The Ultimate Guide to Watching Dragon Ball: Chronological Order and Series Breakdown

Dragon Ball is a beloved anime franchise created by Akira Toriyama, spanning several series and movies. Deciding where to start can be overwhelming due to its expansive timeline. This guide provides a comprehensive chronological order for watching Dragon Ball to ensure you experience the story as intended.

1. Dragon Ball

Start with "Dragon Ball," which introduces Goku and his early adventures. This series covers the original story arc and sets the stage for future developments.

2. Dragon Ball Z

Next, dive into "Dragon Ball Z," which continues the saga with Goku's adult life, including the Saiyan, Frieza, Cell, and Majin Buu sagas. This series is crucial for understanding the major battles and transformations in the Dragon Ball universe.

3. Dragon Ball Super

Following "Dragon Ball Z," watch "Dragon Ball Super," which takes place after the events of the Buu saga. This series includes new story arcs like the Battle of Gods, Universe 6, Future Trunks, Universe Survival, and Galactic Patrol Prisoner.

4. Dragon Ball GT

"Dragon Ball GT" comes next. Though not directly connected to "Dragon Ball Super," it continues the story of Goku and his friends with new adventures. Note that "Dragon Ball GT" is considered non-canon by some fans, but it offers a unique perspective on the series.

5. Dragon Ball Movies

Several movies have been released throughout the series. The movies can generally be watched in any order, but some notable ones include "Dragon Ball: Curse of the Blood Rubies," "Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods," and "Dragon Ball Super: Broly."

6. Dragon Ball Special Episodes

Special episodes like "Dragon Ball Z: Bardock - The Father of Goku" and "Dragon Ball Super: Episode of Bardock" provide additional context and backstory. They are enjoyable but not essential for the main narrative.

Conclusion

Watching Dragon Ball in this order provides a coherent and comprehensive experience of the series. By starting with the original "Dragon Ball" and progressing through "Dragon Ball Z," "Dragon Ball Super," and then "Dragon Ball GT," you can fully appreciate the character development, story arcs, and epic battles that define this iconic franchise.