The biggest gripe fans have with Boruto: Naruto Next Generations is the amount of filler it has. With an allegedly whopping 70 percent of the show containing filler episodes, the need for a guide to maneuver the manga canon and fillers is needed.
The reason Boruto: Naruto Next Generations contains so many filler episodes is that the studio adapting it needs to give the manga author time to stay ahead of the series. This is made worse because the manga releases chapters monthly as opposed to weekly. Nonetheless, the series, even with filler, is still very popular and enjoyed by many.
Boruto Filler List
Episode/Arc Title
Episode
Watch or Skip?
Reason
Academy Entrance Arc
16-17
Watch
Based on the light novel, it helps to establish all the new characters and build a repertoire.
Genin Mission Arc
40-41
Watch
As Boruto’s team’s first mission, it’s a great insight into their teamwork and compatibility.
Byakuya Gang Arc
48-50
Skip
Chocho Arc
67-69
Skip
Mitsuki’s Disappearance
71-92
Watch
A great arc into one of the more underrated characters in the new Team 7, Mitsuki
Naruto Shinden Arc
93-97
Watch?
Centers on some sweet slice-of-life moments within the family.
Curse Mark Arc
98-105
Watch
Partially centered on Jugo, it features some good fights and holds some insights for characters in later installments.
Konoha Shinden & Konohamaru’s Love Arc
112-119
Watch?
Not entirely necessary for the canon or overall story, but there are some good Konohamaru moments.
One Tail Escort
120-126
Watch
Serves to better Boruto’s character by showcasing his growth and maturity.
Time Slip Arc
128-140
Watch
Referenced often, fans get to see a nostalgic return to Naruto’s heyday.
Mujina Bandits Arc
152-156
Watch
Serves as a prelude to the Kara Arc
The Funato Arc
231-232
Skip
The Great Kirigakure Arc
256-260
Watch
Features some fascinating fights and a return to Naruto’s themes of hatred fueling more conflict.
Kawaki & Himawari Academy Arc
261-273
Skip
Labyrinth Games
274-281
Watch
While not too flashy, the arc is filled with some creative writing and good moments that add to the cast’s strong points.
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.
Studio Pierrot is notorious for introducing side stories not present in the manga, like in the case of Bleach and Naruto: Shippuden. Filler episodes and arcs are often used to give manga creators some breathing room and time to put out more chapters. Studio Pierrot produces year-round episodes, so it makes sense why they’re always catching up to the source material. When the source material is fully present, like in the case of Bleach Thousand Year Blood War, there are zero filler episodes present, and the manga is faithfully adapted.
Which of Boruto’s Filler Episodes are Worth Watching?
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.
Mitsuki has always been a fan favorite, but didn’t get a backstory in the manga. The arc featured one of the best fights in the series between Orochimaru and Log. Another arc worth watching is the Time Slip arc, where Sasuke and Boruto go back in time and meet the young Naruto cast and Jiraiya.
Which Boruto Filler Episodes Should Be Avoided?
Boruto’s Wasabi, Namida, & Sumire dressed in animal costumes in the forest.
Unfortunately, not all of the series’ filler is top quality. Episode 49 Wasabi & Namida is often cited among Boruto fans as one of the series’ most boring filler episodes. The episode follows the titular Wasabi and Namida as they bicker about how best to tackle a mission involving saving animals. Wasabi and Namida aren’t particularly well-developed characters and have very little bearing on the overall plot, so the episode focusing on them doesn’t add up to much.
In terms of entire arcs, theSuper 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.
Will Boruto’s Second Part Have as Much Filler as the First?
The good news for fans is that the filler-heavy days of Boruto might finally be over. Following the anime’s conclusion in March 2023, Studio Pierrot confirmed plans to adapt Boruto: Two Blue Vortex, the manga’s time-skip sequel. However, the studio is reportedly shifting to a seasonal release model, a move that could drastically reduce filler content.
Instead of airing continuously all year long, the new series is expected to follow in the footsteps of Demon Slayer and Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War, both of which have thrived under a seasonal structure. This approach allows the manga to stay far ahead, letting the anime team focus on quality over quantity.
By adopting this format, Pierrot can avoid the production crunch that forced the first Boruto to rely so heavily on filler. Fewer episodes per year mean more consistent animation, tighter storytelling, and better pacing overall. And with Two Blue Vortex already several chapters ahead, the studio has plenty of material to adapt without resorting to side content.
In short, the Boruto sequel is poised to fix one of its biggest mistakes. If all goes according to plan, Two Blue Vortex could mark a fresh start for the franchise that honors Naruto’s legacy without getting lost in the weeds of endless filler.
While Borutomay go down as one of the most filler-heavy anime in history, it also serves as an important case study in adaptation strategy. The show’s filler was not purely a creative misstep, it was a logistical necessity. But now that the industry has shifted toward seasonal releases, Boruto’s second act has a real chance to shine.
If Two Blue Vortex can maintain focus on its core narrative, balance its pacing, and resist the urge to overextend, it may finally achieve what its predecessor could not with a streamlined, tightly written continuation worthy of the Naruto name. For long-time fans, that is a Boruto: Naruto Next Generations future worth waiting for.
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