The “Big 3” anime, consisting of Naruto, Bleach, and One Piece, are among the most popular and influential series in the anime world. These shows have captivated millions of fans with their intricate storylines, unique characters, and epic battles. However, one common issue that has plagued all three shows is the presence of filler episodes. Fillers are episodes that are not part of the original manga source material and are often used to allow the manga to progress while the anime catches up. While fillers can provide additional content, they often lead to pacing issues and dissatisfaction among fans. In this article, we will explore which of the Big 3 anime has the most fillers and analyze the impact of these filler episodes on the overall experience.
What Are Filler Episodes?
Filler episodes are those that do not contribute to the main storyline of an anime. These episodes often focus on side characters, alternative adventures, or completely new plotlines that are not part of the original manga. Fillers serve a practical purpose in anime production; they allow the anime to avoid catching up too quickly with the ongoing manga, ensuring there is enough material for future episodes.
However, filler episodes can have a negative impact on an anime’s pacing, as they often break the flow of the main story. Fans may find it frustrating to wait for important plot developments while being subjected to episodes that do not contribute to the overall narrative. This can lead to a decline in viewer engagement, especially if the filler episodes are not well-received.
Naruto and Naruto: Shippuden
The Naruto series, which includes both the original Naruto and its sequel Naruto: Shippuden, is often cited as one of the most filler-heavy anime series. While the first part of the anime, Naruto, had a more modest amount of filler, the sequel series Naruto: Shippuden ramped up the filler episodes significantly.
In Naruto, the original anime that aired between 2002 and 2007, there were 220 episodes in total. Of those 220 episodes, roughly 90 were filler, meaning that nearly 41% of the episodes were not based on the manga. This high percentage of filler episodes made the viewing experience feel like a drag for many fans, especially those who were eagerly waiting for the main storyline to progress.
When Naruto: Shippuden debuted in 2007, it initially appeared to follow the manga more closely. However, as the series progressed, filler episodes started to become more prevalent once again. Naruto: Shippuden ran for 500 episodes, and out of these, around 205 episodes were filler. This means that 41% of Naruto: Shippuden was filler content, much like its predecessor.
The fillers in both Naruto and Naruto: Shippuden often received mixed reviews. Some fans enjoyed the extra world-building and character development, while others felt that the fillers slowed down the overall narrative. Notably, certain filler arcs in Shippuden, like the Konoha History arc and the Three-Tails’ Appearance arc, were often criticized for their lack of impact on the main story.
Bleach
Bleach, another member of the Big 3, is also known for its abundance of filler episodes. The anime adaptation of Bleach ran from 2004 to 2012, with a total of 366 episodes. While Bleach was well-received for its exciting battles, unique characters, and rich lore, the series also suffered from an overreliance on filler content.
Out of the 366 episodes, 163 were filler episodes, making up a staggering 45% of the entire anime. This is an even higher percentage of filler than Naruto, which means that almost half of Bleach was made up of non-canon content. The fillers in Bleach were often seen as a significant detraction from the main story, especially during the longer filler arcs such as the Bount arc, which was entirely made up of filler content.
While some filler arcs in Bleach had their moments of enjoyment, many fans were frustrated by how frequently the anime veered off course from the main plot. These filler arcs were especially noticeable after the conclusion of major story arcs like the Soul Society and Hueco Mundo sagas. The filler-heavy content during these times led to a dip in the anime’s overall quality, according to many fans and critics.
One of the most infamous filler arcs in Bleach is the Fullbring arc, which was introduced after the anime had already reached a point where it needed to wait for the manga to provide new content. This arc was criticized for its slow pace and lack of real stakes, with many viewers opting to skip over it in favor of returning to the canon episodes.
One Piece
One Piece, the longest-running anime of the Big 3, is another series that has had to deal with filler episodes. The anime, which began airing in 1999, is still ongoing as of 2025, with over 1,000 episodes. While One Piece has enjoyed a reputation for maintaining a relatively consistent pace, it has still had its fair share of filler content.
Out of its 1,000+ episodes, approximately 100 are filler episodes. While this is far less than Naruto and Bleach, it still represents a significant chunk of the anime. The percentage of filler in One Piece is estimated to be around 10%, which is the lowest among the Big 3.
Despite having fewer filler episodes overall, One Piece is known for its occasional filler arcs, such as the G-8 arc and the Zou arc. These filler arcs were generally well-received by fans because they often expanded on the world-building and character development in creative ways, without straying too far from the spirit of the main story. For example, the G-8 arc, while filler, was praised for its humor and the fact that it didn’t feel like it was detracting from the main plot.
However, the One Piece anime still had instances of frustration, particularly when filler episodes interrupted significant plotlines. For example, the Little Garden and Post-Alabasta filler arcs were sometimes criticized for slowing the momentum after major story arcs.
Comparing the Big 3
When comparing the filler content in Naruto, Bleach, and One Piece, it’s clear that Bleach holds the crown for the most filler episodes. With approximately 45% of its episodes being filler, Bleach stands out as the Big 3 anime with the highest percentage of non-canon material.
Naruto and Naruto: Shippuden come in at a close second, with 41% of their combined episodes being filler content. Although One Piece has far fewer filler episodes, it still contributes a significant number, especially considering its enormous episode count.
The impact of these fillers varies greatly between the series. In Naruto and Bleach, the filler arcs often interrupted important storylines, leading to frustrations among viewers who wanted to see the main story progress. On the other hand, One Piece’s fillers, while present, were often seen as less intrusive to the overall flow of the series.
The Impact of Fillers on Fans and Pacing
Filler episodes can have a major impact on the pacing of an anime series. For fans who are invested in the main story, filler episodes can be seen as unnecessary distractions. These episodes can slow down the momentum, especially if they take the focus off the main characters or important plot developments.
However, not all filler episodes are bad. Some filler arcs can add depth to side characters, explore new parts of the world, or provide humor and levity that enhance the overall experience. The key difference between good and bad filler lies in how well these episodes are integrated into the larger narrative.
In the case of Naruto, Bleach, and One Piece, the filler episodes that were more engaging or tied into the main story were generally better received. For example, some of the filler content in One Piece was appreciated for its exploration of side characters and world-building. In contrast, the more disconnected filler arcs in Naruto and Bleach were often criticized for being unimportant and dull.
Conclusion
Ultimately, Bleach takes the crown as the Big 3 anime with the most filler episodes, with approximately 45% of its content consisting of filler. While Naruto and Naruto: Shippuden are close behind at 41%, One Piece stands out as the series with the least filler content, with only about 10% of its episodes being filler. However, it’s important to remember that filler episodes aren’t necessarily a bad thing. When done well, fillers can expand the world, provide additional character development, and add variety to the story. Nevertheless, excessive filler content can frustrate fans, especially when it interrupts the pacing of an otherwise engaging series.
Each of the Big 3 anime has had its fair share of filler content, but it’s clear that the presence of filler episodes is an inherent part of the production cycle for long-running anime. While the filler count may vary, the stories of Naruto, Bleach, and One Piece have continued to captivate fans, with or without the fillers.
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