Dragon Ball Overview

Dragon Ball spans several major series: Dragon Ball (1986), Dragon Ball Z (1989), Dragon Ball GT (1996 โ€” non-canon), and Dragon Ball Super (2015). Total: 600+ episodes plus numerous films.

๐Ÿ’ก Fastest Path

Watch DBZ + Dragon Ball Super โ€” covers the main story with the best pacing and modern animation.

Recommended Watch Order

1
Dragon Ball (1986) RECOMMENDED
153 episodes. Young Goku's adventure. Great origin context โ€” not strictly required before DBZ.
2
Dragon Ball Z (1989) ESSENTIAL
291 episodes. Saiyan Saga โ†’ Frieza โ†’ Cell โ†’ Buu. The absolute heart of Dragon Ball.
3
Dragon Ball Super (2015) ESSENTIAL
131 episodes. New Gods, new universes, Tournament of Power. Canon sequel to DBZ.
4
Dragon Ball Super: Broly (2018) CANON
Canon film. Spectacular animation. Broly's definitive origin.
5
Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero (2022) CANON
Canon film. Gohan and Piccolo spotlight.
6
Dragon Ball GT OPTIONAL
64 episodes. Non-canon. Watch as bonus material only.

Full Dragon Ball Order

OrderTitleEpisodesCanon?Status
1Dragon Ball153YesWATCH
2Dragon Ball Z291YesWATCH
3DBS: Battle of Gods (film)FilmYesSKIP (DBS covers it)
4Dragon Ball Super131YesWATCH
5DBS: Broly (film)FilmYesWATCH
6DBS: Super Hero (film)FilmYesWATCH
AltDragon Ball GT64NoOPTIONAL

Canon Dragon Ball Movies

  • Battle of Gods (2013) โ€” First Beerus appearance. Canon but covered by DBS.
  • Resurrection F (2015) โ€” Golden Frieza. Canon but DBS retells it.
  • Dragon Ball Super: Broly (2018) โ€” Broly goes canon. Absolutely must-watch.
  • Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero (2022) โ€” Orange Piccolo and Beast Gohan. Canon.

What About Dragon Ball GT?

GT is Non-Canon

Dragon Ball Super is the official continuation. GT was not overseen by Toriyama directly.

Still Worth It?

GT has fans. The final episode is genuinely touching. Watch for fun โ€” not as required viewing.