Naruto Arcs Guide: All 49 Arcs in Order

Here’s a detailed list of all the story arcs in the Naruto series and a list of filler episodes you can avoid.

Naruto filler list
A detailed list of all the story arcs in the series (Source: Studio Pierrot)

The Naruto series is one of the biggest shonen titles in this medium, and it has garnered a massive fanbase over the years. This series, created by Masashi Kishimoto, had a massive impact on the genre. The character tropes seen in the modern era of anime stem from some of the tropes that were created in this series. 

While it might not be the best anime from a technical standpoint, it certainly acted as a gateway to the wonderful medium of anime. Given the sheer length of the series, there are plenty of story arcs, each varying in importance to the overall plot. This is a guide to all the story arcs in the series. The article also contains a separate filler episode list that fans can refer to.

A Detailed List of All the Arcs in the Naruto Anime Series

Naruto Uzumaki as seen in the anime (image via Studio Pierrot)
ArcEpisodesChapters
Prologue – Land of Waves ArcEpisodes 1–191-33
Chunin Exams ArcEpisodes 20–6734-115
Konoha Crush ArcEpisodes 68–80116-138
Search For Tsunade ArcEpisodes 81–100139-171
Land Of Tea Escort Mission ArcEpisodes 102–106
Sasuke Recovery Mission ArcEpisodes 107–135172-238
Land Of Rice Fields Investigation Mission ArcEpisodes 136–141
Mizuki Tracking Mission ArcEpisodes 142–147
Bikochu Search Mission ArcEpisodes 148–151
Kurosuki Family Removal Mission ArcEpisodes 152–157
Gosunkugi Capture Mission ArcEpisodes 159–160
Cursed Warrior Extermination Mission ArcEpisodes 162–167
Kaima Capture Mission ArcEpisodes 169–173
Buried Gold Excavation Mission ArcEpisodes 175–176
Star Guard Mission ArcEpisodes 178–183
Peddlers Escort Mission ArcEpisodes 187–191
Third Great Beast Arc ArcEpisodes 195–196
Konoha Plans Recapture Mission ArcEpisodes 197–201
Yakumo Kurama Rescue Mission ArcEpisodes 203–207
Gantetsu Escort Mission ArcEpisodes 209–212
Menma Memory Search Mission ArcEpisodes 213–215
Sunagakure Support Mission ArcEpisodes 216–220

A Detailed List of All the Arcs in Naruto Shippuden

Naruto filler list
Naruto Uzumaki during the Fourth Great Ninja War (Source: Studio Pierrot)
ArcsEpisodesChapters
Kazekage Rescue Mission ArcEpisodes 1–32245-281
Tenchi Bridge Reconnaissance Mission ArcEpisodes 33–53282-310
Twelve Guardian Ninja ArcEpisodes 54–71
Akatsuki Suppression Mission ArcEpisodes 72–88311-342
Three-Tails’ Appearance ArcEpisodes 89–112
Itachi Pursuit Mission ArcEpisodes 113–118343-367
Kakashi Gaiden Episodes 119–120
Tale Of Jiraiya The Gallant ArcEpisodes 127–133368-383
Fated Battle Between Brothers ArcEpisodes 134–143384-412
Six-Tails Unleashed ArcEpisodes 144–151
Pain’s Assault ArcEpisodes 152–169 & 172–175413-453
Past Arc: The Locus Of Konoha Episodes 176–196
Five Kage Summit ArcEpisodes 197–214454-483
Fourth Shinobi World War: Countdown ArcEpisodes 215–222484-515
Paradise Life On A Boat ArcEpisodes 223–242
Fourth Shinobi World War: Confrontation ArcEpisodes 261–270, 272–289, 296–310, & 312–321516-559
Power ArcEpisodes 290–295
Fourth Shinobi World War: Climax ArcEpisodes 322–348 & 362–375560-639
Kakashi’s Anbu Arc: The Shinobi That Lives In The DarknessEpisodes 349–361
Birth Of The Ten-Tails’ Jinchuriki ArcEpisodes 378–388, 391–393, 414–421, & 424–431640-677
Jiraiya Shinobi Handbook: The Tale Of Naruto The HeroEpisodes 432–450
Kaguya Otsutsuki Strikes ArcEpisodes 451–455, 458–468, & 470–479678-699
Itachi Shinden Book: Light And Darkness Episodes 453–458
Childhood ArcEpisodes 480–483
Sasuke Shinden: Book Of SunriseEpisodes 484–488
Shikamaru Hiden: A Cloud Drifting In Silent DarknessEpisodes 489–493
Konoha Hiden: The Perfect Day For A WeddingEpisodes 494–500

A Detailed List of Filler Episodes in Naruto

Jiraiya as seen in the anime series (Image via Studio Pierrot)
  • Episode 26
  • Episode 97
  • Episodes 101-106
  • Episodes 136-140
  • Episodes 143-219

These are all the filler episodes in the first installation of the series. Fans can skip them as these episodes have little to no impact on the story. Furthermore, the filler episodes also have a negative impact on the pacing of the series. Therefore, we strongly urge the fanbase to avoid them. 

A Detailed List of Filler Episodes in Naruto Shippuden

Sakura and Sasuke as seen in the anime series (Image via Studio Pierrot)
  • Episodes 57-71
  • Episodes 91-112
  • Episodes 144-151
  • Episodes 170-171
  • Episodes 176-196
  • Episodes 223-242
  • Episodes 257-260
  • Episode 271
  • Episodes 279-281
  • Episodes 284-295
  • Episodes 303-320
  • Episodes 347-361
  • Episodes 376-377
  • Episodes 388-390
  • Episodes 394-413
  • Episodes 416-417
  • Episodes 422-423
  • Episodes 427-450
  • Episodes 464-468
  • Episodes 480-483

These are all the filler episodes that fans can avoid should they wish to watch anime-canon episodes only. The fillers in Shippuden aren’t particularly enjoyable, and many fans have complained about its effect on the overall pacing. 

What is the Best Arc in the Naruto Series

Pain using the Almighty Push as seen in the anime (Image via Studio Pierrot)

Each viewer will have their own favorite arcs based on their preferences. However, the Pain Assault arc is something that most fans absolutely love. Many loved this arc mainly because of the primary antagonist and the fight sequences. Pain is a villain who is beloved by many. His ideals, past, and circumstances that led him on his path are some of the reasons why he is loved. That, paired with the well-animated Taijutsu-focused fights, made for an entertaining viewing experience.


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