How To Watch Dragon Ball In Order: A Comprehensive Guide
Jumping into the world of Dragon Ball can feel like stepping into a whirlwind of excitement and complexity. With a vast array of series, movies, and spin-offs, figuring out the best way to watch Dragon Ball in order can be daunting. But don’t worry, my friend—this guide will make sure you’re set up for the ultimate journey through the Dragon Ball universe. By following this roadmap, you’ll experience every major saga and film without missing a beat.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
From Goku’s humble beginnings to the galaxy-shattering battles that define the franchise, each episode of Dragon Ball adds layers to its rich story. Whether you’re a long-time fan or just diving in for the first time, understanding the correct order makes all the difference. Trust me, it’s worth it to see the full evolution of this legendary tale.
How to Watch Dragon Ball in Order
Dragon Ball is one of the most iconic anime franchises in history, with countless spin-offs, movies, and adaptations. While you could jump into any part of the series, watching it in order gives you the full experience. You’ll get to know the characters, their relationships, and the epic battles that have made Dragon Ball a global phenomenon.
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This guide breaks down how to watch Dragon Ball chronologically and canonically. The order has been carefully curated using insights from trusted sources like GamesRadar, GameRant, and LifeWire. Let’s dive in so you can start your journey!
Dragon Ball in Chronological Order
Watching Dragon Ball in chronological order means following the timeline of the universe, including all the episodes, movies, and specials. This approach includes both canon and non-canon content, which can create a broader but sometimes more confusing experience. If you want to see every twist and turn, this is the way to go.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to watching the Dragon Ball franchise in chronological order:
- Dragon Ball (the original series)
- 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 124-125
- 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 (movie)
- Dragon Ball DAIMA
- Dragon Ball Z: Episodes 289-291
- Super Dragon Ball Heroes (optional mini-series)
Once you’ve completed the main series, you might want to check out Super Dragon Ball Heroes. This mini-series, while not essential, offers some fun moments and deeper insights into the world of the Z Fighters as they embark on new adventures.
How to Watch Dragon Ball in Canon Order
If you prefer a more streamlined experience, the canonical order focuses on the core storyline of Dragon Ball. This method skips non-canon movies and specials, allowing you to focus on the essential parts of the narrative. Below is a breakdown of the canon order:
- Dragon Ball (all 153 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: Until the end of the Cell Saga
- Dragon Ball Z or Kai: The History of Trunks (TV Special)
- Dragon Ball Z or Kai: Just before the Peaceful World Saga
- Dragon Ball DAIMA
- Dragon Ball Super
- Dragon Ball Super: Broly (movie)
- Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero (movie)
- Dragon Ball Z or Kai: The remaining three episodes
Are Dragon Ball Z and Kai the Same?
While Dragon Ball Z and Dragon Ball Kai share the same core storyline, they are not identical. Dragon Ball Z features a lot of filler episodes that expand the narrative, whereas Kai removes these fillers for a more concise and action-packed experience. Think of Kai as a remastered, shorter version of Z, which LifeWire calls “a streamlined adaptation.”
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Do You Watch Dragon Ball or Dragon Ball Z First?
According to GamesRadar, always start with the original Dragon Ball series. This sets the foundation for everything that comes later. You’ll meet Goku as a young boy, discover the origins of the Dragon Balls, and get introduced to characters like Bulma, Master Roshi, and Piccolo. Skipping this part would be like jumping into a story halfway through—it just doesn’t make sense!
