In total, the Dragon Ball franchise encompasses 733 episodes across its various anime series. This includes Dragon Ball, Dragon Ball Z, Dragon Ball GT, Dragon Ball Super, and Super Dragon Ball Heroes promotional anime.
Diving Deep into the Dragon Ball Universe
The world of Dragon Ball, created by Akira Toriyama, has captivated audiences for decades. From the humble beginnings of Goku’s martial arts training to universe-shattering battles against gods, the series has consistently delivered exciting action, memorable characters, and enduring themes. But with so many entries in the anime saga, keeping track of the episode count can be a daunting task. Let’s break down the episode numbers for each series and answer some frequently asked questions.
Dragon Ball (1986-1989): The Original Adventure
The first series, simply titled Dragon Ball, follows Goku’s journey from childhood to early adulthood as he hones his skills, collects the Dragon Balls, and faces formidable opponents like Emperor Pilaf and the Red Ribbon Army. This original series laid the foundation for the explosive power-ups and cosmic conflicts to come. It contains a respectable 153 episodes.
Dragon Ball Z (1989-1996): Power Levels Over 9000!
Dragon Ball Z is arguably the most popular and influential series in the franchise. It introduces iconic characters like Vegeta, Frieza, Cell, and Majin Buu, and sees Goku and his friends face threats that could destroy the entire universe. The show is known for its intense battles, dramatic transformations, and the introduction of concepts like Super Saiyans and fusion. Dragon Ball Z spans a massive 291 episodes. This is often cited as the “main” portion of the original Dragon Ball run.
Dragon Ball GT (1996-1997): A Controversial Sequel
Dragon Ball GT is a non-canon series that follows Goku, Pan, and Trunks on a quest to find the Black Star Dragon Balls. While GT introduced the Super Saiyan 4 transformation and some interesting villains, it is often considered the weakest entry in the franchise due to its inconsistent writing and character development. Dragon Ball GT consists of 64 episodes. It’s important to note that Toriyama was not heavily involved in GT‘s production, hence its non-canonical status.
Dragon Ball Super (2015-2018): The Return to Form
After a long hiatus, Dragon Ball Super brought the franchise back with a vengeance. Set after the defeat of Majin Buu, Super introduces new gods, universes, and powerful foes like Beerus, Golden Frieza, and Zamasu. The series also features the Tournament of Power, a multi-universe battle royale that raises the stakes higher than ever before. Dragon Ball Super comprises 131 episodes.
Super Dragon Ball Heroes (2018-2024): A Promotional Anime
Super Dragon Ball Heroes is a promotional anime based on the Japanese arcade game of the same name. The series is known for its over-the-top action, non-canonical storylines, and the introduction of even more powerful characters and transformations. While entertaining, it’s generally considered a separate entity from the main Dragon Ball timeline. As of November 8, 2024, Super Dragon Ball Heroes has 53 episodes. Note that this number is subject to change as the series continues.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the episode counts and other aspects of the Dragon Ball franchise:
How many episodes are in the entire Dragon Ball Z Kai series?
Dragon Ball Z Kai is a remastered and recut version of Dragon Ball Z with improved animation and a more streamlined storyline. It was released in two parts: Dragon Ball Z Kai (2009-2011) consists of 98 episodes, while Dragon Ball Z Kai: The Final Chapters (2014) has 69 episodes, for a total of 167 episodes. Kai aims to be a more faithful adaptation of the manga.
What order should I watch the Dragon Ball series in?
The recommended viewing order is: Dragon Ball, Dragon Ball Z, Dragon Ball Super. Dragon Ball GT is optional as it is non-canon. Super Dragon Ball Heroes is also optional and best viewed after completing the main series. This chronological order ensures you follow Goku’s progression and understand the developing storylines.
Are there any Dragon Ball movies that are considered canon?
While most Dragon Ball movies are considered non-canon, Dragon Ball Super: Broly and Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero are considered canon to the Dragon Ball Super storyline. These films further develop characters and events that are acknowledged within the main narrative.
What is the difference between Dragon Ball Z and Dragon Ball Z Kai?
Dragon Ball Z Kai is a remastered version of Dragon Ball Z. It features a higher definition picture, a new voice cast (in some regions), and cuts out much of the filler content present in the original Dragon Ball Z. The purpose of Kai was to create a more faithful adaptation of the manga’s pacing.
Is Dragon Ball GT a direct sequel to Dragon Ball Z?
Yes, Dragon Ball GT was initially conceived as a direct sequel to Dragon Ball Z. However, it’s important to remember it’s non-canonical and wasn’t directly overseen by Akira Toriyama in the same way as the earlier series.
Why is Dragon Ball GT not considered canon?
Akira Toriyama’s involvement in Dragon Ball GT was limited compared to Dragon Ball and Dragon Ball Z. He provided some character designs and concepts, but he did not write the storyline. Because of this, GT is not considered part of the official Dragon Ball canon. Dragon Ball Super is generally considered the true sequel to Dragon Ball Z.
Where can I watch all the Dragon Ball episodes legally?
Many streaming services offer Dragon Ball episodes, including Crunchyroll, Funimation (now merged with Crunchyroll), Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video. Availability may vary depending on your region.
How many episodes of Dragon Ball Super have been dubbed in English?
All 131 episodes of Dragon Ball Super have been dubbed in English. The dub is widely available on various streaming platforms and home video releases.
What is the difference between the Japanese and English versions of Dragon Ball?
Besides the language, there are sometimes minor differences in music, script translations, and cultural references. Some scenes may be edited or altered slightly for broadcast standards in different countries. Dragon Ball Z Kai, in particular, underwent significant script changes to more closely align with the manga’s plot.
Is Dragon Ball still ongoing?
While Dragon Ball Super concluded its anime run in 2018, the manga continues. Additionally, new movies like Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero have been released, suggesting that the franchise remains active. Super Dragon Ball Heroes also continues to release new episodes.
Who is the strongest character in the Dragon Ball universe?
This is a heavily debated topic among fans. Zeno, the Omni-King, is generally considered the most powerful character due to his ability to erase entire universes. However, characters like Goku and Vegeta continue to grow stronger, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
Will there be a new Dragon Ball anime series after Dragon Ball Super?
Yes, a new Dragon Ball anime series titled Dragon Ball Daima is scheduled to premiere in Fall 2024. This series will feature a brand new story and character designs.