Dragon Ball is a legendary and iconic anime franchise that has captivated millions of fans worldwide since its debut in 1984. Created by Akira Toriyama, this action-packed series revolves around Goku, a Saiyan warrior with incredible strength and his quest for power, adventure, and protecting the Earth from various threats.
Over the years, Dragon Ball has expanded into numerous shows and movies, each offering its unique storyline, characters, and exciting battles. If you’re new to the franchise or a veteran fan looking to revisit the entire series, it’s essential to know the correct order in which to watch everything. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you through the Dragon Ball shows and movies in chronological order.
The Dragon Ball Shows
1. Dragon Ball (1986-1989)
The journey begins with the original series, Dragon Ball. This show introduces us to Goku as a child and follows his adventures and training under Master Roshi. It explores the origins of the Dragon Balls, Goku’s iconic flying nimbus and power pole, and his first encounters with classic characters like Bulma, Krillin, and Yamcha.
2. Dragon Ball Z (1989-1996)
Dragon Ball Z is the most popular and iconic installment of the franchise. It continues the story several years after the events of Dragon Ball and focuses on an adult Goku, his family, and friends. The series introduces powerful villains like Vegeta, Frieza, Cell, and Buu while highlighting intense battles and monumental transformations like Super Saiyan.
Dragon Ball Z is divided into sagas, including the Saiyan Saga, Frieza Saga, Cell Saga, and Buu Saga. Each saga offers its own set of challenges and epic moments.
3. Dragon Ball GT (1996-1997)
Dragon Ball GT is a controversial series that takes place after Dragon Ball Z. While it’s not directly based on Akira Toriyama’s manga, it offers a unique continuation of Goku’s story. In this series, Goku transforms into a child once again due to a wish made on the Black Star Dragon Balls and embarks on a mission to find them before they cause chaos across the galaxy.
Dragon Ball GT is often considered non-canon by some fans but still provides an enjoyable watch for those interested in exploring more of Goku’s adventures.
4. Dragon Ball Super (2015-2018)
Dragon Ball Super serves as a direct sequel to Dragon Ball Z and disregards the events of Dragon Ball GT. This series follows Goku and his friends as they face new threats, including powerful gods and other universe’s warriors. Additionally, Dragon Ball Super introduces new transformations like Super Saiyan God and Super Saiyan Blue.
Dragon Ball Super includes various story arcs, such as the Battle of Gods, Resurrection ‘F’, Universe 6, Future Trunks, Tournament of Power, and Galactic Patrol Prisoner arcs. These arcs offer a blend of action, comedy, and character development, making Dragon Ball Super a must-watch for any fan.
The Dragon Ball Movies
In addition to the shows, Dragon Ball has released several movies that expand on the franchise’s universe and provide unique stories and adventures. Here are the movies in chronological order:
- Dragon Ball: Curse of the Blood Rubies (1986) – This is the first Dragon Ball movie that retells the events of the original series but with some differences.
- Dragon Ball: Sleeping Princess in Devil’s Castle (1987) – Goku and his friends must rescue a kidnapped princess from an evil vampire named Lucifer.
- Dragon Ball: Mystical Adventure (1988) – Goku, Krillin, and Bulma face off against an ancient emperor seeking revenge on Master Roshi.
- Dragon Ball Z: Dead Zone (1989) – The first Dragon Ball Z movie centers around Garlic Jr., who seeks revenge against Goku.
- Dragon Ball Z: The World’s Strongest (1990) – Dr. Wheelo, a mad scientist, kidnaps Goku to transfer his mind to the body of the world’s strongest warrior.
- Dragon Ball Z: The Tree of Might (1990) – Goku and his friends battle against Turles, a Saiyan who plans to plant a tree that will suck all the energy from Earth.
- Dragon Ball Z: Lord Slug (1991) – Goku and his allies fight against Lord Slug, a Namekian who seeks immortality.
- Dragon Ball Z: Cooler’s Revenge (1991) – Cooler, Frieza’s brother, seeks revenge against Goku for his brother’s defeat.
- Dragon Ball Z: The Return of Cooler (1992) – Cooler returns as a powerful robotic version of himself to take revenge on Goku and his friends.
- Dragon Ball Z: Super Android 13! (1992) – Dr. Gero’s latest creation, Android 13, targets Goku for destruction.
- Dragon Ball Z: Broly – The Legendary Super Saiyan (1993) – The first appearance of the legendary Super Saiyan, Broly, who seeks revenge against Goku.
These are just a few highlights from the extensive list of Dragon Ball movies. Each movie offers its unique storyline, epic battles, and memorable moments. Make sure to check out the complete collection for an immersive Dragon Ball experience!
Conclusion
From the original Dragon Ball series to the latest installment, Dragon Ball Super, and the thrilling movies, the Dragon Ball franchise continues to captivate fans with its action-packed storytelling and beloved characters. Whether you’re a long-time fan or just discovering this incredible world, watching the shows and movies in chronological order allows you to experience the full journey of Goku and his friends.
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