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.
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.
Example: Naruto (2002-2007) had 220 episodes, with 91 reported filler episodes (41%).
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.
If you want to watch anime without filler, you can:
Use SIMKL’s Anime Filler Lists
Check filler lists on SIMKL’s Anime Filler Section
Filter episodes based on Canon, Filler, or Mixed Filler.
Follow the Manga Adaptation
Look up which episodes match the manga chapters.
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.
Filler episodes exist for various reasons, mostly to prevent anime from catching up to the manga.
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.
Not all filler episodes are bad—some add character depth, fun side stories, or world-building.
✅ 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.
Some anime have very few filler episodes, while others are filled with them.
Naruto (2002-2007) – 41% filler
Naruto Shippuden (2007-2017) – 40% filler
Bleach (2004-2012) – 45% filler
One Piece (1999-Present) – 14% filler
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.
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.
Go to SIMKL’s Anime Section
Search for the anime you’re watching (e.g., Naruto, Bleach, One Piece).
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
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.
Decide What to Watch
Based on the filler list, you can skip episodes or mark them for later.
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!
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.
Anime filler is any episode that is not part of the original manga story and is added to extend the anime series.
A canon episode follows the official manga storyline and is part of the main story.
Yes! Most filler episodes can be skipped without missing any major plot points.
To prevent catching up with the manga, meet TV contracts, and extend series for merchandising.
No, some anime (like Attack on Titan and Demon Slayer) have no filler episodes.
Use SIMKL’s Anime Filler List to check Canon, Filler, and Mixed Filler episodes.
Not always. Some filler arcs are well-written and add fun or character development.
You can find them on SIMKL’s Anime Filler Section under the "Fillers" tab of any anime.
Yes! SIMKL allows you to toggle Canon or Filler episodes in your tracking settings.
Of course! Some people enjoy extra content, and fillers sometimes add fun side stories.
