Naruto Shippuden, the highly anticipated sequel to the popular anime series Naruto, aired from 2007 to 2017, captivating audiences worldwide with its epic storylines, memorable characters, and breathtaking animation. As one of the longest-running anime series, Naruto Shippuden boasts an impressive number of episodes, leaving many fans wondering just how many there are in total.
The Total Number of Naruto Shippuden Episodes
In total, Naruto Shippuden consists of 500 episodes, spanning 21 seasons and 7 years of continuous broadcast. This massive number of episodes is a testament to the series’ popularity and the dedication of its creators to delivering a comprehensive and engaging narrative.
Naruto Shippuden Episode List by Season
To better understand the scope of the series, let’s break down the episode count by season:
Season 1: 32 episodes
Season 2: 21 episodes
Season 3: 3 episodes
Season 4: 17 episodes
Season 5: 17 episodes
Season 6: 19 episodes
Season 7: 17 episodes
Season 8: 24 episodes
Season 9: 16 episodes
Season 10: 22 episodes
Season 11: 22 episodes
Season 12: 22 episodes
Season 13: 22 episodes
Season 14: 22 episodes
Season 15: 22 episodes
Season 16: 22 episodes
Season 17: 22 episodes
Season 18: 21 episodes
Season 19: 13 episodes
Season 20: 13 episodes
Season 21: 13 episodes
As you can see, the episode count varies from season to season, with the first season being the longest at 32 episodes and the final three seasons each containing 13 episodes.
Naruto Shippuden Filler Episodes
One of the most important considerations when watching Naruto Shippuden is the distinction between canon episodes, which follow the storyline of the original manga, and filler episodes, which are created by the anime staff to expand the narrative or provide additional character development.
Out of the 500 total episodes, 203 are considered filler, accounting for approximately 41% of the series. While filler episodes can be enjoyable and provide additional context, they are not essential to the main storyline and can be skipped by viewers who wish to focus solely on the canon episodes.
Notable Naruto Shippuden Arcs
Naruto Shippuden is divided into several major story arcs, each with its own unique setting, characters, and challenges. Some of the most notable and impactful arcs include:
1. Kazekage Rescue Mission Arc (Episodes 1-32): This arc introduces the series and sets the stage for the events to come, as Naruto and his allies embark on a mission to rescue the kidnapped Kazekage, Gaara.
2. Sai and Sasuke Arc (Episodes 33-53): In this arc, Naruto and his team pursue the rogue ninja Sasuke Uchiha, leading to a confrontation that shakes the foundations of their friendship.
3. Hidan and Kakuzu Arc (Episodes 72-88): This arc focuses on the Akatsuki members Hidan and Kakuzu, as they wreak havoc across the ninja world and test the limits of Naruto’s allies.
4. Pain’s Assault Arc (Episodes 152-175): One of the most intense and emotionally charged arcs in the series, this arc sees the village of Konohagakure under attack by the Akatsuki leader Pain, leading to a climactic showdown with Naruto.
5. Fourth Shinobi World War Arc (Episodes 261-493): The final and longest arc of the series, the Fourth Shinobi World War pits the Allied Shinobi Forces against the Akatsuki and the resurrected ninja army, culminating in an epic battle that will determine the fate of the ninja world.
See Also: Why Does Kakashi Hate Boruto?
Naruto Shippuden Filler Arcs Worth Watching
While the majority of filler episodes can be skipped without missing any essential plot points, there are a few filler arcs that are considered worth watching by fans:
1. Kakashi Anbu Arc (Episodes 349-361): This arc provides a glimpse into Kakashi’s past as a member of the Anbu Black Ops, offering valuable insights into his character and the challenges he faced early in his career.
2. Power Arc (Episodes 290-295): Although not directly connected to the main storyline, this arc features impressive fight scenes and character development, making it an enjoyable watch for fans of the series.
Naruto Shippuden Filler Episodes to Skip
While filler episodes can be entertaining, there are some that are considered less essential or of lower quality than others. Some of the Naruto Shippuden filler episodes that are often skipped by fans include:
1. The Three-Tails Arc (Episodes 91-112): This arc, which focuses on the appearance of the Three-Tailed Beast, is considered by many to be one of the weaker filler arcs in the series.
2. The Konoha History Arc (Episodes 176-196): While this arc provides some interesting background information on the village of Konohagakure, it is not directly relevant to the main storyline and can be skipped without missing any essential plot points.
3. The Paradise Life on a Boat Arc (Episodes 223-242): This arc, which sees Naruto and his allies taking a break on a luxury cruise ship, is considered by many to be one of the more forgettable and unnecessary filler arcs in the series.
Naruto Shippuden Episode Ratings and Popularity
Despite the large number of episodes and the presence of filler content, Naruto Shippuden has consistently maintained a high level of popularity and critical acclaim throughout its run. The series has received numerous awards and accolades, including the Animage Anime Grand Prix prize in 2007 and the TV Tokyo Award in 2008.
In terms of ratings, Naruto Shippuden has consistently performed well, with many episodes ranking among the most-watched anime series in Japan during their original broadcast. The series has also enjoyed significant success internationally, with the anime and manga being translated into numerous languages and distributed worldwide.
The Impact of Naruto Shippuden on Anime and Pop Culture
Naruto Shippuden has had a lasting impact on the anime industry and popular culture as a whole. The series has inspired countless other anime and manga, with its unique blend of action, drama, and humor becoming a hallmark of the genre.
The series has also spawned a vast array of merchandise, including action figures, plush toys, and clothing, further cementing its place in popular culture. Naruto Shippuden has also been praised for its diverse cast of characters and its exploration of themes such as friendship, loyalty, and the nature of power.
The Future of Naruto Shippuden
While Naruto Shippuden has come to an end, the story of the ninja world continues in the form of Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, which follows the adventures of Naruto’s son, Boruto, and a new generation of ninja. The series has already proven to be a hit with fans, with many eager to see how the story of the Naruto universe continues to unfold. Naruto Shippuden is a landmark anime series that has captivated audiences around the world with its epic storylines, memorable characters, and stunning animation. With 500 episodes spanning 21 seasons, the series is a testament to the power of storytelling and the enduring appeal of the ninja genre. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to the series, Naruto Shippuden is sure to leave a lasting impression on all who experience it.