Watching the Dragon Ball franchise can feel like navigating a labyrinth. With multiple series, spin-offs, and movies, figuring out the correct viewing order is essential for a coherent and enjoyable experience. This guide provides a clear, chronological pathway through the entire Dragon Ball universe, ensuring you don’t miss a single Kamehameha!
The Dragon Ball Timeline: Series and Movies
The ideal viewing order blends the main series with the movies in a way that minimizes inconsistencies and maximizes narrative flow. Here’s the recommended chronological order:
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Dragon Ball (1986-1989): Begin with the series that started it all, following Goku’s adventures as a child. This covers his training under Master Roshi, his battles in the World Martial Arts Tournament, and his first encounters with the Red Ribbon Army.
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Dragon Ball Movie 1: Curse of the Blood Rubies (1986): Set early in the Dragon Ball timeline, watch this after reaching the Red Ribbon Army saga in Dragon Ball.
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Dragon Ball Movie 2: Sleeping Princess in Devil’s Castle (1987): Watch this after finishing the Red Ribbon Army saga in Dragon Ball.
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Dragon Ball Movie 3: Mystical Adventure (1988): Again, watch this after finishing the Red Ribbon Army saga in Dragon Ball.
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Dragon Ball Z (1989-1996): The iconic sequel series that introduces Goku’s Saiyan heritage and escalating threats like Vegeta, Frieza, Cell, and Majin Buu.
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Dragon Ball Z Movie 1: Dead Zone (1989): Set before the Saiyan Saga in Dragon Ball Z, it’s best viewed after finishing the Dragon Ball series and just before starting DBZ.
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Dragon Ball Z Movie 2: The World’s Strongest (1990): This movie is set after the Saiyan Saga but before the arrival of Vegeta and Nappa on Earth.
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Dragon Ball Z Movie 3: The Tree of Might (1990): View this between the Frieza Saga and the Androids Saga.
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Dragon Ball Z Movie 4: Lord Slug (1991): Watch this before the Androids Saga.
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Dragon Ball Z Movie 5: Cooler’s Revenge (1991): Should be watched after the Frieza Saga but before the Androids Saga.
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Dragon Ball Z Movie 6: Return of Cooler (1992): View this before the Androids Saga, it follows directly after Cooler’s Revenge.
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Dragon Ball Z Movie 7: Super Android 13! (1992): Watch this during the Androids Saga, preferably after the introduction of Androids 17 and 18.
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Dragon Ball Z Movie 8: Broly – The Legendary Super Saiyan (1993): This movie is best viewed during the Cell Saga, after the introduction of Super Saiyan 2 Gohan.
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Dragon Ball Z Movie 9: Bojack Unbound (1993): Set after the Cell Games Saga.
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Dragon Ball Z Movie 10: Broly – Second Coming (1994): View this after the end of the Cell Saga but before the World Tournament Saga (during the Majin Buu Saga).
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Dragon Ball Z Movie 11: Bio-Broly (1994): Watch this after Broly – Second Coming and before the World Tournament Saga.
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Dragon Ball Z Movie 12: Fusion Reborn (1995): View this during the Majin Buu Saga.
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Dragon Ball Z Movie 13: Wrath of the Dragon (1995): Watch this towards the end of the Majin Buu Saga.
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Dragon Ball GT (1996-1997): While considered non-canon by many, this series continues the story after Dragon Ball Z. Its placement is debated, but it chronologically follows the end of the Buu Saga.
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Dragon Ball GT: A Hero’s Legacy (1997): A special set towards the end of Dragon Ball GT.
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Dragon Ball Super (2015-2018): This series is considered canon and takes place before the end of Dragon Ball Z, specifically in the decade following the defeat of Majin Buu.
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Dragon Ball Super: Battle of Gods (2013): Retells the beginning of the Super story arc, set years after the Majin Buu Saga. While released earlier, it is best viewed now for chronological consistency.
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Dragon Ball Super: Resurrection ‘F’ (2015): Retells the “Resurrection F” arc, again set after the Majin Buu Saga.
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Dragon Ball Super (Episodes 1-131): Follow the Tournament of Power and other new story arcs in the Dragon Ball Super series.
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Dragon Ball Super: Broly (2018): This movie is canon and takes place directly after the Tournament of Power arc in Dragon Ball Super. It reintroduces Broly into the canon timeline.
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Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero (2022): This movie is also canon and takes place after the Granolah the Survivor arc in the manga (not yet fully adapted into the anime).
Addressing Common Concerns: Dragon Ball FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions that can arise when attempting to watch Dragon Ball in chronological order.
H3: Are the Dragon Ball Z movies canon?
Generally, the older Dragon Ball Z movies are considered non-canon. They often contradict established timelines and character power levels. However, Dragon Ball Super: Broly and Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero are definitively canon. The canonicity of Battle of Gods and Resurrection ‘F’ is arguable since they were also adapted into the Dragon Ball Super series.
H3: What about Dragon Ball GT’s place in the timeline?
Dragon Ball GT is not considered canon by Akira Toriyama, the creator of Dragon Ball. However, for those wanting to experience it, it’s best viewed after the end of the Dragon Ball Z anime but before Dragon Ball Super. Dragon Ball Super directly contradicts many of the events established in Dragon Ball GT.
H3: Is it important to watch Dragon Ball before Dragon Ball Z?
Yes! Watching Dragon Ball provides essential context for Goku’s character and the history of the Dragon Balls. While Dragon Ball Z can be enjoyed on its own, you’ll miss out on key character introductions, world-building, and plot points.
H3: Should I watch the original Dragon Ball movies or the Dragon Ball Kai versions?
Dragon Ball Kai is a re-edited version of Dragon Ball Z, removing filler and improving the pacing. It’s a good option for a faster-paced viewing experience. However, the original Dragon Ball Z contains certain musical scores and scenes that some fans prefer. Regarding the original Dragon Ball movies vs. Kai versions – there are no Kai versions of the movies, watch the original movies as listed.
H3: What about the differences between the Japanese and English versions?
The English dub of Dragon Ball Z often changes the dialogue and soundtrack. Some fans prefer the original Japanese version with subtitles for a more authentic experience, while others prefer the English dub for ease of understanding. It ultimately depends on personal preference.
H3: Is there a specific streaming service that has all of Dragon Ball?
Availability varies by region. However, services like Crunchyroll, Funimation, and Hulu often have large portions of the Dragon Ball franchise. It’s best to check local listings for specific availability.
H3: What’s the deal with Dragon Ball Super’s timeline placement?
Dragon Ball Super takes place in the decade between the defeat of Majin Buu and the end of Dragon Ball Z (before Goku leaves with Uub to train). This retcons some of the events that were established in the final episodes of Dragon Ball Z.
H3: Are there any essential episodes or arcs I shouldn’t skip?
The Frieza Saga in Dragon Ball Z is widely considered essential, as it introduces Super Saiyan and is a cornerstone of the series. Other important arcs include the Saiyan Saga, the Cell Saga, and the Majin Buu Saga. In Dragon Ball, the Red Ribbon Army saga is important for establishing long-lasting rivalries.
H3: What’s the best way to avoid filler episodes?
Websites and online communities dedicated to Dragon Ball often provide episode guides that identify filler episodes. Dragon Ball Kai significantly reduces filler compared to Dragon Ball Z.
H3: Do I need to watch Dragon Ball Super before the Dragon Ball Super movies?
You should watch the Dragon Ball Super series before watching Dragon Ball Super: Broly and Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero. The movies build upon characters and plot points established in the series. Battle of Gods and Resurrection ‘F’, while earlier releases, were later adapted into story arcs in the Super series, so watching the series first provides additional context.
H3: Is there a chronological order that incorporates the manga as well?
The manga generally follows the same storyline as the anime. However, there are some differences in pacing and content. For the most immersive experience, you could read the corresponding manga chapters alongside the anime episodes, adhering to the same chronological order outlined above. Keep in mind Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero takes place after the Granolah the Survivor arc from the manga.
H3: What is “Dragon Ball Heroes” and where does it fit in the timeline?
Dragon Ball Heroes is a non-canon promotional anime and trading card game. It features characters and transformations that are not part of the main storyline. While entertaining, it doesn’t fit into the established timeline and can be enjoyed independently. There is no “right” place to watch Dragon Ball Heroes within the established timeline.