The Dragon Ball universe is a sprawling epic spanning multiple series, movies, and specials. To truly appreciate the journey of Goku and his friends, understanding the correct viewing order is paramount. This guide will provide the definitive sequence, ensuring you experience the story as intended, maximizing enjoyment and minimizing confusion.
Deciphering the Dragon Ball Timeline: A Definitive Viewing Order
Navigating the Dragon Ball saga can feel like traversing the Serpent’s Path blindfolded. Fear not! The recommended viewing order prioritizes chronological story progression within the main canon, weaving in movies where they best fit thematically and avoid contradicting established events. While certain movies operate outside the strict canon, their inclusion enhances the overall viewing experience.
Here’s the comprehensive breakdown:
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Dragon Ball (1986-1989): Start at the very beginning, charting Goku’s childhood adventures and training with Master Roshi. This is the foundation upon which everything else is built.
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Dragon Ball: Curse of the Blood Rubies (Movie): This retelling of the Emperor Pilaf saga can be watched after the corresponding episodes in the Dragon Ball series, though its canonicity is debatable.
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Dragon Ball: Sleeping Princess in Devil’s Castle (Movie): Similar to “Curse of the Blood Rubies,” this movie can be viewed after completing the Red Ribbon Army arc of Dragon Ball.
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Dragon Ball: Mystical Adventure (Movie): This movie loosely covers the Tien Shinhan Saga and World Tournament Arc from the original Dragon Ball.
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Dragon Ball Z (1989-1996): The epic continuation. This is where the Saiyan saga, Frieza saga, Cell saga, and Majin Buu saga unfold. A must-watch.
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Dragon Ball Z: Dead Zone (Movie): This movie takes place after the end of Dragon Ball and before the Saiyan saga in Dragon Ball Z.
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Dragon Ball Z: The World’s Strongest (Movie): Set shortly after “Dead Zone,” before the events leading up to the Namek saga.
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Dragon Ball Z: The Tree of Might (Movie): Takes place during the early Saiyan saga, before the characters journey to Namek.
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Dragon Ball Z: Lord Slug (Movie): Chronologically sits between the Frieza saga and the Android saga.
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Dragon Ball Z: Cooler’s Revenge (Movie): Set after Goku returns to Earth following his battle with Frieza, but before the arrival of Future Trunks.
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Dragon Ball Z: Super Android 13! (Movie): Occurs during the Android saga, specifically before the Cell Games.
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Dragon Ball Z: Broly – The Legendary Super Saiyan (Movie): Placed before the Cell Games, Broly’s initial appearance provides a fun detour. Note that this version of Broly is distinct from the Dragon Ball Super version.
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Dragon Ball Z: Bojack Unbound (Movie): Set during the Cell Games, after Goku’s sacrifice.
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Dragon Ball Z: Broly – Second Coming (Movie): Takes place after the Cell Games, but before the World Tournament saga involving Videl and Gohan.
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Dragon Ball Z: Bio-Broly (Movie): Chronologically follows “Broly – Second Coming.”
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Dragon Ball Z: Fusion Reborn (Movie): Set during the Majin Buu saga, before Buu’s final transformation.
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Dragon Ball Z: Wrath of the Dragon (Movie): Takes place before the end of the Majin Buu Saga, after Gotenks defuses.
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Dragon Ball GT (1996-1997): While considered non-canon by many, Dragon Ball GT provides a continuation to the story. Approach with tempered expectations.
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Dragon Ball GT: A Hero’s Legacy (Movie): A direct continuation of the Dragon Ball GT series, following Goku Jr.’s story.
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Dragon Ball Super (2015-2018): A direct sequel to Dragon Ball Z, set between the end of the Majin Buu saga and the 28th World Martial Arts Tournament. This series is officially canon.
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Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods (Movie): This movie retells events that are later covered in the beginning of Dragon Ball Super, acting as a bridge between Z and Super. Many consider this the true beginning of Super.
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Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection ‘F’ (Movie): Similar to Battle of Gods, this movie also retells events that are covered in Dragon Ball Super.
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Dragon Ball Super: Broly (Movie): A rebooted version of Broly that is integrated into the Dragon Ball Super canon. It takes place after the Tournament of Power Arc in the Dragon Ball Super series.
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Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero (Movie): Takes place after the events of the Dragon Ball Super manga and features Gohan and Piccolo as the main focus.
Deep Dive: Addressing Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The vastness of the Dragon Ball universe often leads to questions. Here are some of the most common, answered with clarity and precision:
1. Is Dragon Ball GT canon?
Dragon Ball GT is widely considered non-canon by most fans and is not written or directly overseen by Akira Toriyama, the creator of Dragon Ball. While it continues the story after Dragon Ball Z, Dragon Ball Super retcons many aspects introduced in GT.
2. What’s the difference between Dragon Ball Z Kai and Dragon Ball Z?
Dragon Ball Z Kai is a remastered and recut version of Dragon Ball Z. It removes filler episodes to more closely follow the manga’s storyline and features updated visuals and voice acting.
3. Should I watch the movies in release order or chronological order?
While release order has historical significance, chronological order generally provides a smoother narrative experience, allowing you to see how events flow within the established timeline. This guide prioritizes the chronological approach.
4. Where does “Dragon Ball: Yo! Son Goku and His Friends Return!!” fit in?
This special takes place between the end of Dragon Ball Z and the beginning of Dragon Ball GT. Its canonicity is debatable, but it offers a glimpse into the characters’ lives during that time.
5. What’s the best way to watch Dragon Ball if I’m short on time?
Focus on the main series (Dragon Ball, Dragon Ball Z, and Dragon Ball Super) and skip the movies. If you have time, prioritize the Dragon Ball Super movies as they are considered canon and contribute significantly to the ongoing story.
6. Are there any filler episodes I should skip?
Dragon Ball Z has a significant amount of filler. Resources online, such as dedicated fan sites, provide lists of filler episodes that can be skipped without impacting the main plot. Dragon Ball Z Kai significantly reduces filler.
7. Is it necessary to watch Dragon Ball before Dragon Ball Z?
While you can jump into Dragon Ball Z, watching Dragon Ball first provides essential context for Goku’s early life, relationships, and fighting style. It enriches the overall experience.
8. What’s the deal with different versions of Broly?
There are two distinct versions of Broly. The original Broly appears in several Dragon Ball Z movies, while the rebooted Broly is introduced in the Dragon Ball Super: Broly movie. The latter is canon and significantly more nuanced.
9. What’s the canonicity of the Dragon Ball Super manga compared to the anime?
While both follow the same overall story, the manga and anime versions of Dragon Ball Super have some differences in plot and character development. Currently, the manga is continuing the story beyond the anime’s conclusion.
10. Where can I legally stream Dragon Ball?
Dragon Ball, Dragon Ball Z, Dragon Ball Super, and the movies are often available on streaming services such as Crunchyroll, Funimation, and Hulu. Availability may vary depending on your region.
11. Is there a definitive end to the Dragon Ball story?
As of now, the Dragon Ball story is ongoing. The manga continues to release new chapters, and future anime adaptations are possible. The end of the current story arc is not yet in sight.
12. What’s the correct order to watch the specials?
Generally, specials like “Bardock – The Father of Goku” and “The History of Trunks” should be watched after the Frieza saga and Cell saga respectively to avoid spoilers and enhance their emotional impact. They provide background information on key characters.