Best Sites to Watch Dragon Ball Online: A Comprehensive Guide

Dragon Ball is a legendary anime series that has captivated audiences worldwide since its debut in 1986. With its compelling storylines, intense battles, and memorable characters, it remains one of the most popular and influential anime series of all time. For fans who want to enjoy Dragon Ball in its various forms—whether it's the original Dragon Ball, Dragon Ball Z, Dragon Ball Super, or the many movies—finding the right platform to watch is crucial. In this guide, we’ll explore the best sites where you can stream or purchase Dragon Ball episodes and movies, including both legal and unofficial options.

1. Crunchyroll

Crunchyroll is a leading platform for anime streaming and is widely known for its extensive collection of anime titles. For Dragon Ball fans, Crunchyroll offers a robust selection of episodes, especially for Dragon Ball Super. This platform provides a high-quality viewing experience with English subtitles and simulcasts episodes as they air in Japan.

• Pros: Extensive library, high-quality streams, legal and reliable.
• Cons: Limited availability for older Dragon Ball series like the original Dragon Ball and Dragon Ball Z.

2. Funimation

Funimation is another premier site for anime streaming, particularly strong in English-dubbed content. They have a significant collection of Dragon Ball series, including Dragon Ball Z, Dragon Ball Super, and more. Funimation also offers a selection of Dragon Ball movies.

• Pros: Large collection of dubbed episodes, high-quality streaming.
• Cons: Subscription required for access to the full library, some regions may have restrictions.

3. Netflix

Netflix has expanded its anime catalog over the years and includes several Dragon Ball series and movies. While their collection might not be as extensive as Crunchyroll or Funimation, Netflix offers the convenience of streaming on multiple devices and comes with the added benefit of their own original programming.

• Pros: Easy-to-use interface, multi-device compatibility, some series and movies available.
• Cons: Limited selection compared to dedicated anime platforms, availability varies by region.

4. Hulu

Hulu is another platform where you can find various Dragon Ball series. It provides a diverse range of content beyond anime, including movies and TV shows. Hulu's collection of Dragon Ball is decent but not as comprehensive as dedicated anime streaming services.

• Pros: Includes Dragon Ball in a broader content library, multiple streaming options.
• Cons: Not as focused on anime, may require additional subscriptions for full access.

5. Amazon Prime Video

Amazon Prime Video offers several Dragon Ball series and movies for purchase or rent. This platform is particularly useful if you prefer to own individual episodes or films rather than subscribing to a streaming service.

• Pros: Pay-per-episode or film, flexibility in purchasing or renting.
• Cons: No subscription benefits, potentially higher cost for purchasing episodes.

6. Vudu

Vudu provides the option to buy or rent individual episodes and movies from the Dragon Ball series. This can be a good choice if you're looking to own specific parts of the series without committing to a subscription.

• Pros: Flexible purchase or rental options, no subscription needed.
• Cons: Costs can add up if purchasing multiple episodes or films.

7. YouTube

YouTube has several official and unofficial channels offering Dragon Ball content. You can find episodes and clips, but be cautious about unofficial uploads as they may not always be reliable or legal.

• Pros: Free content, variety of clips and episodes.
• Cons: Quality and legality of unofficial uploads, less organized compared to dedicated platforms.

8. Official DVD and Blu-ray Releases

For those who prefer physical copies, purchasing Dragon Ball DVDs or Blu-rays is a great option. These releases often come with additional features, including exclusive content and high-definition quality. Major retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart offer these options.

• Pros: High-quality visuals and audio, additional features and bonuses.
• Cons: Requires physical storage, higher initial cost.

9. Illegal Streaming Sites

While there are numerous illegal streaming sites that offer Dragon Ball content, these sites are not recommended due to legal issues, potential security risks, and poor-quality streams. Always opt for legal and authorized sources to support the creators and ensure a better viewing experience.

• Pros: None.
• Cons: Legal risks, security threats, poor quality.

10. Comparing Subscription Costs

Here’s a quick comparison of the subscription costs for the mentioned platforms:

Platform	Monthly Subscription Cost	Notable Features
Crunchyroll	$7.99 - $14.99	Extensive anime library, simulcasts
Funimation	$5.99 - $7.99	English dubs, large anime collection
Netflix	$6.99 - $19.99	Multi-device streaming, original content
Hulu	$7.99 - $14.99	Diverse content, multiple streaming options
Amazon Prime Video	$14.99 (annual)	Pay-per-episode, flexible viewing
Vudu	Varies by content	Purchase or rental options

Conclusion

In summary, the best site to watch Dragon Ball depends on your specific needs and preferences. Crunchyroll and Funimation are excellent choices for dedicated anime fans, while Netflix and Hulu offer additional entertainment options. For those who prefer owning content, Amazon Prime Video and Vudu are viable options. Always opt for legal and authorized platforms to enjoy the best quality and support the creators behind this beloved series.