes 261–273)
Sasuke’s Training Arc (Episodes 282–286)
Should You Watch the Filler?

1. Super Beast Scroll Arc (Episodes 16–18)

A supernatural arc centered around Sumire and a cursed scroll features Metal Lee and is completely skippable.

2. Byakuya Gang Arc (Episodes 43–50)

The Byakuya Gang creates tension in the Hidden Leaf Village with their Robin Hood-style thefts. Though it touches on ethical dilemmas, this arc is filler and doesn't impact the main story.

3. Chocho Arc (Episodes 67–69)

This comedic arc about Chocho's obsession with love and appearance is often cited as one of the many filler episodes that contribute little to the overall narrative.

4. Mitsuki’s Disappearance Arc (Episodes 71–92)

Here's an anime canon arc that dives into Mitsuki's identity and sense of belonging. While not from the manga, it develops one of the core characters.

5. Konohamaru’s Love Arc (Episodes 116–119)

A filler mystery set in a remote village introduces a new original character with only minor suspense.

6. Time Slip Arc (Episodes 128–136)

A highlight among anime originals, Boruto and Sasuke go back in time and meet young Naruto. While not manga canon, it provides strong character connections and nostalgia.

7. Hashirama Cell Arc (Episodes 157–160)

While not based on manga material, this arc explores the fallout from the use of the legendary Hashirama Cell. It teases science vs. tradition themes but is filler.

8. Kara Actuation Arc (Episodes 157–175)

This anime original content complements the manga’s Kara storyline, introducing the tech-forward world of the new generation.

9. Great Sea Battle of Kirigakure Arc (Episodes 231–260)

Stretching for nearly 30 episodes and exploring side missions in the Land of Water, this arc is considered filler by many.

10. Kawaki & Himawari Ninja Academy Arc (Episodes 261–273)

Here's some pure filler that centers around Boruto's classmates and Himawari’s experiences at the Ninja Academy.

11. Sasuke’s Training Arc (Episodes 282–286)

Also known as the Sasuke Retsuden arc, this sequence is adapted from the Sasuke Retsuden spin-off novel (not from the main Boruto manga). It expands on Sasuke’s character and is considered canon to the storyline.

Should You Watch the Filler?

If you're only interested in storylines pulled from the manga, you can skip the majority of "Boruto" episodes. However, arcs like the Time Slip Arc or Kara Actuation Arc — though not manga-based — offer meaningful exploration of characters.

Episodes labeled as anime canon (not in the manga but approved by the manga’s creators) are worth watching for fans looking to dive deeper into side characters or the daily lives of next generations Shinobi.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.