The Dragon Ball saga, a cornerstone of anime and manga culture, extends far beyond its iconic television series. As of today, there are a total of 21 Dragon Ball feature-length films, spanning multiple timelines and continuities within the franchise. This article provides a comprehensive guide to these cinematic adventures, offering a chronological breakdown, key details, and answers to frequently asked questions that will satisfy both casual viewers and die-hard Dragon Ball fans.
A Journey Through Dragon Ball Cinema: The Definitive List
From the early adventures of Goku as a child to the epic battles against universe-threatening gods, the Dragon Ball movies offer a diverse range of stories and visual spectacles. Here’s a complete list of all 21 Dragon Ball movies, presented chronologically by their original release date in Japan:
- Dragon Ball: Curse of the Blood Rubies (1986)
- Dragon Ball: Sleeping Princess in Devil’s Castle (1987)
- Dragon Ball: Mystical Adventure (1988)
- 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)
- Dragon Ball: The Path to Power (1996) (Dragon Ball Anniversary Movie)
- Dragon Ball GT: A Hero’s Legacy (1997)
- Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods (2013)
- Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection ‘F’ (2015)
- Dragon Ball Super: Broly (2018)
Understanding Continuity and Canonicity
The question of which Dragon Ball movies are considered canon to the main Dragon Ball storyline is complex and often debated by fans.
The “Non-Canon” Films (Movies 1-17 & Movie 18)
The first seventeen Dragon Ball and Dragon Ball Z movies, as well as the Dragon Ball GT movie, generally exist in their own separate timelines, presenting self-contained stories that often contradict events in the main series. While enjoyable, these films are typically considered non-canon. They feature powerful villains like Cooler and Broly, who, prior to Dragon Ball Super: Broly, did not officially exist within the main Dragon Ball narrative.
The “Canon” Films (Movies 19-21)
Starting with Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods, the Dragon Ball movies began to be more closely integrated into the official Dragon Ball timeline. Battle of Gods, Resurrection ‘F’, and Dragon Ball Super: Broly are all considered canon to the Dragon Ball Super series and were directly overseen by Akira Toriyama, the creator of Dragon Ball. These films introduce new characters and transformations that have become integral parts of the Dragon Ball mythos.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Dragon Ball Movies
Below are answers to some of the most common questions about the Dragon Ball movies, providing further insight into their production, canonicity, and overall place within the Dragon Ball universe.
FAQ 1: What is the best Dragon Ball movie to start with for newcomers?
A great starting point is Dragon Ball Super: Broly (2018). Its stunning animation, compelling storyline, and modern sensibilities make it an accessible entry point for new fans. It also provides sufficient backstory on Broly to understand his character, even if you haven’t seen the older movies.
FAQ 2: Which Dragon Ball movie is considered the most popular among fans?
While preferences vary, Dragon Ball Z: Broly – The Legendary Super Saiyan (1993) consistently ranks among the most popular. Broly’s imposing presence and overwhelming power made him an instant fan favorite, despite his initial non-canon status.
FAQ 3: Why are the earlier Dragon Ball movies considered non-canon?
The earlier movies often introduce characters and storylines that contradict the established continuity of the main Dragon Ball series. They frequently feature villains that are far too powerful given the characters’ power levels at the time the movies were released, and they present scenarios that never affect the overarching narrative.
FAQ 4: How involved was Akira Toriyama in the production of the Dragon Ball movies?
Toriyama’s involvement varied across the different movies. He was less involved in the earlier, non-canon films but played a much larger role in the newer, canon movies, particularly Battle of Gods, Resurrection ‘F’, and Dragon Ball Super: Broly, contributing to the story and character designs.
FAQ 5: Are there any plans for future Dragon Ball movies?
Yes! A new Dragon Ball Super movie, tentatively titled Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero, has been officially announced. This film will feature Gohan and Piccolo taking central roles, fighting against the Red Ribbon Army and the new Androids.
FAQ 6: Where can I watch the Dragon Ball movies legally online?
The availability of the Dragon Ball movies on streaming platforms varies by region and licensing agreements. Common options include Crunchyroll, Funimation, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video. Check your local listings for the most up-to-date availability.
FAQ 7: What is the correct viewing order of the Dragon Ball movies?
The recommended viewing order is chronological by release date, especially if you are interested in experiencing the evolution of the animation style and storytelling. For the canon movies, watch Battle of Gods, then Resurrection ‘F’, followed by Dragon Ball Super: Broly.
FAQ 8: What is the difference between “Z” and “Super” Dragon Ball movies?
Dragon Ball Z movies were primarily released during the airing of the Dragon Ball Z television series. Dragon Ball Super movies are associated with the more recent Dragon Ball Super series. The primary difference lies in the era of the franchise they represent and the corresponding characters and power levels involved.
FAQ 9: Do I need to watch the Dragon Ball series to understand the movies?
While not strictly necessary, watching at least the Dragon Ball Z series is highly recommended to fully appreciate the characters, relationships, and power dynamics presented in many of the movies. The canon movies (Battle of Gods, Resurrection ‘F’, Dragon Ball Super: Broly) are easier to follow if you’re familiar with the Dragon Ball Super anime.
FAQ 10: Are the Dragon Ball movies remastered in HD?
Yes, many of the older Dragon Ball movies have been remastered in high definition and are available on Blu-ray and digital platforms. These remastered versions offer a significantly improved viewing experience.
FAQ 11: Which Dragon Ball movie features the best animation?
Dragon Ball Super: Broly (2018) is widely considered to have the best animation quality among all the Dragon Ball movies. The film utilizes a blend of traditional 2D animation and CGI, resulting in visually stunning and dynamic action sequences.
FAQ 12: Will the events of the non-canon movies ever be incorporated into the main Dragon Ball storyline?
While the earlier movies remain non-canon, the success of Dragon Ball Super: Broly demonstrates that characters and concepts initially introduced in non-canon movies can be reimagined and integrated into the official Dragon Ball canon. This opens the possibility for other popular characters or storylines from the older movies to potentially make appearances in future installments of the franchise.
This comprehensive guide offers a valuable resource for anyone looking to explore the cinematic world of Dragon Ball. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a curious newcomer, the Dragon Ball movies provide a thrilling and visually spectacular journey through the ever-expanding universe of Goku and his friends.