Anime often includes episodes that are not part of the original manga. These are called filler episodes. They are created to give the manga time to move ahead or to explore side stories. While some fillers are seen as unnecessary, others add value to the series. In Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, fillers have become a major topic of debate among fans. Many people ask, “Are Boruto fillers worth watching?” This article will answer that question in a detailed and simple way.
What Are Filler Episodes?
Filler episodes are anime episodes that do not follow the story written in the original manga. These episodes are usually created by the anime studio to keep the show running while waiting for more manga chapters. Fillers can include side missions, flashbacks, comedy segments, or original storylines not found in the manga. Some fans skip these episodes, but others find them entertaining and useful for world-building.
Why Do Anime Series Use Fillers?
Anime adaptations of manga often catch up with the source material quickly. When this happens, studios add filler episodes to slow down the anime’s pace. This gives the manga time to move forward. Without fillers, the anime might need to stop airing or take a break. Fillers also give creators a chance to develop secondary characters or explore new ideas not present in the manga.
How Much of Boruto is Filler?
Boruto: Naruto Next Generations has a large number of filler episodes. Unlike Naruto and Naruto Shippuden, which had long arcs based on the manga, Boruto has more anime-original content. Some estimates show that over 70% of Boruto episodes are either fillers or mixed-canon. That means most episodes are not directly from the manga.
Types of Boruto Fillers
Boruto fillers come in many types:
- Character development arcs
- School life stories
- Training missions
- Comedy episodes
- Light-hearted adventures
Some of these fillers are well-made and connect to the main story, while others are purely for fun or time-filling.
Are Boruto Fillers Worth Watching?
The answer depends on what you want from the anime. Let’s look at different reasons why you might or might not want to watch Boruto fillers.
Yes, Boruto Fillers Can Be Worth Watching
1. Character Growth
Many Boruto fillers focus on characters like Mitsuki, Sarada, Shikadai, and others. These episodes show their struggles, dreams, and growth. While not in the manga, these stories give you a better understanding of their personalities and backgrounds.
2. More Time with Favorite Characters
If you enjoy the characters in Boruto, fillers let you spend more time with them. Some fans enjoy the slower pace and chance to see the ninja team in everyday situations. These episodes can make you feel more connected to the characters.
3. World-Building
The Hidden Leaf Village is full of life, culture, and traditions. Fillers often dive into daily life, festivals, and lesser-known villages. This makes the ninja world feel larger and richer.
4. Some Fillers Are High Quality
Not all fillers are boring. Some are well-written and have great animation. For example, the “Mitsuki Disappearance Arc” is anime-original but has deep storylines and action. Some fans consider it as good as main-canon episodes.
No, You Can Skip Some Boruto Fillers
1. Pacing Issues
Some fillers slow down the pace too much. If you’re mainly interested in the main story and its progress, the fillers might feel like a waste of time.
2. Not All Fillers Add Value
Many filler episodes have little or no effect on the main plot. They can feel repetitive or shallow. If you’re pressed for time or just want to follow the key storyline, these can be skipped without missing much.
3. Different Tone
Some fillers are too light-hearted or childish compared to the main arc. If you prefer serious plots and intense action, some filler arcs might not meet your expectations.
Recommended Boruto Fillers to Watch
Some filler arcs are worth watching even for fans who usually skip fillers. Here are a few recommendations:
Mitsuki’s Disappearance Arc (Episodes 71–92)
This arc is anime-original and explores Mitsuki’s inner conflict and loyalty. It includes mystery, fights, and emotional moments. It’s well-written and adds depth to his character.
Byakuya Gang Arc (Episodes 40–47)
This arc deals with crime, justice, and moral choices in the ninja world. It shows Boruto’s growing sense of responsibility and highlights class struggles in the Hidden Leaf Village.
Parent and Child Day (Episode 93)
This episode is a funny and sweet break that shows the family side of the characters. Fans of Naruto and Hinata will enjoy their interactions with Himawari and Boruto.
Chocho Arc (Episodes 67–69)
This arc focuses on Chocho Akimichi. While light in tone, it gives her more character development and confidence.
Which Boruto Fillers Can Be Skipped?
Some filler episodes do not add much to the overall story. These include:
- Episodes 16–18: Training episodes with low impact
- Episodes 33–34: Minor school stories
- Episodes 48–50: Slice-of-life episodes with little progression
- Episodes 96–105: Animal-focused missions that are often repetitive
Skipping these will not affect your understanding of the main plot.
Should You Watch Boruto in Order?
If you’re a new viewer, watching Boruto in order is one option. But if you want to avoid fillers, you can follow a Boruto filler guide. These guides list which episodes are filler, canon, or mixed. This helps save time while still enjoying the main story.
What Do Fans Think About Boruto Fillers?
Opinions on Boruto fillers are mixed. Some fans enjoy the extra stories and development. Others feel frustrated with the slow pacing and lack of manga-based content. Online forums and communities often have debates on this topic. But one thing is clear—Boruto fillers are part of the anime’s identity. Some arcs stand out and leave a strong impact, while others are forgettable.
Final Thoughts
Whether Boruto fillers are worth watching depends on your interest. If you enjoy world-building, character growth, and exploring side stories, many fillers are worth your time. If you’re more interested in following the main plot, you can skip most fillers and stick to the canon episodes. Use a filler guide to decide which ones to watch or avoid.
At the end of the day, Boruto is more than just a follow-up to Naruto. It has its own charm, and even the fillers contribute to its unique identity. Give a few filler arcs a try—you might be surprised by how much you enjoy them.
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