There are 15 Dragon Ball Z movies, each offering a unique blend of action, drama, and iconic characters that expand upon the lore of the beloved anime series. These films, released between 1989 and 1995 during the original Dragon Ball Z run, and again in 2013 and 2015, provide exciting, standalone adventures for Goku and his Z Fighters.
Diving Deep into the DBZ Movie Universe
The Dragon Ball Z movies have captivated fans for decades, offering self-contained narratives and showcasing the incredible power levels of the Saiyans and their adversaries. While these movies are generally considered non-canon, they have introduced memorable villains and thrilling scenarios that have significantly influenced the Dragon Ball franchise. Understanding the filmography of Dragon Ball Z requires more than just knowing the number; it requires appreciating their context and impact.
Chronological Listing of all 15 Dragon Ball Z Movies
To truly understand the scope of the DBZ film universe, it’s essential to know the films in their release order. Below is a complete list:
- 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 Z: Battle of Gods (2013)
- Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection ‘F’ (2015)
Exploring the Themes and Villains
Each Dragon Ball Z movie features a distinct antagonist and often explores recurring themes of power, friendship, and the protection of Earth. From Garlic Jr.’s quest for immortality to Cooler’s relentless pursuit of vengeance, these villains challenge Goku and his friends in ways that push their limits and provide thrilling spectacles for viewers. Broly, in particular, remains one of the most popular and enduring villains introduced in the films, demonstrating the impact these non-canon characters can have on the fanbase.
Dragon Ball Z Movie FAQs: Your Burning Questions Answered
To further clarify any lingering questions and provide a comprehensive overview, we’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions about the Dragon Ball Z movies.
H3 FAQ #1: Are the Dragon Ball Z movies canon?
Generally speaking, the first 13 Dragon Ball Z movies (released between 1989 and 1995) are considered non-canon to the main Dragon Ball storyline established in the manga and anime series. This means that the events and characters featured in these movies are not part of the official Dragon Ball timeline. Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods (2013) and Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection ‘F’ (2015) are considered semi-canon, as they were later integrated into the Dragon Ball Super anime series with slight modifications. The Dragon Ball Super: Broly movie released later essentially replaces the initial Broly saga in the previous non-canon movies.
H3 FAQ #2: Where do the DBZ movies fit in the timeline?
Because the first 13 films are largely non-canon, pinpointing their precise placement within the official timeline is difficult. They often occur in ambiguous timeframes between story arcs of the series, with inconsistent power levels and character developments. Battle of Gods takes place several years after the defeat of Majin Buu, and Resurrection ‘F’ follows shortly after.
H3 FAQ #3: Which Dragon Ball Z movie is the best?
This is subjective, but Dragon Ball Z: Fusion Reborn is widely regarded as one of the best. It features a compelling villain, Janemba, and introduces the powerful fusion of Goku and Vegeta into Gogeta. Dragon Ball Z: Broly – The Legendary Super Saiyan is also a fan favorite due to Broly’s intimidating presence and immense power.
H3 FAQ #4: Which Dragon Ball Z movie is considered the worst?
Many fans consider Dragon Ball Z: Bio-Broly to be the weakest entry due to its repetitive plot, uninspired villain design, and lackluster animation quality. Its story also feels somewhat disconnected from the rest of the Dragon Ball Z universe.
H3 FAQ #5: Where can I watch the Dragon Ball Z movies?
Many streaming services offer the Dragon Ball Z movies, including Crunchyroll, Funimation, and Hulu. They are also available for purchase or rent on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies & TV, and Apple TV.
H3 FAQ #6: In what order should I watch the Dragon Ball Z movies?
While not essential to the main storyline, watching the movies in their release order provides the best experience and helps appreciate the evolution of the animation style and storytelling. Refer to the chronological list above.
H3 FAQ #7: Are there any extended or director’s cut versions of the DBZ movies?
Generally, there are no significantly extended or director’s cut versions of the Dragon Ball Z movies available. The versions released in theaters and on home video are typically the definitive cuts.
H3 FAQ #8: Are the DBZ movies available in English dub and sub?
Yes, almost all of the Dragon Ball Z movies are available in both English dubbed and Japanese with English subtitles. This allows viewers to enjoy the movies in their preferred language.
H3 FAQ #9: Do the Dragon Ball Z movies introduce any new characters that appear later in the series?
While most villains from the original 13 films remained exclusive to their respective movies, characters like Broly have seen reboots and integrations into the official canon, most notably with Dragon Ball Super: Broly.
H3 FAQ #10: What is the animation style like in the DBZ movies compared to the series?
The animation quality in the Dragon Ball Z movies tends to be higher than that of the series, particularly in the earlier years. The films generally benefit from larger budgets and more focused production schedules, resulting in smoother animation, more detailed character designs, and more dynamic action sequences.
H3 FAQ #11: Did Akira Toriyama, the creator of Dragon Ball, have involvement with the DBZ movies?
Akira Toriyama had varying levels of involvement in the Dragon Ball Z movies. He generally provided character designs and story concepts, but he was not always directly involved in the scriptwriting or animation process for the early films. His involvement increased significantly with Battle of Gods and Resurrection ‘F’, where he played a more prominent role in the story and script development.
H3 FAQ #12: Will there be any more Dragon Ball Z movies in the future?
While the future of Dragon Ball movies remains uncertain, the continued popularity of the franchise suggests that more films are likely. Given the success of Dragon Ball Super: Broly, future movies might continue the trend of integrating elements from the non-canon films into the official storyline. As fans, we eagerly await any announcements regarding new Dragon Ball content, including potential cinematic releases.
The Lasting Legacy of Dragon Ball Z Movies
The Dragon Ball Z movies, while often debated in terms of their canonicity, remain a vital part of the franchise’s enduring appeal. They provide exciting action, memorable characters, and valuable additions to the mythos that continue to resonate with fans worldwide. Whether you’re a seasoned Dragon Ball veteran or a newcomer to the series, exploring these 15 films offers a deeper appreciation for the power and legacy of Goku and the Z Fighters.