Overview of Dragon Ball’s Endearing Filler Episodes
- Despite being non-essential to the story, Dragon Ball’s filler episodes have captured fans’ hearts with their bizarre yet charming narratives.
- The Fake Namek arc is notably memorable, featuring absurd doppelgangers and unexpected transformations during a fierce showdown.
- A beloved filler in Dragon Ball Super involves a baseball game, showcasing humorous moments and exaggerated character transformations.
Dragon Ball is renowned for its captivating narrative and iconic moments that continue to resonate with viewers. This beloved shonen series is filled with unforgettable characters, formidable villains, and exhilarating fights, keeping fans eagerly anticipating every twist and turn.
The remarkable popularity of Dragon Ball’s filler episodes speaks volumes about the affection fans harbor for Goku and his companions. Odd as they may be, many of these episodes are affectionately remembered, even if they don’t contribute to the overarching storyline.
8 Princess Snake
Goku’s Encounter With Princess Snake
- Episode Number: 8 (Dragon Ball Z)
- Original Air Date: August 2, 1989
During his lengthy journey across Snake Way, Goku encounters a multitude of quirky characters, including the intriguing Princess Snake. This enchanting figure becomes enamored with Goku, showering him with food and proposing marriage.
However, Goku, committed to Chi-Chi, declines her advances, which incites Princess Snake’s wrath. In a fit of rage, she transforms into a gigantic snake, attempting to capture the Saiyan. Displaying characteristic kindness, Goku chooses not to unleash a Kamehameha but instead cleverly ties her up with a knot before departing.
7 Vegeta Disappears?! Menace Of The Duplicate Vegeta!
The Unexpected Copy Vegeta
- Episode Number: 45 (Dragon Ball Super)
- Original Air Date: May 29, 2016
The episode featuring Copy Vegeta stands out as one of the quirkiest fillers in the Dragon Ball franchise, providing a memorable moment for fans of the Ocean dub, as voice actor Brian Drummond faced off against Christopher Sabat, the official voice of Vegeta.
Although the storyline lacks significant consequences, the lighthearted confrontation between Copy Vegeta and Goku is entertaining. Following the battle, the original Vegeta quickly regains his ability, and the Z Warriors move on to new adventures shortly thereafter.
6 Gohan’s Plight! The Preposterous Great Saiyaman Film Adaptation?!
The Return of the Great Saiyaman
- Episode Number: 73 (Dragon Ball Super)
- Original Air Date: January 8, 2017
In a nostalgic tribute to Dragon Ball Z’s Great Saiyaman saga, this two-part filler arc sees Gohan discovering that his superhero persona is being adapted into a film. Tensions arise when a movie star feels slighted after Gohan’s girlfriend, Videl, rejects him in front of everyone.
The movie star attempts to embarrass Gohan by casting him as a stunt double, but Gohan performs the stunts effortlessly, much to the star’s chagrin. With the arrival of new challenges, including Jaco and a captive alien, this bizarre film shoot becomes an unforgettable moment for fans, even as the narrative returns to its usual pace.
5 Who’s Who?!
The Heroes Discover they’re on Fake Namek
- Episode Number: 31 (Dragon Ball Z)
- Original Air Date: September 27, 1997
The Fake Namek arc is a favorite among fans, capturing attention with its inventive narrative, even if it progresses slowly. Following Bulma, Krillin, and Gohan, the trio mistakenly lands on a planet they believe is Namek, encountering two Namekians who lead them astray.
This episode takes an unexpected turn as the adventurers search for fake Dragon Balls while the two imposters attempt to distract them and steal their spaceship. Upon the discovery of their ruse, the doppelgangers reveal their grotesque forms, initiating a brief but memorable battle.
4 Eyes And Mez
A Comedic Icon: Home for Infinite Losers
- Episode Number: 7 (Dragon Ball Z)
- Original Air Date: July 26, 1989
Even mundane topics like censorship have a prominent presence in Dragon Ball Z, highlighting the show’s unique charm. In this episode, Goku accidentally falls into HFIL (Home for Infinite Losers) during his journey across Snake Way, cleverly circumventing the show’s attempt to address “Hell” in a family-friendly manner.
The narrative revolves around Goku’s escape from this quirky underworld while cleverly outsmarting Goz and Mez, delivering a blend of humor and nostalgia.
3 Gohan’s First Date
The Awkwardness of Gohan’s First Date
- Episode Number: 202 (Dragon Ball Z)
- Original Air Date: September 29, 1993
In this comical filler episode, Gohan’s efforts to maintain his secret identity as the Great Saiyaman lead to misunderstandings that land him on an awkward date. After a girl claims she knows his secret, Gohan finds himself compelled to socialize, but his superhero duties distract him.
The date spirals into chaos as Gohan prioritizes saving others over romantic gestures, causing his date to become infuriated, threatening to expose his hidden life. Ultimately, the real “secret”she uncovers is Gohan’s choice of childish teddy bear underwear, leading to an ironic and hilarious conclusion.
2 A Challenge From Champa! This Time, A Baseball Game!
A Thrilling Baseball Showdown between Universes 6 and 7
- Episode Number: 70 (Dragon Ball Super)
- Original Air Date: December 11, 2016
For many fans, this episode stands out as the pinnacle of Dragon Ball Super filler. The unique concept of a baseball game pits Team Universe 7 against Universe 6 in a lively match filled with comedy and action. The absurdity intensifies as characters perform dramatic transformations for dramatic home runs.
Notably, Yamcha’s triumphant return as a baseball hero plays out comically, echoing his iconic pose from past battles, adding a delightful layer of nostalgia and humor for longtime fans.
1 Goku Vs. Arale! An Off-The-Wall Battle Spells The End Of The Earth?
The Surprising Encounter with Arale
- Episode Number: 69 (Dragon Ball Super)
- Original Air Date: December 4, 2016
Arale, a character created by Akira Toriyama, appears in Dragon Ball Super as a fourth-wall-breaking gag character. Her immense strength and resilience are hilariously juxtaposed against the serious tone of the series, leading to extraordinary situations where even powerful characters like Vegeta are effortlessly overmatched.
This whimsical battle culminates in absurd scenarios, revealing that Goku struggles against Arale’s comically boundless power, reinforcing the episode’s charm and uniqueness within the franchise.
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