An image block is coded using entropy-inspired directional filtering. During encoding, intensity differences are determined for at least some pixels of an image block based on neighboring pixels of respective ones of the at least some pixels. Angles are estimated for each of those pixels based on the intensity differences. A main filtering direction of the image block is then determined based on the estimated angles. The image block is filtered according to the main filtering direction to remove artifacts along oblique edges associated with the image block. The filtered image block is then encoded to an encoded image. During decoding, an angular map indicating angles estimated for pixels of an encoded image block is received and used to determine the main filtering direction of the image block. The image block can then be filtered according to the main filtering direction and then output for display or storage.