There are currently 21 officially released Dragon Ball movies, encompassing the original Dragon Ball, Dragon Ball Z, and Dragon Ball Super series, each offering unique standalone stories or alternative takes on existing arcs. This extensive filmography provides fans with diverse experiences beyond the core anime series.
A Deep Dive into the Dragon Ball Movie Universe
From the initial adventures of a young Goku to the god-like power struggles of the Super era, the Dragon Ball franchise has consistently captivated audiences worldwide. One significant element of this enduring appeal is the theatrical movie releases. Understanding the chronology and significance of these films is crucial for any dedicated Dragon Ball enthusiast.
Counting the Dragon Ball Movies: A Breakdown
The 21 movies are categorized by the series they belong to. This helps clarify which movies align with specific eras of the Dragon Ball storyline.
Dragon Ball Movies:
- Dragon Ball: Curse of the Blood Rubies (1986)
- Dragon Ball: Sleeping Princess in Devil’s Castle (1987)
- Dragon Ball: Mystical Adventure (1988)
- Dragon Ball: The Path to Power (1996)
These initial movies retell or offer alternative stories within the original Dragon Ball anime, focusing on Goku’s early adventures and encounters. The Path to Power offers a modern retelling of the first story arc, released on the 10th Anniversary of the series.
Dragon Ball Z Movies:
- Dragon Ball Z: Dead Zone (1989)
- Dragon Ball Z: The World’s Strongest (1990)
- Dragon Ball Z: The Tree of Might (1990)
- Dragon Ball Z: Lord Slug (1991)
- Dragon Ball Z: Cooler’s Revenge (1991)
- Dragon Ball Z: Return of Cooler (1992)
- Dragon Ball Z: Super Android 13! (1992)
- Dragon Ball Z: Broly – The Legendary Super Saiyan (1993)
- Dragon Ball Z: Bojack Unbound (1993)
- Dragon Ball Z: Broly – Second Coming (1994)
- Dragon Ball Z: Bio-Broly (1994)
- Dragon Ball Z: Fusion Reborn (1995)
- Dragon Ball Z: Wrath of the Dragon (1995)
The Dragon Ball Z movies are generally considered non-canonical, presenting unique villains and storylines that don’t directly impact the main anime narrative. However, some characters, like Broly, have been re-introduced into the official canon in later Dragon Ball Super works.
Dragon Ball Super Movies:
- Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods (2013) (Later adapted as part of the Dragon Ball Super TV series)
- Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection ‘F’ (2015) (Later adapted as part of the Dragon Ball Super TV series)
- Dragon Ball Super: Broly (2018)
- Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero (2022)
These movies are officially considered part of the Dragon Ball Super canon, directly impacting the overarching storyline. Battle of Gods and Resurrection ‘F’ were later adapted into story arcs within the Dragon Ball Super anime series, essentially re-telling the movie events with expanded content.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Dragon Ball Movies
This section addresses some of the most common questions surrounding the Dragon Ball movie franchise, providing clear and concise answers for both seasoned fans and newcomers.
FAQ 1: Are all Dragon Ball movies canon?
No, not all Dragon Ball movies are considered canon. The Dragon Ball and Dragon Ball Z movies are, for the most part, self-contained stories that don’t directly affect the main timeline of the anime. The Dragon Ball Super movies, starting with Battle of Gods, are considered canon.
FAQ 2: Which Dragon Ball movie introduced Super Saiyan God?
The Super Saiyan God form was first introduced in the Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods movie. This marked a significant power upgrade for Goku and the beginning of the god-level transformations within the Dragon Ball Super narrative.
FAQ 3: Where do the Dragon Ball Z movies fit into the timeline?
The Dragon Ball Z movies generally take place within the time gaps between major sagas or after the defeat of Cell, but before the Buu Saga. However, they often contradict established canon, such as character power levels and plot inconsistencies, solidifying their non-canonical status. Many fans enjoy them as “what if” scenarios.
FAQ 4: Is the Dragon Ball Super: Broly movie a remake of the older Broly movies?
Yes, Dragon Ball Super: Broly is a reimagining and reintroduction of the character Broly into the official Dragon Ball canon. It significantly alters his backstory, motivations, and power level, making him a distinct character from the Broly depicted in the Dragon Ball Z movies.
FAQ 5: Are Battle of Gods and Resurrection ‘F’ worth watching if I’ve seen the Dragon Ball Super anime?
While the anime adaptations of Battle of Gods and Resurrection ‘F’ cover the same storylines, they often include additional scenes and character development. Some fans prefer the pacing and animation style of the movies, while others appreciate the expanded content in the anime. It’s ultimately a matter of personal preference.
FAQ 6: Which Dragon Ball movie is considered the best by fans?
There’s no definitive “best” Dragon Ball movie, as preferences vary. However, Dragon Ball Super: Broly and Dragon Ball Z: Fusion Reborn are often cited as fan favorites due to their high-quality animation, engaging storylines, and memorable character interactions.
FAQ 7: Are the Dragon Ball movies available on streaming services?
The availability of Dragon Ball movies on streaming services varies by region. Many are available on platforms like Crunchyroll, Hulu, and Funimation Now, depending on licensing agreements. It’s best to check your local streaming services for specific availability.
FAQ 8: Will there be more Dragon Ball movies in the future?
Yes, it is highly likely that there will be more Dragon Ball movies. Given the franchise’s continued popularity, Toei Animation is expected to continue producing theatrical releases. Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero indicates the franchise’s ongoing commitment to the big screen.
FAQ 9: What order should I watch the Dragon Ball movies in?
For the Dragon Ball and Dragon Ball Z movies, you can watch them in the order they were released. For the Dragon Ball Super movies, watch Battle of Gods first, then Resurrection ‘F’, Dragon Ball Super: Broly, and finally Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero, to maintain chronological consistency with the Super anime series.
FAQ 10: Why are some Dragon Ball Z movies considered non-canon?
The Dragon Ball Z movies are considered non-canon because they often introduce contradictions to the established timeline, character power levels, and relationships within the main Dragon Ball story. For example, characters may be able to achieve transformations that haven’t been achieved yet in the main storyline, or villains are too powerful for the current state of the heroes.
FAQ 11: Does the Dragon Ball GT series have any movies?
No, Dragon Ball GT does not have any theatrical movies associated with it. While Dragon Ball GT is a separate series from the main Dragon Ball canon, it only consists of a TV series and a TV special titled Dragon Ball GT: A Hero’s Legacy.
FAQ 12: What is the production company behind the Dragon Ball movies?
The primary production company behind the Dragon Ball movies is Toei Animation. They are responsible for animating and producing the majority of the Dragon Ball franchise, including the TV series and the theatrical releases.
Conclusion: Embracing the Dragon Ball Movie Legacy
The extensive Dragon Ball movie collection offers a treasure trove of content for fans to enjoy. From the nostalgic charm of the original Dragon Ball movies to the modern spectacle of Dragon Ball Super, these films provide diverse perspectives on the beloved franchise. Whether you’re seeking standalone adventures or canonical expansions, the Dragon Ball movies offer something for every fan.