In what order should I watch Dragon Ball? [Complete guide]

Created by the late Akira Toriyama, Dragon Ball is a Japanese animated series that has marked generations of fans around the world. With over 600 episodes divided into several series and more than 20 films, it's not easy to know where to start or in what order to look. Dragon Ball.

Don't panic! In this article, we're going to help you make sense of the situation and explain in which order to look Dragon Ball to fully enjoy this cult manga.

Recall :  "Canon" means "officially part of the chronology of a universe."

To look at Dragon Ball in chronological order

If you want to follow the manga Dragon Ball while respecting the official continuity created by Akira Toriyama, you have to watch the canonical works in chronological order. To watch Dragon Ball In order, here is what we recommend:

Dragon Ball (1986-1989)

This The first series covers the childhood of Gokuhis meeting with Bulma and his early adventures until his marriage to Chichi.

That's theIntroduction to the world of Dragon Ball and lays the foundations for the characters and Dragon Balls.

Dragon Ball Z (1989-1996)

This series is the direct continuation of Dragon BallIt begins with the arrival of the Saiyans on Earth, follows the great battles against Freezer, Cell and Majin Boo.

It is the epic that introduces major concepts such as the Super Saiyan.

Dragon Ball Z : Baddack versus Freezer (1990)

This special episode tells the story of father's past Goku, Bardockand the destruction of the planet Vegeta by Freezer.

Dragon Ball Z : The History of Trunks (1993)

This special episode shows the alternative future of Trunks, an important context for the Cyborgs arc in Dragon Ball Z.

Dragon Ball Super (2015-2018)

This series follows on from Dragon Ball Z and introduces new characters and concepts such as Beerusthe god of destruction, and Whisand the concept of parallel universes.

Arcs include the Tournament of Power and the transformation Ultra Instinct.

Dragon Ball Super : Broly (2018)

This film is a reimagining of the history of Brolya legendary Saiyan. Unlike previous BrolyThis is considered part of the official continuity.

Dragon Ball Super : Super Hero (2022)

This film is set after the events of Dragon Ball Super : Brolyfocusing on Gohan and Piccolo in the face of new threat from the Red Ribbon Army.

Remark :

• Dragon Ball GT is not an adaptation of Akira Toriyama's manga, so it is not considered canon. If you want to follow only the official story, Dragon Ball GT can be ignored.
• The films from Dragon Ball Z released in the 90's are not hot and do not directly influence the main continuity.
• Special episodes such as Bardock and Trunks are relevant to understanding certain contexts, but they are not not strictly necessary to follow the main story.

By following this list, you can watch Dragon Ball in order while respecting official continuity and history as it has been written and envisioned by Akira Toriyama, but also developed until 2024.

To look at Dragon Ball in the order of exit

Another method is to watch series and films in the order in which they were broadcast in Japan. This will allow you to discover the works of Dragon Ball as they were conceived by their author and appreciated by their original audience.

Here is the list of series and films in release order:

Order Dragon Ball according to release dates

1. Dragon Ball (1986-1989) : the first series follows the beginnings of Gokuhis meeting with Bulma until her marriage to Chichi.
2. Dragon Ball : The Legend of Shenron (1986) : the first film follows the first episodes of the series with a few modifications.
3. Dragon Ball The Devil's Castle (1987): the second film features a new adventure for Goku and his friends in a haunted castle.
4. Dragon Ball L'Aventure mystique (1988): the third film continues the martial arts tournament arc with a few changes.

In which order to look Dragon Ball Z ?

This series is comprising 291 episodes and is a direct continuation of Dragon Ball. To watch Dragon Ball Z In terms of the order of his films, here is the order we recommend:

Dragon Ball Z : Dead Zone (1989)

This first film in the Z series is not canon, but can be viewed before starting Dragon Ball Z.

He directs Goku and Piccolo joining forces to face Garlic Jran evil being seeking to seize the Dragon Balls.

Dragon Ball Z episodes 1 to 86

This is the first part of the series, which covers the arc of Saiyans and the arc of Namek, until the first appearance of Freezer.

Dragon Ball Z : Baddack versus Freezer (1990)

This special episode tells the story of father's past Goku, Bardockand his confrontation with Freezer.

It takes place chronologically before the events of Dragon Ball Z and can be viewed after the origin of Goku (episodes surrounding the Frieza arc).

Dragon Ball Z episodes 87 to 107

These episodes cover the battle against Freezer and the primary processing of Goku in Super Saiyan.

Dragon Ball Z : The World’s Strongest (1990)

The second film in the Z series oppose Goku and friends to Dr. Willow, a scientist seeking to transfer his brain into the body of the strongest man.

This film is non-canon and can be viewed after the events on Namek, but it is not related to the main plot.

Dragon Ball Z : The Tree of Might (1990)

The third film in the series tells the story ofhistory of Turles (Thalès in French), a Saiyan which bears a striking resemblance to GokuHe arrives on Earth to plant the Tree of Power, a tree capable of absorbing the planet's energy.

He's trying to rally Goku as well as Gohan to his cause. But Goku refuses, and a A battle ensues between the team of Turles and our heroes to save the Earth.

Dragon Ball Z : Lord Slug (1991)

Better known under the title “Dragon Ball Z : The Menace of Namek"In French, the fourth film in the Z series opposes Goku and friends at Slug, a Namek evil seeking to use Dragon Balls to regain his youth and conquer Earth.

Dragon Ball Z episodes 108 to 125

This section covers the period just before the Cyborg arc and the arrival of Trunks of the future.

Dragon Ball Z : Cooler’s Revenge (1991)

The fifth film in the Z series, which pits Goku and friends at Coolerbrother of Freezerwho wants revenge for his death.

This film is non-canonical and introduces CoolerAlthough it is not part of the main storyline, it can be watched after the arc. Freezer for pleasure.

Dragon Ball Z episodes 126 to 173

These episodes cover the Cyborgs arc and the beginning of the arc Cell.

Dragon Ball Z : The Return of Cooler (1992)

The sixth film in the Z series, which pits Goku and his friends against a army of Metal Cooler on the planet Namek.

Although not a cannon, it can be looked at after the arc Freezer to fit in with the same vein as the other films by Cooler.

Dragon Ball Z : Super Android 13 ! (1992)

The seventh non-canon film in the Z series, which pits Goku and friends at C-13, C-14 and C-15, three cyborgs created by Dr. Gero.

Dragon Ball Z The Story of Trunks (1993)

This special episode is and shows the alternative future of TrunksIt takes place after the introduction of Cyborgs in the series.

Dragon Ball Z : Broly – The Legendary Super Saiyan (1993)

The eighth film in the Z series, which pits Goku and friends at Broly, a Saiyan legendary with enormous powers.

This film is the first of the trilogy Broly and is non-canon. It can be watched after the arc. Cell.

Dragon Ball Z episodes 174 to 194

These episodes cover the end of the arc Cell, in particular the Cell Games.

Dragon Ball Z : Bojack Unbound (1993)

The ninth film in the Z series, which pits Goku and friends at Bojacka space pirate out to conquer the galaxy.

He is non-cannon, but can be watched after the arc Cell.

Dragon Ball Z episodes 195 to 207

Transitional period between the arc Cell and the bow Majin Boo.

Dragon Ball Z : Broly – Second Coming (1994)

The tenth film in the Z series, which pits Goku and friends at Broly, returned in a fiercer form.

It's the second film by Broly non-cannonbut can be watched after the first film Broly.

Dragon Ball Z episodes 208 to 250

These episodes mark the start of the arc Majin Boo, with the arrival of Goten and Trunks.

Dragon Ball Z : Bio-Broly (1994)

The eleventh film in the Z series, which pits Goku and friends at Bio-Brolya mutant version of Broly.

It's the third film from Broly non-cannon that you can watch after the other films Broly.

Dragon Ball Z episodes 251 to 253

These episodes mark a significant progression in the arc Majin Boo with decisive battles.

Dragon Ball Z : Fusions (1995)

The twelfth film in the Z series presents the merger of Goku and Vegeta in Gogeta to fight Janembaa monster born of the evil accumulated in the afterlife. He is non-canon.

Dragon Ball Z episodes 254 to 288

These episodes continue the arc. Majin Boo, marking theintroduction of the merger between Goku and Vegeta.

Dragon Ball Z : Wrath of the Dragon (1995)

The thirteenth film in the Z series, which pits Goku and friends at Hildegarnan evil dragon released by a sorcerer.

This film is not canon, but entertaining after the arc Majin Boo.

Dragon Ball Z episodes 289 to end

These episodes conclude the arc. Majin Boo and mark the end of Dragon Ball Z.

Release order of other series Dragon Ball

Dragon Ball Z Kai (2009-2015)

If you enjoyed the Dragon Ball Zyou'll love it remastered and shortened version.

Dragon Ball Z Kai faithfully follows the original manga and eliminates many filler scenesThis version improves image and sound quality, offering a more modern experience while remaining faithful to Akira Toriyama's original work.

Dragon Ball Super (2015-2018)

Official sequel to Dragon Ball Zthis series introduces new story arcssuch that :

• The arc of the battle of the gods;
• Freezer's resurrection;
• The Arc of the Tournament of Power;
• The Trunks saga of the future.

Dragon Ball Super also develops the universe with theintroduction of new gods and characters, such as Beerus, Whis, and warriors from other universes, thus expanding the plot far beyond Earth.

Dragon Ball DAIMA (2024 -)

This is the latest series to be announced. Dragon Ball DAIMA takes place after the events of Dragon Ball Super. This series features the new adventures for Goku and his friends who face unprecedented enemies and mysteries linked to mysterious forces in the universe.

Dragon Ball DAIMA promises rediscover the spirit of adventure that has made the franchise so successfulwith a modern twist.

By following this order to watch Dragon Ballyou can admire the evolution of animation, graphics and music. You'll also enjoy winks and references to previous works.

Whether you choose chronological order Dragon Ball or exit order, you'll be able to appreciate adventures of Goku and friends. You'll also be able to discover the different versions of Broly's story, which appears in several of the franchise's films. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a curious novice, we hope you enjoy the show.

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