Exploring the ‘dragon Ball’ Franchise: a Practical Viewing Guide for Series and Movies

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The ‘Dragon Ball’ franchise has become a cultural phenomenon since its inception in the 1980s. With numerous series, movies, and spin-offs, it can be overwhelming for newcomers to know where to start. This practical viewing guide aims to help you navigate the various installments of the franchise, ensuring you have a comprehensive understanding of the story and characters.

Overview of the Dragon Ball Franchise

The ‘Dragon Ball’ franchise was created by Akira Toriyama and first appeared as a manga series in 1984. The story follows the adventures of Goku, a Saiyan warrior, as he seeks out the Dragon Balls—magical orbs that can grant wishes. The franchise has expanded into several anime series, movies, and even video games, making it a staple in the anime community.

Main Series

The main series of the ‘Dragon Ball’ franchise consists of several key installments. Here’s a breakdown of each series:

  • Dragon Ball (1986-1989) – The original series that introduces Goku as a child and his early adventures.
  • Dragon Ball Z (1989-1996) – The sequel series that follows Goku as an adult, featuring intense battles and the introduction of powerful foes.
  • Dragon Ball GT (1996-1997) – A non-canon sequel that explores Goku’s adventures in space.
  • Dragon Ball Super (2015-2018) – A continuation of the story that introduces new characters and universes.

Movies

The ‘Dragon Ball’ franchise also features a variety of movies, many of which are standalone stories or alternate timelines. Here’s a list of notable films:

  • Dragon Ball: The Movie (1986) – The first film adaptation, retelling the early adventures of Goku.
  • Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods (2013) – Introduces the God of Destruction, Beerus, and expands the lore of the franchise.
  • Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection ‘F’ (2015) – Features the return of Frieza, one of Goku’s most iconic foes.
  • Dragon Ball Super: Broly (2018) – A film that reintroduces the character Broly, providing a fresh take on his story.

Viewing Order

To fully appreciate the ‘Dragon Ball’ franchise, it’s essential to watch the series and movies in a coherent order. Here’s a recommended viewing order:

  • 1. Dragon Ball (1986-1989)
  • 2. Dragon Ball Z (1989-1996)
  • 3. Dragon Ball Z: Dead Zone (1996)
  • 4. Dragon Ball Z: The World’s Strongest (1990)
  • 5. Dragon Ball Z: The Tree of Might (1990)
  • 6. Dragon Ball Z: Bardock – The Father of Goku (1990)
  • 7. Dragon Ball Z: Broly – The Legendary Super Saiyan (1993)
  • 8. Dragon Ball Z: Bojack Unbound (1993)
  • 9. Dragon Ball Z: Super Android 13! (1992)
  • 10. Dragon Ball Z: The History of Trunks (1993)
  • 11. Dragon Ball Z: Majin Buu Saga (1994-1996)
  • 12. Dragon Ball GT (1996-1997)
  • 13. Dragon Ball Super (2015-2018)
  • 14. Dragon Ball Super: Broly (2018)

In addition to the main series and movies, the franchise has spawned several spin-offs and related series. Here are a few notable ones:

  • Dragon Ball Z Kai – A remastered version of ‘Dragon Ball Z’ with improved animation and pacing.
  • Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero – A recent film that continues the story of ‘Dragon Ball Super’ with new characters and adventures.
  • Dragon Ball Heroes – A promotional anime based on the arcade game, featuring alternate timelines and characters.

Conclusion

Exploring the ‘Dragon Ball’ franchise can be a thrilling journey filled with action, adventure, and memorable characters. By following this practical viewing guide, both newcomers and long-time fans can enjoy the rich world of ‘Dragon Ball’ in a structured way. Whether you are watching the original series or the latest movies, there’s something for everyone in this iconic franchise.