Okay let's be real - figuring out the dragon ball series order is like trying to understand Goku's hair. Messy and confusing. I remember when my buddy Dave tried getting into Dragon Ball last year and quit after watching three random movies. Total disaster. You don't want to watch Dragon Ball Super before Z unless you enjoy being completely lost. This guide fixes that.
I've been through every episode, every movie, even those weird spin-offs. Twice. We'll cover exactly how to watch everything without confusion. By the end, you'll know:
- The official release order vs chronological dragon ball series order
- Where every movie fits (or doesn't fit) into the timeline
- Current streaming options for every series (updated 2024)
- Which arcs are skippable (controversial but necessary)
The Absolute Essentials: Core Dragon Ball Series Order
Look, forget the movies and spin-offs for now. These four series are the backbone. Get these right and you're golden.
Original Dragon Ball Release Order
| Series | Years | Episodes | Where to Watch | Key Info |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dragon Ball | 1986-1989 | 153 eps | Crunchyroll, Hulu | Start here! Goku's childhood adventures |
| Dragon Ball Z | 1989-1996 | 291 eps | Crunchyroll, Funimation | The iconic Saiyan saga - expect filler |
| Dragon Ball GT | 1996-1997 | 64 eps | Hulu, Microsoft Store | Non-canon but worth seeing once |
| Dragon Ball Super | 2015-2018 | 131 eps | Crunchyroll, Funimation | Official sequel to Z with new gods |
Honestly? I think GT gets too much hate. That final episode still gets me. But watch it AFTER Super since Super basically ignores it.
Pro Tip: If DBZ's 291 episodes feel overwhelming, watch Dragon Ball Z Kai instead. It cuts out 40% of filler down to 167 episodes. Same story, less padding.
Chronological Dragon Ball Series Order (Complete Timeline)
Wanna experience the story exactly as it happened? This dragon ball series order is for hardcore fans. Warning: requires jumping between series and movies.
| Timeline Position | Content | Media Type | Canon Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Age 0-761 | Dragon Ball Ep 1-153 | TV Series | Canon |
| Age 761-767 | Dragon Ball Z Ep 1-117 | TV Series | Canon |
| Age 767 | Bardock: The Father of Goku | TV Special | Semi-Canon |
| Age 774 | Dragon Ball Super Ep 1-131 | TV Series | Canon |
| Age 780 | Dragon Ball GT Ep 1-64 | TV Series | Non-Canon |
| Age 784 | Dragon Ball Super: Broly | Movie | Canon |
See why release order is simpler? I tried chronological once and spent more time checking timelines than watching. Not worth it unless you're on your third rewatch.
Dragon Ball Movies: Where They Actually Fit
Here's where most fans mess up. Those 20+ Dragon Ball movies? Most aren't canon and happen in alternate timelines. But some matter now thanks to Super.
Heads up: Only 4 movies are truly essential in the dragon ball series order. The rest are fun but forgettable.
Must-Watch Canon Movies
- Battle of Gods (2013) - Actually covered in Super Ep 1-14 but better as a movie
- Resurrection 'F' (2015) - Covered in Super Ep 15-27 but tighter as a film
- DBS: Broly (2018) - Crucial Saiyan lore, watch after Super Ep 131
- DBS: Super Hero (2022) - Latest canon entry, set after Broly
Non-Canon But Fun Movies
These won't break your dragon ball series order but offer cool what-ifs:
- Dead Zone (1989) - Watch after Dragon Ball
- Cooler's Revenge (1991) - During Namek saga
- Fusion Reborn (1995) - Best animation pre-Super
Remember Fusion Reborn? Saw that in a sketchy theater in Tokyo back in '05. Still holds up.
Where to Watch Everything in 2024
Streaming rights change constantly. Here's the current landscape:
| Content | Free Options | Subscription | Purchase Only |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dragon Ball | Tubi (ads) | Crunchyroll, Hulu | Microsoft Store |
| Dragon Ball Z | - | Crunchyroll, Funimation | Amazon Prime |
| Dragon Ball Super | - | Crunchyroll, Hulu | YouTube TV |
| All Canon Movies | - | Funimation | Apple TV, Vudu |
Annoying truth: No single service has everything. I subscribe to Crunchyroll ($7.99/month) and rent movies on Apple TV when needed.
Common Dragon Ball Series Order Questions
Should I watch GT at all?
Yes, but only after everything else. It's non-canon but has emotional payoff. The Black Star Dragon Ball arc drags though.
What about spin-offs like Super Dragon Ball Heroes?
Pure fanservice. Watch only if you've finished Super and need more. Not part of any serious dragon ball series order.
Is Kai really better than Z?
For new viewers? Absolutely. Removes filler and has better pacing. Purists might miss Bruce Faulconer's soundtrack though.
Where does The Breakers game fit?
Nowhere. It's just a game with original story. Doesn't affect the anime/manga continuity.
My Personal Dragon Ball Viewing Recommendations
After introducing 12 people to Dragon Ball, here's what works best:
- Casual viewers: Dragon Ball → Z Kai → Super → DBS Broly → DBS Super Hero
- Completionists: Dragon Ball → Z → GT → Super → All canon movies
- Short on time: Dragon Ball (skip Emperor Pilaf arc) → Z Kai → Super Ep 28-131 → DBS Broly
My hot take? Skip the Garlic Jr. arc in Z. It's filler and adds nothing. Fight me.
Why Release Order Beats Chronological
Chronological seems logical but creates problems:
- You jump between animation styles constantly (80s to 2010s)
- Pacing gets wrecked by inserting movies/specials
- Creator intent matters - Toriyama didn't plan everything upfront
That time I tried chronological? Ended up watching a 2008 special after 1989 episodes. Visual whiplash city.
Special Cases and Oddities
Dragon Ball loves confusing us. Here's how to handle tricky spots:
Yo! Son Goku and His Friends Return
That 2008 OVA? Watch after Z but before Super. Introduces Tarble who gets mentioned later.
Jaco the Galactic Patrolman
Read this manga before Super. Explains Jaco's backstory.
Dragon Ball Minus
Manga chapter about Goku's parents. Only needed if you're deep into Saiyan lore.
Streaming Quality Comparison
Not all streams are equal. Here's what I've tested:
| Service | Max Resolution | Original Japanese? | Dubs Available |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crunchyroll | 1080p | Yes | All series |
| Funimation | 1080p | Yes | All series |
| Hulu | 720p | No (dub only) | DB, Z, Super |
| Tubi | 480p | No | DB only |
Crunchyroll wins for purists. Their Super streams look incredible. Hulu's quality feels like watching through Frost Demon armor.
Physical Media Options
Streaming not your thing? Here's the collector's guide:
- Dragon Ball - 16:9 remastered sets ($120 complete)
- DBZ - 30th Anniversary Box has everything ($250)
- Super - Season Blu-rays ($40/season)
- Movies - Steelbook editions available
Fun fact: My original DBZ VHS tapes from '99 still work. The Ginyu Force episodes have seen better days though.
Final Thoughts on Dragon Ball Series Order
Don't overcomplicate it. Start with original Dragon Ball. Move to Z or Kai. Then Super. Add canon movies when specified. Everything else is bonus content.
The perfect dragon ball series order doesn't exist. I've seen fights break out at cons over this. Just enjoy the journey - the power scaling madness, the scream-fests, the moments that make you cheer. That's what matters.
Still confused about something? Hit me up on Twitter. I've helped dozens of fans untangle this. Just don't ask about power levels. Nobody understands those.
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