Where to start
Dragon Ball
9 versions · originally a series, 1986
Dragon Ball chronicles the lifelong evolution of Goku from a curious martial arts student to a universe-saving legendary warrior.
✦ Most fans start here
Dragon Ball (1986)
The original tv
✦ Start hereDragon Ball
Series · 1986
Dragon Ball (1986) serves as the foundational origin story, focusing on young Goku's whimsical quest for the Dragon Balls and his early martial arts training before the cosmic stakes escalate.
1989 film
Dragon Ball Z: Dead Zone
Daisuke Nishio · Film · 1989
Dragon Ball Z: Dead Zone (1989) offers a brief, self-contained cinematic side-story that highlights the early tensions between Goku and his rivals, perfect for those wanting a quick, high-stakes combat fix.
1989 series
Dragon Ball Z
Series · 1989
Dragon Ball Z (1989) is the definitive peak of the franchise, expanding the scope to epic interstellar conflicts and character maturity that define the series' legacy for veteran action fans.
1990 film
Dragon Ball Z: The World's Strongest
Daisuke Nishio · Film · 1990
Dragon Ball Z: The World's Strongest (1990) provides a focused, villain-centric cinematic experience that showcases early Z-era animation styles and specific, high-intensity martial arts confrontations against a resurrected scientific threat.
1991 film
Dragon Ball Z: Lord Slug
Mitsuo Hashimoto · Film · 1991
Dragon Ball Z: Lord Slug (1991) delivers a straightforward, action-heavy narrative centered on the Z Warriors' defense of Earth, ideal for viewers who prefer fast-paced brawls over complex, long-form character development.
1995 film
Dragon Ball Z: Wrath of the Dragon
Mitsuo Hashimoto · Film · 1995
Dragon Ball Z: Wrath of the Dragon (1995) offers a refined cinematic mystery featuring the legendary Tapion, providing a more emotional and atmospheric tone compared to the standard, battle-focused series entries.
1995 film
Dragon Ball Z: Fusion Reborn
Shigeyasu Yamauchi · Film · 1995
Dragon Ball Z: Fusion Reborn (1995) showcases the franchise's most inventive combat concepts and high-concept stakes, making it an essential watch for fans prioritizing spectacular animation and iconic character team-ups.
2009 series
Dragon Ball Z Kai
Series · 2009
Dragon Ball Z Kai (2009) streamlines the original 1989 series by removing filler and improving visual fidelity, offering the most accessible and faithful entry point for modern viewers seeking pacing efficiency.
2013 film
Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods
Masahiro Hosoda · Film · 2013
Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods (2013) bridges the gap between the classic Z era and modern installments, introducing divine-level threats and expanding the lore for those familiar with the original series.
Common questions
What order should I watch the Dragon Ball franchise in?
You should begin with the 1986 Dragon Ball television series. Following that, you can proceed through the Dragon Ball Z timeline, which includes the 1989 television series, various films like Dragon Ball Z: Dead Zone, and later entries such as Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods.
Is Dragon Ball Z Kai a remake of the original series?
Dragon Ball Z Kai, released in 2009, serves as a revised version of the 1989 Dragon Ball Z television series. It streamlines the narrative pacing of the original run, making it a distinct viewing option for those who want to experience the core story of Dragon Ball Z.
How long are the Dragon Ball Z movies like Dragon Ball Z: Fusion Reborn?
The Dragon Ball Z movies, including titles such as Dragon Ball Z: Fusion Reborn and Dragon Ball Z: Wrath of the Dragon, are standalone feature-length films. These releases are separate from the main Dragon Ball Z television series and provide additional stories within the broader franchise timeline.
Should I watch Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods after finishing Dragon Ball Z?
Yes, Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods is a 2013 film that follows the events established in the Dragon Ball Z television series. It represents a later point in the franchise history and continues the narrative developments found in the previous Dragon Ball Z works.