Navigating the Dragon Ball universe can feel like facing Frieza in his final form. With multiple series, movies, and specials – some considered canon, some not – figuring out the correct watch order can be more challenging than mastering the Kamehameha. Just like trying to sort out the Naruto watch order, Dragon Ball’s numerous installments can leave even seasoned anime fans scratching their heads.
As we approach the release of the highly anticipated Dragon Ball Daima, now is the perfect time to dive into or revisit the legendary saga of Goku and his friends. This guide will provide you with the definitive answers on How To Watch Dragon Ball In Order, ensuring you experience this iconic anime franchise the right way.
Watching Dragon Ball Chronologically: A Time-Traveling Adventure
For those who love to follow a story from beginning to end, the chronological approach offers a deep dive into the Dragon Ball timeline. This method throws canon out the window and embraces everything, offering a comprehensive, albeit lengthy, journey through the Dragon Ball universe as events unfold in their fictional timeline. Be warned, purists might raise an eyebrow at this approach, as it includes content that isn’t strictly part of the main storyline.
It’s important to note that while Dragon Ball Z is included, Dragon Ball Z Kai is not explicitly listed. Dragon Ball Z Kai is essentially a remastered, streamlined version of Dragon Ball Z, cutting out filler and updating the animation and dialogue to more closely follow the manga. For a truly complete chronological experience, Dragon Ball Z is the way to go.
Here’s your chronological Dragon Ball watch list:
- Dragon Ball
- Dragon Ball Z: Dead Zone (movie)
- Dragon Ball Z: Episodes 1-86
- Dragon Ball Z: Bardock – The Father of Goku (TV Special)
- Dragon Ball Z: Episodes 87-107
- Dragon Ball: Episode of Bardock (movie)
- Dragon Ball Z: The World’s Strongest (movie)
- Dragon Ball Z: The Tree of Might (movie)
- Dragon Ball Z: Lord Slug (movie)
- Dragon Ball Z: Episodes 108-123
- Dragon Ball Z: The History of Trunks (TV Special)
- Dragon Ball Z: Episodes 124 and 125
- Dragon Ball Z: Cooler’s Revenge (movie)
- Dragon Ball Z: Episodes 126-146
- Dragon Ball Z: Super Android 13 (movie)
- Dragon Ball Z Episodes 147-173
- Dragon Ball Z: The Return of Cooler (movie)
- Dragon Ball Z: Broly – The Legendary Super Saiyan (movie)
- Dragon Ball Z: Episodes 174-194
- Dragon Ball Z: Bojack Unbound (movie)
- Dragon Ball Z: Episodes 195-207
- Dragon Ball Z: Broly’s Second Coming (movie)
- Dragon Ball Z: Episodes 208-250
- Dragon Ball Z: Bio-Broly (movie)
- Dragon Ball Z: Episodes 251-253
- Dragon Ball Z: Fusion Reborn (movie)
- Dragon Ball Z: Episodes 254-288
- Dragon Ball Z: Wrath of the Dragon (movie)
- Dragon Ball GT: Episodes 1-64
- Dragon Ball Super: Episodes 1-3
- Dragon Ball Z: Battle of the Gods (movie)
- Dragon Ball Super: Episodes 4-18
- Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection F (movie)
- Dragon Ball Super: Episodes 19-131
- Dragon Ball Super: Broly (movie)
- Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero
- Dragon Ball Daima
- Dragon Ball Z: Episodes 289-291
Finally, for extra fun and non-stop action, you can dive into Super Dragon Ball Heroes. This series is primarily promotional material for the video game and card game, but it’s packed with exciting moments and fanservice for dedicated Dragon Ball enthusiasts!
Watching Dragon Ball in Canon Order: Sticking to the Core Story
Goku in his iconic orange gi from Dragon Ball series.
Goku, the main character of Dragon Ball, ready for a fight, illustrating the canon watch order.
If you prefer to experience Dragon Ball as intended by its creator, Akira Toriyama, then the canon watch order is your path. This approach focuses on the series and movies that are officially recognized as part of the main storyline, excluding content like Dragon Ball GT and most of the movies, which were created without Toriyama’s direct involvement in the core narrative.
When considering the canon route, you’ll also face a choice between Dragon Ball Z and Dragon Ball Z Kai. While both cover the same major story arcs, Dragon Ball Z offers a more expansive experience with filler content that some fans enjoy, while Dragon Ball Z Kai provides a tighter, more direct adaptation of the manga. Ultimately, the choice depends on your preference for pacing and detail.
Here’s the canon Dragon Ball watch order:
- Dragon Ball: All Episodes
- Dragon Ball Z or Kai: Up to the end of the Frieza Saga
- Dragon Ball Z: Bardock – The Father of Goku (TV Special)
- Dragon Ball Z or Kai: Up to the end of the Cell Saga
- Dragon Ball Z: The History of Trunks (TV Special)
- Dragon Ball Z or Kai: Up to just before the Peaceful World Saga
- Dragon Ball Daima
- Dragon Ball Super
- Dragon Ball Z or Kai: All Remaining Episodes
Whether you choose the chronological deep dive or the streamlined canon path, you’re in for an incredible anime journey. Each watch order offers a unique way to experience the timeless story of Dragon Ball. So, power up your streaming device and get ready to witness the epic battles and unforgettable characters that have captivated audiences worldwide for decades!
Looking for more to watch after your Dragon Ball marathon? Check out our TV Guide and Streaming Guide, or explore our Sci-Fi hub for the latest in science fiction and fantasy.
