Fat Buu destroys Earth. Review: Buu is chaotic and fun. Pacing issues: episodes 243–248 (Buu chases Babidi) drag. Filler: Episodes 245–246 (Buu turns people into chocolate) — repetitive.
Hunt for Dragon Balls, Vegeta vs. Zarbon, Ginyu Force arrives. Review: Excellent tension. Ginyu Force episodes (60–66) are fan favorites. Filler: Episode 64 (Recoome and Goku’s fight extended) — good but padded. list of dragon ball z episodes
Must-watch: 118–124, 126–130, 140–145, 166, 184–194. Skip 125 (unless you want comedy), 170–174. Watch 155–158 if you like extended fights. 5. Great Saiyaman & World Tournament (Episodes 195–219) Review: Slice-of-life and comedy. Gohan in high school, Great Saiyaman persona. Tone shift after Cell. Some fans dislike it, but it’s important for Gohan’s character. Filler: Episode 196 (Gohan fights criminals) — fun. Episodes 202–204 (Videl learns flying) — good. Verdict: Not essential but charming. Watch 195–199, 210–219 (tournament starts). Skip if you only want fighting. 6. Majin Buu Arc (Episodes 220–291) Episodes 220–236: Babidi, Majin Vegeta vs. Goku. Review: Dark, psychological. Vegeta’s sacrifice (episode 236) is one of the best moments in anime. Filler: Episode 224 (Goten and Trunks fight) — fine. Fat Buu destroys Earth
Battle with Vegeta & Nappa. Review: Epic but very stretched. Goku’s arrival is delayed across multiple episodes. Episodes 28–30 (Goku vs. Vegeta) are highlights, but the beam struggle takes nearly 2 episodes. Filler: Episodes 9, 12–14, 17, 31 (fake Namek) — skip unless you love slice-of-life. Filler: Episodes 245–246 (Buu turns people into chocolate)
Training for Vegeta & Nappa. Review: Classic training sequences. However, episodes 12–14 (Gohan in the wilderness) feel slow. Episode 17 (Launch appears) is pure filler.