Between 1989 and 1995, Toei Animation released 13 theatrical films during the original Dragon Ball Z run. These movies are generally considered , as they often feature timeline contradictions—such as Goku and Piccolo working together while Goku should be dead, or Gohan appearing at a power level that doesn't match the current TV arc. Notable films from this era include:

Famous for the debut of Gogeta , the fusion of Goku and Vegeta, who battles the reality-warping demon Janemba in a visually stunning rendition of Hell. The Modern Era: Transition to Canon

The first Z movie, featuring the immortal villain Garlic Jr., who was popular enough to receive his own filler arc in the TV series.

Perhaps the most famous non-canon entry, introducing a Saiyan of such overwhelming power that he required three separate movies and an eventual canon reimagining.