6 Shonen Anime With No Skippable Episodes

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Many great shonen anime are worth watching from start to finish, but it’s common to skip some episodes. Things like filler or recaps aren’t usually watched even during a first viewing, and definitely not on re-watches. Popular series like the well-known ‘big three’ shonen anime, as well as My Hero Academia and JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, all include these types of episodes.

Many popular anime series have great storylines and exciting episodes, but also include unnecessary scenes. If a fan wants to watch an anime without skipping anything, the number of truly binge-worthy options decreases. These are usually shorter, more focused shonen anime that don’t waste time with filler. Thankfully, this is becoming more common, with quality series choosing to end a season rather than drag things out with unimportant content or slow pacing.

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood Features No Skippable Episodes on the First Viewing

A Few Episodes Might Be Skipped the Second Time

Image via studio Bones.

While most anime have filler episodes, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood only has a few that aren’t essential, like Episode 27, which is a recap. Recap episodes are usually skippable, but Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood has a complicated story, so this one is actually helpful. It gives viewers a chance to remember all the different plot threads and stay engaged with the story.

Fans are especially excited about Episode 27 because it offers a deeper look into the character of Van Hohenheim. He rarely appears, and we almost never learn about his past or feelings, so this episode is a welcome addition. While it doesn’t quite reach the emotional impact of his flashback as Slave #23, it’s surprisingly well-done for what could have been a simple filler episode. Although some episodes, like 4 and 10, aren’t as strong, new viewers should still watch them to get the complete story.

Jujutsu Kaisen Moves Fast and Shows no Mercy

Yuji Has No Time to Goof Off in Filler Episodes

Image via MAPPA.

A good thing happening in modern action anime is the move away from unnecessary filler or recap episodes. Shows like Jujutsu Kaisen, Demon Slayer, and Chainsaw Man keep a fast pace and don’t waste time on unimportant content. Fans of a popular, fast-moving anime like Jujutsu Kaisen would likely be upset if it slowed down for a pointless episode. The closest the series comes to a filler episode is episode 21, which features a baseball game between students from Tokyo and Kyoto.

Even the most dedicated fans of Jujutsu Kaisen won’t want to skip Episode 21, as it provides a welcome break from the show’s intense darkness. A series as grim as this needs moments of lightheartedness to balance the tension. Considering the serious events of Seasons 2 and 3, both the characters and the audience deserve a chance to relax and enjoy a fun baseball game before things get even more difficult.

My Hero Academia: Vigilantes Has Tighter Pacing Than the Original

Vigilantes Has No “Hero Notebook” Episodes Yet

While the original My Hero Academia is definitely worth watching across its 160+ episodes, it’s natural for a show that long to have a few weaker installments. Episodes like “Hero Notebook” in Season 2 aren’t essential, but they do exist. However, its spin-off, My Hero Academia: Vigilantes, avoids this issue. Being shorter and more straightforward, it doesn’t need filler episodes like those found in the main series.

So far, My Hero Academia: Vigilantes has focused entirely on moving the story forward and staying true to the original manga, which has allowed it to progress quickly with a focused group of characters. Thankfully, the entire manga is already finished, meaning the anime doesn’t need to add any unnecessary filler episodes or storylines. This is great news for both the animation studio Bones and fans, as the anime can keep pace with the source material.

Spy x Family Has Filler Episodes Actually Worth Watching

Some Filer Episodes Hide in Plain Sight

Image via MAPPA.

I’ve been watching Spy x Family, and while it does have some episodes that aren’t strictly essential to the main plot, I wouldn’t skip anything. The show is just so creative and lighthearted – it mixes spy action, school life, and even a little romance, all with a comedic twist. Because of this, even the seemingly ‘filler’ moments feel like they fit perfectly into the world and add to the fun. It’s a really inventive shonen anime where you never quite know what’s going to happen!

Overall, Spy x Family is a really enjoyable anime. Even episodes that aren’t directly focused on the main plot are still worth watching, as the show offers a great mix of drama, comedy, and heartwarming slice-of-life moments. You can simply relax and enjoy the show’s atmosphere, because even the lighter, more playful scenes still feel true to the spirit of Spy x Family.

Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End Takes Its Time But Doesn’t Waste That Time

The Leisurely Pace is a Feature in Frieren’s Fantasy Expedition

Image via Madhouse.

Some anime fans might find Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End a little slow-paced compared to action-packed shows like Demon Slayer or Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War. However, that wasn’t the intention with Frieren. This fantasy anime focuses on the quieter moments after the hero’s journey, following the leisurely travels of an elf named Frieren. It’s an invitation to join a relaxed and charming adventure, a world away from typical fantasy settings.

What makes Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End so engaging is that every episode feels meaningful, even when the pace is slow. While there are overarching plot points like the mage exam and the fight with Aura, the anime primarily focuses on small, everyday moments. Fans tune in to watch Frieren, Fern, and Stark enjoy life’s simple pleasures, offering a relaxing contrast to more intense shows like Attack on Titan.

Death Note Keeps the Story Moving With Breathtaking Plot Twists

If Anything, Death Note Needs More Episodes

Image via Madhouse.

A smart, suspenseful series like Death Note doesn’t waste time on unnecessary scenes, whether they’re part of the original story or added later. While the anime includes an extra scene of Light and L in the rain shortly before L’s death, it actually enhances the story. Fans were particularly captivated by a moment where L questioned Light’s honesty, hinting that he suspected Light was Kira. The fact that L died before acting on this suspicion only made the scene more impactful.

Generally, the Death Note anime is very faithful to the manga and avoids unnecessary filler. In fact, some anime viewers might even feel it’s too condensed, especially in the second part. The showdown between Light, Near, and Mello feels hurried and lacks depth because the anime left out some content from the manga. If you find this intellectual battle underwhelming, reading the manga will give you a more complete picture and allow you to form a better opinion.

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2026-01-28 22:44