# 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.

***

### **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:**

* [x] **Non-canon content** – Not originally in the manga or source material.
* [x] **Doesn’t advance the story** – Side stories that do not affect the main plot.
* [x] **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%)**.

<figure><img src="https://1063116720-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-MkYIJb2JfKN8kBT29bf%2Fuploads%2FCcCOvxlouua0EgF38ZVj%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=4f948a05-d3eb-439b-9897-e2f41468d8eb" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

***

### **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.

***

### **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**](https://simkl.com/)
* Filter episodes based on **Canon, Filler, or Mixed Filler**.

<figure><img src="https://1063116720-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-MkYIJb2JfKN8kBT29bf%2Fuploads%2FB8m2Wx6LwsXFzt9OIL1w%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=fc05811d-50ca-4655-85c4-6f83a326e9ab" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

2. **Follow the Manga Adaptation**

* Look up which **episodes match the manga chapters**.

<figure><img src="https://1063116720-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-MkYIJb2JfKN8kBT29bf%2Fuploads%2Fq3PbPybT27WVS5ec7Ctn%2Fchrome_Rt80TMXV9C.gif?alt=media&#x26;token=89d9d91f-1074-4043-9d41-2bfb7c8822c4" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

3. **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.

***

### **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.

<figure><img src="https://1063116720-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-MkYIJb2JfKN8kBT29bf%2Fuploads%2FCcCOvxlouua0EgF38ZVj%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=4f948a05-d3eb-439b-9897-e2f41468d8eb" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

***

### **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)*

{% hint style="info" %}
**Some fillers are fun, while others feel like a waste of time.**
{% endhint %}

***

### **Popular Anime with Filler Episodes**

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

#### **Anime with Lots of Fillers:**

* [**Naruto**](https://simkl.com/anime/39508/naruto/filler-list/) **(2002-2007)** – **41% filler**
* [**Naruto Shippuden**](https://simkl.com/anime/40053/naruto-shippuuden/filler-list/) **(2007-2017)** – **40% filler**
* [**Bleach**](https://simkl.com/anime/41066/bleach/filler-list/) **(2004-2012)** – **45% filler**
* [**One Piece**](https://simkl.com/anime/38636/one-piece/filler-list/) **(1999-Present)** – **14% filler**

#### **Anime with No Fillers:**

* [**Attack on Titan**](https://simkl.com/anime/39687/shingeki-no-kyojin/filler-list/) – **0% filler**
* [**Demon Slayer**](https://simkl.com/anime/831411/kimetsu-no-yaiba/filler-list/) – **0% filler**
* [**Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood**](https://simkl.com/anime/41586/hagane-no-renkinjutsushi/filler-list/) – **0% filler**

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

***

### **How to** Track Anime Filler Episodes**on 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**.

<figure><img src="https://1063116720-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-MkYIJb2JfKN8kBT29bf%2Fuploads%2FymqWTEMphKxdZSPi0nL0%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=54ad50c9-1885-49c4-aff7-e5ae54212318" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

#### **Steps to Track Anime Filler Episodes:**

1. **Go to** [**SIMKL’s Anime Section**](https://simkl.com/)

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

2. **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**

3. **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.

4. **Decide What to Watch**

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

<figure><img src="https://1063116720-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-MkYIJb2JfKN8kBT29bf%2Fuploads%2FoR7KL9B1unqvU5RnB6uB%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=b5f52357-5e08-463e-a3b8-57a603ef81a9" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% content-ref url="../../quick-start-guide/color-indications" %}
[color-indications](https://docs.simkl.org/how-to-use-simkl/getting-started-with-simkl/quick-start-guide/color-indications)
{% endcontent-ref %}

***

### **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**.

***

### **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**](https://simkl.com/) 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**.

{% content-ref url="../../../core-features/content-tracking/how-to-watch-content" %}
[how-to-watch-content](https://docs.simkl.org/how-to-use-simkl/core-features/content-tracking/how-to-watch-content)
{% endcontent-ref %}


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