Filler episodes are intriguing detours from the major plotof any shonen anime. While not directly related to the main plot, these episodes provide a distinct blend of side stories and exploration. Filler episodes are frequently used to allow source material progression or to provide a break from high-stakes arcs. They explore unexplored character dynamics, comic interludes, and inventive settings.

RELATED:Fantasy Anime To Watch If You Love Undead Murder Farce

silver age all might my hero academia

Although opinions on the quality of filler content vary, well created filler episodes provide a glimpse into characters' lives, reveal unforeseen escapades, and infuse lighter tones within intense sagas. The incorporation of these episodes into the larger storylines can enrich the experience of watching these series by adding depth and variety.

10My Hero Academia

My Hero Academia, known for its superhero-driven narrative, occasionally includes filler episodes to supplement the main plot. While in compared to some series, these fillers provide opportunities to dig into characters' daily lives, explore their interpersonal relationships, and provide moments of levity.

These episodes, whether they feature training sessions, school activities, or character interactions outside of hero tasks, reveal insights into the characters' personalities and relationships, enhancing the world ofheroes and villains. While not essential to the main plot,My Hero Academiafillers add to a more well-rounded and immersive viewing experience.

Yu Yu Hakusho

9Yu Yu Hakusho

Yu Yu Hakusho, a renowned supernatural anime, includes a few filler episodes to supplement its spirit detective story. While filler episodes are rare, these fillers frequently highlight character interactions, amusing events, and small supernatural incidents. Despite not being crucial to the main plot, these episodes provide insight into the characters' lives and personalities outside their supernatural battles.

While opinions on filler quality fluctuate, theseries' overall attractivenessis enhanced by the odd amusing excursion, contributing to a more holistic understanding of the characters and their setting.

Katekyo Hitman Reborn! Protagonists

8Katekyo Hitman Reborn!

Katekyo Hitman Reborn!, a series that combines mafia intrigue and comedy, includes filler episodes to supplement its storyline. These fillers frequently delve into the characters' daily lives, providing insight into their personalities and relationships. Even though they have nothing to do with the main story, these episodes provide amusement, character development, and slice-of-life experiences.

Whether diving into the Vongola family’s peculiar dynamics or presenting light-hearted scenarios, well-written filler episodes add to the series' appeal and allow viewers to connect with the characters on a more intimate level.

Still shot of both Team Natsu and Team Jellal at the end of Fairy Tail’s third opening

7Fairy Tail

TheFairy Tailanime, based on Hiro Mashima’s manga, has a significant amount of filler episodes. While these non-canon additions may be entertaining to some, they have been criticized for interfering with the main storyline’s flow. The fillers frequently interjected side storylines and comic moments, occasionally diverting from the serious arcs of the series.

RELATED:Fairy Tail: The Tower Of Heaven

Some fans liked the extra screen time for the characters, while others thought it detracted from the original plot’s drive. WhileFairy Tailfillers added levity and character development, they provoked ongoing disputes among fans regarding their usefulness and impact on the overall viewing experience.

6Dragon Ball Z

Dragon Ball Z, a very popular and classic shonen anime, uses filler episodes to balance out its epic story. Interspersed between major arcs, these episodes frequently explore character interactions, comic interludes, and daily occurrences. These fillers provide insight into the personalities andrelationships of the characters.

They provide a more complete picture of theDragon Balluniverse, whether they portray training sessions, funny exploits, or downtime between battles. While some filler episodes were better than others, they enhanced the series' overall appeal by allowing fans to see their favorite characters outside of high-stakes confrontations.

Dragon Ball Z Budokai Tenkaichi 4 Super Characters

5Hunter x Hunter

Hunter x Hunter, a popular adventure anime, uses filler episodes sparingly, allowing the story to flow smoothly. While the series mostly focuses on its major plot, there are some fillers. These episodes occasionally delve into the characters' backstories, relationships, and unusual situations.

Although not as thorough as in other anime, these fillers provide further insights into the lives and personalities of the characters. While not essential to the overall plot, well-craftedHunter x Hunterfillers help to world-building and character development, giving dimension to an alreadycomplicated and compelling storyline.

Hunter X Hunter - Promotional Art Banner Showing Main Cast of Characters During New Yorknew Arc

4Gintama

Gintama, a master ofsatire and comedy, frequently blurs the boundary between filler and canon, resulting in a one-of-a-kind viewing experience. Gintama’s filler episodes are notorious for breaking the fourth wall and frequently result in hilarious meta-humor. These out-of-the-ordinary episodes may contain crossovers, parodies, and unexpected events that deviate from the regular plot.

Gintama’s fillers are recognized for their unpredictability and ability to elicit laughter, despite not exactly adhering to the source material. These episodes add to the show’s peculiar appeal, making the filler material an essential component of the series' irreverent and humorous nature.

Gintama picture showing off the massive amount of characters

3Bleach

Bleach, known for itssupernatural confrontations, includes filler episodes that deviate from the manga’s plot on occasion. While some filler arcs are criticized for their pacing faults, others offer new insights into characters, additional training sessions, and unusual circumstances. These episodes may temporarily diverge from the main plot, but they allow viewers to explore the Soul Society’s interactions in new ways.

RELATED:Bleach Easter Eggs

Filler episodes that are skillfully constructed help to character development and add to the series' fascinating setting. Regardless of one’s feelings towards filler,Bleach’s combination of action, intrigue, and these supplemental episodes creates a diverse viewing experience.

2One Piece

The grand adventure animeOne Pieceincorporates filler episodes on occasion to match the manga’s tempo. While some fillers are lighter in tone and focus on character dynamics, others are smoothly integrated into the story. These episodes may dive into backstories, feature new places, orgive humorous moments.

Though some of these filler stories do not advance the main story, the goodOne Piecefillers allow viewers to see the Straw Hat crew interact in a variety of scenarios. Despite arguments concerning filler quality, they contribute to the series' rich world-building and character development, improving the overall epic journey.

Bleach Easter Eggs

1Naruto

Naruto, a narrative of ninja prowess, contains a plethora of filler episodes that deviate from the original manga’s plotline. While some filler arcs have been criticized for their speed, others offer character-driven moments, comedic relief, and even introduce new foes. These episodes provide an opportunity to learn about the characters' backstories, relationships, and training sessions.

Although they occasionally interrupt the main plot, well-craftedNarutofillers add layers to the rich tapestry of the ninja realm by contributing to world-building andcharacter depth. Regardless of various judgments on filler quality, they all contribute to the series' diverse experience.

featured One Piece Gear 5th episode review bombed

Sasuke Naruto Rasengan Chidori