10 Best 'Naruto' & 'Naruto: Shippuden' Filler Episodes You Shouldn't Have Skipped, Ranked by IMDb

Naruto is a legendary anime series, and therefore anyone interested in Japanese animation should watch this cult title at least once.

However, many are put off by the large quantity of filler episodes. Nevertheless, you shouldn't skip every one of them because some help reveal secondary characters or delve deeper into the backgrounds of the main ones.

10. 'Naruto' – Episode 186 "Laughing Shino"

IMDb Score: 6.1/10

Unfortunately, Shino didn't have a full-fledged arc in Naruto that allowed his character to be fully developed. Still, there are a couple of moments when he shines brighter than the others.

This entire episode feels like one big joke. On a mission, the characters are given poisoned food, and they can't hold back their laughter – even though they have a funeral ahead of them. This episode is worth watching, if only to hear Shino laugh, which no one has ever heard before.

9. 'Naruto' – Episode 145 "A New Formation: Ino-Shika-Cho!"

IMDb Score: 6.3/10

Fans of Team 10 will find the episodes from 142 to 147 especially interesting. It is during this time that the progress of Ino-Shika-Cho becomes apparent.

To separate the beast-like twins and Mizuki, the trio battles the brothers and learns new formations and techniques that will prove useful many times in the future.

8. 'Naruto' – Episode 147 "A Clash of Fate: You Can't Bring Me Down"

IMDb Score: 6.5/10

Mizuki stole the Scroll of Seals and framed Naruto. Later, he escaped from prison with two twins and must be recaptured immediately.

Naruto, his teacher Iruka, Team 10, and Tsunade join forces to defeat Mizuki, who may have information about Orochimaru's plans for Sasuke. It was another powerful battle, during which Naruto also protected his mentor.

7. 'Naruto' – Episode 196 "Clash of Tears! Hot Blooded Teacher and Student Showdown"

IMDb Score: 6.5/10

When Guy is captured by a ninja who can control wooden dummies, Team 9 and Naruto come to his rescue. Rock Lee is trapped inside with the teacher, and must also fight a doll.

They didn't immediately realize that the dolls were their own incarnations and that the teacher and student were actually fighting each other.

6. 'Naruto: Shippuden' – Episode 352 "The Rogue Ninja: Orochimaru"

IMDb Score: 6.7/10

This episode revealed the relationship between Hiruzen and his former student, Orochimaru.

After learning about Orochimaru's inhumane experiments, Hiruzen felt compelled to intervene. Later, Kakashi attempted to stop Orochimaru at the border but was no match for the legendary Sannin.

5. 'Naruto: Shippuden' – Episode 295 "Power Episode Final"

IMDb Score: 6.8/10

This is the finale of the exciting Power filler arc, which takes place before Naruto enters the Fourth Shinobi World War.

On the verge of being defeated by a mutated clone of the Nine-Tails, Naruto almost accepts his offer, but Minato's voice stops him. Overcoming his doubts, Naruto emerges victorious, bringing an end to the chaos.

4. 'Naruto' – Episode 148 "The Search for the Rare Bikochu Beetle"

IMDb Score: 6.9/10

If you're a fan of Team 8, this filler episode is a must-watch. While everyone continues to search for Sasuke, the characters learn that a rare beetle called a bikochu can help them. Supposedly, it can track down anyone by smell.

Naruto, Kiba, Hinata, and Shino set out to find it. In this episode, viewers get to know Hinata's true feelings better and see her training.

3. 'Naruto' – Episode 151 "Blaze Away, Byakugan! This Is My Ninja Way!!"

IMDb Score: 7.2/10

Although the female characters weren't well-developed in Naruto, you can still piece together the most important moments of their stories. This happened with Hinata, whose character was shown a little better only after the Chunin exam.

During another mission, she demonstrates the results of her secret training to the maximum, showing her team that they can rely on her.

2. 'Naruto' – Episode 101 "Gotta See! Gotta Know! Kakashi-Sensei's True Face!"

IMDb Score: 7.4/10

The question of what Kakashi's real face looks like has been on everyone's minds throughout the story, both the characters and the viewers.

In this episode, Team 7 is determined to find out what their teacher really looks like. Their clever methods and amusing guesses will make you laugh and eager to see Kakashi's true appearance.

1. 'Naruto: Shippuden' – Episode 350 "Minato's Death"

IMDb Score: 7.7/10

As the Fourth Hokage, Minato dreamed of a peaceful reign. However, hidden threats remained. On the night Naruto was born, Obito attacked Konohagakure and released the Nine-Tails.

Minato and Kushina died defending the village. Grief-stricken, Kakashi was tricked by Danzo and joined Root.