How Many Episodes Are There in Dragon Ball? A Complete Guide

How Many Episodes Are There in Dragon Ball? A Complete Guide

Dragon Ball is one of the most iconic and influential anime series in history. With its captivating storylines, unforgettable characters, and exhilarating battles, it has captured the hearts of fans worldwide. If you’re new to the world of Dragon Ball, you might wonder just how many episodes are in the entire series. In this detailed article, we’ll break down the total number of episodes in the Dragon Ball franchise, covering everything from the original series to its sequels and spin-offs.

1. Dragon Ball: The Beginning

The journey of Dragon Ball begins with the original Dragon Ball series, which first aired in 1986. Based on Akira Toriyama’s popular manga, it follows the adventures of Son Goku as a young boy in his search for the Dragon Balls, mystical orbs that grant a wish when gathered. The series is beloved for its mix of action, humor, and heart.

Number of Episodes: 153

• Dragon Ball ran for a total of 153 episodes. The series covers Goku’s childhood, his training under various masters, and his battles against a variety of foes, culminating in the 21st Tenkaichi Budokai (World Martial Arts Tournament). The series ends with Goku meeting his future wife, Chi-Chi, and preparing for the next chapter of his life.

2. Dragon Ball Z: The Epic Continuation

After the success of Dragon Ball, the series transitioned into Dragon Ball Z, which is arguably the most well-known segment of the franchise. It picks up where the original series left off and follows Goku’s adult life as he faces increasingly powerful enemies, including Frieza, Cell, and Majin Buu.

Number of Episodes: 291

• Dragon Ball Z aired for 291 episodes from 1989 to 1996. It is split into several sagas, including the Saiyan Saga, the Frieza Saga, the Cell Saga, and the Majin Buu Saga. This series is widely regarded for introducing some of the most iconic moments in anime, such as Goku’s first transformation into a Super Saiyan during his battle with Frieza.

3. Dragon Ball GT: A Mixed Reception

Following the conclusion of Dragon Ball Z, Dragon Ball GT aired as a follow-up series. Unlike the previous installments, Dragon Ball GT was not based on the original manga by Akira Toriyama. Instead, it was created by Toei Animation, and it presents an alternative timeline that follows Goku’s adventures as an adult and later, as a child once again.

Number of Episodes: 64

• Dragon Ball GT ran for 64 episodes from 1996 to 1997. Although not as beloved as the original series or Dragon Ball Z, it introduced some notable concepts like the Black Star Dragon Balls and the transformation of Super Saiyan 4. However, it received mixed reviews from both critics and fans.

4. Dragon Ball Super: The Return of Goku

After a long hiatus, Dragon Ball made a major return in the form of Dragon Ball Super. The series picks up after the events of Dragon Ball Z and continues to follow Goku’s journey as he faces even greater threats in the Universe 6 Saga, the Future Trunks Saga, and the Tournament of Power.

Number of Episodes: 131

• Dragon Ball Super aired for 131 episodes from 2015 to 2018. This series reintroduced beloved characters, introduced new ones like Beerus (the God of Destruction), and delves into the concept of multiverse battles. The series has since been put on hiatus, but there are ongoing plans for new movies and episodes.

5. Dragon Ball Movies and Specials

Apart from the mainline TV series, the Dragon Ball franchise also includes numerous movies and specials. These include movies that adapt arcs from the TV series or present alternative universes and stories, such as the Battle of Gods movie, which led directly into Dragon Ball Super.

• Notable Dragon Ball Movies include:
  • Dragon Ball Z: The Movie series
  • Dragon Ball Super: Broly (2018)
  • Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero (2022)

While these movies do not add to the episode count of the main series, they provide additional content that enriches the overall Dragon Ball universe.

6. Summary: Total Episode Count

In total, the Dragon Ball franchise consists of:

• Dragon Ball: 153 episodes
• Dragon Ball Z: 291 episodes
• Dragon Ball GT: 64 episodes
• Dragon Ball Super: 131 episodes

Total: 639 episodes

7. What’s Next for Dragon Ball?

As of now, the Dragon Ball universe continues to thrive with ongoing manga releases and new movies. Dragon Ball Super is expected to return with new episodes or a continuation of the storyline, possibly adapting arcs from the manga that have yet to be animated.

Whether you’re watching Dragon Ball Z for the first time or rewatching it for nostalgia’s sake, there’s no doubt that the series will continue to captivate audiences for years to come.

Conclusion

If you’re a fan of the Dragon Ball series or planning to get into it, now you know how many episodes are in the franchise. With 639 episodes spread across four main series, there’s a lot of content to enjoy. And as the franchise continues to expand, there are sure to be even more adventures for Goku and his friends in the future.

ライト

鳥山明さんの大ファン

鳥山明さんの作品をこよなく愛するドラゴンボールが好きな漫画オタクです。世の中のアニメ全般が好きで、クリエイターの皆様を応援しています。