Watching Dragon Ball in Order: The Ultimate Guide

Watching Dragon Ball in Order: The Ultimate Guide

The Dragon Ball franchise has become one of the most iconic anime and manga series in history, captivating fans with its action-packed battles, compelling characters, and expansive universe. With multiple series, movies, and spin-offs, newcomers and long-time fans alike often wonder about the best way to experience Dragon Ball. Watching it in order can enhance the experience, ensuring the story unfolds as intended.

Here’s a comprehensive guide to watching Dragon Ball in chronological and release order.

The Main Dragon Ball Series

The Dragon Ball saga consists of several series, each continuing the story of Goku and his friends:

1. Dragon Ball

• Episodes: 153
• Overview:
  • This is where it all begins, following a young Goku as he embarks on adventures, trains in martial arts, and seeks the legendary Dragon Balls.
  • Key Arcs:
    • Emperor Pilaf Saga
    • Tournament Saga
    • Red Ribbon Army Saga
    • King Piccolo Saga

2. Dragon Ball Z

• Episodes: 291
• Overview:
  • A direct continuation of Dragon Ball, focusing on Goku’s adult life, the arrival of Saiyans, and the battle against powerful foes like Frieza, Cell, and Majin Buu.
  • Key Arcs:
    • Saiyan Saga
    • Namek Saga
    • Android Saga
    • Majin Buu Saga

3. Dragon Ball GT

• Episodes: 64
• Overview:
  • A non-canon sequel to Dragon Ball Z that explores new adventures, including Goku’s transformation into a child and the quest for the Black Star Dragon Balls.
  • Key Arcs:
    • Black Star Dragon Ball Saga
    • Baby Saga
    • Shadow Dragons Saga

4. Dragon Ball Super

• Episodes: 131
• Overview:
  • A canon continuation of Dragon Ball Z that takes place after the defeat of Majin Buu, introducing gods, multiverses, and new transformations.
  • Key Arcs:
    • Battle of Gods Saga
    • Resurrection F Saga
    • Universe 6 Saga
    • Tournament of Power Saga

5. Dragon Ball Heroes (Spin-off)

• Episodes: Ongoing (short promotional episodes)
• Overview:
  • A non-canon promotional anime featuring crossovers, new transformations, and fan-service battles.

Watching Dragon Ball in Chronological Order

To watch the Dragon Ball series in chronological order, follow this sequence:

1. Dragon Ball
2. Dragon Ball Z
3. Dragon Ball Super
4. Dragon Ball GT

Watching Dragon Ball in Release Order

If you prefer to watch the series as it was released:

1. Dragon Ball (1986–1989)
2. Dragon Ball Z (1989–1996)
3. Dragon Ball GT (1996–1997)
4. Dragon Ball Super (2015–2018)

Incorporating Dragon Ball Movies

The Dragon Ball movies can add depth to the series, although most are non-canon. Here’s how to fit them into the timeline:

Dragon Ball Movies

1. Curse of the Blood Rubies
2. Sleeping Princess in Devil’s Castle
3. Mystical Adventure

Dragon Ball Z Movies

• Set during the respective arcs, these include:
  • The Tree of Might
  • Cooler’s Revenge
  • Broly: The Legendary Super Saiyan

Dragon Ball Super Movies

• Canon films include:
  1. Battle of Gods
  2. Resurrection F
  3. Broly
  4. Super Hero

Should You Watch in Chronological or Release Order?

Chronological Order

• Ideal for newcomers who want the story to unfold sequentially.
• Helps maintain continuity between series.

Release Order

• Great for understanding how the franchise evolved over time.
• Allows fans to experience the same progression as original audiences.

Additional Spin-offs and Specials

For completionists, consider these extra materials:

• Dragon Ball Z Specials:
  • Bardock: The Father of Goku
  • The History of Trunks
• OVA and Mini-Series:
  • Dragon Ball: Yo! Son Goku and His Friends Return!!
  • Dragon Ball Z: Plan to Eradicate the Saiyans

Conclusion

Watching Dragon Ball in order, whether chronologically or by release date, allows fans to fully appreciate the depth and evolution of the series. Whether you’re a newcomer diving into Goku’s adventures or a long-time fan revisiting the saga, following this guide ensures you experience the Dragon Ball universe in its entirety.

No matter where you start, the journey is guaranteed to be as thrilling and action-packed as the day the series first aired.

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