Dive into Dragon Ball: The Anime Epic That’s More than Just Fights and Fusions
Let’s be real: Dragon Ball isn’t just an anime; it’s a global phenomenon. If you’re new to the universe of Super Saiyans and Spirit Bombs or just looking to re-experience it, the sheer number of episodes, movies, and spin-offs can make your head spin faster than a Destructo Disc. Don’t sweat it; we’ve got you covered.
Making Sense of the Saiyan Chaos
“Dragon Ball is one of the most popular, not to mention extensive, anime franchises of all time,” and honestly, that’s not an overstatement. Airing since 1986, this epic tale has spun off numerous series like Dragon Ball Z, Dragon Ball Super, and the latest: Super Dragon Ball Heroes. The real puzzle, however, is knowing where to start or “how to watch the Dragon Ball series in order.”
“Having first aired in 1986, the original series has spawned a huge number of spinoffs and sequels devoted to the Super Saiyan.”
Chronological Binge or Canonical Watch: What’s Your Style?
Going Chronological
For the Dragon Ball greenhorns out there, a straightforward way to dive in is by following the timeline. This method “does not take into account whether each series or film is considered canon or not,” so purists might roll their eyes, but hey, more Dragon Ball is never a bad thing, right?
“Meanwhile, a note that we have included Dragon Ball Z but not Dragon Ball Z Kai, given that the two series are essentially the same thing.”
Watch Dragon Ball in chronological order:
- Dragon Ball
- Dragon Ball Z: Dead Zone (movie)
- Dragon Ball Z: episodes 1-86
- Dragon Ball Z: Bardock – The Father of Goku (TV Special)
- Dragon Ball Z: episodes 87-107
- Dragon Ball: Episode of Bardock (movie)
- Dragon Ball Z: The World’s Strongest (movie)
- Dragon Ball Z: The Tree of Might (movie)
- Dragon Ball Z: Lord Slug (movie)
- Dragon Ball Z: episodes 108-123
- Dragon Ball Z: The History of Trunks (TV Special)
- Dragon Ball Z: episodes 124 and 125
- Dragon Ball Z: Cooler’s Revenge (movie)
- Dragon Ball Z: episodes 126-146
- Dragon Ball Z: Super Android 13 (movie)
- Dragon Ball Z episodes 147-173
- Dragon Ball Z: The Return of Cooler (movie)
- Dragon Ball Z: Broly – The Legendary Super Saiyan (movie)
- Dragon Ball Z: episodes 174-194
- Dragon Ball Z: Bojack Unbound (movie)
- Dragon Ball Z: episodes 195-207
- Dragon Ball Z: Broly’s Second Coming (movie)
- Dragon Ball Z: episodes 208-250
- Dragon Ball Z: Bio-Broly (movie)
- Dragon Ball Z: episodes 251-253
- Dragon Ball Z: Fusion Reborn (movie)
- Dragon Ball Z: episodes 254-288
- Dragon Ball Z: Wrath of the Dragon (movie)
- Dragon Ball DAIMA
- Dragon Ball Z: episodes 289-291
- Dragon Ball GT: episodes 1-64
- Dragon Ball Super: episodes 1-3
- Dragon Ball Z: Battle of the Gods (movie)
- Dragon Ball Super: episodes 4-18
- Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection F (movie)
- Dragon Ball Super: episodes 19-131
- Dragon Ball Super: Broly (movie)
- Super Dragon Ball Heroes
- Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero
The Canonical Route
If you’re a purist who cringes at the mere mention of ‘non-canon,’ you can choose a different path, focusing only on episodes and movies that align with the manga and the creator Akira Toriyama’s vision. Your watch list would skip series like Dragon Ball GT and “the majority of the films.”
Watch Dragon Ball canonically:
- Dragon Ball: all episodes
- Dragon Ball Z or Kai: until the end of the Frieza Saga
- Dragon Ball Z: Bardock – The Father of Goku (TV Special)
- Dragon Ball Z: until the end of the Cell saga
- Dragon Ball Z: The History of Trunks (TV Special)
- Dragon Ball Z: until just before the Peaceful World saga
- Dragon Ball DAIMA
- Dragon Ball Z: all remaining episodes
- Dragon Ball Super
What’s Cooking: The Newest Addition to Dragon Ball Lore
Wait up; there’s more. Unveiled at New York Comic Con 2023, the most recent addition to the Saiyan Saga is Dragon Ball DAIMA. While its timeline is still a little foggy, it seems like “it appears to be set sometime prior to The End of Z, AKA the Peaceful World Saga, in Dragon Ball Z.”
“The most recent series announced by series creator Akira Toriyama at New York Comic Con 2023, Dragon Ball DAIMA hasn’t been strictly said when it is set yet.”
So, grab some popcorn or maybe a Senzu Bean because whether you’re a seasoned Dragon Ball connoisseur or a newbie about to take your first step into the land of Kamehamehas, there’s never been a better time to indulge in this epic multiverse.
FAQ: Your Dragon Ball Queries Answered
When is Dragon Ball DAIMA set?
According to comments from Toriyama and fans, it seems to be set before the Peaceful World Saga in Dragon Ball Z. However, the exact timeline is still under wraps.
Dragon Ball Z or Dragon Ball Z Kai?
Dragon Ball Z Kai is essentially a remastered version of Dragon Ball Z, cutting out the filler. Choose Z Kai for a more refined experience or stick to the original Z for the full adventure.
What are the must-watch Dragon Ball movies?
The movie specials like “Dragon Ball Z: Bardock – The Father of Goku” and “Dragon Ball Z: The History of Trunks” are not to be missed. They offer essential backstories that enhance the main series.
Whether you’re journeying with Goku for the first time or reliving the saga, there’s no wrong way to Dragon Ball. Now, power up and let’s get watching!
