Complete Dragon Ball Z Filler List Guide – Skip Episodes Like a Pro

If you’ve ventured into the sprawling universe of Akira Toriyama’s DBZ, you’re in for a very long yet extremely exciting ride with a blend of martial arts, captivating storytelling, and vibrant characters.

Yet, as any seasoned DBZ fan can attest, navigating through the 291 episodes can sometimes feel as complex as mastering a Kamehameha wave. And among these episodes, there are several fillers you might be able to skip to breeze through the main story.

That’s where this guide comes in!

Running from 1989 to 1996, the Dragon Ball Z anime spans 291 episodes. Among these, the anime has 34 filler episodes and 5 partial fillers. Impressively, Dragon Ball anime has kept the non-canon content to a minimum with just about 13% filler percentage.

1. Quick Filler List & Streaming

2. Complete Episode List

Info

#	Title	Type	Watch?	Air Date
1	The New Threat	Canon		04/26/1989
2	Reunions	Canon		05/09/1989
3	Unlikely Alliance	Canon		05/10/1989
4	Piccolo’s Plan	Canon		05/17/1989
5	Gohan’s Rage	Canon		05/24/1989
6	No Time Like the Present	Canon		06/07/1989
7	Day 1	Canon		06/14/1989
8	Gohan Goes Bananas!	Canon		06/21/1989
9	The Strangest Robot	Filler		06/28/1989
10	A New Friend	Filler		07/05/1989
11	Terror on Arlia	Mixed		07/12/1989
12	Global Training	Filler		07/19/1989
13	Goz and Mez	Filler		07/26/1989
14	Princess Snake	Filler		08/02/1989
15	Dueling Piccolos	Filler		08/09/1989
16	Plight of the Children	Filler		08/16/1989
17	Pendulum Room Peril	Mixed		08/30/1989
18	The End of Snake Way	Mixed		09/06/1989
19	Defying Gravity	Canon		09/13/1989
20	Goku’s Ancestors	Mixed		09/20/1989
21	Counting Down	Canon		09/27/1989
22	The Darkest Day	Canon		10/11/1989
23	Saibamen Attack!	Canon		10/18/1989
24	The Power of Nappa	Canon		10/25/1989
25	Sacrifice	Canon		10/31/1989
26	Nappa’s Rampage	Canon		11/08/1989
27	Nimbus Speed	Canon		11/22/1989
28	Goku’s Arrival	Canon		11/29/1989
29	Lesson Number One	Canon		12/06/1989
30	Goku vs. Vegeta	Canon		12/13/1989
31	Saiyan Sized Secret	Canon		12/20/1989
32	Spirit Bomb Away!	Canon		01/17/1990
33	Hero in the Shadows	Canon		01/24/1990
34	Krillin’s Offensive	Canon		01/31/1990
35	Mercy	Canon		02/07/1990
36	Picking Up the Pieces	Canon		02/14/1990
37	Plans for Departure	Canon		02/21/1990
38	Nursing Wounds	Canon		02/28/1990
39	Friends or Foes?	Filler		03/07/1990
40	Held Captive	Filler		03/14/1990
41	Look Out Below	Filler		03/21/1990
42	The Search Continues	Filler		04/04/1990
43	A Friendly Surprise	Filler		04/11/1990
44	Brood of Evil	Mixed		04/18/1990
45	Frieza Strikes!	Canon		04/25/1990
46	Defying Orders	Canon		05/02/1990
47	Namek’s Defense	Canon		05/09/1990
48	The Hunted	Canon		05/16/1990
49	The Prince Fights Back	Canon		05/23/1990
50	Unexpected Problem	Canon		05/30/1990
51	Vegeta has a Ball	Canon		06/06/1990
52	The Past and Future	Canon		06/20/1990
53	Zarbon’s Surprise	Canon		06/27/1990
54	Guru’s Gift	Canon		07/04/1990
55	Piccolo vs. Everyone	Canon		07/18/1990
56	Zarbon’s Mission	Canon		08/01/1990
57	Gohan, the Hunted	Canon		08/08/1990
58	Unknown Enemies	Canon		08/22/1990
59	Destination: Guru	Canon		08/29/1990
60	Bulma’s Big Day	Canon		09/05/1990
61	Hidden Power	Canon		09/12/1990
62	New Ally, New Problem	Canon		09/19/1990
63	Guldo’s Mind Binds	Canon		09/26/1990
64	Recoome Unleashed	Canon		10/24/1990
65	Let the Battle Begin	Canon		10/31/1990
66	Goku’s New Power	Canon		11/07/1990
67	A Legend Revealed	Canon		11/14/1990
68	Ginyu Assault	Canon		11/21/1990
69	Incredible Force!	Canon		11/28/1990
70	Frieza Approaches	Canon		12/05/1990
71	Goku is Ginyu and Ginyu is Goku	Canon		12/12/1990
72	Calling the Eternal Dragon	Canon		12/19/1990
73	Gohan-Defeat Your Dad!	Canon		01/16/1991
74	Captain Ginyu… The Frog	Canon		01/23/1991
75	Password is Porunga	Canon		01/30/1991
76	Piccolo’s Return	Canon		02/06/1991
77	The Fusion	Canon		02/13/1991
78	Fighting Power: One Million??	Canon		02/20/1991
79	Gohan Attacks	Canon		02/27/1991
80	Piccolo the Super-Namek	Canon		03/06/1991
81	Deja vu	Canon		03/13/1991
82	Frieza’s Second Transformation	Canon		03/20/1991
83	Another Transformation?	Canon		03/27/1991
84	Dende’s Demise	Canon		04/03/1991
85	The Renewed Goku	Canon		04/10/1991
86	The End of Vegeta	Canon		04/17/1991
87	The Ultimate Battle	Canon		04/24/1991
88	Clash of the Super Powers	Canon		05/01/1991
89	Frieza’s Boast	Canon		05/08/1991
90	Bold and Fearless	Canon		05/15/1991
91	Embodiment of Fire	Canon		05/22/1991
92	Trump Card	Canon		05/29/1991
93	Keep the Chance Alive	Canon		06/05/1991
94	Power of the Spirit	Canon		06/12/1991
95	Transformed at Last	Canon		06/19/1991
96	Explosion of Anger	Canon		06/26/1991
97	Namek’s Destruction	Canon		07/03/1991
98	A Final Attack	Canon		07/10/1991
99	Approaching Destruction	Canon		07/17/1991
100	Gohan Returns	Filler		07/24/1991
101	The Last Wish	Canon		07/31/1991
102	Duel on a Vanishing Planet	Filler		08/07/1991
103	Pathos of Frieza	Canon		08/14/1991
104	Frieza Defeated!!	Canon		08/21/1991
105	Mighty Blast of Rage	Canon		08/28/1991
106	Namek’s Explosion… Goku’s End?	Canon		09/04/1991
107	Goku’s Alive!!	Canon		09/11/1991
108	The Heavens Tremble	Filler		09/18/1991
109	Black Fog of Terror	Filler		09/25/1991
110	Battle in Kami’s Lookout	Filler		10/02/1991
111	Fight With Piccolo	Filler		10/09/1991
112	Call For Restoration	Filler		10/16/1991
113	Suicidal Course	Filler		10/23/1991
114	Extreme Measures	Filler		10/30/1991
115	The World Awakens	Filler		11/06/1991
116	Brief Chance for Victory	Filler		11/13/1991
117	Krillin’s Proposal	Filler		11/20/1991
118	Frieza’s Counterattack	Canon		11/27/1991
119	The Mysterious Youth	Canon		12/04/1991
120	Another Super Saiyan?	Canon		12/11/1991
121	Welcome Back Goku	Canon		12/18/1991
122	Mystery Revealed	Canon		01/15/1992
123	Goku’s Special Technique	Canon		01/22/1992
124	Z Warriors Prepare	Filler		01/29/1992
125	Goku’s Ordeal	Filler		02/05/1992
126	The Androids Appear	Canon		02/12/1992
127	A Handy Trick	Canon		02/19/1992
128	Double Trouble for Goku	Canon		02/26/1992
129	Upgrade to Super Saiyan	Canon		03/04/1992
130	The Secret of Dr. Gero	Canon		03/11/1992
131	More Androids?!	Canon		03/18/1992
132	Follow Dr. Gero	Canon		03/25/1992
133	Nightmare Comes True	Canon		04/01/1992
134	Goku’s Assassin	Canon		04/08/1992
135	Deadly Beauty	Canon		04/15/1992
136	No Match for the Androids	Canon		04/22/1992
137	Last Ditch Effort	Canon		04/29/1992
138	Closing In	Canon		05/06/1992
139	Unwelcome Discovery	Canon		05/13/1992
140	Seized with Fear	Canon		05/20/1992
141	The Reunion	Canon		05/27/1992
142	Borrowed Powers	Canon		06/03/1992
143	His Name is Cell	Canon		06/10/1992
144	Piccolo’s Folly	Canon		06/17/1992
145	Laboratory Basement	Canon		06/24/1992
146	Our Hero Awakes	Canon		07/01/1992
147	Time Chamber	Canon		07/08/1992
148	The Monster Is Coming	Canon		07/15/1992
149	He’s Here	Canon		07/22/1992
150	Up to Piccolo	Canon		07/29/1992
151	Silent Warrior	Canon		08/05/1992
152	Say Goodbye, 17	Canon		08/12/1992
153	Sacrifice (Perfect Cell Saga)	Canon		08/19/1992
154	Saiyans Emerge	Canon		08/26/1992
155	Super Vegeta	Canon		09/02/1992
156	Bow to the Prince	Canon		09/09/1992
157	Hour of Temptation	Canon		09/16/1992
158	Krillin’s Decision.	Canon		09/23/1992
159	The Last Defense	Canon		09/30/1992
160	Cell is Complete	Canon		10/14/1992
161	Vegeta Must Pay	Canon		10/21/1992
162	Trunks Ascends	Canon		10/28/1992
163	Saving Throw	Canon		11/04/1992
164	Ghosts from Tomorrow	Canon		11/11/1992
165	The Cell Games	Canon		11/18/1992
166	What is the Tournament?	Canon		11/25/1992
167	The Doomsday Broadcast	Canon		12/02/1992
168	Meet Me in the Ring	Canon		12/09/1992
169	No Worries Here	Canon		12/16/1992
170	A Girl Named Lime	Filler		01/13/1993
171	Memories of Gohan	Filler		01/20/1993
172	A New Guardian	Canon		01/27/1993
173	Dende’s Dragon	Canon		02/03/1993
174	The Puzzle of General Tao	Filler		02/10/1993
175	The Games Begin	Canon		02/17/1993
176	Losers Fight First	Canon		03/03/1993
177	Goku vs. Cell	Canon		03/10/1993
178	Cell’s Bag of Tricks	Canon		03/17/1993
179	No More Rules	Canon		03/31/1993
180	The Fight is Over	Canon		04/07/1993
181	Faith in a Boy	Canon		04/14/1993
182	Gohan’s Plea	Canon		04/21/1993
183	Android Explosion	Canon		04/28/1993
184	Cell Juniors Attack!	Canon		05/05/1993
185	Awakening	Canon		05/12/1993
186	The Unstoppable Gohan	Canon		05/19/1993
187	Cell’s Break Down	Canon		05/26/1993
188	A Hero’s Farewell	Canon		06/02/1993
189	Cell Returns!	Canon		06/16/1993
190	The Horror Won’t End	Canon		06/23/1993
191	Save the World	Canon		06/30/1993
192	Goku’s Decision	Canon		07/07/1993
193	One More Wish	Canon		07/14/1993
194	Free the Future	Canon		07/21/1993
195	Warriors of the Dead	Filler		07/28/1993
196	Tournament Begins	Filler		08/11/1993
197	Water Fight	Filler		08/18/1993
198	Final Round	Filler		08/25/1993
199	Goku vs. Pikkon	Filler		09/01/1993
200	Gohan Goes to High School	Canon		09/08/1993
201	I am Saiyaman!	Canon		09/15/1993
202	Gohan’s First Date	Filler		09/29/1993
203	Rescue Videl	Filler		10/20/1993
204	Blackmail	Mixed		10/27/1993
205	I’ll Fight Too!	Canon		11/03/1993
206	The Newest Super Saiyan	Canon		11/10/1993
207	Take Flight, Videl	Canon		11/17/1993
208	Gather for the Tournament	Canon		11/24/1993
209	Camera Shy	Canon		12/08/1993
210	The World Tournament	Canon		12/15/1993
211	Trunks vs. Goten	Canon		12/22/1993
212	Best of the Boys	Canon		01/12/1994
213	Big Trouble, Little Trunks	Canon		01/19/1994
214	Who Will Fight Who?	Canon		01/26/1994
215	Forfeit of Piccolo	Canon		02/02/1994
216	A Dark and Secret Power	Canon		02/09/1994
217	Videl Is Crushed	Canon		02/16/1994
218	Identities Revealed	Canon		02/23/1994
219	Energy Drain	Canon		03/02/1994
220	The Wizard’s Curse	Canon		03/09/1994
221	King of the Demons	Canon		03/16/1994
222	Vegeta Attacks	Canon		03/23/1994
223	Next Up, Goku	Canon		04/13/1994
224	Battle Supreme	Canon		04/20/1994
225	Eighteen Unmasks	Canon		04/27/1994
226	Pay to Win	Canon		05/04/1994
227	Heart of a Villain	Canon		05/18/1994
228	The Dark Prince Returns	Canon		05/25/1994
229	Vegeta’s Pride	Mixed		06/15/1994
230	The Long Awaited Fight	Canon		06/22/1994
231	Magic Ball of Buu	Canon		06/29/1994
232	Buu is Hatched	Canon		07/06/1994
233	The Losses Begin	Canon		07/13/1994
234	The Terror of Mr. Buu	Canon		07/27/1994
235	Meal Time	Canon		08/03/1994
236	The Warrior’s Decision	Canon		08/17/1994
237	Final Atonement	Canon		08/24/1994
238	Evil Lives On	Canon		08/31/1994
239	Find the Dragon Balls	Canon		09/07/1994
240	Revival	Canon		09/21/1994
241	Global Announcement	Canon		09/28/1994
242	Learn to Fuse!	Canon		10/12/1994
243	The Z Sword	Canon		10/19/1994
244	Race to Capsule Corp.	Canon		11/02/1994
245	Super Saiyan 3?!	Canon		11/09/1994
246	Buu’s Mutiny	Canon		11/16/1994
247	The Fusion Dance	Canon		11/23/1994
248	Goku’s Time is Up	Canon		11/30/1994
249	Return to Other World	Canon		12/07/1994
250	Out from the Broken Sword	Canon		12/14/1994
251	Gotenks Is Born	Mixed		12/21/1994
252	Unlikely Friendship	Canon		01/11/1995
253	I Kill No More	Canon		01/25/1995
254	The Evil of Men	Canon		02/01/1995
255	Buu Against Buu	Canon		02/08/1995
256	Empty Planet	Canon		02/15/1995
257	Time Struggle	Canon		02/22/1995
258	Super Moves of Gotenks	Canon		03/01/1995
259	Trapped In Forever	Canon		03/08/1995
260	Feeding Frenzy	Canon		03/15/1995
261	Gotenks Is Awesome!	Canon		03/22/1995
262	Unlucky Break	Canon		04/26/1995
263	A Whole New Gohan	Canon		05/03/1995
264	Search for Survivors	Canon		05/17/1995
265	Majin-Buu Transforms	Canon		05/24/1995
266	The Old Kai’s Weapon	Canon		05/31/1995
267	Ready to Fuse?	Canon		06/07/1995
268	Union of Rivals	Canon		06/28/1995
269	Meet Vegito	Canon		07/05/1995
270	Rip in the Universe	Canon		07/12/1995
271	Vegito… Downsized	Canon		07/19/1995
272	The Incredible Fighting Candy	Canon		07/26/1995
273	The Innards of Buu	Canon		08/02/1995
274	Mind Trap	Filler		08/09/1995
275	Deadly Vision	Canon		08/16/1995
276	Evil Kid Buu!	Canon		08/23/1995
277	End of Earth	Canon		09/06/1995
278	True Saiyans Fight Alone	Canon		09/13/1995
279	Battle for the Universe Begins	Canon		09/20/1995
280	Vegeta’s Respect	Canon		10/18/1995
281	Minute of Desperation	Canon		11/01/1995
282	Old Buu Emerges	Canon		11/08/1995
283	Earth Reborn	Canon		11/15/1995
284	Call to Action	Canon		11/22/1995
285	People of Earth Unite	Canon		11/29/1995
286	Spirit Bomb Triumphant	Canon		12/13/1995
287	Celebrations with Majin Buu	Mixed		12/20/1995
288	He’s Always Late	Filler		01/10/1996
289	Granddaughter Pan	Canon		01/17/1996
290	Buu’s Reincarnation	Canon		01/24/1996
291	Goku’s Next Journey	Canon		01/31/1996

3. Which Dragon Ball Z fillers to skip?

Remember, the whole point of fillers is that they’re not vital to the main storyline. They’re the side quests of the anime world – fun diversions, but not strictly necessary to understand the plot. So, the question arises – is it okay to skip Dragon Ball Z fillers?

If you’re all about Goku’s epic battles, Vegeta’s pride, Gohan’s growth, and the thrilling storyline that takes place in DBZ, then by all means, feel free to skip these episodes.

Ideally, you can skip many of the fillers in Dragon Ball Z as they’re neither important to the storyline nor as fun and engaging as the original Dragon Ball anime fillers. Here’s a list of fillers you can skip without thinking twice:

• The Strangest Robot (Episode 9)
• A New Friend (Episode 10)
• Global Training (Episode 12)
• Goz And Mez (Episode 13)
• Princess Snake (Episode 14)
• Plight Of The Children (Episode 16)
• Pendulum Room Peril (Episode 17)
• Friends Or Foes? (Episode 39)
• Bulma’s Big Day (Episode 60)
• Krillin’s Proposal (Episode 117)
• Goku’s Ordeal (Episode 125)
• Memories Of Gohan (Episode 171)
• Gohan’s First Date (Episode 202)
• The Puzzle Of Tao (Episode 174)
• Blackmail (Episode 204)
• The Evil Of Men (Episode 254)
• He’s Always Late (Episode 288)

4. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are Dragon Ball Z fillers worth watching?

Well, “worth” is a highly subjective term, but I do have an opinion on this matter.

Technically speaking, it’s worth giving the DBZ fillers a chance. They offer additional depth to characters and often present entertaining side stories that break from the intense pace of the main arc. So, if you’re not strictly time-bound, these fillers are worth a watch!

Moreover, some of these filler episodes have become fan favorites. Who could forget Goku and Piccolo’s hilarious attempts at getting their driver’s licenses? Or the otherworldly tournament that pits Goku and Pikkon against warriors from other quadrants of the universe? While not contributing directly to the main story, these episodes add memorable moments to the series that have charmed fans for years.

However, if you prefer sticking strictly to the main storyline, want to save time, or simply find the shift in pace or tone during these fillers jarring, skipping them might be a better option.

Can I skip DBZ and watch DBS?

Ah, the classic “skip ahead” dilemma!

While you can jump into Dragon Ball Super without watching DBZ, it’s highly recommended not to do that. Dragon Ball Z is the most crucial piece of the Dragon Ball saga, laying the foundation for many characters, relationships, and plot points extensively referred to in DBS.

Watching DBS without watching DBZ is akin to starting a book from the middle – you can still understand what’s happening, but you miss out on the depth and context that makes the story truly resonate.

Additionally, DBZ is cherished for its epic sagas and iconic battles that have shaped the face of shounen anime. Skipping it robs you of those incredible moments and leaves you inadequately prepared for the sequel, Dragon Ball Super.

5. Conclusion

As always, the Dragon Ball franchise has done its best to keep the filler percentage small. And the ones that exist are mostly fun to watch, especially the Other World Saga before Majin Buu Saga.

At best, the filler episodes are superfluous, but fans and viewers should consider the other aspects of releasing such fillers. These episodes are an inevitable part of watching an anime.

With only 39 total filler episodes, Dragon Ball Z completely adheres to the original work of Toriyama and has given us a franchise that this world is thankful for.

To watch filler is a personal preference, and it is entirely up to you whether you want to fully skip the episodes or simply sit back and enjoy the entire show.

6. About Dragon Ball Z

Dragon Ball Z is the sequel series to the original Dragon Ball anime and manga by Akira Toriyama. It focuses on Goku’s adventures as an adult.

Goku faces Vegeta, Frieza, and other stronger adversaries like Cell and Majin Boo in this series to protect the Earth from the destruction caused by them.

Dragon Ball Z was initially an anime and was later adapted into a manga due to its growing popularity.