It’s normal for most anime fans to hate filler in their favorite series. Many prefer to use filler lists that specify which episodes they should skip that don’t directly cover the manga and are original to the anime adaptation. However, sometimes the filler episodes are so good that no true anime fan would dare skip them.
While some viewers can’t stand the main plot being sidetracked or completely halted during filler episodes, there are times when the anime’s original content works wonders for fans. Furthermore, the best anime filler episodes are so good that they’re a breath of fresh air that fans shouldn’t skip to see their favorite characters on a different adventure.
The Annoying Holy Sword Excalibur (Soul Eater, Episode 17)
Beyond its controversial original anime ending, Soul Eater‘s only filler episode is dedicated to the most powerful weapon in Atsushi Ohkubo’s universe, Excalibur. In episode 17 of Soul Eater, Ox Ford goes in search of the legendary Excalibur but discovers he is a small, insufferable creature that never stops talking and has an exorbitantly long list of rules.
Although the episode only alternates between songs, dance numbers, and flashbacks to Excalibur’s past, fans shouldn’t miss it. Despite Excalibur’s irritating and narcissistic nature, the episode is incredibly funny, perfect for those who just want to laugh at the characters’ antics. Plus, the episode gains a completely different perspective upon rewatch for fans who are familiar with Fire Force‘s ending.
Class 1-A’s Internships (My Hero Academia, Episode 32)
While My Hero Academia isn’t one of the most filler-filled shōnen anime out there, it did release episodes with meaningful original content for fans. In My Hero Academia Episode #32, the anime decided to expand on the different internships of the students in U.A.’s Class A-1, which was only mentioned in the manga.
The episode showcased the fun interactions between Bakugo and Best Jeanist, as well as what Uraraka, Todoroki, and others did in their training. However, the biggest spotlight was on the fan-favorite character, Tsuyu Asui. Therefore, what makes it a must-watch filler episode is that it was a fun detour from the main story to let the supporting characters shine.
The Black Bulls Go to a Mixer, Again (Black Clover, Episode 135)
Asta and Finral’s first mixer happens in episode 28 of Black Clover. However, the second Black Bull’s group date is funnier and more chaotic than fans expected. Black Clover episode 135 not only shows Secre joining Noelle in spying on Asta, but there is also a second group dinner where the Blue Roses try to help Charlotte confess to Yami.
Several of Charlotte Roselei and Yami’s interactions have become some of Black Clover‘s funniest moments. This is due to Yami’s brutish nature and Charlotte’s inability to control her feelings for him. Filled with hilarious moments that will have viewers laughing their heads off, the episode is one of the best examples that Black Clover‘s filler is too enjoyable to skip.
Gintama’s Unusual Start (Gintama, Episodes 1 and 2)
Viewers who want to start Gintama‘s anime often decide to watch episode 3 first. This is because Gintama‘s first two episodes only feature content original to the anime. But even though people recommended viewing the episodes after the first season, there’s a lot of merit to watching them to dive into the Gintama experience.
Gintama‘s episodes 1 and 2 feel like starting a story right in the middle, as they introduce characters who are formally introduced much later. However, they share Gintama‘s fun, over-the-top nature, serving as the perfect test to determine whether viewers enjoy the anime’s quirky sense of humor. Furthermore, Gintama never wasted its filler episodes, which are among the anime’s best.
A Father-Son Reunion in the Past (Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, Episode 129)
While Boruto‘s anime has earned a bad reputation for its heavy use of filler episodes, the Time Slip Arc is the perfect nostalgia trip for Naruto fans. The arc begins in Episode #128 of Boruto, where Boruto and Sasuke are sent back in time, arriving at the Hidden Leaf Village right during the timeskip before Naruto Shippuden.
Nonetheless, it’s in Boruto Episode #129 where Boruto meets the younger version of Naruto as well as beloved characters fans have long missed, like Jiraiya. Yet, the best part of the episode is how Boruto learns about a different side of his father and the hardships he experienced, becoming an especially emotional filler for fans of the franchise.
The Strongest Crossover in Shōnen History (Toriko, Episode 99 and One Piece, Episode 590)
The crossover between Dragon Ball Z, Toriko, and One Piece, three of Toei Animation’s most iconic anime, is one that shōnen fans shouldn’t miss. This special, made to commemorate Toriko‘s third anime anniversary, brought together several of the main characters from each franchise, connecting Goku, Luffy, and Toriko with the greatest trait they share: their incredible appetites.
In the crossover, the characters participate in a grand food tournament, and it’s equally strange and delightful to see characters from different anime interact with each other, such as Zoro, Vegeta, Chopper, Trunks, and Goten. Additionally, the crossover takes place before Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods, making it fun to notice the details tying it into the film.
The Baseball Game Between Universe 7 and 6 (Dragon Ball Super, Episode 70)
Baseball filler episodes in anime are almost as popular as those where the characters go to the beach, and Dragon Ball might have the crown for the best of all time. In Dragon Ball Super Episode #70, Champa challenges Bills to a baseball game between universes as an excuse to try the delicious food of Earth.
However, even the members of Team Universe 7 have no prior knowledge of baseball, except for Yamcha, which makes for some hilarious and unsportsmanlike plays. From Goku pitching and going Super Saiyan Blue on the mound to the recreation of one of Dragon Ball‘s most iconic memes, the episode is too fun for any fan to pass up.
The Introduction to the G-8 Arc (One Piece, Episode 196)
The G-8 arc is one of the best filler arcs in anime. The G-8 arc succeeds the events of Skypiea, following the Straw Hats’ hilarious antics after landing on Navarone’s Marine Base. While the first episode is one of the funniest, showing how Luffy infiltrates the base, it will also motivate any One Piece fan to watch the entire arc.
With a simple premise, the beginning of the G-8 arc sets the right atmosphere of tension, making fans wonder how the Straw Hats will escape. Furthermore, the G-8 arc never loses One Piece‘s carefree essence and humor, with many unforgettable scenes that make it an incredibly entertaining, lighthearted watch to follow up the long Skypiea arc.
Kakashi’s Face Is Revealed (Naruto: Shippuden, Episode 469)
While Naruto has some great filler arcs that adapt the light novels and give more depth to some characters, the anime also has original episodes that are absolutely and unapologetically silly and enjoyable. The episode, titled “A Special Mission,” returns Team 7 to the past, where Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura can’t help their curiosity and attempt to unmask Kakashi.
The episode’s biggest charm is that it feels nostalgic for fans to see Team 7 as children again while also being basically the only time Sasuke willingly participates in Naruto’s silly schemes. It is also the only time in the entire anime that fans get to see Kakashi’s face, so every Naruto fan should watch it at least once.
Goku and Piccolo Getting Their Driver’s Licenses (Dragon Ball Z, Episode 125)
The filler episode where Goku and Piccolo try to get their driver’s licenses is as absurd as it is legendary. Goku and Piccolo must take driving lessons to please Chi-chi, who threatens to starve them, which makes no sense since they can both fly and the Namekian doesn’t even eat.
Despite these inconsistencies, the two warriors’ incompetence at the wheel is a spectacle worth watching, being considered by fans as the best filler episode of the entire Dragon Ball series. With well-executed humor and disproportionate disasters, “Goku’s Ordeal” is engraved in the hearts of fans, becoming as important and iconic as the canon episodes based on Akira Toriyama’s manga.
- Release Date
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1986 – 1989
- Directors
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Minoru Okazaki, Daisuke Nishio
- Writers
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Akira Toriyama
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