To watch Dragon Ball Without getting lost, start by Dragon Ball (1986), followed by Dragon Ball Z (1989), then Dragon Ball Super (2015) and his classic films.
It is the’chronological order the official one, the one that follows the story of’Akira Toriyama. The saga consists of more than 600 episodes and more than 20 movies, so you might as well have a clear plan before you get started.
Content canon is officially part of the Dragon Ball Timeline. Non-canon content, such as Dragon Ball GT, remains a standalone adventure, unrelated to the main storyline.
Overview of the Dragon Ball License
Dragon Ball is one of the franchises of manga and animation festivals in the world. The original work by’Akira Toriyama began in 1984 in the weekly magazine Weekly Shonen Jump.
It has spawned several animated series, about twenty films, and numerous video games. Toriyama was inspired by the classic Chinese novel The Journey Westward to lay the groundwork for the saga, before expanding the story to include cosmic battles and parallel universes.
Today, the universe Dragon Ball continues to expand. The new series Dragon Ball Daima (2024) is proof of that. For the fans for those just starting out, to know which order to watch Dragon Ball is the first issue to be resolved.
Overview of Each Dragon Ball Series
Dragon Ball (1986–1989)
The first anime series adapted the beginning of the Dragon Ball manga ofAkira Toriyama. She follows Goku child in his or her search the seven magic balls that grant a wish to Shenron.
The atmosphere is lighthearted and adventurous. Here, you’ll discover Bulma, Master Roshi, Krillin, Yamcha, and the first major tournament battles. The series features 153 episodes.
Dragon Ball Z (1989–1996)
Dragon Ball Z is the direct sequel, adapted from the second part of the manga. It marks a turning point toward epic battles and global stakes. Goku He is an adult and a father.
The arrival of the Saiyans, the battles against Freezer, Cell and Majin Buu define the saga. The series includes 291 episodes. This is where the Super Saiyan, the story's iconic transformation.
Dragon Ball Z Kai (2009–2015)
Dragon Ball Z Kai is a re-edited and remastered version of Dragon Ball Z. It cuts out the filler episodes to stay as close as possible to the manga ofAkira Toriyama.
If you want a more fast-paced and shorter experience, this is a direct alternative. Both series cover the same history. Dragon Ball Z Kai account 167 episodes.
Dragon Ball GT (1996–1997)
Dragon Ball GT is an original series produced by Toei Animation, without any direct involvement from’Akira Toriyama to the script. So it is not not that great. Goku He is transformed into a child after making an unintentional wish to Shenron, and must travel through space to find the Dragon Balls.
The series has 64 episodes. If you want to watch Dragon Ball GT, put it after Dragon Ball Z. Note: WG and Dragon Ball Super tell two incompatible storylines from the same saga.
Dragon Ball Super (2015–2018)
Dragon Ball Super is the official sequel to Dragon Ball Z. It takes place between Majin Buu's defeat and the end of the original series. It is a anime supervised by Toriyama himself.
It introduces new characters such as Beerus, the god of destruction, and Whis. Notable story arcs include the Tournament of Power between different worlds and transformation Ultra Instinct. The series has 131 episodes.
Dragon Ball Daima (2024)
Dragon Ball Daima is the new anime series written by Akira Toriyama before he went missing. Goku and his companions are transformed there into miniature versions of themselves because of a wish made to Shenron.
To reverse this wish, they must travel through the Kingdom of Demons and gather the Dragon Balls in this world. It is the new a standout series in the franchise.
Watch Dragon Ball in chronological order
To follow the saga while adhering to the official continuity established by Akira Toriyama, you watch the classic works in chronological order. Here is the Dragon Ball Timeline complete, anime by anime and film by film, as it follows from the manga original.
1. Dragon Ball (1986–1989)
This first anime series covers Goku's Childhood. The story follows his encounter with Bulma and his early adventures, right up to his marriage to Chichi. This is the introduction to the universe, the one that lays the groundwork for the characters and the search of the Dragon Balls.
2. Dragon Ball Z (1989–1996)
This anime is a direct continuation of Dragon Ball. It begins with the arrival of the Saiyans on Earth and faces one major battle after another against Freezer, Cell, and Majin Buu. It’s also the saga that introduces the Super Saiyan, the most iconic transformation in the history of Dragon Ball. Vegeta He becomes one of the central characters.
3. Dragon Ball Z Kai (2009–2015), an alternative to DBZ
Dragon Ball Z Kai is a re-edited version of the original anime. It cuts out the filler episodes to stay as close as possible to the manga ofAkira Toriyama. If you want a more fast-paced experience, this is a direct alternative to Dragon Ball Z. Both cover the same history.
4. Dragon Ball Z: Baddack vs. Frieza (1990)
This special episode tells the story of the father of Goku, Bardock (spelled “Baddack” in the French version, “Burdock” in the manga (English). It recounts the destruction of the planet Vegeta by Freezer, and sheds light on the origin of Goku in a striking way.
5. Dragon Ball Z: The Story of Trunks (1993)
This special episode shows the alternate future of Trunks. It is essential for fully understanding the context of the Cyborg Arc in Dragon Ball Z.
6. Dragon Ball Super (2015–2018)
This anime follows Dragon Ball Z and takes place between Boo's defeat and the end of the series. It introduces new characters as Beerus, the god of destruction, and Whis, his master.
Notable arcs include the Tournament of Power and the Ultra Instinct transformation. It's a canonical anime that kicks off the’The Story of Dragon Ball parallel universes. The movies Battle of the Gods (2013) and The Resurrection of ‘F’ (2015) have been incorporated and expanded upon in this series.
7. Dragon Ball Super: Broly (2018)
This film is a classic reimagining of the’The Story of Broly, a Saiyan legendary. Unlike the earlier films about him, Dragon Ball Super: Broly is officially part of the saga. It’s one of the best movies in the franchise, for both newcomers and fans long-standing.
8. Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero (2022)
This film Super Hero takes place after the events of Dragon Ball Super: Broly. He puts Gohan and Piccolo in the center of the’history, faced with a new threat from the’Red Ribbon Army. This is the first time that Gohan and Piccolo take on new iconic forms in a movie.
9. Dragon Ball Daima (2024)
Dragon Ball Daima is the new anime series written by Akira Toriyama. Goku and his companions are transformed there into miniature versions of themselves because of a wish made to Shenron. To reverse this wish, they must travel through the Kingdom of Demons and gather the Dragon Balls in this world. It is the last work supervised by Toriyama before his death in March 2024.
Here are a few important things to keep in mind before you get started:
- Dragon Ball GT is not written by Akira Toriyama, so he's not exactly a heartthrob. If you still want to watch this anime, watch it after Dragon Ball Z. Note: Dragon Ball GT and Dragon Ball Super are incompatible in terms of continuity; they tell two different storylines within the same saga.
- The films Dragon Ball Z The 1990s aren't canon and don't affect the main storyline.
- Special Episodes Bardock and Trunks shed light on certain contexts, but are not essential for following the’history main.
Watch Dragon Ball in release order
Another way is to watch TV shows and movies in the’order where they were released in Japan. You then get to experience the world as it was conceived and experienced by the original audience, which can be an experience in and of itself.
Dragon Ball order by release date
- Dragon Ball (1986–1989): The first anime series follows the early days of Gokuhis meeting with Bulma until he married Chichi.
- Dragon Ball: The Legend of Shenron (1986) : the first film follows the first episodes of the series with a few modifications.
- Dragon Ball: Demon's Castle (1987): a new adventure from Goku and his friends in a haunted castle.
- Dragon Ball: The Mystic Adventure (1988): resumes the martial arts tournament storyline with a few changes.
In what order should you watch Dragon Ball Z?
Dragon Ball Z consists of 291 episodes and is a direct continuation of Dragon Ball. To watch this anime in the’order Here is the recommended viewing order for his films. Note that Dragon Ball Z Kai covers the same history in condensed form, without the filler episodes.
Dragon Ball Z: Dead Zone (1989)
This first film in the series Dragon Ball Z It's not part of the canon, but you can watch it right before you start Dragon Ball Z. It features Goku and His Friends, as well as Piccolo, joining forces against Garlic Jr., an evil being who wants to take over the Dragon Balls.
Dragon Ball Z episodes 1 to 86
This is the first part of the series. It covers the arc of the Saiyans and the arc of Namek, until the first appearance of Freezer. Vegeta He is introduced as the main antagonist before becoming an ally.
Dragon Ball Z: Baddack vs Freezer (1990)
This special episode tells the story of Bardock, the father of Goku, and his confrontation with Freezer. Chronologically, it takes place before Dragon Ball Z. You can watch it when the origin of Goku, around the arch Freezer.
Dragon Ball Z episodes 87 to 107
These episodes cover the battle against Freezer and the Goku's first transformation into a Super Saiyan, one of the most memorable moments in the saga.
Dragon Ball Z: The World's Strongest (1990)
The second film in the series Dragon Ball Z oppose Goku and his friends to Dr. Willow, a scientist who wants to transfer his brain into the body of the strongest man. This movie is non-canon. You can watch it after the events in Namek, even though it isn't related to the main plot.
Dragon Ball Z: The Tree of Might (1990)
The third film tells the story of the’history of Turles (Thales in French), a Saiyan which bears a striking resemblance to Goku. He arrives on Earth to plant the Tree of Power, which is capable of absorbing the planet's energy. Turles attempts to rally Goku and Vegeta… but Goku He refuses, and a battle ensues to save Earth.
Dragon Ball Z: Lord Slug (1991)
Better known in French under the title Dragon Ball Z: The Threat from Namek, this fourth film pits Goku and His Friends at Slug, an evil Namekian who wants to use the Dragon Balls to regain his youth and conquer Earth.
Dragon Ball Z episodes 108 to 125
This section covers the period just before the Cyborgs arc and the arrival of Trunks of the future.
Dragon Ball Z: Cooler's Revenge (1991)
The fifth film pits Goku and friends at Coolerbrother of Freezer, who came to avenge his death. This movie isn't part of the canon, but you can watch it after the arc Freezer for pleasure.
Dragon Ball Z episodes 126 to 173
These episodes cover the Cyborgs arc and the beginning of the Cell arc.
Dragon Ball Z: The Return of Cooler (1992)
The sixth film pits Goku and Vegeta against an army of Metal Coolers on the planet Namek. Although it's not canon, you can watch it after the arc Freezer, in the same vein as the previous film about Cooler.
Dragon Ball Z: Super Android 13 (1992)
The seventh film, which is not part of the canon, pits Goku and friends at C-13, C-14, and C-15, three cyborgs created by Dr. Gero.
Dragon Ball Z: The History of Trunks (1993)
This special canon episode takes place after the Cyborgs were introduced in the series. It depicts the bleak future of Trunks and his mentor Gohan, in a world ravaged by cyborgs.
Dragon Ball Z: Broly, the Legendary Super Saiyan (1993)
The eighth film pits Goku and friends at Broly, a Saiyan a legendary figure with extraordinary powers. This is the first installment of the trilogy Broly Non-canon. You can watch it after the Cell arc.
Dragon Ball Z episodes 174 to 194
These episodes cover the end of the Cell arc and the early stages leading up to the Majin Buu arc.
Where can I stream Dragon Ball?
To view Dragon Ball Legally in France, several platforms offer TV shows and movies. Here are the main options available.
Dragon Ball and Dragon Ball Z
Dragon Ball and Dragon Ball Z are available at Crunchyroll, the leading platform for anime. You can also find some episodes on DNA (Animation Digital Network), the French specialty channel.
For movies, platforms such as Amazon Prime Video Where Google Play Movies regularly offer episodes for rent or purchase.
Dragon Ball Super
Dragon Ball Super is available on Crunchyroll in the original version with subtitles and in French. It’s the most comprehensive platform for watching the Dragon Ball Timeline in its entirety.
Dragon Ball Super: Broly and Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero
The films Dragon Ball Super: Broly and Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero are available for rent and purchase on traditional video-on-demand platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies and Microsoft Store.
Dragon Ball Daima
Dragon Ball Daima is broadcast on Crunchyroll simulcast since its release in October 2024. That's where you can follow the news Dragon Ball series as it airs.
The movies *Battle of the Gods* and *Resurrection of ‘F’*’
These two films hold a special place in the Dragon Ball Timeline. Battle of the Gods (2013) presents Beerus, the god of destruction, and Whis for the first time. The Resurrection of ‘F’ (2015) marks the return of Freezer and introduces the form Super Saiyan Blue to Goku and Vegeta. These two films are then revisited and expanded upon in the first story arcs of Dragon Ball Super. You can watch them before starting the series, or skip them and start right away Dragon Ball Super that covers their events.
Dragon Ball GT: The Non-Canon Sequel
Dragon Ball GT is produced without a script for’Akira Toriyama. So it's not a anime Awesome. If you want to watch it, just put it right after that. Dragon Ball Z, before Dragon Ball Super.
Attention : Dragon Ball GT and Dragon Ball Super are not compatible. They each offer a different sequel to Dragon Ball Z.
You have to choose one or the other, or look at them separately, knowing that their stories contradict each other. WG account 64 episodes and introduces new enemies such as Baby, the Great C-17 and the Big Shenron the Dragon.
Dragon Ball Manga to Read Alongside the Series
the Dragon Ball manga original from’Akira Toriyama account 42 volumes, published between 1984 and 1995. It covers the entire’history of Dragon Ball and Dragon Ball Z. If you want to read the Dragon Ball manga At the same time, start with Volume 1 and follow the same sequence timeline as for the anime.
To Dragon Ball Super, a manga is currently being published, with a story by Toyotarō under the supervision of Toriyama.
It sometimes shows significant differences from the’anime, particularly in the process from Tournament of Power and the following arcs. Read the manga and watch the’anime Studying in parallel is a good way to deepen your understanding of the’universe.
If you love epic sagas animated, you'll also find guides on how to watch Naruto, One Piece, Demon Slayer or Berserk in the right order.
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