How to watch Dragon Ball in order

Dragon Ball is perhaps the most popular, and extensive, anime franchises of all time. But what’s the best order to watch it in?

There are few series as big and influential as Dragon Ball. Based on Akira Toriyama’s original manga, which ran from 1984 to 1995, the series has given rise to a huge franchise, including movies, video games, and multiple anime series.

Dragon Ball follows the adventures of a young boy named Goku and his friends as he searches for the seven mystical Dragon Balls. When all seven are collected, the dragon Shenron is able to grant a wish. Join Goku as he battles ferocious enemies, protects the Earth, and grows into a powerful warrior.

With so many series to choose from, figuring out the right order to watch them can be confusing. But don’t worry! We’ve put together a guide to help you watch all the series and films in the correct order. Let’s get started!

Contents

• How to watch Dragon Ball in order
• Method 1: Dragon Ball canon
• Method 2: Dragon Ball chronological order
• Is it necessary to watch every Dragon Ball series?

How to watch Dragon Ball in order

The Dragon Ball universe mostly adhere to a strict timeline. But there are a few deviations, especially in the later arcs. Because of the huge amount of TV series episodes, it can be challenging to determine where the films fit within the series. But don’t worry, we’ve done the toughest part for you.

When it comes to watching Dragon Ball, there are essentially two approaches. The first is to stick to the canon material. This is the most popular choice among fans, but it also means only watching the series that align with the original manga. In other words, it comes at the cost of a significant amount of content.

Alternatively, you can watch the series in chronological order (following the story’s timeline, not the release order). This approach includes incorporating the first 17 Dragon Ball films, but it also diverges from the original manga.

Method 1: Dragon Ball canon

If you consider yourself a hardcore fan and would like to skip all the Dragon Ball that isn’t considered canon, then this watch order will be perfect for you.

Toei

• Dragon Ball: Original TV series (1986-1969)
• Dragon Ball Z or Kai: until the end of the Frieza Saga (up to episode 74 in Z and 35 in Kai)
• Dragon Ball Z: Bardock – The Father of Goku (TV Special) (1990)
• Dragon Ball Z: until the end of the Perfect Cell saga (up to episode 165 in Z, and 82 in Kai)
• Dragon Ball Z: The History of Trunks (TV Special) (1993)
• Dragon Ball Z: all remaining episodes
• Dragon Ball Super (2015)

It’s important to note that there are no major story differences between Dragon Ball Z and Kai. Dragon Ball Z Kai is simply shorter, newer and with a far superior English dub.

Method 2: The entire Dragon Ball franchise

If you don’t want to miss out on anything Dragon Ball, then this is how you can watch the entire franchise in chronological order:

Nickelodeon

• Dragon Ball Z: Bardock – The Father of Goku (1990)
• Dragon Ball: Episode of Bardock (2011)
• Dragon Ball: episodes 1-13
• Dragon Ball: Curse of the Blood Rubies (1986)
• Dragon Ball: episodes 14-17
• Dragon Ball: Sleeping Princess in Devil’s Castle (1987)
• Dragon Ball: Mystical Adventure (1988)
• Dragon Ball: episodes 18-68
• Dragon Ball: The Path to Power (1996)
• Dragon Ball: episodes 69-153
• Dragon Ball Z: Dead Zone (1989)
• Dragon Ball Z: episodes 1-20
• Dragon Ball Z: The World’s Strongest (1990)
• Dragon Ball Z: The Tree of Might (1990)
• Dragon Ball Z: Lord Slug (1991)
• Dragon Ball Z: episodes 21-107
• Dragon Ball Z: Cooler’s Revenge (1991)
• Dragon Ball Z: The Return of Cooler (1992)
• Dragon Ball Z: episodes 108-172
• Dragon Ball Z: Super Android 13! (1992)
• Dragon Ball Z: Broly – The Legendary Super Saiyan (1993)
• Dragon Ball Z Side Story: True Plan to Eradicate the Super Saiyans (1993)
• Dragon Ball: Plan to Eliminate the Super Saiyans (2010)
• Dragon Ball Z: episodes 173-193
• Dragon Ball Z: Bojack Unbound (1993)
• Dragon Ball Z: episodes 195-208
• Dragon Ball Z: Broly – Second Coming (1994)
• Dragon Ball Z: episodes 209-226
• Dragon Ball Z: Bio-Broly (1994)
• Dragon Ball Z, episodes 227-248
• Dragon Ball Z: Fusion Reborn (1995)
• Dragon Ball Z: episodes 249-288
• Dragon Ball Z: Wrath of the Dragon (1995)
• Dragon Ball Super: episodes 1-14
• Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods (2013)
• Dragon Ball Super, episodes 15-27
• Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection F (2015)
• Dragon Ball Super, episodes 28-131
• Dragon Ball Super: Broly (2018)
• Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero (2022)
• Dragon Ball Z: History of Trunks (1993)
• Dragon Ball Z: episode 194
• Dragon Ball Z: episodes 289-291
• Dragon Ball GT: episodes 1-64
• Dragon Ball GT: A Hero’s Legacy (1997)

There you have it. This concludes our complete list of Dragon Ball films and TV series in chronological order.

Where does Dragon Ball DAIMA fit in the universe?

Dragon Ball Daima, the upcoming fifth installment in the Dragon Ball franchise, is scheduled to premiere in Japan in the fall of 2024. This new series is expected to continue the storyline after the events of Dragon Ball Super. Although, we’ll have to wait and see once it is released.

Is it necessary to watch every episode?

Many English-speaking Dragon Ball fans were introduced to the franchise through Dragon Ball Z, where Goku is an adult with a family. As a result, some may question the need to watch the original series or follow-ups like Dragon Ball Super or GT. However, while Dragon Ball Z is a standalone story, it’s akin to starting with the second book of a trilogy, which means missing out on crucial context and explanations if you skip the original series.

However, it’s important to note that Dragon Ball: Curse of the Blood Rubies (1986) is essentially the film adaptation of episodes 1-13 of the original series, while Dragon Ball: The Path to Power (1996) provides a retelling of the first 68 episodes of the series. Similarly, Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods (2013) condenses the content of the first 14 episodes of Dragon Ball Super. On top of this, Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection F (2015) serves as an alternate version of Dragon Ball Super episodes 18-27.

So, if you’re feeling creative, you can even come up with a new viewing order that takes into account these retellings of the TV episodes. Or just watch it in canon. Whichever path you choose, there’s plenty of Dragon Ball content to enjoy while waiting for the next release.

Dragon Ball is available to watch on streaming services including Funimation, Crunchyroll, and Hulu. So happy streaming.

How to watch Crunchyroll from outside your location in 2023

Crunchyroll is the world’s best hub for streaming anime, whether it’s One Piece, Attack on Titan, or Jujutsu Kaisen – and thanks to ExpressVPN, you can access the platform’s full library even if you’re outside the US.

If you’re abroad, here’s what you need to do to access Crunchyroll’s full selection – and it really is this simple: 

1. Sign up for ExpressVPN, which has ultra-fast servers and offers a secure, private connection wherever you are in the world.
2. Connect to a location anywhere in the US. Express VPN allows you to choose from 24 different spots, from New Jersey to Santa Monica.
3. Visit Crunchyroll online and start streaming all of your favorite animes – and perhaps some you’ve never watched.

Accessing Crunchyroll’s US roster makes a difference. For example, Hong Kong users only have access to less than 100 titles, while the US has nearly 1,000 movies and TV shows. 

You can also stream anime on Crunchyroll for free with an ad-supported plan. Or you can pay for a subscription – there’s even a 14-day free trial if you can’t quite make up your mind.

You can check out our other anime coverage here.

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