Kai removes almost all filler — use its list if you prefer streamlined viewing.
Goku's childhood adventures and the original search for the Dragon Balls. 1989–1996 list of dragon ball episodes
While the list organizes episodes well, it does not inherently flag "filler" (anime-original content not in the manga). A new viewer using this list to plan a watch-through might struggle to distinguish between essential plot episodes and comedic side-stories (like the episodes involving Android 8 or the Rabbit Mob), which can lead to viewer fatigue. Kai removes almost all filler — use its
If you are coming from Dragon Ball Z or Dragon Ball Super , the episode list for the original Dragon Ball can feel daunting. The list highlights a major issue with the series: pacing. Seeing the "Tournament" sagas stretched over dozens of episodes on the list reminds the reader that the original show had a very slow burn compared to modern standards. A new viewer using this list to plan
Here is a breakdown of the list's strengths and weaknesses as a resource.
The list often blends into Dragon Ball Z in the minds of viewers. While the list clearly ends at Episode 153, the transition to Z is purely a marketing distinction (as the manga is one continuous story). The list creates an artificial "wall" between DB and Z that can be confusing for those trying to watch the franchise in chronological order.