Anime Filler List

Anime is one of the most popular entertainment forms, with thousands of series adapted from manga, light novels, or original stories. However, anime fans often encounter filler episodes, which can sometimes be enjoyable or frustrating depending on how they are handled.

This guide will cover everything you need to know about anime filler episodes, why they exist, how to avoid them, and how SIMKL helps you track filler episodes efficiently.

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What is Anime Filler?

Anime filler refers to episodes or entire arcs that are not based on the original manga or source material.

These episodes are added to extend the series and often contain self-contained stories that do not contribute to the main plotline.

Characteristics of Anime Filler Episodes:

• Non-canon content – Not originally in the manga or source material.

• Doesn’t advance the story – Side stories that do not affect the main plot.

• Can be skipped – Most fillers can be skipped without missing crucial information.

Example: Naruto (2002-2007) had 220 episodes, with 91 reported filler episodes (41%).

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What is a Canon Episode?

A canon episode is an episode that follows the original storyline from the manga or light novel.

• Canon episodes are important because they develop the main plot, characters, and events.

• If an anime is labeled "100% canon," it means it faithfully follows its source material without any filler.

Example: Attack on Titan and Demon Slayer have no filler episodes because they follow the manga closely.

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How Do I Avoid Anime Filler?

If you want to watch anime without filler, you can:

1. Use SIMKL’s Anime Filler Lists

• Check filler lists on SIMKL’s Anime Filler Section

• Filter episodes based on Canon, Filler, or Mixed Filler.

1. Follow the Manga Adaptation

• Look up which episodes match the manga chapters.

1. Skip Filler Episodes

• Most filler arcs don’t impact the story, so they can be skipped without missing anything important.

SIMKL’s filler lists provide detailed episode guides so you can decide whether to watch or skip.

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Why Do So Many Anime Use Filler Episodes?

Filler episodes exist for various reasons, mostly to prevent anime from catching up to the manga.

Reasons for Anime Fillers:

• The manga is still ongoing – Studios don’t want to overtake the manga.

• Gives the manga creator time – Allows more chapters to be released.

• Contracts with TV networks – Some anime need to meet a certain episode count.

• Merchandising & marketing – More episodes mean more time for merchandise sales.

Example: Naruto: Shippuden has 500 episodes, but 40% of them are filler because the anime overtook the manga.

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Are All Filler Episodes Bad?

Not all filler episodes are bad—some add character depth, fun side stories, or world-building.

Good vs. Bad Filler Examples:

✅ Good Filler:

• Dragon Ball Z – Goku & Piccolo Get Driver’s Licenses

• Bleach – Gotei 13 Arc (New Captain Shūsuke Amagai)

❌ Bad Filler:

• Naruto – “Land of Tea Arc” (completely unnecessary storyline)

• One Piece – Goat Island Arc (forgettable and unrelated to the plot)

Some fillers are fun, while others feel like a waste of time.

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Popular Anime with Filler Episodes

Some anime have very few filler episodes, while others are filled with them.

Anime with Lots of Fillers:

• Naruto (2002-2007) – 41% filler

• Naruto Shippuden (2007-2017) – 40% filler

• Bleach (2004-2012) – 45% filler

• One Piece (1999-Present) – 14% filler

Anime with No Fillers:

• Attack on Titan – 0% filler

• Demon Slayer – 0% filler

• Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood – 0% filler

Use SIMKL’s Filler Lists to check filler percentages for different anime.

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How to Track Anime Filler Episodeson SIMKL?

SIMKL provides an anime filler list tool to help users track and skip unnecessary episodes. You can easily follow the main story and avoid unnecessary filler episodes.

Steps to Track Anime Filler Episodes:

1. Go to SIMKL’s Anime Section

• Search for the anime you’re watching (e.g., Naruto, Bleach, One Piece).

1. Select the "Fillers" Tab

• This tab shows a detailed breakdown of filler episodes, including: ✔ Percentage of filler episodes ✔ Quick list of Canon and Filler episodes ✔ Complete filler episode guide

1. Use the Filler Episode Guide

• SIMKL highlights episodes in different colors:

  • Canon (Green ✅) – Follows the original manga.

  • Filler (Red ❌) – Not part of the original manga.

  • Mixed Canon/Filler (Green ✅) – Contains both Canon and Filler content.

1. Decide What to Watch

• Based on the filler list, you can skip episodes or mark them for later.

Color Indications

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Why Does SIMKL Have Anime Filler Lists & Why Are They Important?

SIMKL’s filler lists help anime fans watch only the essential episodes. If you want to watch anime without fillers, SIMKL makes it easy to track!

Why It’s Useful:

• Saves time – Skip unnecessary episodes.

• Avoids filler fatigue – Helps maintain the excitement of the main storyline.

• Accurate episode tracking – Know which episodes are Canon, Filler, or Mixed.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Anime Filler

1. What is anime filler?

Anime filler is any episode that is not part of the original manga story and is added to extend the anime series.

2. What does “canon” mean in anime?

A canon episode follows the official manga storyline and is part of the main story.

3. Can I skip filler episodes?

Yes! Most filler episodes can be skipped without missing any major plot points.

4. Why do anime studios add fillers?

To prevent catching up with the manga, meet TV contracts, and extend series for merchandising.

5. Does every anime have filler?

No, some anime (like Attack on Titan and Demon Slayer) have no filler episodes.

6. How do I know which episodes are filler?

Use SIMKL’s Anime Filler List to check Canon, Filler, and Mixed Filler episodes.

7. Are fillers always bad?

Not always. Some filler arcs are well-written and add fun or character development.

8. Where can I find filler lists for my favorite anime?

You can find them on SIMKL’s Anime Filler Section under the "Fillers" tab of any anime.

9. Can I filter out fillers in my watchlist?

Yes! SIMKL allows you to toggle Canon or Filler episodes in your tracking settings.

10. Can I still watch fillers if I want to?

Of course! Some people enjoy extra content, and fillers sometimes add fun side stories.

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