Dragon Ball: The Ultimate Watch Order

Navigating the Dragon Ball Universe: A Watcher's Guide

The world of Dragon Ball is vast and sprawling, a testament to its enduring popularity. For newcomers and seasoned fans alike, diving into or revisiting Goku's adventures can be a daunting task. With multiple series, numerous films, and a sometimes convoluted timeline, knowing where to begin, and what to watch in what order, can feel like training to become a Super Saiyan. This guide offers a comprehensive overview to help you navigate the Dragon Ball saga, whether you're aiming for a strictly canonical experience or a complete, no-holds-barred marathon.

Understanding the Dragon Ball Timeline

The Dragon Ball timeline, spanning decades of storytelling, can be tricky to grasp. Key to understanding it is differentiating between what's considered 'canon' – officially part of the main storyline – and what's considered 'non-canon,' often existing as standalone stories or alternate realities. The core canon consists of the original Dragon Ball, Dragon Ball Z (or its streamlined version, Dragon Ball Z Kai), Dragon Ball Super, and the newly released Dragon Ball Daima. Dragon Ball GT, while popular, is generally considered outside the main canonical timeline.

Watching Dragon Ball in Canonical Order

For those new to the franchise, or for fans seeking a refresher on the core storyline, watching in canonical order is the recommended approach. This method ensures you experience the key events and character developments without the distractions of tangential storylines. Here's the recommended canonical order:

Dragon Ball: (153 Episodes) The beginning of Goku's journey, from childhood adventures to his participation in the World Martial Arts Tournament.
Dragon Ball Z or Kai: (288 Episodes for Z, fewer for Kai) The saga continues with the arrival of Saiyans and escalating threats to Earth and the universe. Note: Dragon Ball Kai is a remastered and edited version of Z, removing filler content for a faster-paced experience.
Dragon Ball Super: (131 Episodes) Taking place after the defeat of Majin Buu, this series introduces new universes, powerful gods, and even greater challenges for Goku and his friends.
Dragon Ball Super: Broly: A canonical film that reintroduces the legendary Saiyan Broly into the main storyline.
Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero: Another canonical film focusing on Gohan and Piccolo as they face the Red Ribbon Army's latest android creations.
Dragon Ball Daima: (20+ Episodes) The latest instalment in the Dragon Ball franchise, set to explore new adventures and challenges for Goku and his friends after they are transformed into children.

Watching Dragon Ball in Chronological Order: The Completionist's Path

For the ultimate Dragon Ball enthusiast, watching in chronological order offers the most comprehensive experience, encompassing all films and series, regardless of their canonical status. This approach provides a richer, albeit more sprawling, journey through the Dragon Ball universe. Be prepared for a long and winding road!

Dragon Ball Episodes 1-13
Dragon Ball: Curse of the Blood Rubies (Movie)
Dragon Ball Episodes 14-153
Dragon Ball: Sleeping Princess in Devil's Castle (Movie)
Dragon Ball: Mystical Adventure (Movie)
Dragon Ball Z: Dead Zone (Movie)
Dragon Ball Z Episodes 1-86
Dragon Ball Z: Bardock – The Father of Goku (Movie)
Dragon Ball Z Episodes 87-107
Dragon Ball: Episode of Bardock (Movie)
Dragon Ball Z: The World's Strongest (Movie)
Dragon Ball Z: The Tree of Might (Movie)
Dragon Ball Z: Lord Slug (Movie)
Dragon Ball Z Episodes 108-123
Dragon Ball Z: The History of Trunks (TV Special)
Dragon Ball Z Episodes 124-125
Dragon Ball Z: Cooler's Revenge (Movie)
Dragon Ball Z Episodes 126-146
Dragon Ball Z: Super Android 13! (Movie)
Dragon Ball Z Episodes 147-173
Dragon Ball Z: The Return of Cooler (Movie)
Dragon Ball Z: Broly – The Legendary Super Saiyan (Movie)
Dragon Ball Z Episodes 174-194
Dragon Ball Z: Bojack Unbound (Movie)
Dragon Ball Z Episodes 195-207
Dragon Ball Z: Broly – Second Coming (Movie)
Dragon Ball Z Episodes 208-250
Dragon Ball Z: Bio-Broly (Movie)
Dragon Ball Z Episodes 251-253
Dragon Ball Z: Fusion Reborn (Movie)
Dragon Ball Z Episodes 254-288
Dragon Ball Z: Wrath of the Dragon (Movie)
Dragon Ball GT (Series)
Dragon Ball Daima (Series)
Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods (Movie) Note: This film was retold as the first arc of Dragon Ball Super.
Dragon Ball Super Episodes 4-18
Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection 'F' (Movie) Note: This film was retold as the second arc of Dragon Ball Super.
Dragon Ball Super Episodes 19-131
Dragon Ball Super: Broly (Movie)
Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero (Movie)
Dragon Ball Z Episodes 289-291

Where to Watch Dragon Ball

Several streaming services offer Dragon Ball content, making it easier than ever to embark on your Saiyan adventure. Crunchyroll hosts a vast library, including Dragon Ball, Dragon Ball Z, Dragon Ball Z Kai, Dragon Ball GT, and Dragon Ball Super. Amazon Prime Video also offers some Dragon Ball series, though often requiring separate purchases per season. Netflix currently streams Dragon Ball Daima. Consider your viewing preferences and budget when choosing a platform.

Canon vs. Non-Canon: A Matter of Perspective

The question of which Dragon Ball movies are canon is a perennial debate among fans. The general consensus is that the original Dragon Ball movies and the majority of the Dragon Ball Z films are not considered canon, existing as alternate storylines. However, Dragon Ball Super: Broly and Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero are officially part of the main timeline, directly following the events of Dragon Ball Super. Ultimately, whether you choose to include non-canon films in your viewing experience is a matter of personal preference. If you're aiming for strict adherence to the core storyline, focus on the main series and the canonical films.

Dragon Ball Daima: A New Chapter

Dragon Ball Daima is the newest addition to the Dragon Ball universe, promising fresh adventures and challenges for Goku and his companions. Taking place after the Majin Buu saga but before the events of Battle of Gods and the later Dragon Ball Super arcs, Daima is confirmed to be canon and is expected to tie into the future of Dragon Ball Super. This makes it a must-watch for dedicated timeline enthusiasts.

No matter which path you choose, the world of Dragon Ball offers a thrilling and unforgettable journey. So, gather your Dragon Balls, power up your Ki, and prepare to be transported to a universe of epic battles, colourful characters, and enduring friendships.