How to Watch Dragon Ball: A Comprehensive Guide for Fans

How to Watch Dragon Ball: A Comprehensive Guide for Fans

Dragon Ball, the legendary anime franchise created by Akira Toriyama, has captivated millions around the world for decades. With its exciting battles, memorable characters, and iconic moments, it has become a cultural phenomenon. However, with so many series, movies, and specials, you might be wondering: “How do I watch Dragon Ball?” In this article, we will guide you through the best ways to watch Dragon Ball, including its different series, movie releases, and where to find them.

1. The Core Dragon Ball Series: Where to Start

The Dragon Ball series is divided into multiple parts, each focusing on different stages of the protagonist, Goku’s, life. Here’s a breakdown of the main series to help you understand the timeline and where to start your Dragon Ball journey:

Dragon Ball

The original Dragon Ball series (1986-1989) introduces Goku as a young boy, embarking on an adventurous journey to gather the mystical Dragon Balls. Along the way, he meets friends and foes that shape his destiny. This is where the story begins, so it’s the perfect place to start for newcomers.

Dragon Ball Z

Following the events of Dragon Ball, the series transitions to Dragon Ball Z (1989-1996), where Goku, now an adult, faces even greater threats, such as the Saiyans, Freeza, and Cell. This is arguably the most famous part of the series and is where many fans first encounter Dragon Ball.

Dragon Ball Super

Set after the events of Dragon Ball Z, Dragon Ball Super (2015-2018) continues Goku’s journey as a fighter, showcasing new transformations, powerful enemies, and epic battles. If you’ve already watched the previous series, Dragon Ball Super is a great follow-up to enjoy the latest chapters of the Dragon Ball universe.

Dragon Ball GT (Non-canon)

Though not part of the main continuity, Dragon Ball GT (1996-1997) offers an alternate storyline with new adventures for Goku. GT has received mixed reviews but can be enjoyed for its unique take on the Dragon Ball world.

2. The Movies: Watching Dragon Ball on the Big Screen

Dragon Ball has also released numerous movies throughout the years, both standalone and as part of the main series. Some of these films are considered non-canon, while others are directly tied to the storylines in Dragon Ball Z and Dragon Ball Super.

Dragon Ball Z Movies

If you’re looking for movies tied to the Dragon Ball Z storyline, consider starting with Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods and Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection ‘F’. Both are pivotal to the continuation of Goku’s story in the Dragon Ball Super era.

Dragon Ball Super Movies

More recently, the Dragon Ball Super series has released movies like Dragon Ball Super: Broly (2018), which introduces the iconic Saiyan warrior Broly into the Dragon Ball Super universe, and Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero (2022), which focuses on the androids and brings new characters to the forefront.

Special Episodes and OVA

In addition to the main movies, there are various special episodes and OVA (Original Video Animation) releases that expand on the Dragon Ball world, offering unique stories and character development. These are fun extras for hardcore fans to dive into after watching the main series.

3. The Best Platforms to Watch Dragon Ball

With so many series and movies, you might be asking: “Where can I watch Dragon Ball?” Fortunately, the franchise is widely available on several streaming platforms and physical media. Here are the most popular options:

Crunchyroll

If you’re looking to watch Dragon Ball online, Crunchyroll is a great platform, offering both Dragon Ball Z and Dragon Ball Super for streaming. It’s a popular platform for anime lovers, and many Dragon Ball episodes are available with subtitles in multiple languages.

Funimation

Funimation is another excellent option, especially for English-speaking audiences. They offer dubbed versions of Dragon Ball Z, Dragon Ball Super, and the original Dragon Ball series. Funimation’s catalog also includes a large number of Dragon Ball movies.

Hulu

Hulu offers a selection of Dragon Ball Z and Dragon Ball Super episodes, making it another reliable option for fans to watch the series with a subscription.

Netflix

Though Netflix’s catalog of Dragon Ball titles can vary by region, in some countries, you can stream parts of Dragon Ball Z, Dragon Ball Super, and some Dragon Ball movies. Be sure to check the availability in your area.

Digital Purchase and Blu-ray/DVD

For those who prefer physical media, Blu-ray and DVD collections are available for all of the main series and movies. Many collectors prefer owning the full set to enjoy the remastered versions and special bonus content.

4. Watch Order: The Ideal Viewing Experience

Now that you know the different series and where to find them, the next question is: “What’s the best order to watch Dragon Ball?”

For newcomers, the ideal order to watch the series is as follows:

1. Dragon Ball (Original series)
2. Dragon Ball Z (Main series)
3. Dragon Ball Super (Newer series)
4. Dragon Ball GT (Optional, non-canon series)
5. Movies (Watch after finishing Dragon Ball Z or Super, depending on the timeline)

If you’re a returning fan and are familiar with the basic story, you can skip Dragon Ball and start directly with Dragon Ball Z or Dragon Ball Super.

5. Dragon Ball Community and Events

For fans who are passionate about the franchise, engaging with the Dragon Ball community can be a rewarding experience. You can join online forums, participate in fan events, and attend conventions that celebrate everything Dragon Ball. From watching live streams to playing Dragon Ball video games like Dragon Ball FighterZ, there are endless ways to immerse yourself in the universe.

Conclusion

Dragon Ball is more than just an anime; it’s an epic saga that has shaped pop culture. Whether you’re just starting or revisiting the series, the question of “how to watch Dragon Ball” has never been more accessible. From the original series to the latest Dragon Ball Super films, there’s always something new to discover in this ever-expanding universe. So, grab your Dragon Balls and get ready to embark on one of the most iconic adventures in anime history!

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。