DBZ Filler List: Every 'Dragon Ball Z' Episode You Can Skip

The "Dragon Ball Z" anime series is packed with high-stakes battles, emotional transformations, and unforgettable characters.

But like many long-running series, it also includes a fair amount of filler episodes. This DBZ filler list outlines the arcs and episodes that stray from the manga, helping you decide what to watch or skip.

While some filler episodes offer fun side stories or expand on characters, others slow down the pacing of major arcs like the Frieza Saga, Cell Games, and Majin Buu Arc.

Contents

Goku's Journey on Snake Way (Episodes 4–6, 12–14)
Gohan's Adventures (Episodes 9–10, 15–16)
Fake Namek Arc (Episodes 39–43)
Bulma's Space Misadventures (Episode 44)
Flashback Story Arcs (Episodes 78, 84, 171)
Captain Ginyu’s Body Saga (Episode 89)
Garlic Jr. Arc (Episodes 108–117)
Goku Lying Ill (Episode 126)
Goku vs. Pikkon (Episode 195)
Other World Tournament (Episodes 195–199)
Great Saiyaman Saga Extras (Episodes 202–204)
World Tournament Warm-up (Episodes 207–208)
Goten and Trunks' Mighty Mask Segment (Episodes 220–222)
Majin Buu Interludes (Episodes 228–231)
Training Episodes (Various)
Should You Skip the Filler?

1. Goku's Journey on Snake Way (Episodes 4–6, 12–14)

While Goku's journey to reach King Kai's planet is manga canon, many episodes expand on it unnecessarily. It includes Goku's snake detour and encounters with Princess Snake.

2. Gohan's Adventures (Episodes 9–10, 15–16)

This arc xplores Gohan's ordeals in the wild during his early training. It adds flavor but can be skipped for pacing.

3. Fake Namek Arc (Episodes 39–43)

Gohan, Krillin, and Bulma land on a fake Planet Namek and meet deceptive aliens. It's pure filler and considered skippable.

4. Bulma's Space Misadventures (Episode 44)

As the Z Fighters head to Planet Namek, Bulma gets her own comic relief episodes. Entirely filler.

5. Flashback Story Arcs (Episodes 78, 84, 171)

These arcs include stories of King Vegeta, Goku's history, and the Z Warriors' reflections. The episodes add context but can be skipped.

6. Captain Ginyu’s Body Saga (Episode 89)

After Captain Ginyu is defeated, he swaps bodies with a frog and later briefly possesses Bulma. Expect a mix of absurdity and filler.

7. Garlic Jr. Arc (Episodes 108–117)

Set between the Frieza and Android Sagas, this arc revives Garlic Jr. from the "Dead Zone" movie. It features strong Z Fighters action but doesn't affect the main story.

8. Goku Lying Ill (Episode 126)

Goku collapses from a heart virus, and the anime adds scenes to extend the drama. Partially filler.

9. Goku vs. Pikkon (Episode 195)

A filler fight showcases Super Saiyan Goku in the Other World Tournament — great animation, but non-canon.

10. Other World Tournament (Episodes 195–199)

Goku participates in a tournament in the afterlife. It's not found in the manga but is a fan-favorite filler arc.

11. Great Saiyaman Saga Extras (Episodes 202–204)

This arc includes Gohan’s high school life, Gohan returning as Great Saiyaman, and humorous side plots. Partly filler.

12. World Tournament Warm-up (Episodes 207–208)

Before the World Tournament begins, Goku and Vegeta prepare for the upcoming fights.

13. Goten and Trunks' Mighty Mask Segment (Episodes 220–222)

This segment features Mighty Mask’s voice and antics in the World Tournament — mostly comedic filler, extended beyond the manga’s brief version.

14. Majin Buu Interludes (Episodes 228–231)

These filler segments take place during the Majin Buu Arc, including Majin Vegeta moments and Super Buu absorbing others.

15. Training Episodes (Various)

Multiple episodes across sagas focus on training sequences for Goku, Gohan's training, or Piccolo training Gohan. Some are manga-based; others are extended for pacing.

Should You Skip the Filler?

If you're watching "Dragon Ball Z" for its canon material, many filler episodes can be skipped. However, some arcs — like the Other World Tournament or Captain Ginyu stuck in a frog’s body — offer humor and world-building.

For a leaner experience, you can also watch Dragon Ball Z Kai, which removes most filler content and sticks closer to the manga source material.

Whether you're revisiting the Saiyan Saga, watching Vegeta's fight with Goku, or diving into the Cell Games Saga, this DBZ filler list keeps your viewing sharp and focused.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.