If there is one thing that anime fans hate, it’s filler episodes. Almost everyone can agree that filler is one of the more annoying parts of a series. Sometimes fans will even look for a way to skip the filler parts altogether. Despite the bad rep filler tends to have, it is an important part of anime.
It fills up spaces that are left in the unfinished manga, adds new storylines that bring more excitement to a series, and gives the characters that fans know and love more development. Love it or hate it, filler can bring more to the table in a series, making it better than it ever could have been without it.
10 The 2003 Fullmetal Alchemist Adds Heavy Storylines To The Series
Because the latter half of the 2003 series Fullmetal Alchemist deviates so much from the manga’s conclusion, some fans see it as filler in itself. This adaptation brings about a lot of dark and disturbing storylines, giving it a much heavier feel than Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood.
Though it may not be an accurate portrayal of the source material, the series is worth watching. What it brings to the franchise is great, despite its disappointing ending. From the additional characters who bring added interest to the dark secrets of the Philosopher’s Stone, the 2003 anime has a lot to offer for all fans.
9 Shugo Chara’s Filler Includes New Lovable Characters
The anime adaptation of Shugo Chara! includes many filler episodes, added to keep up with airtime until the manga’s storyline could update. While fans may not like full arcs of filler, the ones in this series are very fun and enjoyable to watch. They also bring in new characters to join the original cast, such as Lulu, an additional villain working for Easter, and Rikka Hiiragi, who follows in Amu’s footsteps.
The fillers also tend to follow the classic “monster of the week” trope found in many other magical girl series, which, though repetitive, brings an entertaining plotline for each episode.
8 The Filler In Boruto Can Be More Enjoyable Than The Main Storyline
Most fans of Naruto say that its successor series, Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, is a sad imitation of the much-loved classic. The story now follows Naruto’s son as he makes his way through the ninja world, and many feel it doesn’t live up to the previous series. Whether or not this is true, the filler stories in Boruto are always a fun addition, and in some ways, they may be even better than the main plot.
They tend to center around the families of the series, showing heroes everyone loves taking on new roles as parents. There’s often a more lighthearted tone to these episodes, and they make for a nice contrast from the fighting and struggles.
7 Inuyasha Has A Lot Of Good Filler
Inuyasha is known for its abundance of filler episodes. They drag the series out and make it much longer than it would be without it. Some fans would rather skip these episodes, but the filler is part of what makes it so good.
Through these episodes, the audience is given a lot more development of the characters and their relationships. Seeing them struggle through these little side-quests as a group makes the journey even more rewarding when they reach the end. They also help better shape the side characters of the series, giving them more significance than before.
6 Black Butler Has An Entire Season Of Filler That Fans Should Watch
It is well known that the last half of Black Butler‘s first season and the entire second season are entirely different from the manga’s canon. As with all series that veer off from the source material, some fans are very against this, while others love it more than what the manga offers.
While the question of whether these storylines are canon is up in the air, fans shouldn’t miss out on these anime-exclusive episodes. They add a lot to the existing characters while bringing in new characters who bring a new twist to the series.
5 The Filler In Cowboy Bebop Is Important To The Overarching Plot
For most of the series, Cowboy Bebop remains an episodic narrative. There are many episodes that fans consider to be filler and may even skip during a second watch-through. However, even the seemingly less important filler episodes contribute to the overall plot of the show.
Each episode has something vital sprinkled in that eventually connects to the big picture later on. Anyone who enjoys a story that slowly unfolds within many smaller stories would enjoy watching this anime classic.
4 Naruto’s Filler Is Better Than What People Make It To Be
Naruto may have a lot of filler in it, but this filler is more than just a useless arc to drag out the series. These episodes are vital to the series, and one big way is the character development they provide to many characters. In Naruto, there are so many characters who get nowhere near enough screentime or room for development.
The fillers give these characters a much-needed chance to shine. Fans get to see interactions that would never have been possible without added episodes, giving the audience time to connect more with all characters, not just the main ones. This connection allows for greater emotion by the time the series reaches its famous conclusion.
3 Clannad’s Filler Gives More Depth To The Supporting Characters & Strengthens The Bonds Of Family
While mostly plot-driven, Clannad has its fair share of filler episodes. Unlike the usual filler, these episodes normally still connect to the initial plot in some way. Even those that have little plot relevance are very well worth watching.
They give more insight into the supporting cast, allowing viewers to learn more about them. And as to be expected with the series, the fillers are just as emotional and tear-jerking as anything the main plot has to offer. For those who love a good, heartfelt story, Clannad’s fillers are a must-watch.
2 Yu-Gi-Oh! Has Some Of The Best Filler Arcs In All Of Anime
Considering how long the original Yu-Gi-Oh! series ran for, it is no surprise to see that it has a great deal of filler. While some of it is a boring slog to get through, there are great fillers in the series. Yu-Gi-Oh!’s filler arcs are often some of the most fun and interesting journies the group goes on.
They throw the cast into a brand-new setting, sometimes even with a new game to learn. These arcs also introduce the audience to new characters who often quickly become fan favorites, such as the anime-exclusive Noah Kaiba.
1 The ’90s Sailor Moon Anime Gives Much More Development To The Senshi
A lot of fans complain about the amount of filler present in the ’90s adaptation of Sailor Moon. While sometimes it can be excessive, even the longest filler arcs are an important part of this series. They give the audience more time with the cast, allowing their personalities to blossom.
Fans can get to know each Sailor Senshi more than they ever could, creating an even greater emotional attachment to the characters. On top of that, the fillers allow for Usagi and Mamoru’s relationship to develop at a slower, more natural pace. It makes their love much more believable and creates higher stakes for the times when they are driven apart.
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