What is the Order of the Dragon Ball Series?

If you’re a fan of anime or have recently discovered the world of Dragon Ball, you might be wondering: What is the correct order of the Dragon Ball series? Whether you’re a newcomer or a returning fan, the Dragon Ball universe can be a little overwhelming with its many series, movies, and spin-offs. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the Dragon Ball timeline and provide clarity on where to start and how to watch it in the best possible order.

The Dragon Ball Franchise

Created by Akira Toriyama, Dragon Ball has been a cornerstone of anime since its debut in 1986. The franchise follows the adventures of Goku and his friends as they defend Earth and the universe from powerful foes. The series is known for its thrilling fights, memorable characters, and evolving power levels. Over the decades, it has grown into multiple series and films, leading to confusion about the correct viewing order.

Here, we will break down the series in both chronological and release orders, so you can decide which approach works best for you.

Main Dragon Ball Series in Chronological Order

1. Dragon Ball (1986-1989)
   This is the original series and the perfect place to start. It covers Goku’s childhood, his training under Master Roshi, and his quest to find the Dragon Balls. The story focuses on martial arts tournaments and the search for magical Dragon Balls that can grant any wish. It’s light-hearted compared to its sequels but lays the foundation for character development and world-building.
2. Dragon Ball Z (1989-1996)
   After Dragon Ball, we move into the intense battles of Dragon Ball Z (often abbreviated as DBZ). This series follows Goku as an adult and introduces iconic characters like Vegeta, Frieza, and Majin Buu. This era focuses heavily on action, with longer sagas and power-ups, such as the legendary Super Saiyan transformation.
3. Dragon Ball Super (2015-2018)
   Dragon Ball Super takes place after the events of DBZ. It adds new layers to the Dragon Ball universe by introducing the concept of multiverses, gods of destruction, and even time travel. With new powerful characters like Beerus, Whis, and the villainous Goku Black, Dragon Ball Super is a must-watch for those craving more battles with raised stakes.
4. Dragon Ball GT (1996-1997)
   Dragon Ball GT follows Dragon Ball Z but is not based on the original manga. Though it’s often debated among fans whether GT is “canon,” it offers a fun, space-traveling storyline with Goku being transformed into a child. It introduces the idea of the Black Star Dragon Balls, Baby, and the infamous Super Saiyan 4 transformation.

Release Order vs. Chronological Order

There are two main ways to watch Dragon Ball: by release order or by chronological order. While watching in chronological order gives you a continuous timeline, the release order allows you to see the series as it aired, along with the evolution in animation and storytelling.

Release Order

• Dragon Ball (1986-1989)
• Dragon Ball Z (1989-1996)
• Dragon Ball GT (1996-1997)
• Dragon Ball Super (2015-2018)

Chronological Order

• Dragon Ball (1986-1989)
• Dragon Ball Z (1989-1996)
• Dragon Ball Super (2015-2018)
• Dragon Ball GT (1996-1997)

Table: A Quick Comparison Between the Series

Series	Air Dates	Main Focus	Notable Characters Introduced
Dragon Ball	1986-1989	Goku’s childhood, martial arts tournaments	Goku, Bulma, Master Roshi, Krillin
Dragon Ball Z	1989-1996	Goku as an adult, intense battles, space arcs	Vegeta, Frieza, Gohan, Piccolo
Dragon Ball GT	1996-1997	Goku’s adventures as a child in space	Baby, Super Saiyan 4, Omega Shenron
Dragon Ball Super	2015-2018	Multiverse, gods, new transformations	Beerus, Whis, Goku Black, Zeno

Dragon Ball Movies: Where Do They Fit?

In addition to the series, Dragon Ball has several movies. The movies can generally be considered stand-alone features, though some of them tie directly into certain arcs of the TV series. Notably, recent films like Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods and Dragon Ball Super: Broly are important canon pieces, as they are connected to the events of Dragon Ball Super.

Must-Watch Movies

1. Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods (2013)
   Introduces Beerus and sets the stage for Dragon Ball Super.
2. Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection ‘F’ (2015)
   Features the return of Frieza and his new form, Golden Frieza.
3. Dragon Ball Super: Broly (2018)
   A major film that introduces a new Broly character into Dragon Ball Super continuity.

FAQs: Watching the Dragon Ball Series

1. Do I Need to Watch Dragon Ball GT?

Dragon Ball GT is not considered canon, meaning it doesn’t follow the storyline set by Akira Toriyama’s manga. However, it does offer some great action sequences and character moments, especially with the Super Saiyan 4 transformation. If you’re interested in seeing what happens after DBZ, it’s worth watching.

2. Can I Skip Dragon Ball and Go Straight to Dragon Ball Z?

You can, but you’d miss out on a lot of Goku’s backstory, character development, and the introduction of major characters. Dragon Ball provides context for Goku’s power and relationships, so starting with it is recommended.

3. Should I Watch Dragon Ball Super After Dragon Ball Z?

Yes! Dragon Ball Super is a direct continuation of DBZ, picking up after the events of the Majin Buu saga. It introduces new threats, including the Gods of Destruction and multiverse tournaments, making it essential for fans.

4. Is Dragon Ball Kai Different from Dragon Ball Z?

Dragon Ball Kai is a remastered version of Dragon Ball Z with fewer filler episodes. If you want a quicker viewing experience without losing the essence of DBZ, Kai is an excellent alternative.

Practical Tips for Watching the Dragon Ball Series

• Start with the Original: Begin with Dragon Ball, as it sets up Goku’s journey and introduces the world.
• Skip Filler Episodes: Some episodes, especially in DBZ, can be slow-paced or non-essential to the main story. Websites like filler guides can help you avoid unnecessary episodes.
• Watch the Movies After Super: Since some Dragon Ball movies are connected to Super, it’s a good idea to watch them once you’ve completed the main series.

Conclusion

Whether you’re just diving into the world of Dragon Ball or revisiting it after some time, knowing the order of the series helps streamline the viewing experience. You can either follow the release order to enjoy the series as it originally aired or take the chronological path for a smoother timeline. No matter which order you choose, Dragon Ball’s iconic fights, memorable characters, and heartwarming moments make it a must-watch in the anime world.

So grab your Dragon Radar, gather the Dragon Balls, and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime!

Feel free to share your favorite Dragon Ball moments or ask questions in the comments below!

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