The Guide to Dragon Ball Watch Order : Specials & Movies
Are You New To “Dragon Ball,” Or Revisiting It Again? We’re going to help you with The Guide to Dragon Ball Watch Order.
This guide will include the Additional Specials, Movies, Original Series Organized.
1. “Dragon Ball” (1986-1989)
Our journey begins with “Dragon Ball,” where young Goku is first introduced as well as beloved characters such as Bulma,
Master Roshi and Krillin for whom watching this series provides essential backstory and character development.
Making this essential viewing for understanding their motivations and growth throughout the series franchise.
- Episodes to Watch: All 153 episodes.
- Key Arcs to Keep an Eye Out for: Emperor Pilaf Saga, Tournament Saga, Red Ribbon Army Saga King Piccolo Saga and Piccolo Jr Saga are worth noting.
2. “Dragon Ball Z” (1989-1996)
Once “Dragon Ball” had become international iconography, we transition to the sequel series known as “Dragon Ball Z,” the series which brought even greater fame to its predecessors. Here, older, stronger characters appear and we experience intergalactic villains, powerful transformations and epic battles; we witness Saiyan Saga events such as Super Saiyan Rise as well as many iconic moments throughout this saga arc.
- Episodes to Watch: All 291 Episodes or the condensed and remastered “Dragon Ball Z Kai,” for an uninterrupted experience.
- Key Arcs to Note: Saiyan Saga, Namek Saga, Frieza Saga Android Cell Saga Majin Buu Saga
3. “Dragon Ball Z” Movies
To enhance the viewing experience, include some “Dragon Ball Z” movies in between episodes of watching. Though not canon, movies provide extra context and interesting side stories which complement main series episodes.
- Recommended Viewing Order for Movies: “Dead Zone,” “The World’s Strongest,” “The Tree of Might,” “Lord Slug,” Cooler’s Revenge,” The Return of Cooler,” Super Android 13; Broly: The Legendary Super Saiyan,” Bojack Unbound,” Broly: Second Coming,” Bio-Broly,” Fusion Reborn,” Wrath of Dragon.”
4. Watch “Dragon Ball GT” (1996-191997) [Optional]
This series, created without Akira Toriyama’s involvement as its original creator, continues “Dragon Ball Z”, yet takes an entirely separate narrative path compared to what fans enjoy with “Dragon Ball Z.” However, many fans enjoy watching its distinct adventures; although these may not be central elements to its main plot line.
- Episodes to watch: All 64 episodes. Key arcs include Black Star Dragon Ball Saga, Baby Saga, Super Android 17 Saga and Shadow Dragon Saga.
5. “Dragon Ball Super” (2015)
After finishing “Dragon Ball Z”, continue the adventures in “Dragon Ball Super,” which follows up its events but opens up new worlds and dimensions.
Featuring Super Saiyan God transformations as well as beloved characters from various timelines and dimensions resurfacing to inhabit new roles like Ultra Instinct transformations; new transformable characters appear and favorites return!
- Episodes to Watch: All 131 Episodes and Key Arcs to Note (e.g. Battle of Gods Saga, Resurrection F Saga, Universe 6 Saga, Future Trunks Saga and Universe Survival Saga; Tournament of Power). 6. “Dragon Ball Super” Movies.
- Recent movies that follow the “Dragon Ball Super” storyline and provide impressive animation and storytelling are highly recommended.
- Recommended Movie Playback Order for Dragon Ball Super: Broly” and “Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero.”
6. Watch “Dragon Ball Heroes” (2018)
Dragon Ball Heroes is an anime based on an arcade game in Japan that serves as promotional content and isn’t officially considered canon.
yet still features exciting battles while exploring fascinating concepts such as alternate universes or timelines.
- Episodes to Watch: Available as short web episodes. Key Arcs Include Prison Planet Saga, Universal Conflict Saga and Big Bang Mission.
7. Additional Specials and OVAs
Completionists will find specials and OVAs (Original Video Animations), such as “Bardock: Father of Goku,” and “Trunks’ Story,” that offer backstories or enrich the “Dragon Ball” universe to enjoy at their leisure.
The Bottom Line
By following this watch order, you will experience the “Dragon Ball” universe in its most engaging form.
From Goku’s early adventures in “Dragon Ball Z” through his epic fights in “Dragon Ball Super,” no crucial developments or fan favorite moments will escape your notice – so grab some snacks, kick back, and revel in an unparalleled epic tale that is “Dragon Ball!”
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