There are currently three theatrical Dragon Ball Super movies released: Dragon Ball Super: Battle of Gods, Dragon Ball Super: Resurrection ‘F’, and Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero. These films continue the Dragon Ball saga after the events of Dragon Ball Z, introducing new characters, transformations, and expanding the Dragon Ball universe.
The Dragon Ball Super Cinematic Universe: A Comprehensive Overview
Dragon Ball Super breathed new life into the iconic franchise, captivating audiences worldwide with its compelling storylines and visually stunning animation. While the television series expanded the lore significantly, the movies offered concentrated doses of action, intrigue, and character development on a grander scale. To fully understand the impact and significance of these cinematic releases, let’s delve into a detailed examination of each film and address some frequently asked questions surrounding their place in the Dragon Ball Super canon.
A Look at Each Movie
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Dragon Ball Super: Battle of Gods (2013): This film marked the official return of the Dragon Ball franchise after a lengthy hiatus. It introduces Lord Beerus, the God of Destruction, and his attendant Whis. Seeking a worthy opponent to challenge him, Beerus sets his sights on Goku after hearing rumors of the legendary Super Saiyan God. This movie re-established the Dragon Ball universe’s cosmic hierarchy and introduced the concept of divine power.
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Dragon Ball Super: Resurrection ‘F’ (2015): In this sequel, remnants of Frieza’s army resurrect the galactic tyrant, leading to a rematch between Goku and his arch-nemesis. Frieza undergoes intense training to achieve a new form, Golden Frieza, pushing Goku to unlock his own new transformation, Super Saiyan Blue. This film significantly raised the stakes and showcased the escalating power levels of the characters.
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Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero (2022): Taking place after the events of Dragon Ball Super: Broly (which is technically a Dragon Ball Super-adjacent film, as it was released during the Dragon Ball Super anime run but is generally considered part of the Dragon Ball Z timeline), this movie focuses on Gohan and Piccolo as they confront the revived Red Ribbon Army and their powerful androids, Gamma 1 and Gamma 2. This film is notable for its heavy use of 3D CGI animation, a departure from the traditional 2D style of previous Dragon Ball animations, and its emphasis on Gohan’s potential, leading to the unveiling of his new form, Gohan Beast.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dragon Ball Super Movies
To further clarify the landscape of Dragon Ball Super movies and their place within the overall Dragon Ball universe, let’s address some common inquiries.
Addressing Common Queries
Here are some frequently asked questions:
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Is Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods considered a Dragon Ball Super movie? Yes, while initially released as Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods, it is canonically considered the first Dragon Ball Super movie. It marks the beginning of the story arc that Dragon Ball Super expands upon.
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Is Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection ‘F’ also a Dragon Ball Super movie? Similarly to Battle of Gods, Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection ‘F’ is considered the second Dragon Ball Super movie due to its plot connection to the Dragon Ball Super storyline.
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Is Dragon Ball Super: Broly a Dragon Ball Super movie? Yes and no. It was released during the run of the Dragon Ball Super anime and incorporates Super Saiyan Blue, but Broly himself and much of the character development originate from Dragon Ball Z material. It is generally considered to be part of the Dragon Ball Super narrative, especially as it leads directly into Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero.
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Are the movies canon? Yes, the Dragon Ball Super movies are considered canon to the Dragon Ball Super timeline, as acknowledged by Akira Toriyama. They introduce characters and events that influence the subsequent storyline in the manga and, potentially, a future anime continuation.
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In what order should I watch the Dragon Ball Super movies? The correct order is: Dragon Ball Super: Battle of Gods, Dragon Ball Super: Resurrection ‘F’, and Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero. Watching them in this order ensures you understand the progression of the story and character development. Dragon Ball Super: Broly should be viewed between the end of the Dragon Ball Super anime series and Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero.
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Are the Dragon Ball Super movies different from the arcs in the anime? Yes and no. Battle of Gods and Resurrection ‘F’ were adapted into the anime series, but the anime versions contain extended storylines and character development that aren’t present in the movies. The movies offer a more streamlined experience. Dragon Ball Super: Broly and Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero are original stories not adapted into the anime.
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Will there be more Dragon Ball Super movies? While nothing is officially confirmed, the success of the previous films and the continued popularity of the Dragon Ball franchise make it highly likely that more Dragon Ball Super movies will be produced in the future. The ending of Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero certainly hints at potential future storylines.
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Are the Dragon Ball Super movies worth watching? Absolutely. The Dragon Ball Super movies offer high-octane action, stunning visuals, and introduce compelling new characters and transformations. They are a must-watch for any Dragon Ball fan.
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Where can I watch the Dragon Ball Super movies? The Dragon Ball Super movies are available on various streaming platforms, including Crunchyroll, and can be purchased on digital platforms like Google Play Movies, Apple TV, and Amazon Prime Video. They are also often available on Blu-ray and DVD.
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What makes Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero different from the other movies? Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero is distinguished by its heavy use of CGI animation, which offers a different visual style compared to the traditional 2D animation of the earlier films. Additionally, it places a greater emphasis on Gohan and Piccolo, giving them central roles in the story.
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Is Dragon Ball GT canon? No. Dragon Ball GT is generally considered non-canon as it was not directly written or overseen by Akira Toriyama, the creator of Dragon Ball. It follows a different storyline and doesn’t align with the events of Dragon Ball Super.
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What is the future of the Dragon Ball Super franchise? The future of Dragon Ball Super is bright. While the anime series is currently on hiatus, the success of the movies and the ongoing manga suggest that the franchise will continue to expand with new stories, characters, and potentially a return to television. The hints dropped at the end of Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero suggest we could be seeing more of the Black Frieza storyline.
The Lasting Impact of Dragon Ball Super Movies
The Dragon Ball Super movies have not only revitalized the franchise but have also significantly impacted the wider anime and entertainment landscape. They’ve showcased the enduring appeal of the Dragon Ball universe, proving that its characters and stories continue to resonate with audiences across generations. The introduction of new transformations, powerful villains, and exploration of deeper themes has cemented Dragon Ball Super’s place as a crucial chapter in the legendary saga. As fans eagerly await the next installment, the existing movies stand as a testament to the enduring power of Dragon Ball. They have become essential viewing for long-time fans and a compelling entry point for newcomers, ensuring the legacy of Goku and his friends continues to thrive.