Figuring out the best way to watch Dragon Ball Z in order with the movies can be daunting, given the anime’s extended run and the varying degrees of canonicity attributed to its theatrical releases. This guide provides a definitive chronological viewing order, seamlessly integrating the films into the narrative flow of the anime to enhance your viewing experience.
Dragon Ball Z: A Viewing Order Worthy of a Super Saiyan
The core of Dragon Ball Z follows Goku and his friends battling increasingly powerful threats to protect Earth. However, the movies, while exciting and often visually stunning, sometimes deviate from the established timeline. This order carefully balances the anime’s storyline with the movies’ release dates and potential placement within the narrative, ensuring a coherent and enjoyable viewing experience.
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Dragon Ball Z Episodes 1-35 (Saiyan Saga – Beginning): Start with the series’ origin story, introducing the Saiyans and the arrival of Vegeta and Nappa.
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Dragon Ball Z: Dead Zone (Movie 1): While not strictly canon, Dead Zone works well after the initial Saiyan battles. Its placement here doesn’t contradict any established plot points.
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Dragon Ball Z Episodes 36-67 (Saiyan Saga – End/Namek Saga – Beginning): Continue following Goku and friends as they venture to Planet Namek to revive their fallen comrades.
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Dragon Ball Z: The World’s Strongest (Movie 2): Chronologically fits best before the Ginyu Force arrival. It features Dr. Kochin, who seeks the Dragon Balls to revive Dr. Wheelo.
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Dragon Ball Z Episodes 68-107 (Namek Saga – End): Witness the epic battle against Frieza and Goku’s transformation into a Super Saiyan.
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Dragon Ball Z: The Tree of Might (Movie 3): Set between the defeat of Frieza and the arrival of Future Trunks, this movie features a massive tree that drains a planet’s energy.
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Dragon Ball Z Episodes 108-125 (Android Saga – Arrival of Trunks): Future Trunks arrives, warning of the Androids and Cell.
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Dragon Ball Z: Lord Slug (Movie 4): This movie fits nicely before the full-blown Android battles. Lord Slug, a Namekian who seeks to conquer Earth, arrives.
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Dragon Ball Z Episodes 126-165 (Android Saga – Androids and Cell): The Androids are activated, and Cell begins his quest for perfection.
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Dragon Ball Z: Cooler’s Revenge (Movie 5): A sequel to the Frieza saga, Cooler arrives on Earth seeking revenge for his brother’s defeat. This works well just before Cell reaches his perfect form.
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Dragon Ball Z Episodes 166-194 (Cell Saga – Cell Games): The Cell Games unfold, culminating in Gohan’s transformation into a Super Saiyan 2 and Cell’s ultimate defeat.
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Dragon Ball Z: Return of Cooler (Movie 6): Cooler returns as a robotic being, leading an army to conquer New Namek. This logically follows the Cell Games, even though Goku and Vegeta are inexplicably not stronger.
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Dragon Ball Z Episodes 195-219 (Great Saiyaman Saga/World Tournament Saga – Beginning): Transition to the Buu Saga, introducing Gohan’s high school adventures and the buildup to the World Martial Arts Tournament.
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Dragon Ball Z: Broly – The Legendary Super Saiyan (Movie 8): This incredibly popular, non-canon film can be enjoyed anytime after the Cell Games. Broly’s power is truly legendary.
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Dragon Ball Z Episodes 220-231 (World Tournament Saga – End): The World Tournament begins, and the seeds of the Buu Saga are sown.
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Dragon Ball Z: Bojack Unbound (Movie 9): Another non-canon but entertaining film. Fighters from across the galaxy are released and disrupt the World Tournament. This fits best just after the Tournament.
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Dragon Ball Z Episodes 232-291 (Buu Saga): The Majin Buu saga unfolds, featuring various forms of Buu and the ultimate battle to save the universe.
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Dragon Ball Z: Broly – Second Coming (Movie 10): Broly returns after his initial defeat. While enjoyable, the power scaling is inconsistent. Place this after the initial Majin Buu appearances.
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Dragon Ball Z: Bio-Broly (Movie 11): A weak entry in the DBZ movie lineup, this can be watched after the defeat of Super Buu. It involves a clone of Broly.
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Dragon Ball Z: Fusion Reborn (Movie 12): Janemba is a formidable opponent in this movie. This fits chronologically after the defeat of Super Buu, showcasing the power of Gogeta.
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Dragon Ball Z: Wrath of the Dragon (Movie 13): The last DBZ movie. Tapion is released and fights Hirudegarn. This is best viewed after the Kid Buu fight, acting as a semi-epilogue.
Important Notes:
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Dragon Ball Z Kai: This is a remastered version of Dragon Ball Z, with improved visuals and a tighter narrative. The same viewing order applies, but Kai cuts out filler episodes.
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Canon vs. Non-Canon: Most Dragon Ball Z movies are considered non-canon. This means they don’t officially occur within the main storyline.
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Power Scaling: The movies often feature inconsistent power levels compared to the series. Don’t overthink this too much; enjoy the battles!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Watching Dragon Ball Z with Movies
Here are some common questions about watching Dragon Ball Z with the movies, providing further clarity and addressing potential concerns:
What is the best way to watch Dragon Ball Z for the first time?
The best way to watch for the first time is to follow the chronological order provided above, interspersed with the movies at the recommended points. This gives you a good mix of the core storyline with exciting side adventures.
Is Dragon Ball Z Kai better than the original Dragon Ball Z?
Dragon Ball Z Kai removes much of the filler material, resulting in a tighter and faster-paced experience. It also features remastered visuals. However, some fans prefer the original for its longer, more drawn-out scenes and original music score. Ultimately, it depends on your personal preference.
Are all the Dragon Ball Z movies non-canon?
Yes, all Dragon Ball Z movies are generally considered non-canon to the main anime storyline. They often introduce characters and situations that don’t align with the established continuity. However, they are still enjoyable standalone stories.
Does the Dragon Ball Z movie order affect the Dragon Ball Super storyline?
No. Because the Dragon Ball Z movies are non-canon, they have no bearing on the events of Dragon Ball Super. Dragon Ball Super follows its own canon timeline.
Where does Dragon Ball GT fit in the viewing order?
Dragon Ball GT is generally considered an alternate timeline and is also non-canon. It takes place after the end of Dragon Ball Z but before the events of Dragon Ball Super. Some fans choose to watch it after Dragon Ball Z and the movies, while others skip it entirely.
Should I watch Dragon Ball before Dragon Ball Z?
Absolutely. Watching Dragon Ball is essential for understanding the origins of Goku and many of the characters introduced in Dragon Ball Z. It provides important context and character development.
What is the Dragon Ball Z movie with Broly?
There are three Dragon Ball Z movies featuring Broly: Broly – The Legendary Super Saiyan, Broly – Second Coming, and Bio-Broly. The first one is the most popular and well-regarded. Note that the character was later re-introduced in Dragon Ball Super: Broly with a different canon backstory.
What is the best Dragon Ball Z movie?
Many fans consider Fusion Reborn or Broly – The Legendary Super Saiyan to be the best Dragon Ball Z movies. Fusion Reborn features a unique villain and the debut of Gogeta, while Broly introduces a powerful and iconic antagonist.
Are there any important Dragon Ball Z OVAs (Original Video Animations)?
While not movies, the Dragon Ball Z OVAs, such as Dragon Ball Z Side Story: Plan to Eradicate the Saiyans, offer additional content that some fans enjoy. They are generally non-canon.
Where can I legally watch Dragon Ball Z and its movies?
Dragon Ball Z and its movies are available on various streaming platforms like Crunchyroll, Funimation, and Hulu. Check your local availability for specific titles.
How does Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods and Resurrection ‘F’ fit into this order?
Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods and Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection ‘F’ were later adapted into arcs in Dragon Ball Super. Therefore, it is best to watch these movies, if you prefer, before watching the corresponding arcs (Battle of Gods arc and Resurrection ‘F’ arc) in Dragon Ball Super. But technically, these would not fit into a Dragon Ball Z viewing order, as they serve as a bridge to Dragon Ball Super.
Is the Bardock – The Father of Goku special worth watching?
Yes, the Bardock – The Father of Goku special is definitely worth watching. Although non-canon initially, it offers a compelling backstory for Goku’s father, Bardock. It adds depth to the Saiyan race’s history and their conflict with Frieza. While not part of the main series, it’s a fan favorite that enhances the overall Dragon Ball Z experience.