How to Watch Dragon Ball in Order: A Complete Guide for Fans

How to Watch Dragon Ball in Order: A Complete Guide for Fans

Dragon Ball is one of the most iconic anime series of all time, but with its numerous adaptations, spin-offs, and movies, newcomers to the series may wonder where to start. Whether you’re a fan of Dragon Ball Z, the original Dragon Ball, or Dragon Ball Super, knowing the correct viewing order is essential to fully understanding the storyline and character development. Luckily, many Reddit users and anime enthusiasts have shared their insights on how to watch Dragon Ball in chronological order, ensuring you don’t miss any important details.

1. Start with the Original Dragon Ball (1986 – 1989)

The original Dragon Ball anime, which aired from 1986 to 1989, introduces fans to Goku as a young boy and follows his journey as he seeks the seven Dragon Balls. This series sets the foundation for the entire Dragon Ball universe, including the main characters, lore, and the all-important Dragon Balls.

• Episodes: 153
• Seasons: 5
• Plot Overview: The story starts with Goku’s early adventures, his meeting with Bulma, and his quest to collect the Dragon Balls. Along the way, Goku trains under various masters, making friends and enemies alike. The series transitions into more action-packed tournaments and battles as Goku matures.

Many Reddit discussions emphasize that starting with the original series is crucial for understanding the progression of Goku’s character and his relationship with other key characters, such as Bulma, Krillin, and Master Roshi.

2. Move on to Dragon Ball Z (1989 – 1996)

Next in line is Dragon Ball Z, which picks up where Dragon Ball leaves off. This series is perhaps the most famous of all the Dragon Ball installments and is often the starting point for many fans, but starting from the original Dragon Ball is highly recommended for better context.

• Episodes: 291 (including filler)
• Seasons: 9
• Plot Overview: Dragon Ball Z explores Goku’s adulthood as he faces increasingly powerful enemies like Frieza, Cell, and Majin Buu. The series delves into Goku’s Saiyan heritage and his training to unlock new, more powerful transformations, including Super Saiyan forms. The major themes here include intense battles, power-ups, and the growth of Goku’s family, including his son, Gohan.

As Reddit users often point out, Dragon Ball Z is where the action intensifies, and for many fans, this series remains the heart of the Dragon Ball saga. However, it’s important to note that Dragon Ball Z contains significant filler arcs that some viewers choose to skip.

3. Follow Up with Dragon Ball Super (2015 – Present)

After Dragon Ball Z, the next series in chronological order is Dragon Ball Super. This series is a direct continuation of Dragon Ball Z, following the events after the defeat of Majin Buu.

• Episodes: 131 (so far)
• Seasons: 5 (ongoing)
• Plot Overview: Dragon Ball Super introduces new powerful enemies, like Beerus, the God of Destruction, and characters from alternate universes. It also explores Goku’s pursuit of new transformations, including Super Saiyan God and Super Saiyan Blue, as well as the introduction of Ultra Instinct. The series also expands the Dragon Ball universe with the Tournament of Power, where fighters from multiple universes compete in an epic battle.

In Reddit threads about watching Dragon Ball Super, fans often suggest that this series is a must-watch for those who want to stay up-to-date with the latest developments in the Dragon Ball franchise. Dragon Ball Super builds upon the foundations laid by its predecessors and takes the series in new directions, particularly in terms of power scaling and universe-building.

4. Dragon Ball Movies: When to Watch Them

In addition to the main TV series, there are numerous Dragon Ball movies. The movie order can be tricky, as some of the films exist outside the main continuity while others are direct adaptations or expansions of the series.

Dragon Ball Movies in Chronological Order:

• Dragon Ball: Curse of the Blood Rubies (1986)
• Dragon Ball Z: Dead Zone (1989)
• Dragon Ball Z: The World’s Strongest (1990)
• Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods (2013) – This movie is considered a precursor to Dragon Ball Super and sets the stage for the new series’ plotlines.
• Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection ‘F’ (2015) – This movie ties directly into Dragon Ball Super, featuring the return of Frieza and his battle against the Z Fighters.
• Dragon Ball Super: Broly (2018) – This film reintroduces Broly into the Dragon Ball canon and is considered an essential movie to watch within Dragon Ball Super.

In Reddit discussions, fans often recommend watching the Dragon Ball Z movies as standalone films but advise skipping some of the non-canon movies unless you’re interested in additional adventures.

5. Specials and Spin-offs

While the primary Dragon Ball series (original, Z, and Super) are the most important to follow, there are also a few special episodes and spin-offs that may enhance your experience. Some of these include:

• Dragon Ball Z: Bardock – The Father of Goku (1990) – A special that explains Goku’s father, Bardock, and his fight against Frieza.
• Dragon Ball GT (1996 – 1997) – While Dragon Ball GT is not considered canon by many fans, it presents an alternate storyline set after Dragon Ball Z. Some fans recommend watching it for completion’s sake, but it’s not essential if you’re following the main continuity.

6. Popular Reddit Viewing Recommendations

A common suggestion from Reddit threads is to watch the series in this order for the best viewing experience:

1. Dragon Ball (1986 – 1989)
2. Dragon Ball Z (1989 – 1996)
3. Dragon Ball Super (2015 – Present)
4. Dragon Ball Movies (select films, starting with Battle of Gods and Resurrection ‘F’)
5. Dragon Ball GT (optional, for those curious about the non-canon storyline)

For those who want a streamlined experience without too much filler, Reddit users often recommend skipping certain episodes in Dragon Ball Z, especially the “Garlic Jr. Saga” and other filler arcs, and focusing on the main storylines.

Final Thoughts

No matter where you begin, the Dragon Ball franchise has something for every anime fan, whether you’re drawn to its iconic battles, unique transformations, or emotional storylines. Following the right viewing order ensures that you don’t miss out on key plot details or character development. Whether you’re new to Dragon Ball or a longtime fan, the order listed above, along with the insights shared on Reddit, will provide you with the best experience possible.

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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。