If you grew up during the Sunday morning anime era, Dragon Ball is likely a series with a special place in your childhood memories. With its vibrant visuals and classic action-packed scenes, Dragon Ball has become a nostalgic cornerstone for many fans.
In addition to the original, there’s a remake with modern animation that stays true to the original character designs, ensuring that long-time fans and newcomers can enjoy the show.
Dragon Ball spans 5 seasons and over 800 episodes, all produced by the renowned Toei Animation studio. These episodes chronicle Goku’s adventures from his childhood as he trains to become stronger in his quest to collect the seven Dragon Balls that can grant any wish.
Dragon Ball continues to captivate audiences as one of the most iconic anime series ever. Whether revisiting it for nostalgia or experiencing it for the first time, the series keeps you engaged from start to finish.
Order To Watch Dragon Ball
1. Dragon Ball
- Episodes: 153
- Broadcast: 1986-1989
Son Goku is a young boy living alone in the forest until, one day, he crosses paths with Bulma, a girl on a quest to find the seven magical Dragon Balls. These legendary artifacts are said to grant any wish to whoever collects them, and Bulma is hoping to use them to find the perfect boyfriend.
As it turns out, Goku already possesses the Dragon Balls but refuses to part with them. Instead, he strikes a deal with Bulma: she can join him on his journey, but only if she lets him keep the power of the Dragon Balls. With that, the two of them set off on an epic adventure.
Their travels lead them to meet interesting characters, including the wise old martial artist Muten-Roshi and the aspiring fighter Kuririn. Together, they train to become stronger martial artists, preparing for the World Martial Arts Tournament.
But their journey isn’t all fun and games. The power of the Dragon Balls attracts more dangerous individuals, and not everyone seeks them for noble reasons. As they face villains and challenges, Goku and his friends must train hard to protect the world from those who would abuse the power of the Dragon Balls.
The original Dragon Ball anime began airing in the 1980s and is filled with humor, action, and adventure. Alongside the main series, several anime films offer side stories and additional adventures:
- Dragon Ball: Curse of the Blood Rubies (1986)
- Dragon Ball: Sleeping Princess in Devil’s Castle (1987)
- Dragon Ball: Mystical Adventure (1988)
These films and the series have helped make Dragon Ball a beloved classic that continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
2. Dragon Ball Z
- Episodes: 291
- Broadcast: 1989-1996
After his adventures as a young martial artist, Goku returns with his new son, Gohan, ready to embrace a quieter life. However, the peace doesn’t last long as Goku is thrust into new challenges and adventures. From facing intergalactic threats like Freeza to battling the bio-engineered terror of Cell and confronting the chaos unleashed by Majin Boo, Goku’s journey is a testament to his resilience and growth. Along the way, he discovers his origins as a Saiyan, one of the most Powerful warrior races in the universe.
Goku meets a host of new allies and adversaries, forming bonds with many while prioritizing raising a family and finding joy as a proud Saiyan. Goku exemplifies strength, determination, and a never-ending hunger for improvement through every trial.
The Dragon Ball Z saga not only brought thrilling battles and emotional moments to the forefront but also expanded its legacy with several side-story films that offer fans even more adventures. These include:
- Dragon Ball Z: Dead Zone (1989)
- Dragon Ball Z: The World’s Strongest (1990)
- Dragon Ball Z: The Tree of Might (1990)
- Dragon Ball Z: Lord Slug (1991)
- Dragon Ball Z: Cooler’s Revenge (1991)
- Dragon Ball Z: The Return of Cooler (1992)
- Dragon Ball Z: Super Android 13! (1992)
- Dragon Ball Z: Broly – The Legendary Super Saiyan (1993)
- Dragon Ball Z: Bojack Unbound (1993)
- Dragon Ball Z: Broly – Second Coming (1994)
- Dragon Ball Z: Bio-Broly (1994)
- Dragon Ball Z: Fusion Reborn (1995)
- Dragon Ball Z: Wrath of the Dragon (1995)
- Dragon Ball: The Path to Power (1996)
Each film provides a unique take on the Dragon Ball Z universe, blending exciting action with heartfelt storytelling. Together, they continue to captivate audiences old and new, solidifying Dragon Ball Z as an anime icon.
3. Dragon Ball GT
- Episodes: 64
- Broadcast: 1996-1997
After years of searching, Emperor Pilaf finally gets his hands on the fabled Black Star Dragon Balls, rumored to be twice as powerful as the regular Dragon Balls found on Earth. As Pilaf prepares to use their immense power to achieve world domination, Son Goku interrupts him. In the chaos, Pilaf accidentally wishes Goku back into a child, completely derailing his plans.
Following this mishap, the Black Star Dragon Balls scatter across the galaxy, triggering an ominous revelation: unless all seven are retrieved and returned to Earth within a year, the planet will explode. Faced with this dire situation, Goku sets off on an intergalactic quest to recover the Dragon Balls, joined by his spunky granddaughter Pan and a grown-up Trunks.
Together, the trio embarks on a thrilling adventure through the cosmos, encountering strange planets, powerful adversaries, and unexpected challenges in their race against time to save Earth from destruction. This begins an extraordinary journey that tests their strength, courage, and bonds.
4. Dragon Ball Z Kai
- Episodes: 64
- Broadcast: 2009-2015
Dragon Ball Z Kai is a remastered version of the beloved Dragon Ball Z series, designed to align more closely with the original manga storyline. This refined adaptation cuts down on filler episodes, providing a streamlined narrative that reflects Akira Toriyama’s vision. It features newly recorded dialogue by the original cast, enhanced sound effects, and updated opening and ending sequences. Additionally, the video has been reprocessed into HD for a crisp, modern viewing experience.
The franchise also expanded with several notable films that continue the Dragon Ball Z saga:
- Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods (2013): A pivotal movie introducing Beerus, the God of Destruction, and the concept of the Super Saiyan God. This film marked the beginning of new storylines for the Dragon Ball universe.
- Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection ‘F’ (2015): Frieza dramatically returns, seeking revenge against Goku and his friends, showcasing the iconic Super Saiyan Blue transformation.
These additions revitalized the franchise for both longtime fans and new audiences, solidifying Dragon Ball Z as a timeless anime classic.
5. Dragon Ball Super
- Episodes: 131
- Broadcast: 2015-2018
With Majin Buu defeated, Goku has traded his life of battle for a peaceful existence as a turnip farmer. Earth is finally at peace, and its defenders enjoy a well-deserved break. However, their tranquility is short-lived.
In the far reaches of the universe, Beerus, the God of Destruction, awakens from his slumber, spurred by a prophecy foretelling his defeat at the hands of an even more powerful being. His quest to uncover the identity of the “Saiyan God” leads him to Earth, where Goku and his friends must rise to face their strongest opponent yet.
The story expands further with two major films that delve into new arcs of the Dragon Ball universe:
- Dragon Ball Super: Broly (2018): A thrilling tale that reintroduces the legendary Saiyan Broly in an epic showdown with Goku and Vegeta, exploring the Saiyan race’s history and bonds.
- Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero (2022): Focuses on Gohan and Piccolo as they take on a new enemy, showcasing their growth and highlighting their pivotal roles in defending Earth.
This concludes the watch order for the Dragon Ball saga, offering a seamless journey through its iconic adventures and unforgettable battles.
- Dragon Ball Super Filler List
- Goku all Transformations!
- Dragon Ball Z Characters
- Best Dragon Ball sagas!
