How to Watch Dragon Ball: A Complete Viewing Guide (Including All Series, Movies, and Specials)
Dragon Ball is a sprawling, epic saga that has captivated audiences worldwide for decades. From Goku’s humble beginnings as a monkey-tailed boy to his earth-shattering battles against gods, the series offers a thrilling blend of action, comedy, and heart. However, with numerous series, movies, and specials, figuring out the correct viewing order can be daunting. This guide will break down the entire Dragon Ball universe and provide you with a detailed step-by-step approach to watching it all.
Understanding the Dragon Ball Timeline
Before diving in, it’s crucial to understand the basic timeline and the different continuities within the franchise:
- Dragon Ball (1986-1989): The original series, following Goku’s adventures from childhood to young adulthood, focusing on his training and initial tournaments.
- Dragon Ball Z (1989-1996): A more action-oriented sequel focusing on Goku as an adult, introducing Saiyans, and exploring cosmic-level threats.
- Dragon Ball GT (1996-1997): An anime-original sequel to Dragon Ball Z, not based on Akira Toriyama’s manga, featuring a new journey for Goku as a child again. Considered non-canon by many.
- Dragon Ball Kai (2009-2011, 2014-2015): A remastered and edited version of Dragon Ball Z, designed to more closely align with the manga. It removes much of the filler.
- Dragon Ball Super (2015-2018): A canonical sequel to Dragon Ball Z, taking place after the defeat of Majin Buu and introducing new universes, gods, and transformations.
- Dragon Ball Super: Broly (2018): A canonical movie that reintroduces Broly into the Dragon Ball Super continuity.
- Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero (2022): Another canonical movie set after the events of the Dragon Ball Super anime.
The core of the Dragon Ball narrative is the original manga storyline which is adapted by Dragon Ball, Dragon Ball Z, and Dragon Ball Super (although Super also adds new original content). Dragon Ball GT is a separate, alternate storyline. Dragon Ball Kai is not a separate story; rather it is an edited version of Z.
The Recommended Viewing Order: A Detailed Guide
Here’s a breakdown of how to watch Dragon Ball in a way that maintains narrative coherence and enjoyment, including which movies to watch and where they fit:
Phase 1: Dragon Ball (1986-1989)
Step 1: Start with Dragon Ball:
This series is where it all begins. It introduces Goku, Bulma, and the world of Dragon Ball. You’ll witness Goku’s early training, his adventures with his friends, and his participation in martial arts tournaments. It’s crucial to watch this before moving on to Z, as it lays the foundation for the characters and the overall story.
Key arcs in Dragon Ball:
- Emperor Pilaf Saga: Introduces Goku, Bulma, and their quest for the Dragon Balls.
- Tournament Saga: Showcases Goku’s early martial arts skills.
- Red Ribbon Army Saga: A thrilling adventure involving a powerful military organization.
- Fortuneteller Baba Saga: A series of challenges and revelations.
- Tien Shinhan Saga: Goku battles his new rival, Tien.
- King Piccolo Saga: Goku’s first major battle against a truly evil foe.
- Piccolo Jr. Saga: The final arc of Dragon Ball where Goku battles a reincarnated King Piccolo as an adult.
Movies to watch during the Dragon Ball Series: These are mostly non-canonical, but enjoyable side-stories if you’re keen on seeing more of Goku’s early years.
- Dragon Ball: Curse of the Blood Rubies (1986): A retelling of the first arc with a twist.
- Dragon Ball: Sleeping Princess in Devil’s Castle (1987): A fun, non-canon adventure.
- Dragon Ball: Mystical Adventure (1988): A reimagining of the events of the Red Ribbon army arc.
- Dragon Ball: The Path to Power (1996): A 10th-anniversary film that retells the early Dragon Ball narrative in a more modern animation style. Good to watch *after* the whole series.
Phase 2: Dragon Ball Z (1989-1996) or Dragon Ball Kai (2009-2011, 2014-2015)
Step 2: Choose between Dragon Ball Z or Dragon Ball Kai:
This is a key decision. Dragon Ball Z is the original, longer version with filler content and a less consistent animation style. Dragon Ball Kai is a remastered version that removes the filler and updates some of the animation. Here’s a breakdown to help you choose:
- Dragon Ball Z: The full experience, complete with all the filler episodes. This can be enjoyable for die-hard fans who want to see every scene and detail. However, pacing can be inconsistent. Some fans appreciate this more relaxed pacing which sometimes provides additional character insights that are not found in Kai.
- Dragon Ball Kai: A faster-paced, more faithful adaptation of the manga. It’s a great option for those who prefer a streamlined experience and don’t want to sit through filler episodes. If you’re not interested in filler, Kai is the better option.
Key arcs in Dragon Ball Z (or Kai):
- Saiyan Saga: Introduces Raditz, Nappa, and Vegeta. This is where the Saiyan race and its significance to Goku’s origins are first revealed.
- Namek Saga: Goku travels to Namek to stop Frieza, leading to the epic battle and Goku’s first Super Saiyan transformation.
- Captain Ginyu Saga: The Ginyu Force is introduced, adding a colorful and challenging set of adversaries.
- Frieza Saga: The iconic battles with Frieza and his final transformation.
- Androids Saga: The introduction of Dr. Gero’s androids and the emergence of Cell.
- Cell Saga: The Cell Games and Gohan’s transformation into Super Saiyan 2.
- Majin Buu Saga: The introduction of Babidi, Dabura, and Majin Buu, including various transformations of Buu and the emergence of Vegito.
Movies to watch during Dragon Ball Z/Kai: These movies are generally non-canonical but provide great action and alternative stories. Watch them after the corresponding arcs they are released after.
- Dragon Ball Z: Dead Zone (1989): Watch after the Saiyan Saga, though not canon.
- Dragon Ball Z: The World’s Strongest (1990): Watch after the Saiyan Saga, though not canon.
- Dragon Ball Z: The Tree of Might (1990): Watch after the Saiyan Saga, though not canon.
- Dragon Ball Z: Lord Slug (1991): Watch after the Namek Saga, though not canon.
- Dragon Ball Z: Cooler’s Revenge (1991): Watch after the Frieza Saga, though not canon.
- Dragon Ball Z: The Return of Cooler (1992): Watch after the Androids Saga, though not canon.
- Dragon Ball Z: Super Android 13 (1992): Watch after the Androids Saga, though not canon.
- Dragon Ball Z: Broly – The Legendary Super Saiyan (1993): Watch after the Cell Saga, though not canon. This movie is different than the 2018 movie “Dragon Ball Super: Broly.”
- Dragon Ball Z: Bojack Unbound (1993): Watch after the Cell Saga, though not canon.
- Dragon Ball Z: Broly – Second Coming (1994): Watch after the Cell Saga, though not canon.
- Dragon Ball Z: Bio-Broly (1994): Watch after the Cell Saga, though not canon.
- Dragon Ball Z: Fusion Reborn (1995): Watch after the Majin Buu Saga, though not canon.
- Dragon Ball Z: Wrath of the Dragon (1995): Watch after the Majin Buu Saga, though not canon.
Phase 3: Dragon Ball Super (2015-2018)
Step 3: Move on to Dragon Ball Super:
This series is a canonical sequel to Dragon Ball Z, taking place after the defeat of Majin Buu and before the final moments of Dragon Ball Z. It expands the universe, introduces gods, and features incredible new transformations.
Key arcs in Dragon Ball Super:
- Battle of Gods Saga: Based on the movie of the same name, introduces Beerus, the God of Destruction.
- Resurrection ‘F’ Saga: Based on the movie of the same name, it sees Frieza return with a new transformation.
- Universe 6 Saga: The introduction of Champa, the God of Destruction of Universe 6, and a tournament between the two universes.
- Future Trunks Saga: The return of Future Trunks and the introduction of Goku Black.
- Universe Survival Saga: A multi-universe tournament where many of the most powerful fighters in the universe battle for their existence.
Movies to watch during Dragon Ball Super:
- Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods (2013): Technically released before the Super series but this movie’s events are re-told and expanded in the first 13 episodes of Dragon Ball Super. Feel free to watch this before jumping into the series if you want but this is not necessary as the anime covers it.
- Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection ‘F’ (2015): Similar to Battle of Gods, this movie is re-told in the first 27 episodes of Super, so this movie is not necessary to watch before or during Super.
- Dragon Ball Super: Broly (2018): Watch after the Universe Survival Saga of Super.
- Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero (2022): Watch after the events of Dragon Ball Super: Broly.
Phase 4: Dragon Ball GT (1996-1997) (Optional)
Step 4: Decide if you want to watch Dragon Ball GT:
Dragon Ball GT is an anime-original story that continues from the end of Dragon Ball Z. It was not written or conceived by Akira Toriyama and is considered non-canon by many fans. While it has some interesting ideas, it’s often criticized for its weaker writing and animation. Whether you watch it is entirely up to you. It is generally recommended to watch Super instead or in addition to GT.
Key arcs in Dragon Ball GT:
- Black Star Dragon Ball Saga: The beginning of GT and the quest for the Black Star Dragon Balls.
- Baby Saga: The introduction of Baby, a powerful parasite seeking revenge on the Saiyans.
- Super 17 Saga: The creation of Super 17 and another threat to the world.
- Shadow Dragons Saga: The most dangerous threat of GT where the overuse of the Dragon Balls results in the creation of powerful Shadow Dragons.
Movies to watch during Dragon Ball GT:
- Dragon Ball GT: A Hero’s Legacy (1997): The special that serves as an epilogue to the GT series.
Summary of the Recommended Order
Here’s a summarized version of the recommended watch order:
- Dragon Ball (1986-1989)
- Movies: Curse of the Blood Rubies, Sleeping Princess in Devil’s Castle, Mystical Adventure, The Path to Power (Watch after all of Dragon Ball).
- Dragon Ball Z (1989-1996) or Dragon Ball Kai (2009-2011, 2014-2015) (Choose either)
- Movies: Dead Zone, The World’s Strongest, The Tree of Might, Lord Slug, Cooler’s Revenge, The Return of Cooler, Super Android 13, Broly – The Legendary Super Saiyan, Bojack Unbound, Broly – Second Coming, Bio-Broly, Fusion Reborn, Wrath of the Dragon. Watch after their respective arcs.
- Dragon Ball Super (2015-2018)
- Movies: Battle of Gods, Resurrection ‘F’ (optional watch before Super), Dragon Ball Super: Broly (after Universe Survival Saga), Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero (after Broly)
- Dragon Ball GT (1996-1997) (Optional)
- Movies: A Hero’s Legacy
Where to Watch Dragon Ball
You can watch Dragon Ball on various streaming platforms, including:
- Crunchyroll: A popular streaming service for anime, often hosting Dragon Ball, Z, Kai, and Super.
- Funimation: Offers Dragon Ball, Z, and Super with both English dubs and original Japanese audio.
- Hulu: Another option for streaming various Dragon Ball series.
- Amazon Prime Video: Provides a collection of Dragon Ball content.
- Streaming platforms in your region: Check for availability in your specific country.
Purchasing physical copies of the series on DVD or Blu-ray is also an option if you want to own them outright.
Tips for Enjoying Your Dragon Ball Journey
- Be patient with pacing: Some arcs can feel slow, but they are usually building towards significant events.
- Don’t be afraid of filler: While filler can be seen as unnecessary, it can offer fun character moments.
- Engage with the community: There are many online communities where you can discuss the series and share your experiences.
- Decide if you want to watch dubbed or subbed: The English dubs are very popular, but some purists prefer the original Japanese with subtitles.
- Enjoy the ride: Dragon Ball is a long journey, but it’s a rewarding one.
Final Thoughts
Dragon Ball is a beloved franchise for a reason. With its compelling characters, intense action, and heartwarming themes, it’s a must-watch for any anime fan. Whether you are new to the franchise or a long-time fan looking to re-experience it, this detailed guide should help you navigate the entire Dragon Ball universe. Now that you have the knowledge of where to start and the proper viewing order, it’s time to grab some snacks, prepare yourself for some incredible transformations, and most importantly, enjoy the incredible journey that is the world of Dragon Ball!