Ultimate Guide to Watching the Dragon Ball Series in Order with Movies

Introduction

The Dragon Ball franchise, created by Akira Toriyama, has captivated audiences worldwide since its debut in 1984. With its blend of action, humor, and unique characters, the series has garnered an enormous fan base. However, the sheer volume of content can be overwhelming for new viewers. Understanding how to watch the Dragon Ball series in order, including its movies, is essential for fully appreciating the story arc and character development of beloved characters like Goku, Vegeta, and Piccolo.

Understanding Dragon Ball Chronology

The Dragon Ball franchise consists of several main series and movies, each contributing to the overarching narrative. While many fans recommend watching the series in the order of release, a chronological viewing can enhance the experience by providing context to events and character relationships. This guide will outline the various series and movies, presenting them in the best order to watch.

Dragon Ball Series in Order

To start your journey into the world of Dragon Ball, it's crucial to understand the series' timeline. Here's a breakdown of the series in the order you should watch them:

1. Dragon Ball

The original Dragon Ball series introduces us to Goku and his adventures as a child. The series encompasses a variety of arcs that set the foundation for the entire franchise. It consists of 153 episodes.

2. Dragon Ball Z

Next, we dive into Dragon Ball Z, which continues Goku's story as an adult and introduces new characters and threats. This series consists of 291 episodes and is divided into several sagas, including the Saiyan Saga, Frieza Saga, Cell Saga, and Majin Buu Saga.

3. Dragon Ball GT

Dragon Ball GT is a non-canon sequel that takes place after Dragon Ball Z. Although it has mixed reviews from fans, it offers a unique perspective on the characters. The series consists of 64 episodes.

4. Dragon Ball Super

The latest installment, Dragon Ball Super, is a canon series that takes place after the events of Dragon Ball Z and before Dragon Ball GT. It introduces new transformations, universes, and powerful enemies. It consists of 131 episodes.

Dragon Ball Movies in Order

In addition to the main series, there are numerous Dragon Ball movies. Below is a list of the movies in chronological order:

Movie Title Release Year Notes
Dragon Ball: Curse of the Blood Rubies 1986 Based on the original series.
Dragon Ball: Sleeping Princess in Devil's Castle 1987 Original story not in the manga.
Dragon Ball Z: Dead Zone 1989 Prequel to the Z series.
Dragon Ball Z: The World's Strongest 1990 Sequel to Dead Zone.
Dragon Ball Z: The Tree of Might 1990 Original plot unrelated to the series.
Dragon Ball Z: Bardock - The Father of Goku 1990 Important backstory for Goku.
Dragon Ball Z: Broly - The Legendary Super Saiyan 1993 Introduces Broly, a fan-favorite character.
Dragon Ball Z: Bojack Unbound 1993 Standalone story set after the Cell Saga.
Dragon Ball Z: Bio-Broly 1994 Continues the Broly saga.
Dragon Ball Z: Fusion Reborn 1995 Features the fusion of Goku and Vegeta.
Dragon Ball Z: Wrath of the Dragon 1995 Final Z movie.
Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods 2013 Introduces Beerus, the God of Destruction.
Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection 'F' 2015 Brings back Frieza.
Dragon Ball Super: Broly 2018 Reimagines Broly's origin story.

Watching Dragon Ball Super

Dragon Ball Super is a major part of the Dragon Ball franchise and is crucial for understanding the current trajectory of the series. It introduces new elements and characters that significantly impact the storyline. Here's how to watch it:

Conclusion

Watching the Dragon Ball series in order, along with its movies, is vital for any anime fan looking to appreciate the depth and breadth of the storyline. This guide provides a structured approach to ensure you don't miss any crucial elements of the saga. Whether you're a newcomer or a returning fan, this chronological ordering will enhance your viewing experience.

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