The Ultimate Dragon Ball Watch Order Guide: From Dragon Ball to Dragon Ball Super
For decades, the Dragon Ball franchise has captivated audiences worldwide with its explosive action, memorable characters, and epic storylines. From the humble beginnings of a young Goku to the earth-shattering battles of the gods, there’s a vast universe to explore. However, navigating the numerous series, movies, and specials can be daunting. If you’re new to Dragon Ball or a returning fan looking to experience the saga in its intended chronological order, this comprehensive guide will break it all down for you. We’ll cover every series, movie, and special, ensuring you don’t miss a single power-up or Kamehameha!
Understanding the Dragon Ball Timeline
Before we dive into the specifics, it’s crucial to grasp the overarching timeline. The main story of Dragon Ball is primarily told through the following core anime series:
- Dragon Ball: The beginning of Goku’s journey, focusing on his childhood and adventures.
- Dragon Ball Z: A more action-oriented series that introduces Saiyans and galactic threats.
- Dragon Ball GT: A non-canon sequel to Z, featuring a different storyline and direction.
- Dragon Ball Super: A canon continuation of Z, following Goku and his friends after the defeat of Majin Buu.
In addition to the main series, there are numerous movies and specials that often take place within specific arcs of the main timeline or are standalone stories. It’s important to understand where these fit in to truly enjoy the entire Dragon Ball experience. Remember, not every piece of Dragon Ball content is canon, meaning it isn’t part of the main storyline. Dragon Ball GT and most of the movies fall into the non-canon category, but they still offer fun and entertaining adventures. However, the focus of this guide is the proper chronological viewing order, weaving in the best of both canon and non-canon elements for a complete experience.
The Recommended Dragon Ball Watch Order
Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of how to watch Dragon Ball in the most logical order, blending the main series with relevant movies and specials:
1. Dragon Ball (Episodes 1-153)
This is where it all begins! Witness Goku’s formative years, from his first meeting with Bulma to his training with Master Roshi. This series introduces key characters and concepts that form the bedrock of the Dragon Ball universe. Watch all 153 episodes before proceeding to any movies.
Key Highlights:
- Goku’s childhood and introduction to martial arts.
- Meeting Bulma, Yamcha, and other key characters.
- The various martial arts tournaments.
- The search for the Dragon Balls.
2. Dragon Ball Movie 1: Curse of the Blood Rubies
This movie is a retelling of the beginning of Dragon Ball, so it can be watched immediately after finishing the initial portion of the series or any time after the Emperor Pilaf arc. It’s a fun, early adventure that’s best viewed after getting the general context of the beginning of the series.
Why Watch It? A quick and lighthearted adventure in the style of early Dragon Ball.
3. Dragon Ball Movie 2: Sleeping Princess in Devil’s Castle
Another fun standalone movie set during the early Dragon Ball timeline. It doesn’t follow the main story closely, making it easily enjoyable after getting the general tone and style of the series.
Why Watch It? More early Dragon Ball action and comedy.
4. Dragon Ball Movie 3: Mystical Adventure
This movie takes place around the Red Ribbon Army saga, but it doesn’t stick strictly to the continuity of the series. It is another fun alternate adventure and you can watch this one after getting the general gist of the Red Ribbon Army story.
Why Watch It? A standalone alternate story that provides a fun adventure.
5. Dragon Ball (Episodes 154 onwards)
Continue the main series until the end. You’ll see the conclusion of Goku’s first grand adventure as he matures and becomes a powerful young martial artist.
Key Highlights:
- The final martial arts tournament.
- Goku’s battle against Piccolo.
- The end of Goku’s first big journey.
6. Dragon Ball Z (Episodes 1-291)
The epic saga of Dragon Ball Z begins! This series introduces the Saiyans, the Frieza Force, and a host of other powerful threats. Prepare for transformations, intense battles, and emotional storylines that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Key Arcs:
- Saiyan Saga
- Frieza Saga
- Cell Saga
- Majin Buu Saga
7. Dragon Ball Z Movie 1: Dead Zone
This movie is a non-canon story that takes place after the Raditz fight but before the arrival of Nappa and Vegeta. You can watch this movie after the first few episodes of Dragon Ball Z to get a feel for the new powers and the new direction of the series.
Why Watch It? A fun, early Z-era adventure with a powerful villain.
8. Dragon Ball Z Movie 2: The World’s Strongest
A non-canon movie featuring a dangerous scientific enemy. It can be watched after the Frieza arc or any time after the Saiyan Saga.
Why Watch It? More early Z-era action and introduces a memorable villain.
9. Dragon Ball Z Movie 3: The Tree of Might
This movie is another non-canon adventure. It features a very strong Saiyan and can be viewed after the Saiyan or Frieza arc.
Why Watch It? A great fight-centric movie with an interesting Saiyan threat.
10. Dragon Ball Z Movie 4: Lord Slug
A non-canon story involving a Namekian villain. This can be watched any time after the Namek arc or the end of the Frieza Saga in DBZ.
Why Watch It? Features the power of Super Saiyan Goku against a formidable foe.
11. Dragon Ball Z Movie 5: Cooler’s Revenge
This movie takes place after the defeat of Frieza and features his brother, Cooler. It’s a great standalone adventure you can watch after Frieza’s Saga.
Why Watch It? Introduced another member of Frieza’s race with a very powerful form.
12. Dragon Ball Z Movie 6: Return of Cooler
A direct sequel to Cooler’s Revenge and the first Dragon Ball film featuring Super Saiyan Goku after becoming a Super Saiyan. It can be watched after finishing the last film.
Why Watch It? Provides more action-packed fights and cool characters.
13. Dragon Ball Z Movie 7: Super Android 13!
This movie takes place during the Android arc of DBZ, specifically before Androids 17 and 18 become major villains. Watch this film after the Trunks saga and before Android 16,17, 18 are introduced in the main show.
Why Watch It? A fun fight movie with new, unique android villains.
14. Dragon Ball Z Movie 8: Broly – The Legendary Super Saiyan
This movie is a fan favorite introducing the iconic Broly. It doesn’t fit into the main timeline, but is a very good standalone story that can be watched after the Cell Saga.
Why Watch It? Introduces a very powerful and memorable character, Broly.
15. Dragon Ball Z Movie 9: Bojack Unbound
This movie takes place after the Cell Games. It features a new villain named Bojack and a fun tournament type setting. You can watch it immediately after the defeat of Cell in the main storyline.
Why Watch It? A fun action adventure with another powerful villain to fight.
16. Dragon Ball Z Movie 10: Broly – Second Coming
A sequel to the previous Broly movie that shows off an even stronger Broly. This non-canon movie is best viewed after the last Broly movie or any time after the Cell Saga.
Why Watch It? More Broly action and a lot of great battles.
17. Dragon Ball Z Movie 11: Bio-Broly
Another Broly film that is not considered canon. However, this one shows off a very interesting Bio-Broly and is very action packed. Best viewed after Broly Second Coming.
Why Watch It? Provides even more Broly battles and action.
18. Dragon Ball Z Movie 12: Fusion Reborn
This movie can be watched anytime after the Majin Buu Saga. It introduces Gogeta and Janemba, two new, very powerful characters.
Why Watch It? Introduces a fan favorite character, Gogeta, and provides a very entertaining adventure.
19. Dragon Ball Z Movie 13: Wrath of the Dragon
This movie is set after the Majin Buu Saga. It is the final DBZ movie and a great action packed story. You can view it after the end of the DBZ series.
Why Watch It? Provides another great standalone adventure with more impressive fights.
20. Dragon Ball Z Special: Bardock – The Father of Goku
This special is a prequel that tells the story of Goku’s father, Bardock. Watch this after the Frieza arc of Dragon Ball Z, as it provides context for the Saiyan race.
Why Watch It? Gives backstory to a key character and events that lead to the start of DBZ.
21. Dragon Ball Z Special: The History of Trunks
This special tells the story of future Trunks’ timeline. It can be viewed after the Trunks arc in DBZ, before the Cell Games.
Why Watch It? Provides great backstory for Trunks’ dark timeline.
22. Dragon Ball GT (Episodes 1-64)
This series is a non-canon sequel to Dragon Ball Z and offers a different take on the Dragon Ball universe, taking Goku on more galactic adventures. Watch this after the main DBZ series.
Key Highlights:
- Goku being turned into a child again.
- New adventures in space and the search for the Black Star Dragon Balls.
- The introduction of new, powerful enemies.
- The final form of Super Saiyan 4.
23. Dragon Ball GT Special: A Hero’s Legacy
This special is set many years after the end of Dragon Ball GT, and it is viewed after the main series conclusion.
Why Watch It? Gives a glimpse of the future of the Dragon Ball universe after GT.
24. Dragon Ball Super (Episodes 1-131)
A canon continuation of the Dragon Ball Z timeline, set after the defeat of Majin Buu, this series introduces new characters, power-ups, and enemies that take the Dragon Ball universe to new heights.
Key Arcs:
- Battle of Gods Saga
- Resurrection ‘F’ Saga
- Universe 6 Saga
- Future Trunks Saga
- Universe Survival Saga
25. Dragon Ball Super: Broly
A movie that reboots the Broly character into the canon of the Super universe. It introduces a new version of Broly with a lot more character and a great story that you should view after the Universe Survival Saga.
Why Watch It? A very fun action packed movie that is a canonical part of the Super universe.
26. Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero
The latest canon Dragon Ball movie focusing on Piccolo and Gohan and introducing new androids, this film continues the Super storyline. It should be viewed after the Broly movie.
Why Watch It? Introduces new transformations and plotlines in the Super universe.
Alternative Viewing Options
While the order above is the most comprehensive, here are a few alternative ways you can enjoy the Dragon Ball franchise:
- Strictly Canon Order: Watch Dragon Ball, Dragon Ball Z, then Dragon Ball Super, followed by the canon movies (Broly, Super Hero) and specials. Skip Dragon Ball GT.
- Release Order: This means watching everything in the order it was released, which can lead to some inconsistencies but provides a historical perspective.
- Arc-Based Viewing: You can watch by major story arcs (such as Saiyan Saga, Frieza Saga, etc.), integrating the movies that fit within that timeframe.
Tips for a Smooth Watch
- Pace Yourself: Dragon Ball is a long franchise, so don’t feel pressured to watch it all at once.
- Use Streaming Services: Many streaming services offer the Dragon Ball series and movies, making it easy to watch on your own time.
- Read Online Discussions: Engaging with other fans can enhance your experience and help you understand complex plot points.
- Don’t Be Afraid to Rewatch: Sometimes the best way to fully understand the intricacies of Dragon Ball is to watch it again.
Conclusion
The world of Dragon Ball is vast and filled with incredible adventures. By following this comprehensive watch order, you’ll be able to enjoy the entire saga in the most logical and fulfilling way. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer, there’s something for everyone to love in the world of Goku and his friends. So grab your Senzu beans, power up, and prepare for a journey you won’t soon forget!
Happy watching!
