The Boruto: Naruto Next Generations anime has taken quite a different approach to storytelling compared to the manga. Although both are a great way of experiencing the story, the anime adds a lot of depth to the overall story by introducing some additional arcs that give side characters a chance to have some development.
In doing so, it addresses many complaints about the manga not fleshing out its side characters. While there are some great episodes within these arcs, many are not essential for the plot to move forward and can be skipped since they aren't a part of the manga.
10 ESSENTIAL: The Sarada Uchiha Arc Is The Adaptation Of Kishimoto's Mini-Series
Sarada Uchiha is one of the main characters of the Boruto series, and Kishimoto has given her extra attention with his mini-series, Naruto Gaiden: The Seventh Hokage and the Scarlet Spring. This mini-series was adapted in the Boruto anime as the Sarada Uchiha arc. As expected, this arc features Sarada Uchiha as the main character as she gets to meet her dad, Sasuke Uchiha, and find out the truth about her birth. It adds to Sarada's character quite a lot and introduces villains like Shin to the fans.
9 CAN SKIP: The Academy Arc Offers Little To The Story
The Academy Arc marks the beginning of the Boruto anime and introduces fans to the main cast of the series. It also gives everyone an insight into the early days of Boruto Uzumaki as a student and does a great job at fleshing out some side characters. While the arc is very fun to watch, it isn't necessary for the plot to move forward. None of the main story revelations take place in the arc, which is why it's not included in the manga either.
8 ESSENTIAL: The Versus Momoshiki Arc Is The Most Crucial Arc
Boruto: Naruto Next Generations' Versus Momoshiki arc is the first arc that it adapts from the manga, and as such, it is quite important for the story to progress. It introduces two Otsutsuki Clan members, Kinshiki and Momoshiki, to the fans and has an epic face-off in which Naruto and Sasuke team up against the Otsutsuki. Boruto Uzumaki also receives his Karma in this arc, making it extremely important. Essentially, this arc marks the true start of Boruto Uzumaki's journey.
7 CAN SKIP: The Byakuya Gang Arc Isn't Necessary For The Plot To Make Sense
One of the least important arcs in the Boruto anime, the Byakuya Gang arc focuses on Boruto Uzumaki and Shikadai Nara who attempt to deal with the Byakuya Gang, a group led by a man named Gekko. Thought to be stealing from the rich and giving to the poor, the group was actually part of a scheme to make Gekko rich.
The arc also introduces fans to characters like Ryogi, who forms a great friendship with Shikadai but stands in his way. Undoubtedly, it is a thrilling arc to watch, but it doesn't have much to do with the main story.
6 ESSENTIAL: The Mujina Bandits Arc Introduces The Kara
The Mujina Bandits arc was the first manga original arc of the Boruto series, and it was adapted in anime form sometime after the Momoshiki arc. The Mujina Bandits were a group that targeted Tento, the son of the Daimyo of the Land of Fire. Boruto Uzumaki and his team eventually end up saving him, and more information about the Karma mark is provided. The arc's end introduces fans to the main antagonist group of the story known as Kara.
5 CAN SKIP: Mitsuki's Disappearance Arc Adds To Mitsuki's Character
Mitsuki's Disappearance arc is perhaps one of the longest anime-only arcs of the story, and as the name suggests, it focuses on Mitsuki's quest to find his true self. His questions lead him to Iwagakure where synthetic humans such as himself are being developed by a scientist under Onoki's supervision. Eventually, Mitsuki finds his answers and the arc concludes with a powerful message. Despite that, it doesn't add to the main plot of the series at all.
4 ESSENTIAL: The Ao Arc Reveals The True Threat Of Kara
After the introduction of Kara, Boruto finally begins to show fans what the organization is really like in the Ao arc. As the series brings back Ao, a veteran shinobi from Naruto, it also reveals the structure of the evil organization.
In addition, Kashin Koji makes himself known in the arc, and, most importantly, Kawaki gets brought up for the first time. Because of that, the Ao arc is one of the most important arcs that sets up future events in the story.
3 CAN SKIP: The Timeslip Arc Has Little To Do With The Threat At Hand
Boruto's Timeslip Arc is an incredibly fun story that sees Boruto Uzumaki and Sasuke Uchiha go back in time to stop Urashiki Otsutsuki and protect Naruto Uzumaki. While the arc does focus on an Otsutsuki as the main villain, it handles Urashiki's character in a way that can't compare to Momoshiki or Kinshiki. It goes without saying that a dive into the past is enjoyable to watch, but its only importance is that it wraps up the anime-only plot thread of Urashiki Otsutsuki.
2 ESSENTIAL: The Kawaki Arc Is One Of The Most Important Parts Of The Story
The Boruto anime immediately adapts the Kawaki arc after Team 7 wraps up their mission to investigate a blimp crash. As expected, the arc delves into the mysterious character that is Kawaki, along with his dark past. It introduces him to the Uzumaki family and sets him up as one of the most important characters in the entire story. Furthermore, the Kawaki arc also gives some screentime to the likes of Delta and Jigen, which makes it even more intriguing.
1 CAN SKIP: The Chocho Arc Is Entirely Non-Canon
As the name suggests, the Chocho arc is centered around Chocho Akimichi, one of the members of Konohagakure's Team 10. This arc, while short and fun in some aspects, doesn't offer anything to the main story at all. While most Boruto anime arcs are still considered canon to some extent, this arc is completely filler. Fans can confidently skip this one without missing any important details for future arcs.