So, you're finally diving into the legendary world of Dragon Ball, huh? With over 500 episodes, multiple series, and a handful of movies, figuring out where to start can feel like a Herculean task in itself! Dragon Ball has captivated audiences for generations, sparking imaginations with its high-octane battles, endearing characters, and a compelling story of perseverance and self-improvement. But, jumping in randomly can lead to confusion, missed character development, and a diminished appreciation for the series' epic scope.
The order in which you experience the Dragon Ball saga significantly impacts your understanding and enjoyment. Watching events unfold chronologically allows you to witness Goku's journey from a mischievous child to a legendary warrior, appreciate the evolving power scales, and fully grasp the emotional weight of key moments. Starting with later installments without the proper context risks spoiling major plot points and missing out on the foundational relationships that drive the narrative.
What's the Correct Dragon Ball Viewing Order?
What's the generally recommended order to watch Dragon Ball?
The generally recommended order to watch the Dragon Ball series is chronological by release date, as this aligns with the story's progression and the evolution of the animation style. This means starting with *Dragon Ball*, then moving on to *Dragon Ball Z*, *Dragon Ball GT* (optional), *Dragon Ball Super*, and finally, any movies or specials within their respective timelines.
Following the release order ensures you experience the story as it was originally intended and allows you to appreciate the growth of the characters and the lore's development. Jumping around can lead to spoilers and a disjointed viewing experience. For example, starting with *Dragon Ball Super* might ruin the impact of certain character reveals and power scaling established in earlier series. While *Dragon Ball GT* is considered non-canon by many fans, it's still part of the original run and can be viewed after *Dragon Ball Z* if desired. Viewing it is a matter of personal preference, as the storyline and character portrayals differ significantly from Akira Toriyama's direct involvement. However, *Dragon Ball Super* directly continues the canon storyline after the defeat of Majin Buu in *Dragon Ball Z*, effectively superseding *Dragon Ball GT*.Should I watch Dragon Ball GT after Z or is it skippable?
Dragon Ball GT is generally considered skippable by many fans. While it serves as a direct sequel to Dragon Ball Z, it wasn't written by Akira Toriyama and its canonicity is debated. Many consider its plot, character development, and power scaling to be weaker than previous installments. You won't miss any crucial story elements if you choose to skip it, and your overall Dragon Ball experience won't be diminished.
Despite its controversial status, some fans find enjoyment in GT's unique elements, such as the Super Saiyan 4 transformation and the introduction of new villains like Baby Vegeta and Omega Shenron. However, be aware that GT significantly alters some established character arcs and power levels, which can be jarring for those who appreciate the consistency of the original series and Z. If you're curious and have already enjoyed Dragon Ball and Dragon Ball Z, sampling a few episodes of GT might be worthwhile, but don't feel obligated to watch the entire series. Ultimately, the decision of whether to watch Dragon Ball GT comes down to personal preference. If you're a completionist or simply want more Dragon Ball content, give it a try. If you prioritize adhering to Akira Toriyama's original vision and prefer a more cohesive storyline, skipping GT is a perfectly valid choice. You can always explore fan-made content or the Dragon Ball Super series for a more contemporary continuation of the Dragon Ball saga.Does filler content affect the overall viewing experience in any of the series?
Yes, filler content can significantly impact the viewing experience across various Dragon Ball series, particularly in the original *Dragon Ball* and *Dragon Ball Z*. While some filler episodes are lighthearted and enjoyable, adding to character development or world-building, excessive or poorly integrated filler can disrupt the pacing, dilute the main narrative's impact, and lead to viewer frustration.
Filler's effect is most keenly felt in *Dragon Ball Z*. Certain stretches of episodes, especially during the Namek saga and the lead-up to the Cell Games, contain prolonged filler arcs that pad out the story. These deviations often interrupt the flow of tense battles and emotional moments, lessening their overall impact. For example, extended scenes of Gohan's training on Namek, while not inherently bad, can feel tedious when the audience is eager to see the confrontation with Frieza progress. This interruption of the main storyline is why many fans prefer alternative viewing methods that cut this content. Ultimately, whether filler enhances or detracts from the experience is subjective. Some viewers appreciate the additional character moments and world-building, while others find it detrimental to the story's momentum. Those prioritizing a streamlined narrative often choose to skip filler episodes using online guides, while others enjoy a more leisurely viewing experience, embracing the full breadth of the Dragon Ball universe, filler and all.Where do the movies fit into the main Dragon Ball timeline?
The Dragon Ball movies, for the most part, are non-canon side stories that don't fit neatly into the established Dragon Ball, Dragon Ball Z, or Dragon Ball Super timelines. They often feature events or power levels inconsistent with the core narrative. While entertaining, they should be viewed as "what if?" scenarios or alternate universe tales rather than integral parts of Goku's main journey.
Most of the movies contradict established plot points or power scaling within the canonical series. For example, some movies feature characters who shouldn't exist at certain points in the timeline, or show Goku using techniques he hadn't yet learned in the main story. Trying to force them into a specific spot can lead to significant continuity errors and plot holes. That being said, enjoyment of the films isn't dependent on fitting them into the timeline. Many fans choose to watch them in release order after completing the corresponding sections of the anime series (e.g., watching the *Lord Slug* movie after the Frieza Saga). This allows you to appreciate the movies as standalone adventures without getting bogged down in timeline inconsistencies. The Dragon Ball Super movies, *Battle of Gods*, *Resurrection 'F'*, and *Super Hero*, *are* considered canon and their events transpire within the main Dragon Ball Super story.Is it better to watch in release order or chronological order?
Generally, watching Dragon Ball in release order is the recommended approach for a first-time viewer. This allows you to experience the series as it unfolded, preserving the intended pacing, surprises, and character development as envisioned by the creators. While chronological order seems intuitive, it can disrupt the narrative flow and impact the emotional resonance of certain plot points.
Release order maintains the intended narrative structure. Key reveals are strategically placed, and the power scaling, while often inconsistent, makes more sense when viewed in the sequence it was presented. Jumping around through different eras of the Dragon Ball universe might lead to confusion about character relationships, power levels, and established lore. For instance, knowing Goku's ultimate power-ups ahead of time could diminish the impact of his earlier transformations. Furthermore, the animation style evolves drastically throughout the series. Starting with the original *Dragon Ball* and progressing to *Dragon Ball Z* and *Dragon Ball Super* provides a gradual appreciation for the advancements in animation technology and artistic design. Watching out of release order can create jarring transitions, making it difficult to appreciate the improvements made over time. Therefore, starting with the original *Dragon Ball* and working your way forward is the most satisfying way to experience the complete story.What about Dragon Ball Super - when should I start that?
You should start Dragon Ball Super *after* you've finished Dragon Ball Z (specifically, after the Buu Saga concludes). This ensures you experience the entirety of the original Dragon Ball storyline before diving into the sequel series, which builds directly upon the established lore, characters, and power scales.
Starting Dragon Ball Super prematurely could lead to confusion and spoilers. Super directly acknowledges the events of Dragon Ball Z, referencing characters, techniques, and relationships developed throughout the series. Jumping in early would mean missing crucial context and potentially diminishing the impact of certain plot points within Super. Think of it like starting a book series in the middle – you'd be missing key information and character development.
Chronologically, Dragon Ball Super takes place *after* the defeat of Majin Buu but *before* the very end of Dragon Ball Z (the 28th World Martial Arts Tournament where Goku meets Uub). While you could technically watch the Battle of Gods and Resurrection 'F' movies before starting Super (as they cover similar ground to the first two arcs), Super expands on these stories and integrates them into the overall narrative much more thoroughly. Thus, finishing Dragon Ball Z, including *Dragon Ball Z Kai* is recommended before tackling Super.
Do I need to watch the original Dragon Ball before Dragon Ball Z?
Yes, watching *Dragon Ball* before *Dragon Ball Z* is highly recommended for the best viewing experience and complete understanding of the story. While *Dragon Ball Z* introduces a new level of power and threats, it directly builds upon the characters, relationships, and world-building established in the original series.
*Dragon Ball* lays the foundational groundwork for the entire franchise. It introduces Goku as a child, his training with Master Roshi, his early adventures, and his friendships with characters like Bulma, Krillin, and Yamcha. These early experiences shape Goku's personality and motivations, and understanding these relationships enhances the emotional impact of *Dragon Ball Z*. Furthermore, key concepts like Ki, the Dragon Balls, and various fighting techniques are introduced and developed in the original series. Starting with *Dragon Ball Z* means you'll miss out on this crucial context, leading to a less fulfilling viewing experience. You may feel lost regarding character backstories and certain plot points. Think of it like reading a book series: While you *could* theoretically start with the second book, you'd miss out on a significant amount of character development, backstory, and world-building that makes the subsequent volumes more meaningful. The humor and adventure of *Dragon Ball* contrast with the more serious and action-packed tone of *Dragon Ball Z*, providing a balanced and complete narrative arc when viewed in the correct order.Alright, you're all set to embark on your Dragon Ball adventure! Whether you choose to follow our recommended order or forge your own path through the sagas, we hope this guide has been helpful. Thanks for stopping by, and we hope you enjoy the wild ride that is Dragon Ball. Come back anytime for more anime recommendations and explainers!