7 Anime Filler Episodes That Are Actually Amazing

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Filler episodes in anime are often a point of debate among fans. They’ve traditionally been seen as something series need to do to keep going when the anime is outpacing the original manga. Essentially, it’s a way for animators to create new content while waiting for more source material. Some viewers find filler annoying and drawn-out, like a conversation that goes on too long. However, others appreciate it as a chance to see familiar characters in fun, unexpected situations – whether it’s silly adventures, pointless fights, or even learning new skills like driving.

Anime fans have strong feelings about filler episodes – they either really dislike them, enjoy them, or turn them into popular jokes. Either way, filler is a well-known part of being an anime fan, just like the ongoing discussion of whether subtitles or dubbing are better.

7. Naruto: “Gotta See! Gotta Know! Kakashi-Sensei’s True Face!”

This episode (number 101) is a standout in a series often criticized for its slow pacing. It’s a funny and charming adventure where Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura try to figure out what’s hidden beneath Kakashi’s mask. The episode is filled with silly traps, clever disguises, and the team’s amusing guesses, and it really highlights the great dynamic between the members of Team 7.

This episode fully embraces its silly setup and offers a fun, lighthearted look at Kakashi, a character usually known for being mysterious. While it doesn’t move the main storyline forward, it’s a genuinely funny peek inside his personality. If you’re a fan looking for some laughs without getting bogged down in the serious plot, you won’t want to miss this one.

6. Dragon Ball Z: “Driving Lessons”

Okay, so picture this: Goku and Piccolo needing to get driver’s licenses! When I first saw that episode – it’s number 125 in Dragon Ball Z – I honestly burst out laughing. It’s just hilarious to see these two, who are seriously the strongest fighters in the universe, trying to deal with something as normal as driving a car. The contrast between their epic battles and struggling with a steering wheel is pure comedic gold, and it’s easily one of the funniest episodes in the whole series!

Goku’s easygoing personality and Piccolo’s constant grumbling create hilarious moments whenever they interact. This episode doesn’t move the main story forward, but it’s a fun chance to see these characters in a new and different light. It’s a good reminder that even with all the intense action, the show’s creators still know how to entertain us with the characters we already know and love.

5. One Piece: “The G-8 Arc”

Episodes 196-206, often called the G-8 Arc, is widely considered one of the best filler storylines in anime. The Straw Hat Pirates find themselves trapped in the highly secure G-8 Marine Base and have to rely on cleverness and cooperation to escape disguised as soldiers. What sets this arc apart from typical filler is its strong pacing and a self-contained story that feels natural within the overall series. The new characters, such as Captain Jonathan, are surprisingly well-developed and add to the story’s richness. It’s a testament to the arc’s quality that even fans who strictly follow the manga often enjoy it.

4. Bleach: “The Zanpakuto Rebellion Arc”

The Zanpakuto Rebellion Arc (episodes 230-265) is a surprisingly good filler storyline – it feels like it could have been part of the main story. The arc focuses on the spirits of the Zanpakuto rebelling against the Soul Reapers who wield them, which creates a compelling look at the relationship between a weapon and its user. It’s a unique idea that lets us actually see the Zanpakuto as characters, each with their own personality and powers.

Watching characters like Byakuya and Rukia connect with the spirits of their swords gives them more depth. The fight scenes are beautiful to watch, and even though this storyline isn’t part of the main plot, it still feels intense and important. While Bleach has some weaker filler episodes, the Zanpakuto Rebellion Arc is a particularly strong one that even people who dislike filler often enjoy.

3. My Hero Academia: “Save the World with Love!”

Episode 58 of My Hero Academia, while a filler episode, doesn’t feel like a waste of time. It takes place during summer training camp, where Class 1-A is assigned the amusing task of making a romantic movie. The episode is full of funny scenes, like Bakugo angrily refusing to act and Todoroki surprisingly nailing dramatic lines. It’s a fun break from the usual action, letting the students’ personalities come through. Despite lacking villains or big fights, it’s still a very enjoyable episode.

2. Fairy Tail: “Welcome to Ryuzetsu Land!”

Episode 125 of Fairy Tail offers a lighthearted break from the usual action. The guild takes a trip to Ryuzetsu Land, a magical water park, for some fun and relaxation. Filled with silly situations, friendly competition, and exaggerated humor, this filler episode lets fans enjoy the characters in a more casual and playful environment. It’s a welcome breather between more serious storylines.

This episode isn’t revolutionary, but it’s thoroughly enjoyable. The jokes land perfectly, and the connection between characters like Natsu, Lucy, and Gray is really engaging. It’s perfect for relaxing and enjoying the fun, lighthearted side of the Fairy Tail guild. If you’re a fan of the series’ humor and endearing qualities, you’ll love this episode.

1. Attack on Titan: “Ilse’s Notebook”

As a huge Attack on Titan fan, I honestly think episode 3.5, “Ilse’s Notebook,” is one of the best filler episodes ever. It just fits so perfectly into the larger story! It’s all about discovering Ilse Langnar’s notebook, and it details her final, terrifying experiences – including an encounter with a talking Titan. It’s a really haunting and emotional story that gives you so much more insight into the Titans and what the Survey Corps is trying to figure out. The whole episode has this incredibly eerie vibe and a really tragic feel, making it feel like a lost piece of the main story. If you’re invested in the mysteries of this series, trust me, this is an unforgettable episode that adds so much depth without dragging things out.

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2026-01-26 03:11