With over 170 episodes spanning intense magical warfare, heartfelt camaraderie, a surprising amount of depth, and one of the most determined protagonists in shonen, Black Clover has cemented itself as a modern anime staple. Since its debut in October 2017 under Studio Pierrot, the adaptation of Yūki Tabata’s manga quickly found a passionate global audience. However, new viewers often stumble over the same roadblock: how to navigate the blend of faithfully adapted chapters, anime-exclusive arcs, and mixed-canon episodes without getting lost or burning out. This guide provides a thoroughly researched, spoiler-free roadmap to the canonical storyline, all non-canon material, the canon movie, and the best viewing orders tailored to different preferences.

Defining Canon, Mixed Canon, and Filler in Black Clover

Before diving into episode lists, it is essential to understand what each classification means in the context of Black Clover, as the series often blurs the lines between strictly adapted material and original content.

Manga Canon: Episodes that directly adapt chapters from the Black Clover manga. These episodes faithfully follow Yūki Tabata’s original story, character developments, and major fights. Watching these ensures you experience the intended narrative without deviations.

Anime Canon (Mixed Canon): Episodes that are not directly based on manga chapters but are supervised or acknowledged by the author, often expanding on minor moments, filling in backstories, or smoothing transitions. Some of these episodes adapt light novel content, while others introduce new scenes that do not contradict the main story. They can be considered part of the continuity and are often enjoyable, but they may also contain stretches of original material that slow pacing.

Filler: Completely original episodes that have no connection to the main plot, manga, or light novels. These are typically self-contained comedic or side-adventure episodes. They are skippable if your goal is a concise canonical experience.

Understanding these distinctions helps you decide whether to consume every episode, skip only pure filler, or craft a streamlined viewing of the core narrative. Below, the complete episode breakdown uses these definitions.

Complete Black Clover Episode Guide (Canon and Filler)

The following list covers all 170 episodes, noting their nature and which arcs they belong to. This will serve as your master reference.

Introduction Arc (Episodes 1–13) — Manga Canon

  • Episode 1: Asta and Yuno
  • Episode 2: A Boy’s Vow
  • Episode 3: The Road to the Wizard King
  • Episode 4: The Magic Knights Entrance Exam
  • Episode 5: The Path to the Wizard King
  • Episode 6: The Black Bulls
  • Episode 7: The Other New Recruit
  • Episode 8: Go! Go! First Mission
  • Episode 9: Beasts
  • Episode 10: Those Who Protect
  • Episode 11: What Happened on a Certain Day in the Castle Town
  • Episode 12: The Wizard King Saw
  • Episode 13: The Wizard King Saw, Continued

Dungeon Exploration Arc (Episodes 14–19) — Manga Canon

  • Episode 14: Dungeon
  • Episode 15: The Diamond Mage
  • Episode 16: Friends
  • Episode 17: Destroyer
  • Episode 18: Memories of You
  • Episode 19: Destruction and Salvation

Royal Capital Assault Arc (Episodes 20–27) — Manga Canon

  • Episode 20: Assembly at the Royal Capital
  • Episode 21: Capital Riot
  • Episode 22: Wild Magic Dance
  • Episode 23: The Crimson Lion King
  • Episode 24: Blackout
  • Episode 25: Adversity
  • Episode 26: Wounded Beasts
  • Episode 27: Light

Eye of the Midnight Sun Encounter Arc (Episodes 28–39) — Mostly Manga Canon with a Few Anime Canon Expansions

Episodes 28–35 adapt manga chapters closely. Episode 34 (“Light Magic vs. Dark Magic”) is heavily praised for its animation. Episodes 36–39 are anime canon and expand on side characters like the Magic Knights captains. They are not in the manga but are considered enriching.

  • Episode 28: The One I’ve Set My Heart On
  • Episode 29: Path
  • Episode 30: The Mirror Mage
  • Episode 31: Pursuit over the Snow
  • Episode 32: Three-Leaf Sprouts
  • Episode 33: To Help Somebody Someday
  • Episode 34: Light Magic vs. Dark Magic
  • Episode 35: The Light of Judgment
  • Episode 36: Three Eyes
  • Episode 37: The One with No Magic
  • Episode 38: The Magic Knights Captains Conference
  • Episode 39: Three-Leaf Salute

Seabed Temple Arc (Episodes 40–51) — Manga Canon

This arc is fully canon, introducing the underwater temple and a major new comrade. Note that Episode 46 (“Awakening”) is an emotional highlight.

  • Episode 40: A Black Deep Sea Story
  • Episode 41: The Water Girl Grows Up
  • Episode 42: The Underwater Temple
  • Episode 43: Temple Battle Royale
  • Episode 44: The Pointlessly Direct Fireball and the Wild Lightning
  • Episode 45: The Guy Who Doesn’t Know When to Give Up
  • Episode 46: Awakening
  • Episode 47: The Only Weapon
  • Episode 48: Despair vs. Hope
  • Episode 49: Beyond Limits
  • Episode 50: End of the Battle, End of Despair
  • Episode 51: Proof of Rightness

Witches’ Forest Arc (Episodes 52–65) — Manga Canon with One Mixed Episode

Episodes 52–64 faithfully adapt the manga. Episode 65 (“I’m Home”) is a mixed canon episode that bridges arcs and provides slice-of-life moments. It is safe to watch for continuity.

  • Episode 52: Whoever’s Strongest Wins
  • Episode 53: Behind the Mask
  • Episode 54: Never Again
  • Episode 55: The Man Named Fanzell
  • Episode 56: The Man Named Fanzell Continued
  • Episode 57: Infiltration
  • Episode 58: Battlefield Decision
  • Episode 59: Flames of Hatred
  • Episode 60: Defectors’ Atonement
  • Episode 61: The Promised World
  • Episode 62: Those Who Boost Each Other Up
  • Episode 63: Not in the Slightest
  • Episode 64: The Red Thread of Fate
  • Episode 65: I’m Home

Royal Knights Selection Exam Arc (Episodes 66–72) — Mostly Anime Canon with Manga Elements

Episodes 66–68 consist of anime-exclusive tournament battles that expand upon the original manga’s brief mention of the exam. Episodes 69–72 return to manga canon. This mixed approach adds exciting fights but can be partially skipped if strictly following the source.

  • Episode 66: The Secret of the Eye of the Midnight Sun (anime canon)
  • Episode 67: A Fun Festival Double Date (anime canon/filler)
  • Episode 68: Battle to the Death?! Yami vs. Jack (filler)
  • Episode 69: The Briar Maiden’s Melancholy (manga canon)
  • Episode 70: Two New Stars (manga canon)
  • Episode 71: The Uncrowned, Undefeated Lioness (manga canon)
  • Episode 72: Saint Elmo’s Fire (manga canon)

Reincarnation Arc (Elf Resurrection) (Episodes 73–120) — Mixed Manga Canon and Anime Canon

This long segment contains some of the series’ most pivotal events. The majority of episodes 73–99 are manga canon, with a few light novel adaptations (e.g., Episode 85, 86 about Yuno). After Episode 100, the anime inserts several training episodes that are anime canon but do not contradict the main story. Key manga canon runs from 73 to 87, then 91 to 95, and 100 to 102, with some variance. For a complete list, see external references, but generally:

  • Episode 73: Petit Clover! The Nightmarish Charmy SP! (anime canon, comedic)
  • Episode 74: Proof of Rightness (manga canon)
  • Episode 75–76: Tournament battles (anime canon)
  • Episodes 77–87: Royal Knights battles and reveals (manga canon)
  • Episode 88: Cowardly Brother (anime canon)
  • Episode 89–90: Anime canon continuation
  • Episode 91–92: Manga canon
  • Episode 93: Anime canon
  • Episode 94: Manga canon
  • Episode 95: Anime canon
  • Episode 96–97: Manga canon
  • Episode 98–99: Anime canon
  • Episode 100–102: Manga canon
  • Episode 103–120: Intense battles with elf possession; heavily manga canon, though some extended flashbacks are anime original.

This arc concludes at Episode 120 with “A New Resolve,” marking the end of the elf saga and setting up the next threat.

Heart Kingdom Joint Training Arc (Episodes 121–129) — Manga Canon

Entirely canon, these episodes cover the formation of the alliance and training under the Spirit Guardians.

  • Episode 121: Three Problems
  • Episode 122–129: Ongoing training and political intrigue

Spade Kingdom Raid Arc (Episodes 130–157) — Manga Canon with Minimal Interruptions

The anime stays overwhelmingly faithful here, covering the initial spade invasion, the Dark Triad confrontations, and massive battles. Episodes 142–148 include extended fights that expand on manga material, but core events remain intact. No pure filler interrupts the flow.

  • Episode 130: The Beginning of the Third Domain
  • Episode 131–157: Canon episodes, though some episodes like 154–155 show recap elements due to production pacing.

Final Arc and Conclusion (Episodes 158–170) — Anime Canon/Mixed

The anime concluded in March 2021 before the manga had finished the final arc. Therefore, episodes 158–170 adapt manga chapters up to a certain point and then create an original ending battle against a powerful devil that serves as a finale. This content is anime canon; it offers closure but is not manga canon. The movie later builds upon this timeline.

  • Episode 158: Dawn of Hope and Despair
  • Episode 159: Quiet Lakes and Forest Shadows
  • Episode 160: The Messengers from the Spade Kingdom
  • Episode 161: Zenon’s Power
  • Episode 162: The Great War Breaks Out
  • Episode 163: Dante vs. the Captain of the Black Bulls
  • Episode 164: Battlefield: Heart Kingdom
  • Episode 165: Water Crusade
  • Episode 166: The Final Attack
  • Episode 167: Black Oath
  • Episode 168: Stirrings of the Strongest
  • Episode 169: The Devil’s Bond
  • Episode 170: The Faraway Future

Filler Episodes and Mixed Canon Breakdown

While some watching orders advocate skipping all non-manga material, many Black Clover fillers are genuinely funny or add welcome downtime between intense arcs. Below is a concise list of pure filler episodes (no plot relevance) you can safely skip without missing any story beats.

  • Episode 29: The Road to the Wizard King (recap)
  • Episode 66: The Secret of the Eye of the Midnight Sun (partial filler)
  • Episode 68: Battle to the Death?! Yami vs. Jack (filler)
  • Episode 82: Petit Clover! The Nightmarish Charmy SP! (comedy special)
  • Episode 123: Nero’s Memories (recap and slight filler)
  • Episode 125: A Fun Festival Double Date (recap/filler)
  • Episode 131–132 (partially recap heavy)
  • Episode 142: Those Who Wish for the Devil’s Power (recap)
  • Episode 154–155: Contains major recap segments

Mixed canon episodes like 36–39, 65, 75–76, and 85–86 are not pure filler but expand on light novel material or side stories. They are generally considered worth watching for character depth, especially for Noelle and Fuegoleon.

Black Clover OVA and Canon Movie

Before finalizing your viewing order, note the existence of an OVA episode and the timeline for the film.

OVA: A single episode released in 2017 before the series, covering the same introduction as Episode 1 but with different animation and slightly rearranged scenes. It is not necessary to watch; Episode 1 supersedes it.

Black Clover: Sword of the Wizard King (Movie): Released in 2023 on Netflix, this canon film takes place after Episode 170 but before the manga’s final arc. It features original villains and story elements supervised by Tabata. The movie is recommended viewing after finishing the anime, as it continues the characters’ growth and includes key lore about previous Wizard Kings. There are no direct spoilers for the unadapted manga content beyond the anime ending. You can watch it right after Episode 170 for a satisfying epilogue before jumping into the manga.

Viewing Order Recommendations

Option 1: The Complete Experience (All Episodes + Movie)

Watch every episode from 1 to 170 in release order, then the movie. This provides maximum immersion and lets you enjoy all comedic breathers, training expansions, and side adventures. It is the best route if you enjoy the world and don’t mind occasional slower pacing. Total time is about 68 hours.

Option 2: Skip Pure Filler, Watch Mixed Canon

Follow the episode guide above and skip only the listed filler episodes (29, 68, 82, 123, 125, 131/132 recaps, 142, 154/155). You will still see the anime canon exam episodes and light novel adaptations, which are enjoyable and help the cast feel more fleshed out. This reduces the total by around 10 episodes, saving roughly 4 hours.

Option 3: Manga Canon Only (Streamlined Cut)

For a tighter narrative focused solely on Tabata’s original story, watch episodes 1–27, 28–35, 40–64, 69–72, 74, 77–87, 91–92, 94, 96–97, 100–102, 103–120, 121–122, 126–130, 133–157, and 158–170. (Note that 158–170 diverge into anime-original ending, so some purists stop at 157 and read the manga from chapter 270 onward; however the anime ending is still a coherent original finale.)

This cut removes about 25 episodes, trimming the series to around 145 episodes. It maintains momentum and eliminates filler while accepting that some transitional content may be missed.

Option 4: The Hybrid Approach (Watch Select Filler Arcs Only)

Some fans recommend skipping the Royal Knights Selection Exam anime-only fights (66–68) but keeping the light novel episodes (85–86) and the post-Witches’ Forest downtime (65). This custom route preserves the core narrative while adding personally chosen comedic highlights. Use the detailed list above to craft your own.

Where to Stream Black Clover

All 170 episodes and the OVA are available on Crunchyroll (subbed and dubbed in multiple languages). The movie “Sword of the Wizard King” is exclusive to Netflix. For detailed episode synopses and user ratings, consult MyAnimeList. Manga chapters are officially published by VIZ Media and available digitally on the Shonen Jump app.

Manga Continuation After the Anime

The anime ended at a narrative turning point, but the manga has continued with the final arc, beginning around Chapter 270. Starting from there after the movie provides the intended continuation without overlapping the anime’s original ending. As of 2024, the manga is in its climactic stages, with over 370 chapters. If you wish to experience the complete canonical conclusion directly from the author, picking up the manga post-anime is the best path.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Black Clover movie canon?
Yes. “Sword of the Wizard King” is supervised by Yūki Tabata and fits into the anime timeline after Episode 170. It introduces past Wizard Kings and expands on the grimoire lore without contradicting the manga’s later events.

Why does Black Clover have so many “anime canon” episodes?
Due to the anime’s weekly broadcast run while the manga was ongoing, Studio Pierrot inserted original content to avoid catching up too quickly. However, they often collaborated with the author to ensure these additions felt natural and sometimes seeded future manga developments.

Can I just read the manga instead?
Absolutely. The manga is faster paced and has no filler. Start from Chapter 1, or if you’ve seen the anime, begin around Chapter 270 for the content after the anime’s original ending. The artwork is dynamic and the paneling is excellent.

Do filler episodes affect power scaling?
Typically no. Filler episodes avoid introducing abilities or battles that would confusion later, except for the anime-original final devil fight, which is isolated to that arc. The mixed canon tournament fights slightly boost some characters’ feats but don’t break immersion.

How long would it take to watch only canon episodes?
Around 55–60 hours, depending on skipping recaps. Adding the movie brings it to 61 hours. It’s a substantial investment, but the payoff is a tightly woven story of perseverance and friendship.

Final Thoughts

Black Clover’s reputation for a rough start and filler-heavy reputation can dissuade new viewers, but with a strategic viewing plan, the series reveals a genuinely rewarding world of magic, class struggle, and relentless determination. By utilizing the episode classifications and viewing orders provided here, you can tailor the journey to your tastes—whether you want the full, sprawling adventure or a clean, canon-focused marathon. There is no wrong way to begin, as long as you keep pushing forward past your limits, just like Asta.