If you loved
Dragon Ball
Series · 1986
If Dragon Ball captured your heart, you will love these stories that mirror its spirit of adventure and growth.
Start with the source
Adaptation
Dragon Ball Z: Dead Zone
Daisuke Nishio · Film · 1989
Adaptation
Dragon Ball Z
Series · 1989
Adaptation
Dragon Ball Z: The World's Strongest
Daisuke Nishio · Film · 1990
Books on the same thread
The Hobbit
J. R. R. Tolkien · Book · 1937
Explores: Good vs. Evil, Courage, The Hero's Journey.
Much like the journey of young Goku, this tale follows an unlikely hero who leaves his comfort zone to face a perilous quest that demands immense courage and growth.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
J. K. Rowling · Book · 1997
Explores: Good vs. Evil, Orphanhood, Friendship.
You will find the same sense of wonder found in Dragon Ball here as a young protagonist discovers a hidden world, proving his worth through friendship and destiny.
Shannara
Terry Brooks · Book · 1977
Explores: Good vs Evil, Quest, Magic.
This epic journey echoes the quest for power seen in Dragon Ball, centering on a young man who must embrace his destiny to defeat an overwhelming evil force.
The Magic School Bus
Joanna Cole, illustrated by Bruce Degen · Book · 1986
Explores: Science Education, Immersive Learning, Teamwork.
The spirit of discovery that drove Goku in Dragon Ball is mirrored here as a group of students embarks on an immersive adventure to solve an urgent problem.
Films on the same thread
Wish Dragon
Chris Appelhans · Film · 2021
Explores: Childhood Friendship, Class Differences, The Value of True Friendship.
This story captures the heart of Dragon Ball by pairing a young lead with a magical entity, exploring how wish fulfillment and deep friendship can change one's life.
How to Train Your Dragon
Dean DeBlois · Film · 2025
Explores: Bridging the Divide, Acceptance of the Other, Challenging Tradition.
Just as Dragon Ball emphasizes the power of companionship, this film highlights how an unlikely bond between a boy and a creature can challenge tradition and reshape the world.
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
Peter Jackson · Film · 2001
Explores: Good vs Evil, The Corruption of Power, The Burden of Responsibility.
Like the high-stakes quests in Dragon Ball, this narrative follows a young hero who must protect a powerful artifact from evil while relying on his loyal companions.
Castle in the Sky
Hayao Miyazaki · Film · 1986
Explores: Anti-war, Environmentalism, Orphan protagonists.
This adventure mirrors the childhood wonder of Dragon Ball, following young protagonists who race against rivals to uncover the secrets of a legendary, hidden location.
Podcasts on the same thread
Anime Grind
Podcast
Shares a thread with Dragon Ball: Self-Improvement.
If Dragon Ball hit, Anime Grind shares the thread.
Wake Up and Win
Podcast
Explores: anime inspiration, personal growth, goal achievement.
If you were inspired by the character development in Dragon Ball, this show uses those same legendary moments to help you awaken your inner hero and reach goals.
Keep exploring
Common questions
What order should I watch Dragon Ball and Dragon Ball Z?
You should start with the original 1986 Dragon Ball series to follow Goku's first quest for the Dragon Balls. After completing that, you can move on to the 1989 Dragon Ball Z television series, which continues the story of Goku and his companions.
Is Dragon Ball Z: Dead Zone a sequel to the 1986 Dragon Ball series?
Yes, Dragon Ball Z: Dead Zone is a 1989 movie that follows the events established in the original 1986 Dragon Ball series. It is part of the Dragon Ball Z franchise, which chronicles the next chapter of Goku's journey after his initial quest for the Dragon Balls.
When does Dragon Ball Z: The World's Strongest take place?
Dragon Ball Z: The World's Strongest is a 1990 movie that takes place during the timeline of the 1989 Dragon Ball Z television series. It serves as an additional adventure featuring the characters established in the Dragon Ball franchise after the conclusion of the original 1986 show.
How long is the original Dragon Ball series?
The original Dragon Ball series debuted in 1986 and follows young Goku and Bulma on their quest to find the seven Dragon Balls. This television series serves as the foundation for the entire franchise, including subsequent projects like Dragon Ball Z and its associated films.