Understanding the Dragon Ball Franchise
Dragon Ball, created by Akira Toriyama, is one of the most influential anime series ever made. It has captivated audiences for decades, and new generations continue to discover its rich universe. However, with so many series and movies, it can be overwhelming for newcomers to know where to start. The sheer number of shows and films makes it challenging to determine the right order to watch them in.
For those who want to dive into the franchise, there are two main approaches: watching in release order or following the chronologically tangled canon. Each method offers a different experience, and understanding the differences can help fans make informed choices about how to enjoy the series.
What is Dragon Ball About?
At its core, Dragon Ball follows the journey of Goku, a young warrior who begins his training at an early age and continues to grow stronger throughout the series. The original Dragon Ball series showcases Goku’s growth as he competes in the World Martial Arts Tournament against increasingly difficult opponents. Along the way, his relationships with friends like Krillin and Bulma, as well as enemies like Piccolo, evolve significantly.
As the series progresses into Dragon Ball Z, Goku becomes an adult with a family of his own. His life takes a dramatic turn when he uncovers a secret about his origins. The stakes rise, with battles that threaten to destroy entire planets. In Dragon Ball Super, Goku faces cosmic gods and embarks on a quest to become the strongest warrior in existence.
Watching Dragon Ball in Release Order
If you prefer to follow the chronological release of the series, the order is relatively straightforward. Start with the original Dragon Ball, then move on to Dragon Ball Z, followed by Dragon Ball GT, Dragon Ball Super, and finally the latest installment, Dragon Ball Daima.
The challenge comes with the movies, which are interspersed throughout the franchise. For example, the first Dragon Ball movie premiered after the show began and is set after the first 43 episodes. However, until Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods, none of the movies were part of the official canon, meaning they aren’t essential for understanding the events of the shows. This gives viewers the flexibility to choose whether to watch the movies alongside the series or save them for later.
Here is a list of the Dragon Ball series and movies in release order:
- Dragon Ball (1986)
- Dragon Ball: Curse of the Blood Rubies (1986)
- Dragon Ball: Sleeping Princess In Devil’s Castle (1987)
- Dragon Ball: Mystical Adventure (1988)
- Dragon Ball Z: Dead Zone (1989)
- Dragon Ball Z (1989)
- Dragon Ball Z: The World’s Strongest (1990)
- Dragon Ball Z: The Tree of Might (1990)
- Dragon Ball Z: Bardock–The Father of Goku (1990)
- Dragon Ball Z: Lord Slug (1991)
- Dragon Ball Z: Cooler’s Revenge (1991)
- Dragon Ball Z: The Return of Cooler (1992)
- Dragon Ball Z: Super Android 13! (1992)
- Dragon Ball Z: The History of Trunks (1993)
- Dragon Ball Z: Broly–The Legendary Super Saiyan (1993)
- Dragon Ball Z: Bojack Unbound (1993)
- Dragon Ball Z: Broly–Second Coming (1994)
- Dragon Ball Z: Bio-Broly (1994)
- Dragon Ball Z: Fusion Reborn (1995)
- Dragon Ball Z: Wrath of the Dragon (1995)
- Dragon Ball GT (1996)
- Dragon Ball: The Return of Son Goku and Friends! (2008)
- Dragon Ball: Episode of Bardock (2011)
- Dragon Ball Super (2013)
- Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods (2013)
- Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection F (2015)
- Dragon Ball Super: Broly (2018)
- Super Dragon Ball Heroes (2018)
- Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero (2022)
- Dragon Ball Daima (2024)
Watching Dragon Ball in Canon Order
Watching Dragon Ball in canon order is more complex due to the inclusion of movies that may not directly impact the main storyline. Most of the earlier movies are considered non-canon and do not affect the events of the shows. Only the most recent films, such as Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods, Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection F, Dragon Ball Super: Broly, and Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero, have a direct impact on the series.
One of the trickiest decisions involves Dragon Ball GT, which is not based on the manga and was not heavily involved by Akira Toriyama. While some fans consider it non-canonical, others argue that its inclusion in the official timeline makes it canonical. Additionally, Dragon Ball Daima takes place before Dragon Ball Super, adding another layer of complexity to the timeline.
Fans who prefer to stick closer to the manga can opt for Dragon Ball Z Kai, which omits filler episodes. However, if you're interested in watching all of Dragon Ball Z, including filler content, you'll need to account for that in your viewing plan.
Which Dragon Ball Movies Are Not Canon?
Strictly speaking, none of the original Dragon Ball and Dragon Ball Z movies are considered canon. They are not based on the manga and often don't influence the main storyline. Dragon Ball Z: Dead Zone is an exception, as it serves as a prequel to Dragon Ball Z and is referenced in later episodes. However, most fans still consider it non-essential.
With the arrival of Dragon Ball Super, the franchise embraced canonical movies. Fans are encouraged to watch these films, starting with Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods, as they provide valuable context for the events between episodes.
Where Can I Watch Dragon Ball?
The best platform to stream most of the Dragon Ball franchise is Crunchyroll. It offers nearly all of Goku's adventures, including every Dragon Ball TV series and most of the movies. If you prefer to rent the films, they are available on Amazon Prime, Apple TV+, and other platforms.
Whether you choose to watch in release order or follow the canon timeline, the journey through the Dragon Ball universe is long but rewarding. By the end, you’ll understand why Goku remains one of the most beloved characters in anime history.