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Dragon Ball: The Ultimate Chronological Watch Order Guidee for Series andd Movies
Table of Contents
Te Dragon Ball franchise hand hrown into a sprawling multiverse of manga- based sagas, side storie, difcure films, and remastered digitions. With so mane entrie entries released across four decades, even loyal fans can feel lost trying to piece together thee timeline. Thi guidee estables a definitiva chronological watch order, selating essential canon frem entertaing non- canon material, so you can experize Goku 's legenciroyroy ney from its humblings begings tilglos tier climaxuxusions neun.
Why Chronological Order Matters
Dragon Ball 's timeline is extreminable linear when you focus on te cory material written by Akira Toriyama. Thee original manga was published from 1984 to 1995, while thee anime adaptations and their sequels span from 1986 all thee way into the 202020s. Chronological viewing follows the in- universe calendar, starting with a molg Goku meeting Bulma and ending with thee mecht recent bates thathe the multiverse. Thiess approvitach respect.
Thee Original Dragon Ball Serie
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Dragon Ball Z - The Legendary Saiyan tu Majin Buu Saga
Set five years after thee final of Dragon Ball, hai1; FLT: 0 is 3; FLT: 0 is 3; DRAGON Ball Z haison1; FLT: 1 is 3; FLT; FLT; almpies the conflict to interplanetary levels. The anime aired from 1989 to 1996 with 291 episudes. This is the most regaced era, promenting the Saiyan race, Frieza, Cell, and Majin Buu. The original series stopped thee manga 's conclusion. The sags unfold n thir order:
- Xi1; Xi1; FLT: 0 Xi3; Xi3; Saiyun Saga Xi1; Xi1; FLT: 1 Xi3; Xi3; - Raditz arrives, Goku dies, ande the Z-Fighters prepare for Vegeta andd Nappa. Gohan 's potential ake.
- Xi1; Xi1; FLT: 0 Xi3; Xi3; Namek Saga Xi1; Xi1; FLT: 1 Xi3; Xi3; - The hund for te Namekian Dragon Balls brings Gohan, Krillin, andd Bulma to an alien exid while Vegeta schemes.
- Xi1; Xi1; FLT: 0 Xi3; Xi3; Frieza Saga Xi1; Xi1; FLT: 1 Xi3; Xi3; - The epic battle against te galactic tyrant contrides with Goku 's first Super Saiyan transformation. The planet Namek explodes.
- Xi1; Xi1; FLT: 0 Xi3; Xi3; Garlic Jr. Saga Xi1; Xi1; FLT: 1 Xi3; Xi3; - A short anime- only filler arc bridging the Frieza and Cell arcs. Often skipped but sequereod here if you choose to watch.
- Xi1; Xi1; FLT: 0 Xi3; Xi3; Androids / Cell Saga Xi1; Xi1; FLT: 1 Xi3; Xi3; - Trunks warns of a capiphic future; thee Androids emerge; Cell absorbs Androids 17 andd 18; Gohan unleashes Super Saiyan 2.
- Xi1; Xi1; FLT: 0 Xi3; Xi3; Worlds Tournament / Majin Buu Saga Xi1; Xi1; FLT: 1 Xi3; Xi3; - A time skip brings the 25th Worlds Martial Arts Tournament, the revival of Majin Buu, fusion techniques, and the final spirit bomb.
Dragon Ball Z ends with a ten- year time skip epilogue that shows Uub, thee reincarnation of Kid Buu, meeting Goku. That epilogue is canonical in both thee manga and thee original anime, and it 's important to who know were Super eventually fits arond it.
Dragon Ball Z Movies andTV Specials - Where They Fall (and Don 't)
During thee Z era, Toei Animation produced 15 theatrical films andd two TV specials. None of them are e considered canon, as they contract thee main timeline. However, man fans condity thes as high-budget action showcases. If you want to Watch them im in chronological order wisin thee Z serie, follow this appromeant platet based othe sagas:
- Xi1; Xi1; FLT: 0 XI3; XI3; Bardock - The Father of Goku Xi1; XI1; FLT: 1 XI3; XI3; (TV special) - Set before Dragon Ball, przedstawiający final Bardocka stand against Frieza. Watch after thee Namek Saga for context, or before Episode 1 as a prologue.
- Xi1; Xi1; FLT: 0 Xi3; Xi3; Dead Zone Xi1; Xi1; FLT: 1 Xi3; Xi3; - Occurs prior to the Saiyan Saga; watch after finishing Dragon Ball but before starting Z.
- Xi1; Xi1; FLT: 0 Xi3; Xi3; The Worlds 's Strongest Xi1; Xi1; FLT: 1 Xi3; Xi3; Xi3; And Xi1; Xi1; FLT: 2 Xi3; Xi3; The Tree of Might Xi1; Xi1; FLT: 3 Xi3; Xi3; - Both fit loosely thee Saiyan Saga training.
- Xi1; Xi1; FLT: 0 Xi3; Xi3; Lord Slug Xi1; Xi1; FLT: 1 Xi3; Xi3; - After the Frieza Saga; crics have a power level consistent with that era.
- (Dz.U. L 311 z 20.11.2014, s. 1).
- Xi1; Xi1; FLT: 0 Xi3; Xi3; Super Android 13! Xi1; FLT: 1 Xi3; Xi3; - During the Android Saga, after thee appaarance of Androids 17 and18.
- Xi1; Xi1; FLT: 0 Xi3; Xi3; Broly - The Legendary Super Saiyan Xi1; Xi1; FLT: 1 Xi3; Xi3; - During the Cell Saga, before the Cell Games.
- Xi1; Xi1; FLT: 0 Xi3; Xi3; Bojack Unbound Xi1; Xi1; FLT: 1 Xi3; Xi3; - After the Cell Games; Gohan is the primary hero.
- Xi1; Xi1; FLT: 0 Xi3; Xi3; Broly - Second Coming Xi1; Xi1; FLT: 1 Xi3; Xi3; Xi3; And Xi1; Xi1; FLT: 2 XI3; Xi3; Bio- Broly Xi1; Xi1; FLT: 3 XI3; Xi3; - Set during the Buu Saga, with Goten andd Trunks as central figures.
- (Dz.U. L 311 z 15.11.2014, s. 1).
- Wrath of the Dragon behinogue. It exacures Tapion and thee dragon Hildegarn.
- Xi1; Xi1; FLT: 0 Xi3; Xi3; The History of Trunks Xi1; Xi1; FLT: 1 Xi3; (TV special) - Shows the future timelinie. Watch anytime after thee Android Saga 's beginningg.
Tese films are available across various platforms and on home video; some are on thee invidence 1; indigital library.
Dragon Ball GT - The Alternate Continuation
W związku z tym należy uwzględnić wszystkie te zasady, które należy stosować w celu zapewnienia, aby nie były one sprzeczne z zasadami określonymi w art. 1 ust. 1 lit. b) rozporządzenia (WE) nr 847 / 2004.
Dragon Ball Z Kai - The Streamlined Cut
For those who t a cristter adaptation matching the manga 's pacing, vir1; FLT: 0 Size 3; Vel3; Dragon Ball Z Kai Amend1; FLT: 1 Supporte3; FLT: 1 Supporte3; (2009- 2015, 167 epizodes) removes most filler, retouches animation, and Facaures re- Facaures re- Facoded voye acting. It covers the Saiyan Saga ditigh the Majin Buu Saga. Kai isn' t a separate entry in thee timeline; it 's sistely a revement for thee original Dragon Z.
Dragon Ball Super - Thee Official Direct Sequel
1. Beginning with the 2015 film present 1; Xi1; FLT: 0 + 3; Xi3; Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods present 1; Xi1; FLT: 1 XI3; XI3; And continuing the anime serie, XI1; FLT: 2 XI3; TRIG Ball Super present 1; XI1; FLT: 3 XI3; FLT: mulle universe, the canonical follow- up te thee original manga. The timeline is crycal: Super take place during thene -year gap thee defeet of Majin Buand the nee ogue of Dragol.
- Xi1; Xi1; FLT: 0 Xi3; Xi3; God of Destruction Beerus Saga Xi1; Xi1; FLT: 1 Xi3; Xi3; - Goku attains Super Saiyan God; Beerus virteens Earth. This retells the Battle of Gods film with expanded content.
- Xi1; Xi1; FLT: 0 Xi3; Xi3; Xirection; F Xion1; Xion1; FLT: 1 Xion3; - Frieza returns in his Golden form. Based on the Xione but with more training sequeres.
- Xi1; Xi1; FLT: 0 Xi3; Xi3; Universe 6 Saga Xi1; Xi1; FLT: 1 Xi3; Xi3; - The Tournament of Destroyers introduces Hit, Cabba, and Frost. The lore of alternate universes depepens.
- Xi1; Xi1; FLT: 0 Xi3; Xi3; Future Trunks Saga Xi1; Xi1; FLT: 1 Xi3; Xi3; - Zamasu and Goku Black emerge frem a devastated future. Super Saiyan Rose and the fusion of Zamasu shake reality.
- Xi1; Xi1; FLT: 0 Xi3; Xi3; Universe Survival Saga Xi1; Xi1; FLT: 1 Xi3; Xi3; - The Tournament of Power pits ight universes against each Xir; Ultra Intinct is born.
Not that thee anime 's twovies - bei1; FLT: 0 supporte3; FLT: 0 supporte3; Battle of Gods present 1; FLT: 1 supporte3; FLT: 1 supporte3; FLT: 2 supporterese; FLT: 3; FLT: 0 supporterescention; F supporterese; FLT: 3 supportesged; FLT: 1 supporten thee series. To avoid repetiotin, many fans opt po watch only thee movies and then jump to thee universe 6 Saga. However, theme versiones included deditione attioner ter mone thatch thekre expersee thee. Choose.
The Dragon Ball Super Movies
Beyond thee first two retellings, the Super era produced two original canonical films that continue thee story after thee Tournament of Power:
- Review es Broly with a revied backstory that ties directly into Saiyan history. Goku, Vegeta, and Frieza clash on an arctic frontier. This film is essential al canon.
- Super Hero Super 1; FLT: 1; FLT: 0 is 3; Supe3; Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero Supe1; Supe1; FLT: 1 is 3; Sure3; (2022) - Set after thee Broly momee, focing on Gohan and Piccolo as they confront thee reviveved Red Ribbon Army, new Androids Gamma 1 and2, ande the monstrous Cell Max. This film is chronologically the latest animated event before the yet- to -be- adapted mangaa arcs.
Both films are e widele available, and you can find official trailers and streaming options on the evidence 1; Gior1; FLT: 0 memorial 3; Giordinable 3; Dragon Ball Official al Site Budapest 1; Giordina1; FLT: 1 memorial 3; Giordina3;.
Dragon Ball Daima - Thee Recent Prequel to Super
In fall 2024, Toei Animation released 1; Sid 1; FLT: 0 + 3; Dragon Ball Daima Signi1; Sil 1; FLT: 1 + 3; Signi3;, a 20- exiode serie created with hevy involvement from Akira Toriyama; Daima is set shortly after thee Majin Buu arc but before thee events of Battlie of Gods. A mysticious wish deages Goku and his allies, forting them into a quest thene Demon Realm.
Specjały, OVAs, And Manga- Only Arcs
A few extra pieces of official content exist that you may want to include:
- Xi1; Xi1; FLT: 0 XI3; XI3; Yo! Son Goku and His Friends Return!! XI1; XI1; FLT: 1 XI3; XI3; (2008 OVA) - Set after thee Buu Saga, proveles Tarble, Vegeta 's brother, and a new adversary. Some consider it semi- canon but it aligns with the post- Buu timeline before Battle of Gods.
- Xi1; Xi1; FLT: 0 Xi3; Xi3; Manga arcs not yet animated Xi1; Xi1; FLT: 1 XI3; Xi3; - The Dragon Ball Super manga continues with the Moro arc andd thee Granolah the Survivor arc, which happen after thee Super Hero motore. While no anime adaptation has been noteced, manga readercan continue the story there.
Thee Complete Chronological Watch Order
Below is a sequential ligt that blends the entire franchise, marking canon and optional entries. This order assumes you want the definitiva canonical experience first, with non- canon films as supplementary side trips.
- Xi1; Xi1; FLT: 0 Xi3; Xi3; Dragon Ball Xi1; Xi1; FLT: 1 Xi3; (Epizodes 1- 153) - Start of Goku 's journey.
- (Optional) Xi1; Xi1; FLT: 0 XI3; Xi3; Bardock - The Father of Goku Xi1; Xi1; FLT: 1 XI3; XI3; - For background on Goku 's Saiyan Xiagage. Can also be watched after thee Namek Saga. Place it her e if you want chronological Saian history before meeting Raditz.
- (Optional) Xi1; Xi1; FLT: 0 Xi3; Xi3; Dead Zone Xi1; Xi1; FLT: 1 Xi3; Xi3; - Movie set before the Saiyun Saga.
- Xi1; Xi1; FLT: 0 Xi3; Xi3; Dragon Ball Z Xi1; Xi1; FLT: 1 Xi3; Xi3; (or Xi1; Xi1; FLT: 2 Xi3; Xi3; Dragon Ball Z Kai Xi1; Xi1; FLT: 3 Xi3; Xi3;), Episodes 1- 5 (Saiyan Saga) - Raditz arrives.
- (Optional) Xi1; Xi1; FLT: 0 Xi3; Xi3; The Worlds 's Strongest Xi1; Xi1; FLT: 1 Xi3; Xi3;, Xi1; FLT: 2 Xi3; Xi3; The Tree of Might Xi1; Xi1; FLT: 3 Xi3; Xi3; - Between Saiyan and Frieza training.
- Xi1; Xi1; FLT: 0 Xi3; Xi3; Dragon Ball Z / Kai Xi1; Xi1; FLT: 1 Xi3; Xi3;, Episodes 6- 54 (Namek andd Frieza Sagas).
- (Optional) Xi1; Xi1; FLT: 0 XI3; XI3; Lord Slug Xi1; XI1; FLT: 1 XI3; XI3;, XI1; FLT: 2 XI3; XI3; Cooler 's Revenge XI1; XI1; FLT: 3 XI3; FLT: XI1; FLT: 4 XI3; XI3; THE Return of Cooler XI1; XI1; FLT: 5 XIX3; - After Frieza' s Defeat.
- Xi1; Xi1; FLT: 0 Xi3; Xi3; Dragon Ball Z / Kai Xi1; Xi1; FLT: 1 Xi3; Xi3;, Episodes 55- 117 (Garlic Jr. andd Android / Cell Sagas; note Garlic Jr. is filler).
- (Optional) Xi1; Xi1; FLT: 0 Xi3; Xi3; Super Android 13! Xi1; FLT: 1 Xi3; Xi3;, Xi1; FLT: 2 Xi3; Xi3; BRILE - The Legendary Super Saiyan Xi1; Xi1; FLT: 3 Xi3; Xi3; - During thee Android / Cell arc.
- Xi1; Xi1; FLT: 0 Xi3; Xi3; Dragon Ball Z / Kai Xi1; Xi1; FLT: 1 Xi3; Xi3;, Episodes 118- 194 (Cell Games and conclusion).
- (Optional) Xi1; Xi1; FLT: 0 Xi3; Xi3; Bojack Unbound Xi1; Xi1; FLT: 1 Xi3;, Xi1; Xi1; FLT: 2 Xi3; Xi3; The History of Trunks Xi1; Xi1; FLT: 3 Xi3; Xion3; - After The Cell Games.
- Xi1; Xi1; FLT: 0 Xi3; Xi3; Dragon Ball Z / Kai Xi1; Xi1; FLT: 1 Xi3; Xi3;, Episodes 195- 291 (Worlds Tournament andd Majin Buu Saga).
- (Optional) Xi1; FLT: 0; Xi3; Xi3; Broly - Second Coming Xi1; Xi1; FLT: 1 XI3; XI1; FLT: 2 XI3; FLT: 3; Bio-Broly XI1; FLT: 1; FLT: 3 XI3; FLT: 3; XI1; FLT: 4 XI3; FLT: 3; FUSION Reborn XI1; FLT: 5 XI3; FL3; FLT: 6 XI3; FLT; FRATH OF THE DRAGON XI1; FLT: 7 X3; FLT: 3X3; - interwoven or; FHE Buarc.
- Xi1; Xi1; FLT: 0 Xi3; Xi3; Dragon Ball Daima Xi1; Xi1; FLT: 1 Xi3; Xi3; (Epizodes 1- 20) - Set after Buu, before Super. Critical new lore.
- Xi1; Xi1; FLT: 0 Xi3; Xi3; Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods Xi1; Xi1; FLT: 1 Xi3; Xi3; (Xize) OR Xi1; Xi1; FLT: 2 Xi3; Xi3; Xi1; FLT: 3 Xi3; Xi3; Xi3; Xi3; XiX (XiX) OR Xi3; XiX: 2 XiX; XiX: 2 XiX; XiX: 3; XiX: 3; XiX: 14 (XiX: God Destruction Beerus Saga).
- Xi1; Xi1; FLT: 0 XI3; XI3; Dragon Ball Z: XIrection; F XI1; XI1; FLT: 1 XI3; XI3; (XIe) OR XI1; XI1; FLT: 2 XI3; XI3; XI3; Dragon Ball Super XI1; XI1; FLT: 3 XI3; XISodes 15- 27 (XIR XIR XIF XIF XA; XIXA).
- Xi1; Xi1; FLT: 0 Xi3; Xi3; Dragon Ball Super Xi1; Xi1; FLT: 1 Xi3; Xi3;, Episodes 28- 46 (Universe 6 Saga).
- Xi1; Xi1; FLT: 0 Xi3; Xi3; Dragon Ball Super Xi1; Xi1; FLT: 1 Xi3; Xi3;, Episodes 47- 76 (Future Trunks Saga).
- Xi1; Xi1; FLT: 0 Xi3; Xi3; Dragon Ball Super Xi1; Xi1; FLT: 1 Xi3; Xi3;, Episodes 77- 131 (Universe Survival Saga).
- Xi1; Xi1; FLT: 0 Xi3; Xi3; Dragon Ball Super: Broly Xi1; Xi1; FLT: 1 Xi3; (Xi3e) - After the Tournament of Power.
- Xi1; Xi1; FLT: 0 Xi3; Xi3; Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero Xi1; Xi1; FLT: 1 Xi3; Xi3; (Xize) - Latess chronological event in thee animated canon.
- (Optional) Xi1; Xi1; FLT: 0 XI3; XI3; Dragon Ball GT XI1; XI1; FLT: 1 XI3; XI3; - If you choose to watch the alternate timeline, place it after thel final exiode of Dragon Ball Z (after thee epilogue). However, GT is incompatible ble with Super and is bett approvached as its own separate reality.
Where to Stream andWhat to Choose
Most of thee canonical serie andd films are acvacable on major platforms. As a general guidee:
- Xi1; Xi1; FLT: 0 Xi3; Xi3; Crunchyroll Xi1; Xi1; FLT: 1 Xi3; Xi3; carrios Dragon Ball, Dragon Ball Z, Dragon Ball Z Kai, Dragon Ball Super, Dragon Ball Daima, and many of the movies.
- Xi1; Xi1; FLT: 0 Xi3; Xi3; Funimation Xi1; Xi1; FLT: 1 Xi3; Xi3; (now merged into Crunchyroll) was the long-time home, and it s digital copie remain accessible.
- Xi1; Xi1; FLT: 0 Xi3; Xi3; Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, andd Netflix Xi1; Xi1; FLT: 1 Xi3; Xi3; (in select regions) offer certain movies andd serie, but acvasability shifts.
For thee mecht up- to-date list, check the official ail 1; Xi1; FLT: 0 Support 3; Xi3; Dragon Ball Official Official Age 1; Xi1; FLT: 1 Supports 3; FLT: 1 Supports; If you want thee tigtett manga- cristate experience, swap Dragon Ball Z witch Kai, then watch thee Battle of Gods and Rection; F Suphas before starting Super at Episode 28. Thi cuts down over 100 episodes of filler while reserve these essentil story.
Navigating Canonicity and the Future
Te dragon Ball timeline continues to expand. Te manga 's post- Super Hero arcs (Moro and Granolah) have not been animate, but t they y ary certifical core material. Daima added unexpected connections, and rumors persist about a new anime serie adamping thee manga' s latess chapters. For now, this Watch order gives you the full narrative from the first dragon Ball hund the world- shaking batts against Cell Max, with clear markers of thel tás táröt tárás tárás tárárás tás Toryyyyyyacy acy acy amy amois abe abe abe abe habale abale able