The question of how to watch the Dragon Ball movies in order often plagues new and even seasoned fans. The simplest answer is to prioritize a blend of release order and series chronology, ensuring you experience the story’s evolution alongside its cinematic expansions. This guide will provide a definitive path, clarifying the confusing landscape of Dragon Ball movies and equipping you with the knowledge to navigate them seamlessly.
A Chronological-ish Viewing Order: Balancing Release and Canon
Navigating the Dragon Ball movie timeline requires a delicate balance. While strictly chronological order can be disruptive to pacing and character development as experienced in the main series, simply watching them in release order misses out on thematic and power-scaling consistency. Our recommended approach prioritizes release order within the context of the main series’ timeline.
Here’s a breakdown of the recommended viewing order:
-
Dragon Ball: Curse of the Blood Rubies (1986) – This movie can be watched after completing the Emperor Pilaf saga in Dragon Ball. It’s an alternate retelling of the search for the Dragon Balls.
-
Dragon Ball: Sleeping Princess in Devil’s Castle (1987) – Similar to the first film, this is another alternate retelling, best viewed after the Red Ribbon Army saga.
-
Dragon Ball: Mystical Adventure (1988) – This film offers a different take on the World Martial Arts Tournament and can be viewed after the Tien Shinhan Saga.
-
Dragon Ball Z: Dead Zone (1989) – This movie marks the beginning of the Dragon Ball Z movie era. Watch after the Saiyan Saga. This film introduces Garlic Jr., who will briefly return in the anime.
-
Dragon Ball Z: The World’s Strongest (1990) – Set after Dead Zone, this film sees Dr. Kochin trying to revive Dr. Wheelo.
-
Dragon Ball Z: The Tree of Might (1990) – This movie introduces the Tree of Might, whose fruit grants immense power. Watch it before the Frieza Saga is complete.
-
Dragon Ball Z: Lord Slug (1991) – This movie presents another powerful Namekian villain. Ideally watched before the Android Saga fully develops.
-
Dragon Ball Z: Cooler’s Revenge (1991) – This marks the arrival of Frieza’s brother, Cooler. Watch this between the Androids Saga and the Cell Games Saga.
-
Dragon Ball Z: Return of Cooler (1992) – This sequel sees Cooler resurrected as Metal Cooler.
-
Dragon Ball Z: Super Android 13! (1992) – A new set of Androids are activated by Dr. Gero’s computer.
-
Dragon Ball Z: Broly – The Legendary Super Saiyan (1993) – The iconic Broly makes his debut. Best viewed before the end of the Cell Games Saga.
-
Dragon Ball Z: Bojack Unbound (1993) – This movie takes place after the Cell Games Saga and features a tournament.
-
Dragon Ball Z: Broly – Second Coming (1994) – Broly returns for a rematch.
-
Dragon Ball Z: Bio-Broly (1994) – Another bizarre Broly installment. While not essential, completionists will want to view it after Broly – Second Coming.
-
Dragon Ball Z: Fusion Reborn (1995) – This introduces Gogeta and Janemba. Watch after the Buu Saga, but before Dragon Ball GT.
-
Dragon Ball Z: Wrath of the Dragon (1995) – Tapion and Hirudegarn are introduced. This film also showcases Super Saiyan 3 Goku. View after the Buu Saga, but before Dragon Ball GT.
-
Dragon Ball GT: A Hero’s Legacy (1996) – Set in the Dragon Ball GT timeline. Should be viewed after completing Dragon Ball GT.
-
Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods (2013) – This marks the beginning of the modern Dragon Ball era and is considered canon. It should be watched after Dragon Ball Z concludes and before Dragon Ball Super.
-
Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection ‘F’ (2015) – Frieza is resurrected and seeks revenge. View after Battle of Gods and before Dragon Ball Super.
-
Dragon Ball Super: Broly (2018) – This movie reintroduces Broly into the official canon. Watch after the Tournament of Power arc in Dragon Ball Super.
-
Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero (2022) – This movie focuses on Gohan and Piccolo battling the Red Ribbon Army’s latest creations. View after Dragon Ball Super: Broly.
This “chronological-ish” approach is designed to give you the best possible viewing experience, integrating the movies smoothly into the overall Dragon Ball narrative without adhering to strict, potentially disruptive timelines.
Understanding the Canonicity Conundrum
A significant point of confusion surrounds the canonicity of the Dragon Ball movies. Early movies are generally considered non-canon, existing in alternate timelines that don’t impact the main story. However, Battle of Gods, Resurrection ‘F’, Broly, and Super Hero are officially considered part of the canon, impacting the ongoing narrative of Dragon Ball Super. This means they are integrated into the established storyline and have lasting consequences for the characters and the universe. The earlier movies, while enjoyable, should be viewed as standalone adventures.
The Impact of Dragon Ball Super
Dragon Ball Super significantly altered the canon landscape by retconning elements and incorporating formerly non-canon characters and storylines into the main narrative. The new Broly film, for example, completely reimagines Broly’s origin and power, making him a vital part of the current Dragon Ball universe. This is a key reason why understanding the difference between the classic Z films and the modern Super films is crucial.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the viewing order and address common misconceptions:
FAQ 1: Should I watch the movies at all? Are they important?
While not all Dragon Ball movies are crucial for understanding the core narrative, they offer valuable insights into character dynamics, introduce memorable villains, and provide exciting action sequences. The canon movies (Battle of Gods, Resurrection ‘F’, Broly, and Super Hero) are essential for understanding the Dragon Ball Super storyline.
FAQ 2: What’s the best way to watch if I’m new to Dragon Ball?
Start with the Dragon Ball anime series, then move on to Dragon Ball Z, and finally Dragon Ball Super. Integrate the movies into your viewing as outlined in the recommended order, keeping in mind their canonicity.
FAQ 3: Are the Dragon Ball GT movies canon?
There is only one Dragon Ball GT movie, A Hero’s Legacy. While Dragon Ball GT itself is often debated regarding its canonicity, it’s generally accepted that Dragon Ball Super takes precedence, effectively rendering GT and its movie non-canon.
FAQ 4: Where can I stream Dragon Ball movies?
Streaming availability varies by region and platform. Popular options include Crunchyroll, Funimation, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video. Check your local streaming services for availability.
FAQ 5: What’s the deal with Garlic Jr. appearing in both a movie and the anime?
Garlic Jr. is unique in that he originated in Dead Zone and later appeared in a filler arc in Dragon Ball Z. The anime arc is considered non-canon and acts as a sequel to the events of Dead Zone.
FAQ 6: Do I need to watch the Dragon Ball Super anime to understand the Super movies?
While the Super movies can be enjoyed as standalone experiences, watching the Dragon Ball Super anime provides crucial context for character relationships, power levels, and the overall narrative. Battle of Gods and Resurrection ‘F’ were adapted into arcs within the Super anime, with expanded details and slightly different plot points.
FAQ 7: Is there a difference between the original Broly and the Dragon Ball Super: Broly version?
Yes, there’s a significant difference. The original Broly from the Z movies is a one-dimensional, overpowered brute. The Dragon Ball Super: Broly version is a more complex character with a tragic backstory and a place in the official canon.
FAQ 8: What order should I watch the Dragon Ball Super anime arcs in, and how do the movies fit in?
The viewing order is: Battle of Gods arc (or movie), Resurrection ‘F’ arc (or movie), Universe 6 Tournament arc, Future Trunks arc, Universe Survival arc, Dragon Ball Super: Broly movie, and then Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero movie.
FAQ 9: Are all the Dragon Ball Z movies in the same continuity?
No. Most of the Dragon Ball Z movies are considered to exist in their own separate timelines, independent of the main series continuity.
FAQ 10: Which movies are worth skipping if I’m short on time?
If you’re short on time, prioritize the four canon movies (Battle of Gods, Resurrection ‘F’, Broly, and Super Hero) and Fusion Reborn, which introduces Gogeta. The rest are largely optional.
FAQ 11: Why is the viewing order so confusing?
The confusion stems from the movies’ varying canonicity and their placement within the Dragon Ball timeline. Many movies were produced without direct input from Akira Toriyama, creating inconsistencies with the main storyline.
FAQ 12: Will there be more Dragon Ball movies in the future?
Given the success of Dragon Ball Super: Broly and Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero, it’s highly likely that more Dragon Ball movies will be produced in the future. The series maintains a dedicated fanbase worldwide, ensuring the franchise’s continued viability.
By following this guide and understanding the nuances of the Dragon Ball movie timeline, you can embark on a rewarding and exciting journey through the cinematic world of Goku and his friends. Enjoy the action, the humor, and the epic battles that have captivated audiences for decades!