Are you excited to embark on the epic journey of watching Dragon Ball but unsure about the correct order to follow? With a franchise as expansive and beloved as Dragon Ball, it's natural to feel overwhelmed by the numerous series, movies, and specials that make up this iconic universe. The story of Goku and his friends has captured the hearts of millions around the world, and understanding the best way to experience this saga is key to fully appreciating its rich narrative and character development.
The Dragon Ball series is a legendary tale that spans generations, with its roots firmly planted in the world of anime and manga. Created by Akira Toriyama in the 1980s, the series has evolved over the years, encompassing multiple arcs, spin-offs, and adaptations. From "Dragon Ball" to "Dragon Ball Super," each installment builds upon the last, weaving a complex tapestry of action, adventure, and friendship. Knowing the chronological order and release order of these installments can enhance your viewing experience and provide a deeper understanding of the storyline.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the best sequence to watch Dragon Ball, discussing the chronological order of events, the release order of the series, and the placement of movies and specials. We'll also delve into the key plot points, character arcs, and themes that make Dragon Ball one of the most cherished franchises in anime history. Whether you're a newcomer or a seasoned fan looking to relive the magic, this guide will serve as your roadmap to navigating the Dragon Ball universe. Let's dive into the world of Saiyans, Dragon Balls, and epic battles!
Table of Contents
- History of Dragon Ball
- Understanding the Franchise
- Chronological Order
- Release Order
- Dragon Ball Series
- Dragon Ball Z
- Dragon Ball GT
- Dragon Ball Super
- Movies and Specials
- Key Characters
- Themes and Arcs
- Watching Tips
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- External Resources
- Conclusion
History of Dragon Ball
The Dragon Ball franchise began as a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Akira Toriyama. It was originally serialized in Weekly Shōnen Jump from 1984 to 1995, with the chapters collected into 42 tankōbon volumes by its publisher Shueisha. Dragon Ball was initially inspired by the classical Chinese novel "Journey to the West," as well as Hong Kong martial arts films. The manga's success led to multiple anime adaptations, beginning with the original "Dragon Ball" television series in 1986.
The anime adaptation of Dragon Ball proved to be immensely popular, leading to the production of the sequel series "Dragon Ball Z," which aired from 1989 to 1996. "Dragon Ball Z" continued the story with a more mature tone, focusing on the adventures of Goku as an adult. It introduced new characters and complex story arcs, solidifying Dragon Ball's place in anime history. Following the success of "Dragon Ball Z," other series such as "Dragon Ball GT" and "Dragon Ball Super" were created, each contributing to the expanding universe of Dragon Ball.
Dragon Ball's impact transcends anime and manga, influencing a wide range of media including video games, films, and merchandise. The franchise has garnered a massive global fanbase, making it one of the most successful and recognizable anime series worldwide. Its legacy continues to grow, with new content and re-releases keeping the series relevant for new audiences.
Understanding the Franchise
The Dragon Ball franchise is vast and multifaceted, encompassing various series, movies, and specials. To fully appreciate the story, it's essential to understand the structure and continuity of the franchise. Dragon Ball can be divided into several main parts: the original "Dragon Ball," "Dragon Ball Z," "Dragon Ball GT," "Dragon Ball Super," and various movies and specials.
The original "Dragon Ball" series follows the adventures of a young Goku as he seeks out the magical Dragon Balls, which can grant any wish when gathered together. This series introduces key characters and sets the stage for the epic battles and storylines that follow. "Dragon Ball Z" continues Goku's journey, exploring themes of family, friendship, and the struggle between good and evil. It is known for its intense action scenes and dramatic storytelling.
"Dragon Ball GT" is a sequel to "Dragon Ball Z," but it is not based on the original manga. It introduces new characters and story arcs, taking the series in a different direction. Although "Dragon Ball GT" received mixed reviews, it remains a part of the Dragon Ball canon. "Dragon Ball Super" is the latest series, continuing the story from "Dragon Ball Z" and introducing new characters, transformations, and universes.
In addition to the main series, the Dragon Ball franchise includes numerous movies and specials, some of which are considered canon, while others are standalone stories. These films often feature new villains and exciting battles, adding depth and variety to the Dragon Ball universe.
Chronological Order
Watching Dragon Ball in chronological order allows viewers to experience the story as it unfolds in the timeline of the series. This order focuses on the events in the Dragon Ball universe rather than the release dates of the series and movies. The chronological order is as follows:
- "Dragon Ball" (Episodes 1-153)
- "Dragon Ball Z" (Episodes 1-291)
- "Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods" (Movie)
- "Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection 'F'" (Movie)
- "Dragon Ball Super" (Episodes 1-131)
- "Dragon Ball Super: Broly" (Movie)
- "Dragon Ball GT" (Episodes 1-64)
It's important to note that "Dragon Ball GT" is set after the events of "Dragon Ball Z," but it is not based on the original manga. "Dragon Ball Super" takes place between the end of "Dragon Ball Z" and "Dragon Ball GT," offering new adventures and character developments.
Watching in chronological order provides a seamless narrative experience, allowing viewers to follow the growth and evolution of characters and storylines as intended by the creators. This order is recommended for those who wish to immerse themselves in the Dragon Ball universe and appreciate the progression of the story.
Release Order
Watching Dragon Ball in release order allows viewers to experience the series as audiences did when it first aired. This order follows the original broadcast and release dates of the series and movies. The release order is as follows:
- "Dragon Ball" (1986-1989)
- "Dragon Ball Z" (1989-1996)
- "Dragon Ball GT" (1996-1997)
- "Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods" (2013)
- "Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection 'F'" (2015)
- "Dragon Ball Super" (2015-2018)
- "Dragon Ball Super: Broly" (2018)
Watching in release order offers a nostalgic experience, allowing viewers to follow the development and evolution of the franchise over time. This order is ideal for those who want to understand the context and impact of each installment as it was released, witnessing the growth of the Dragon Ball universe and its influence on popular culture.
Dragon Ball Series
The original "Dragon Ball" series is where the story begins, introducing viewers to the young protagonist Goku and his quest to find the Dragon Balls. The series is characterized by its adventurous tone, humorous moments, and martial arts battles. It sets the foundation for the Dragon Ball universe, establishing key characters and themes that will be explored in later series.
Throughout the series, Goku meets memorable characters such as Bulma, Master Roshi, Krillin, and Piccolo. The story follows Goku's growth as a martial artist, his participation in the World Martial Arts Tournament, and his battles against formidable foes. The series is divided into several arcs, each focusing on different adventures and challenges faced by Goku and his friends.
"Dragon Ball" is celebrated for its engaging storytelling, character development, and blend of action and comedy. It is a must-watch for fans of the franchise, providing the essential background and context for the events that follow in "Dragon Ball Z" and beyond.
Dragon Ball Z
"Dragon Ball Z" is the sequel to the original "Dragon Ball" series, continuing the story with a more mature and action-oriented focus. The series is set several years after the events of "Dragon Ball," with Goku now an adult and a father. "Dragon Ball Z" is known for its intense battles, powerful transformations, and complex story arcs that delve into themes of friendship, sacrifice, and the struggle between good and evil.
The series introduces iconic characters such as Vegeta, Frieza, Cell, and Majin Buu, each presenting new challenges and threats to Goku and his friends. "Dragon Ball Z" is divided into several sagas, each with its own unique storyline and set of villains. Some of the most famous sagas include the Saiyan Saga, the Frieza Saga, the Cell Saga, and the Majin Buu Saga.
"Dragon Ball Z" is highly regarded for its epic battles, character development, and emotional depth. It is a defining installment in the Dragon Ball franchise, solidifying its place in anime history and influencing countless other series and creators. For many fans, "Dragon Ball Z" represents the pinnacle of the Dragon Ball universe, offering a compelling and action-packed experience.
Dragon Ball GT
"Dragon Ball GT" is a sequel to "Dragon Ball Z," but it is not based on the original manga by Akira Toriyama. Instead, it was created as an anime-only series, taking the story in a different direction. "Dragon Ball GT" follows Goku, who has been transformed back into a child, as he embarks on a journey across the universe to retrieve the Black Star Dragon Balls.
The series is known for its unique premise, introducing new characters, transformations, and story arcs. Some of the notable arcs in "Dragon Ball GT" include the Baby Saga, the Super Android 17 Saga, and the Shadow Dragon Saga. Each arc presents new challenges and adversaries for Goku and his friends to overcome.
While "Dragon Ball GT" received mixed reviews from fans and critics, it remains a part of the Dragon Ball canon and offers a different perspective on the franchise. It features new transformations such as Super Saiyan 4 and explores themes of redemption, growth, and the consequences of the misuse of power. For fans interested in a fresh take on the Dragon Ball universe, "Dragon Ball GT" provides an alternative viewing experience.
Dragon Ball Super
"Dragon Ball Super" is the latest installment in the Dragon Ball series, continuing the story from "Dragon Ball Z" and exploring new adventures, characters, and universes. The series is set after the defeat of Majin Buu, focusing on Goku and his friends as they face new threats and challenges.
"Dragon Ball Super" introduces the concept of multiple universes, expanding the scope and scale of the Dragon Ball universe. It features new characters such as Beerus, the God of Destruction, and Whis, his attendant, as well as new transformations like Super Saiyan God and Super Saiyan Blue. The series is divided into several arcs, including the Battle of Gods Saga, the Resurrection 'F' Saga, the Universe 6 Saga, the Future Trunks Saga, and the Tournament of Power Saga.
"Dragon Ball Super" is praised for its engaging storytelling, character development, and high-quality animation. It offers a fresh and exciting continuation of the Dragon Ball saga, appealing to both long-time fans and new viewers. The series explores themes of friendship, rivalry, and the pursuit of strength, staying true to the spirit of the original Dragon Ball.
Movies and Specials
The Dragon Ball franchise includes numerous movies and specials, each adding depth and variety to the Dragon Ball universe. Some of these movies are considered canon, while others are standalone stories that offer alternative takes on the characters and events.
Notable movies in the Dragon Ball franchise include "Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods," "Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection 'F'," and "Dragon Ball Super: Broly." These films are significant for their high-quality animation, exciting battles, and introduction of new characters and transformations. "Dragon Ball Super: Broly," in particular, reimagines the character of Broly, integrating him into the canon storyline and expanding the lore of the Saiyan race.
The Dragon Ball franchise also includes various TV specials, such as "Bardock: The Father of Goku" and "The History of Trunks." These specials provide background information and context for key characters and events, enriching the overall narrative of the series.
Watching the movies and specials can enhance the viewing experience, offering additional insights and perspectives on the Dragon Ball universe. They provide an opportunity to explore different aspects of the story and enjoy new adventures with beloved characters.
Key Characters
The Dragon Ball universe is populated with a wide array of characters, each contributing to the rich tapestry of the story. Some of the key characters include:
- Goku: The main protagonist of the series, known for his pure heart, insatiable desire for strength, and ability to inspire others. Goku's journey from a young boy to a powerful warrior is central to the Dragon Ball saga.
- Vegeta: The prince of the Saiyan race and Goku's rival. Vegeta's character development from a ruthless antagonist to a complex anti-hero is one of the highlights of the series.
- Bulma: A brilliant scientist and one of Goku's closest friends. Bulma's intelligence and resourcefulness play a crucial role in many of the adventures throughout the series.
- Piccolo: A once-villainous Namekian who becomes a trusted ally and mentor to Goku and his friends. Piccolo's growth and redemption are key themes in the series.
- Frieza: One of the most iconic villains in the Dragon Ball universe, known for his tyrannical nature and ruthless pursuit of power. Frieza's battles with Goku are legendary.
- Beerus: The God of Destruction who plays a significant role in "Dragon Ball Super." Beerus's introduction expands the Dragon Ball universe and introduces the concept of gods and multiple universes.
These characters, along with many others, bring depth and complexity to the Dragon Ball universe, each with their own motivations, strengths, and weaknesses. Their interactions and relationships drive the story forward, creating a dynamic and engaging narrative.
Themes and Arcs
The Dragon Ball series explores a wide range of themes and story arcs, each contributing to the overall narrative and character development. Some of the key themes include:
- The Pursuit of Strength: A central theme in the series, as characters strive to become stronger and overcome their limitations. This pursuit drives the story and leads to epic battles and transformations.
- Friendship and Rivalry: The bonds between characters, both friendly and competitive, are a recurring theme. The series explores how these relationships influence personal growth and contribute to the characters' development.
- Redemption and Growth: Many characters experience redemption and growth throughout the series, learning from their past mistakes and evolving into better versions of themselves.
- The Struggle Between Good and Evil: The series often pits characters against powerful adversaries, exploring the themes of good versus evil and the moral choices that define the characters.
- Family and Legacy: The importance of family and the legacy left by previous generations are explored through characters like Goku, Gohan, and Vegeta, highlighting the impact of family bonds on personal identity and values.
The series is divided into several arcs, each focusing on different challenges and storylines. These arcs include the Saiyan Saga, the Frieza Saga, the Cell Saga, and the Majin Buu Saga, among others. Each arc presents unique themes and conflicts, contributing to the overall richness and diversity of the Dragon Ball narrative.
Watching Tips
To fully enjoy the Dragon Ball experience, consider the following tips:
- Choose Your Viewing Order: Decide whether you want to watch in chronological order or release order, depending on your preference for narrative flow or nostalgia.
- Watch the Movies and Specials: Don't skip the movies and specials, as they offer additional insights and enhance the overall story.
- Pay Attention to Character Development: Focus on the growth and evolution of characters, as this is a key aspect of the series.
- Embrace the Filler Episodes: While some episodes may not contribute directly to the main storyline, they often provide character development and comedic moments.
- Join the Community: Engage with the Dragon Ball fan community to share your thoughts and experiences and gain new perspectives on the series.
By following these tips, you can enhance your viewing experience and gain a deeper appreciation for the Dragon Ball franchise's rich storytelling and character development.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is the best order to watch Dragon Ball?
There is no definitive answer, as it depends on personal preference. Some fans prefer watching in chronological order to follow the timeline of events, while others opt for release order to experience the series as it originally aired.
Q2: Are the Dragon Ball movies canon?
Not all Dragon Ball movies are considered canon. Some movies, like "Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods" and "Dragon Ball Super: Broly," are part of the main storyline, while others are standalone stories.
Q3: Is "Dragon Ball GT" part of the official canon?
"Dragon Ball GT" is not based on the original manga by Akira Toriyama, but it is considered part of the Dragon Ball canon as an anime-only series.
Q4: What is the difference between "Dragon Ball Z" and "Dragon Ball Kai"?
"Dragon Ball Kai" is a remastered version of "Dragon Ball Z," with improved animation, a revised script, and fewer filler episodes. It follows the same storyline but offers a more streamlined viewing experience.
Q5: How does "Dragon Ball Super" fit into the timeline?
"Dragon Ball Super" takes place after the events of "Dragon Ball Z" but before "Dragon Ball GT." It expands the Dragon Ball universe with new characters, transformations, and story arcs.
Q6: Are there any spin-offs or side stories in the Dragon Ball franchise?
Yes, the Dragon Ball franchise includes various spin-offs, such as "Dragon Ball Heroes" and "Super Dragon Ball Heroes," which offer alternative storylines and adventures with familiar characters.
External Resources
For more information on the Dragon Ball franchise and to explore additional resources, consider visiting the official Dragon Ball website or the Dragon Ball Wiki. These platforms offer comprehensive guides, character profiles, and episode summaries to enhance your understanding of the series.
Conclusion
The Dragon Ball series is a timeless classic that has captured the hearts of fans worldwide. With its rich storytelling, memorable characters, and epic battles, it continues to inspire and entertain audiences. Whether you choose to watch in chronological order or release order, the journey through the Dragon Ball universe is an unforgettable experience that offers endless excitement and adventure.
By following this guide, you can navigate the expansive Dragon Ball franchise with confidence, enjoying the series to its fullest and gaining a deeper appreciation for its themes and characters. So gear up, gather your Dragon Balls, and embark on an epic journey through the world of Dragon Ball!
