For decades, we’ve followed Son Goku and his friends on their adventures – but what’s the correct order to watch the Dragon Ball series and movies?
The success story of Dragon Ball began in 1984 with the original manga. Since then, numerous series, movies, and video games have been released, making Dragon Ball one of the world’s largest media franchises, captivating millions of fans globally. Over the years, Son Goku’s adventures have expanded significantly, which can make it difficult for newcomers to keep track. Here’s the correct order of the series and movies.
Dragon Ball: The Chronological Order of the Series
With the release of the original manga, Dragon Ball quickly gained popularity, and in 1986, Toei Animation launched the first anime adaptation. Three years later, Dragon Ball Z followed, which became the franchise’s most popular series. Here, Son Goku is an adult who faces off against various alien foes to protect Earth.
In 1996, the spin-off Dragon Ball GT was released, set ten years after Dragon Ball Z. Later, in 2009, Dragon Ball Z was re-released as Dragon Ball Z Kai. The most recent anime series, Dragon Ball Super, takes place between Dragon Ball Z and Dragon Ball GT. To experience Son Goku’s story chronologically, follow this order:
- Dragon Ball (1986)
- Dragon Ball Z (1989) or Dragon Ball Z Kai (2009)
- Dragon Ball Super (2015)
- Dragon Ball GT (1996)
The Dragon Ball Movies in the Right Order
In addition to the series, numerous Dragon Ball movies have been released over the years. The correct order follows the release date:
- Dragon Ball – The Movie: The Legend of Shen Long (1986)
- Dragon Ball – Sleeping Princess in Devil’s Castle (1987)
- Dragon Ball – Mystical Adventure (1988)
- Dragon Ball Z – Dead Zone (1989)
- Dragon Ball Z – The World’s Strongest (1990)
- Dragon Ball Z – The Tree of Might (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 – 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 – The Path to Power (1996)
- Dragon Ball Evolution (2009)
- Dragon Ball Z – Battle of Gods (2013)
- Dragon Ball Z – Resurrection F (2015)
- Dragon Ball Super – Broly (2018)
- Dragon Ball Super – Super Hero (2022)
The Story of Dragon Ball
The heart of Dragon Ball’s storyline follows young Son Goku, who embarks on a journey with his friends to find the seven Dragon Balls. These magical orbs can summon a powerful dragon once a year, granting one wish. The story begins when Son Goku is twelve years old, as he learns to develop his powers and martial arts skills.
The series also explores the eternal conflict between good and evil, with Son Goku and his friends regularly facing supernatural foes and challenges. A core theme is protecting Earth’s peace. Some of the main storylines include the threat of Emperor Pilaf, the Red Ribbon Army, and the exciting Piccolo saga.