9 Best ‘Dragon Ball’ Filler Episodes

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Dragon Ball episodes generally fall into two categories: action-packed battles and lighter, character-focused stories. When the show wasn’t stretching out a fight to its absolute limit, it would offer enjoyable side stories. While some fans dismiss these filler episodes, they often provided a welcome change of pace from the seemingly endless battles.

While the major story arcs in Dragon Ball are memorable, the standalone episodes stand out for being fun and self-contained. It’s difficult to choose a single favorite from the epic battles with Frieza or Cell, but it’s easy to recall the enjoyable episodes that didn’t rely on long, drawn-out storylines. These episodes showed that excitement doesn’t require a multi-episode arc.

“Goz and Mez”

‘Dragon Ball Z’ Episode 13


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You could also describe the story as “Goku’s trip to hell” because that’s exactly what happens. After falling from the spirit path after death, Goku ends up stuck in the demon realm. To escape, he has to defeat two demons named Goz and Mez, who surprisingly look more like fitness trainers than scary monsters.

This episode of Goz and Mez is really funny, especially because the demons they face are so easily tricked. While they do give Goku a bit of a challenge, the way he cleverly defeats them is what makes this side adventure so enjoyable. There’s also a funny twist to how Goku gets out of hell, though it doesn’t actually get him any closer to his goal.

“The Puzzle of General Tao”

‘Dragon Ball Z’ Episode 174


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It’s always fun to see characters from the original Dragon Ball reappear in Dragon Ball Z. In the arc “The Puzzle of General Tao,” the formidable General Tao returns with a cyborg upgrade. He’s now a mercenary, assisting criminals in their search for the Dragon Balls. Goku must overcome Tao’s challenges to obtain these powerful, wish-granting spheres.

“The Puzzle of General Tao” stood out as an unusual Dragon Ball Z episode, focusing on Goku’s intelligence rather than his strength. Tao realizes he can’t win in a direct fight after Goku transforms into a Super Saiyan, so he tries to use strategy instead. But Goku demonstrates he’s more than just powerful, proving to be surprisingly clever in this episode, which offers a refreshing change of pace before the intense Cell Games saga.

“A Challenge From Champa! This Time, a Baseball Game!”

‘Dragon Ball Super’ Episode 70


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I never thought I’d see baseball in Dragon Ball Super, but that’s exactly what happened in the episode with Champa! It all started because Champa was craving Earth’s food, and he managed to convince Beerus to let him come visit. But, as always with Dragon Ball, things quickly got complicated, and what started as a friendly game turned out to be surprisingly intense!

While mostly just a baseball game with characters from different universes, this episode is a welcome break from the typical, high-stakes battles. The most satisfying part is seeing Yamcha actually win—after all his past losses, he really deserved a moment like this.

“Goku vs. Pikkon”

‘Dragon Ball Z’ Episode 199


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Even after dying, Goku continues to seek out battles, as seen in the Dragon Ball Z episode “Goku vs. Pikkon.” After his death following the fight with Cell, he competes in a martial arts tournament in the afterlife, where he faces a strong opponent named Pikkon, who proves to be a real challenge.

This episode offers a refreshing change of pace from the usual world-threatening conflicts, feeling more like a classic Dragon Ball story. Instead of fighting for the fate of a planet, the rivals are simply competing in a tournament. The fight itself was exciting, and the ending was surprisingly heartwarming – both fighters acknowledged each other’s strengths and weaknesses.

“Krillin’s Proposal”

‘Dragon Ball Z’ Episode 117


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Krillin has faced a lot of hardship in Dragon Ball Z and deserves some happiness. Sadly, in the episode “Krillin’s Proposal,” he experiences heartbreak. After helping to defeat Garlic Junior, Krillin attempts to win over his girlfriend, Maron, with gifts and a nice outing, but it doesn’t go as planned, and they end up breaking up.

From the beginning of the Garlic Junior saga, it was clear Maron and Krillin weren’t a good fit. She seemed too distant, demanding, and wasn’t looking for a serious relationship. Despite this, the episode where Krillin tries to propose is surprisingly funny as he awkwardly attempts to win her over. Luckily for Krillin, he eventually finds happiness with Android 18.

“Such Sweet Temptation! The Snake Princess-sama’s Hospitality”

‘Dragon Ball Z’ Episode 14


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In the Dragon Ball episode “Such Sweet Temptation! The Snake Princess-sama’s Hospitality,” Goku remains focused on finishing his journey along Snake Way. While the alluring Snake Princess tries to distract him with delicious food and dancing, her charms have no effect on the pure-hearted and determined Goku. Frustrated, the princess eventually reveals her true, monstrous form – a giant, fire-breathing snake.

You know, as a huge Dragon Ball Z fan, I always get a kick out of this episode. It’s funny how absolutely rock-solid Goku is when faced with temptation! Seriously, even with the Snake Princess throwing everything she has at him, he doesn’t even flinch when it comes to his loyalty to Chi-Chi and Gohan. It’s not just that he avoids her trap, but he actually ties up this massive snake in a knot before heading back to what he was doing! It’s classic Goku, and always makes me smile.

“Celebrations With Majin Buu”

‘Dragon Ball Z’ Episode 287


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After Kid Buu is defeated, everyone in “Celebrations With Majin Buu,” the last episode of that story arc in Dragon Ball Z, tries to return to their normal lives. The gentler version of Majin Buu is still around, and the heroes aren’t sure if he’s truly changed. Luckily, Mr. Satan has been spending a lot of time with him and believes the pink creature has become a good person.

After nearly destroying the planet with his offspring, it’s a welcome change to see the villain Majin Buu acting kindly. He’s much more appealing when he stops turning everyone into candy! This change also gives Mr. Satan a chance to truly be a hero, rather than just someone who gets all the credit. And the episode finishes with a wildly over-the-top moment where even Vegeta acknowledges he’s in a TV show by breaking the fourth wall.

“Gohan’s First Date”

‘Dragon Ball Z’ Episode 202


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Between the stories of fighting Cell and Majin Buu, Gohan grew into a teenager. While many episodes featuring him were funny, “Gohan’s First Date” is particularly memorable for its humor. Gohan goes on a date, worried his classmate might discover his secret identity as a superhero. The date is interrupted by a fire, forcing Gohan to transform into the Great Saiyaman and rescue everyone.

The “Gohan’s First Date” episode, part of the Great Saiyaman arc in Dragon Ball Z, is a particularly fun and engaging look at Gohan’s struggles to balance being a superhero with his personal life. It’s full of tension as Gohan tries to rescue people, impress a girl who’s trying to expose him, and keep his secret identity hidden. This episode really makes Gohan a more compelling character due to all the things happening at once.

“Goku’s Ordeal”

‘Dragon Ball Z’ Episode 125


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In a surprisingly hilarious turn of events, Goku and Piccolo face their toughest challenge yet: learning to drive! This Dragon Ball Z episode genuinely revolves around the pair attempting to get their driver’s licenses. Despite being awful drivers, they manage to become unlikely heroes when they help after a bus crashes on a cliffside.

The humor in the “Goku’s Ordeal” episode comes from how shockingly bad Goku and Piccolo are at driving, something most people find easy. Despite trying their best, they’re just too reckless for the road – their attempt to get help doesn’t even qualify them for a license! Seeing these powerful heroes struggle with basic driving rules is just as funny as their awkward attempt to dress like normal people in the 90s. You haven’t fully experienced Dragon Ball Z until you’ve seen Piccolo sporting a backwards cap and a “Postboy” t-shirt.

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2025-12-09 00:36