Where to start
Dragon Ball
9 versions · originally a series, 1986
Themes: Finding the extraordinary in the ordinary, The Power of Friendship, Self-Improvement, Quest for Power, Overcoming Obstacles.
Dragon Ball chronicles the lifelong journey of the martial artist Goku as he defends Earth against increasingly powerful extraterrestrial threats.
✦ Most fans start here
Dragon Ball Z (1989)
The original tv
Dragon Ball
Series · 1986
Dragon Ball (1986) establishes the franchise's roots, focusing on young Goku's adventurous quest for the magical Dragon Balls. It is ideal for viewers who prefer whimsical beginnings and character-driven exploration.
1989 film
Dragon Ball Z: Dead Zone
Daisuke Nishio · Film · 1989
Dragon Ball Z: Dead Zone (1989) offers a compact, high-stakes cinematic conflict centered on Garlic Jr.'s quest for immortality. This movie serves as a quick, standalone introduction to the Z-era intensity.
1989 series
✦ Start hereDragon Ball Z
Series · 1989
Dragon Ball Z (1989) is the definitive television experience, expanding the scope to epic cosmic battles. This series is essential for those seeking the core conflict that defined the franchise's legacy.
1990 film
Dragon Ball Z: The World's Strongest
Daisuke Nishio · Film · 1990
Dragon Ball Z: The World's Strongest (1990) presents a focused, action-heavy narrative involving Dr. Wheelo's attempt to seize the strongest fighter's body. It is best for fans wanting straightforward, villain-driven combat scenarios.
1991 film
Dragon Ball Z: Lord Slug
Mitsuo Hashimoto · Film · 1991
Dragon Ball Z: Lord Slug (1991) pits the Z Warriors against a powerful Namekian invader. This film is a concise choice for viewers who enjoy classic, high-octane battles against singular, formidable adversaries.
1995 film
Dragon Ball Z: Wrath of the Dragon
Mitsuo Hashimoto · Film · 1995
Dragon Ball Z: Wrath of the Dragon (1995) weaves a more mysterious, fantasy-tinged narrative around the warrior Tapion. It is a great pick for those looking for a unique, self-contained story arc.
1995 film
Dragon Ball Z: Fusion Reborn
Shigeyasu Yamauchi · Film · 1995
Dragon Ball Z: Fusion Reborn (1995) delivers a high-concept spectacle involving reality-bending threats and powerful transformations. It is perfect for audiences who prioritize top-tier animation and iconic, climactic fight sequences.
2009 series
Dragon Ball Z Kai
Series · 2009
Dragon Ball Z Kai (2009) provides a streamlined, modernized retelling of the original 1989 series. It is perfect for viewers who want a faster-paced narrative that adheres closely to the original manga.
2013 film
Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods
Masahiro Hosoda · Film · 2013
Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods (2013) advances the timeline into a new era of godly power. This film is intended for those ready to explore the franchise's expanded universe and newer lore.
Common questions
What order should I watch the Dragon Ball Z movies in?
The movies are standalone stories not required for the main plot. You can watch them in release order, starting with Dragon Ball Z: Dead Zone from 1989, followed by The World's Strongest in 1990, Lord Slug in 1991, and both Fusion Reborn and Wrath of the Dragon in 1995.
Is Dragon Ball Z Kai a remake of the original series?
Dragon Ball Z Kai, released in 2009, is a remastered version of the 1989 Dragon Ball Z television series. It features updated visuals and audio while streamlining the pacing of the original narrative to more closely follow the source material.
How long is the original Dragon Ball television series?
The original Dragon Ball television series premiered in 1986. It serves as the starting point for the entire franchise, establishing the foundation for the later events seen in Dragon Ball Z and the various film adaptations like Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods.
Should I watch Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods after finishing Dragon Ball Z?
Yes, Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods, released in 2013, serves as a continuation of the narrative established in the 1989 Dragon Ball Z television series. It is recommended to complete the main series before viewing this film to understand the context of the characters and their power levels.