If you’re new to anime or just starting your Dragon Ball journey, one question always comes up: “What is the correct watch order for Dragon Ball?” With so many series, movies, and spin-offs, it’s easy to get confused. Don’t worry — I’ve been through the same confusion myself, and in this guide, I’ll explain the best Dragon Ball watch order step by step.
Why Dragon Ball Watch Order Matters
Dragon Ball is one of the most legendary anime franchises of all time. Starting in the 1980s, it grew from a simple martial arts story into a global pop culture phenomenon. But because the franchise has multiple series (Dragon Ball, Z, GT, Super) and dozens of movies, watching it in the wrong order can make the story feel messy.
By following a proper order, you’ll understand Goku’s growth, the evolution of the battles, and the introduction of fan-favorite characters like Vegeta, Piccolo, Frieza, Trunks, and Beerus in the right timeline.
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Recommended Dragon Ball Watch Order
Here’s the main anime watch order that covers the entire journey:
1. Dragon Ball (1986–1989)
- Episodes: 153
- This is where it all begins. You’ll see young Goku, Bulma, Krillin, and Master Roshi.
- Important arcs: Emperor Pilaf, Red Ribbon Army, King Piccolo, and the World Martial Arts Tournaments.
👉 Don’t skip this. Many new fans start with Dragon Ball Z, but you’ll miss the foundation of the story and Goku’s childhood.
2. Dragon Ball Z (1989–1996)
- Episodes: 291
- This is the most popular part of the franchise. It introduces Super Saiyans, Frieza, Cell, and Majin Buu.
- Key arcs: Saiyan Saga, Namek Saga, Android/Cell Saga, Majin Buu Saga.
👉 If you prefer a faster-paced version with less filler, you can watch Dragon Ball Z Kai instead. It’s a remastered cut that follows the manga more closely.
3. Dragon Ball GT (1996–1997) – Optional
- Episodes: 64
- GT isn’t based on the manga, but it’s an official continuation created by Toei Animation. It explores Goku’s adventures in space, Baby Vegeta, Super Saiyan 4, and the Shadow Dragons.
- Some fans skip it, but if you want the full Dragon Ball experience, give it a try.
4. Dragon Ball Super (2015–2018)
- Episodes: 131
- This is the modern continuation after Z. It covers the Battle of Gods, Resurrection F, Universe 6 Tournament, Future Trunks arc, and the epic Tournament of Power.
- Dragon Ball Super pushes the limits with transformations like Super Saiyan God and Ultra Instinct.
👉 After finishing Super, you can also watch the Dragon Ball Super: Broly (2018) movie, which is canon.
Dragon Ball Movies and Specials
The Dragon Ball franchise has over 20 movies, but not all of them are canon. If you want to stick to the main story, focus on these:
- Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods (2013)
- Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection F (2015)
- Dragon Ball Super: Broly (2018)
- Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero (2022)
These movies tie directly into Dragon Ball Super’s storyline. The older Dragon Ball Z movies (like Cooler’s Revenge or Fusion Reborn) are fun but mostly considered “what if” side stories.
Chronological Order vs Release Order
- Release Order (watching in the order the series came out) keeps the original fan experience.
- Chronological Order (following the story timeline) is smoother for new fans.
For beginners, I recommend the Chronological Order:
- Dragon Ball
- Dragon Ball Z (or Z Kai)
- Dragon Ball Super + Movies
- Dragon Ball GT (optional)
Final Thoughts
Dragon Ball is more than just anime; it’s a cultural journey. From Goku’s first martial arts lessons to battles that shake the entire multiverse, the franchise has something for every kind of anime fan.
If you’re starting fresh, take your time. Don’t rush through episodes — enjoy the humor, the fights, and the emotional moments. By following this watch order, you’ll experience Dragon Ball exactly as it was meant to be enjoyed.
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✅ Best Watch Order (Quick List):
- Dragon Ball → Dragon Ball Z (or Z Kai) → Dragon Ball Super (+ movies) → Dragon Ball GT (optional)
