There are 21 Dragon Ball movies released as of October 2024, spanning the original Dragon Ball, Dragon Ball Z, and Dragon Ball Super timelines. From the early adventures of Goku to the cosmic battles against gods of destruction, this complete list provides a comprehensive overview of every theatrical release featuring the Saiyan saga.
A Journey Through Time and Timelines: Exploring the Dragon Ball Cinematic Universe
The Dragon Ball franchise, born from the creative mind of Akira Toriyama, has captivated audiences worldwide for decades. While the anime series are undoubtedly the heart of the story, the movies offer exciting, often standalone, adventures that delve into unexplored narratives and introduce powerful new characters. But navigating the complexities of timelines and alternate stories can be confusing. Let’s break down the official count and explore the cinematic world of Dragon Ball.
The Complete List: 21 Dragon Ball Movies
Here’s a complete list of all 21 Dragon Ball movies, categorized by their respective anime series:
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Dragon Ball (Original Series):
- Dragon Ball: Curse of the Blood Rubies (1986)
- Dragon Ball: Sleeping Princess in Devil’s Castle (1987)
- Dragon Ball: Mystical Adventure (1988)
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Dragon Ball Z:
- 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)
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Dragon Ball Super:
- Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods (2013) – Officially considered part of Dragon Ball Super continuity after being retold in the series.
- Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection ‘F’ (2015) – Officially considered part of Dragon Ball Super continuity after being retold in the series.
- Dragon Ball Super: Broly (2018)
- Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero (2022)
- Dragon Ball DAIMA: The Movie (TBA) – Announced and expected to be released following the Dragon Ball DAIMA series.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
This section provides answers to some of the most common questions surrounding Dragon Ball movies, offering clarity and insight into the franchise’s cinematic history.
H3: Are all Dragon Ball movies considered canon?
Not all Dragon Ball movies are considered canon, meaning officially part of the primary Dragon Ball storyline. Many of the Dragon Ball Z movies exist in their own separate timelines or alternative universes. Battle of Gods and Resurrection ‘F’ were initially movies but were later adapted into arcs within the Dragon Ball Super anime series, solidifying their place in the canon. Dragon Ball Super: Broly and Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero are also considered canon.
H3: Which Dragon Ball movie should I watch first?
There’s no strict order for watching the movies, especially the non-canon ones. However, if you’re new to Dragon Ball, it’s best to start with the original series movies (Curse of the Blood Rubies, Sleeping Princess in Devil’s Castle, Mystical Adventure) to familiarize yourself with the initial characters and world. For the Dragon Ball Super era, watch Battle of Gods and Resurrection ‘F’ (or the corresponding anime arcs) before moving onto Dragon Ball Super: Broly and Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero.
H3: What’s the best way to watch Dragon Ball movies in chronological order?
To watch the movies in chronological order, follow the list provided earlier, categorized by the series to which they belong. Watching them this way provides a sense of progression and aligns with the overall timeline of the Dragon Ball saga.
H3: Are the Dragon Ball Z movies just retellings of events from the anime?
No, the Dragon Ball Z movies are largely original stories that don’t directly adapt events from the anime. They often introduce new villains and explore alternate scenarios within the established Dragon Ball universe. The Z movies are often self-contained stories.
H3: Which Dragon Ball Z movie introduces Broly?
The original Broly appears in Dragon Ball Z: Broly – The Legendary Super Saiyan. He’s a powerful Saiyan with a destructive past and a deep-seated hatred for Goku. However, note this original Broly is different from the canon Broly introduced in Dragon Ball Super: Broly.
H3: Are the Dragon Ball GT movies considered part of the official count?
There are no Dragon Ball GT movies. Dragon Ball GT is a sequel series not directly written by Akira Toriyama, and although it spawned numerous video games and merchandise, it never had a dedicated theatrical release.
H3: Are the “Dragon Ball Z Specials” considered movies?
The “Dragon Ball Z Specials,” such as Bardock: The Father of Goku and The History of Trunks, are technically TV specials, not theatrical movies. Therefore, they are not included in the count of 21 movies.
H3: How do I distinguish between the original Broly and the Dragon Ball Super Broly?
The original Broly is a ruthless and unstable character driven by a primal rage and his hatred of Goku. The Dragon Ball Super Broly, on the other hand, is portrayed as a more complex and sympathetic character, a Saiyan refugee manipulated by his father. Super Broly also possesses far greater power and potential than the original.
H3: Are there any plans for more Dragon Ball movies in the future?
Yes! With the continued popularity of the Dragon Ball franchise, new movies are likely. Dragon Ball DAIMA: The Movie is currently in development following the Dragon Ball DAIMA anime series.
H3: Which Dragon Ball movie is the most popular?
Dragon Ball Super: Broly is widely considered the most popular Dragon Ball movie due to its stunning animation, impactful story, and the introduction of a reimagined, more compelling version of the iconic Broly character. Its success revitalized the film side of the franchise.
H3: Where can I watch Dragon Ball movies?
Dragon Ball movies are available on various streaming platforms, including Crunchyroll, Hulu (depending on region), and Funimation. They are also often available for purchase or rental on digital platforms like Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV. Physical copies (Blu-ray and DVD) are also readily available.
H3: What are some differences between the movie versions and anime arc versions of Battle of Gods and Resurrection ‘F’?
While the overall storylines are the same, the anime arcs expand upon the events of the movies, adding more character development, world-building, and fight sequences. The animation quality is also consistently higher in the anime adaptations. Additionally, the Dragon Ball Super anime provides a more cohesive connection to the subsequent arcs, fleshing out the characters and their motivations further.