The Dragon Ball franchise has grown far beyond the original anime that introduced Goku and the Dragon Balls.
Across four decades, the franchise has received multiple television series, theatrical movies, TV specials, OVAs, promotional anime, and alternate continuities.
That makes figuring out the correct Dragon Ball watch order surprisingly complicated.
Should you watch Dragon Ball Z or Dragon Ball Z Kai? Where does Dragon Ball DAIMA fit? Are the old Dragon Ball Z movies canon? What about Dragon Ball GT and Super Dragon Ball Heroes?
This guide covers the entire animated Dragon Ball franchise, including the main series, movies, TV specials, OVAs, and major promotional anime.
For newcomers, however, you do not need to watch everything in one giant timeline.
The official Dragon Ball chronology confirms the franchise’s major releases, including Dragon Ball, Dragon Ball Z, Dragon Ball GT, Dragon Ball Z Kai, Dragon Ball Super, Dragon Ball Super: Broly, Dragon Ball Super: SUPER HERO and Dragon Ball DAIMA.
The Best Dragon Ball Watch Order for Beginners
If you are watching Dragon Ball for the first time, this is the simplest route:
1. Dragon Ball
2. Dragon Ball Z Kai OR Dragon Ball Z
3. Dragon Ball DAIMA
4. Dragon Ball Super
5. Dragon Ball Super: Broly
6. Dragon Ball Super: SUPER HERO
7. Dragon Ball Z/Kai’s final episodes
There is one important caveat: DAIMA is set after the Majin Buu arc and before the events of Dragon Ball Super, so this is a chronological placement rather than release order.
The series itself was released in 2024, after Dragon Ball Super. Toei lists DAIMA as a 20-episode series.
If you prefer experiencing the franchise in the order audiences originally received it, watch Dragon Ball → Z/Kai → Super → Broly → SUPER HERO → DAIMA.
1. Dragon Ball
Release: 1986-1989
Episodes: 153
Start here.
Dragon Ball follows Goku as a child and introduces practically everything that eventually becomes important to the franchise: Bulma, Krillin, Yamcha, Master Roshi, Piccolo, the Dragon Balls, the World Martial Arts Tournament, and the Red Ribbon Army.
The major story sections are:
Pilaf Saga
21st World Martial Arts Tournament
Red Ribbon Army Saga
General Blue Saga
Commander Red Saga
Fortuneteller Baba Saga
Tien Shinhan Saga
King Piccolo Saga
Piccolo Jr. Saga
Although the later Dragon Ball shows are much more focused on large-scale battles, the original series is important because it establishes Goku and his relationships before the franchise becomes a full-blown Saiyan-versus-alien epic.
Do not skip this if you are a first-time viewer.
2. Dragon Ball Z
Release: 1989-1996
Episodes: 291
After finishing Dragon Ball, move directly into Dragon Ball Z.
The story jumps forward several years. Goku is now an adult with a son, Gohan, and the series introduces the Saiyan origins of Goku’s power.
The main story is divided into the following sections:
Saiyan Saga
Goku learns that he is a Saiyan after his brother Raditz arrives on Earth. The arrival of Nappa and Vegeta turns the situation into an all-out battle.
Namek and Frieza Sagas
The heroes travel to Namek to find the planet’s Dragon Balls while Frieza and his forces search for them as well.
This eventually leads to one of the most famous moments in anime history: Goku becoming a Super Saiyan.
Trunks and Android Sagas
Future Trunks arrives with a warning about a devastating future. The Androids eventually appear, followed by an even greater threat.
Cell Saga
Cell becomes the central villain, leading to the Cell Games and one of Gohan’s biggest moments in the entire franchise.
Great Saiyaman and World Tournament
The story jumps forward again as Gohan becomes a teenager and attempts to balance school life with superhero activities.
Majin Buu Saga
The final major story of Dragon Ball Z introduces Majin Buu, leading to the creation of forms such as Super Saiyan 3, Fusion, and Vegito.
Dragon Ball Z contains 291 episodes, according to Toei Animation.
Dragon Ball Z vs Dragon Ball Z Kai: Which Should You Watch?
You do not need to watch both.
Dragon Ball Z Kai is essentially a re-edited version of the Z story that removes much of the anime-original material and filler.
If you want the more streamlined adaptation, choose Kai.
If you want the original 1989-1996 anime experience, including its filler and longer pacing, choose Z.
Recommended first-time route
Dragon Ball → Dragon Ball Z Kai → Dragon Ball Super
Classic route
Dragon Ball → Dragon Ball Z → Dragon Ball Super
The important thing is that you shouldn’t watch all of Z and then watch all of Kai unless you specifically want to compare the two versions.
Dragon Ball Z Movies in Release Order
The original Dragon Ball Z era produced 13 theatrical movies.
Most of these movies don’t fit cleanly into the main anime timeline. They generally use alternate versions of characters and events, so don’t try to force them between specific episodes.
You can watch them after completing the relevant parts of Z, or simply watch them separately after finishing Z.
1. Dragon Ball Z: Dead Zone(1989)
Garlic Jr. attempts to obtain immortality and take revenge on Kami.
Interestingly, the events of Dead Zone lead into the later Garlic Jr. storyline in the anime, although the movie itself doesn’t fit perfectly into the main manga continuity.
2. Dragon Ball Z: The World’s Strongest(1990)
Goku and his friends encounter Dr. Wheelo, a scientist seeking the strongest fighter in the world.
3. Dragon Ball Z: The Tree of Might(1990)
Goku faces Turles, a Saiyan who bears an uncanny resemblance to him.
4. Dragon Ball Z: Lord Slug(1991)
An ancient Namekian named Lord Slug arrives on Earth.
5. Dragon Ball Z: Cooler’s Revenge(1991)
Frieza’s brother Cooler comes to Earth seeking revenge against Goku.
6. Dragon Ball Z: The Return of Cooler(1992)
Cooler returns in a completely different form and becomes connected to the planet New Namek.
7. Dragon Ball Z: Super Android 13! (1992)
Three new Androids are activated to eliminate Goku.
8. Dragon Ball Z: Broly – The Legendary Super Saiyan(1993)
The original version of Broly is introduced. This is not the same Broly as in the later Dragon Ball Super movie.
9. Dragon Ball Z: Bojack Unbound(1993)
A dangerous group of space pirates becomes involved in a martial arts tournament.
10. Dragon Ball Z: Broly – Second Coming (1994)
Broly returns to Earth and encounters Goten, Gohan, and Trunks.
11. Dragon Ball Z: Bio-Broly (1994)
A clone of Broly is created using biotechnology.
12. Dragon Ball Z: Fusion Reborn (1995)
Goku and Vegeta are forced to deal with a bizarre crisis in the afterlife. The movie is particularly notable for introducing Gogeta.
13. Dragon Ball Z: Wrath of the Dragon(1995)
Goku and the others become involved in the story of Tapion and a mysterious monster.
Toei’s official catalog lists these Z-era theatrical movies as part of the franchise’s movie lineup.
Dragon Ball Z TV Specials
There are several important Dragon Ball television specials that are worth watching.
Bardock: The Father of Goku(1990)
This special tells the story of Goku’s father, Bardock, shortly before Frieza destroys Planet Vegeta.
It provides additional Saiyan history and is one of the most notable Z-era specials.
The History of Trunks(1993)
This special explores the future timeline where Trunks grows up under extremely different circumstances.
It is best watched after the Android storyline has been introduced in Z/Kai.
Dragon Ball Z: Summer Vacation Special
There are also shorter promotional and television productions associated with the franchise, although they aren’t necessary for understanding the main story.
Dragon Ball Z OVAs and Specials
If you want to go beyond the theatrical movies, there are several additional animated projects.
Dragon Ball Z: The Plan to Eradicate the Saiyans
This was originally released as an interactive OVA tied to the Dragon Ball Z video game Dragon Ball Z Gaiden: Saiyajin Zetsumetsu Keikaku.
A revised version was later produced as Dragon Ball: Plan to Eradicate the Super Saiyans
Dragon Ball: Plan to Eradicate the Super Saiyans
This version was included as a bonus with Dragon Ball: Raging Blast 2.
It is essentially a remake/updated version of the original OVA.
Dragon Ball GT
Release: 1996-1997
Episodes: 64
After Dragon Ball Z, you can watch Dragon Ball GT.
However, GT should be treated as a separate continuation rather than something you need to watch to understand Dragon Ball Super.
The series begins with Goku being turned into a child and follows Goku, Pan, and Trunks as they travel through space looking for the Black Star Dragon Balls.
The major arcs are:
Black Star Dragon Ball Saga
Baby Saga
Super 17 Saga
Shadow Dragon Saga
GT introduces transformations and characters that became hugely popular with fans, most notably Super Saiyan 4.
For a first-time viewer following the modern Dragon Ball story, however, GT can be saved until after the main continuity.
Dragon Ball GT Special
A Hero’s Legacy(1997)
This TV special takes place far into the future of the GT timeline. It focuses on Goku Jr., who is descended from Goku and his family.
Watch it after finishing Dragon Ball GT.
Dragon Ball: The Path to Power(1996)
This movie was released to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Dragon Ball.
It retells and condenses elements from the original Dragon Ball story, particularly Goku’s early adventures.
It is essentially an alternate retelling rather than something you need to insert into the main timeline.
Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods(2013)
Now we reach the modern Dragon Ball era.
Battle of Gods introduces Beerus, the God of Destruction, and Whis, his attendant.
It takes place after the Majin Buu storyline and before the final Dragon Ball Z time skip.
The movie is important because it introduces Super Saiyan God and establishes the cosmic hierarchy that becomes central to Dragon Ball Super.
The Battle of Gods is a major modern release before Dragon Ball Super.
Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection ‘F'(2015)
Frieza returns after being resurrected by his followers.
The movie introduces Golden Frieza and continues the story established in Battle of Gods.
You have two ways to experience these events. You can watch the movies:
Battle of Gods → Resurrection ‘F’
Or you can watch the first two arcs of Dragon Ball Super, which retell those events in episodic form.
Don’t watch both versions unless you specifically want the differences.
Dragon Ball Super
Release: 2015-2018
Episodes: 131
After Resurrection ‘F’, continue with Dragon Ball Super.
The series expands the universe dramatically, introducing multiple universes, Gods of Destruction, Angels, and some of the strongest fighters Goku has ever faced.
The major story arcs are:
God of Destruction Beerus Saga
This retells the events of Battle of Gods.
Golden Frieza Saga
This retells the events of Resurrection ‘F’.
Universe 6 Saga
Goku and Vegeta face fighters from Universe 6 in a tournament organized by Beerus and Champa.
Copy-Vegeta Saga
A short anime-original storyline involving a mysterious copy of Vegeta.
Future Trunks Saga
Future Trunks returns to warn Goku and the others about a terrifying new threat. This arc introduces Goku Black and Zamasu.
Tournament of Power
Goku and the strongest warriors of Universe 7 compete in a massive tournament where the fate of entire universes is at stake.
This arc introduces Jiren, Ultra Instinct, and some of Super’s biggest battles.
Dragon Ball Super: Broly
Release: 2018
After finishing Dragon Ball Super, watch Dragon Ball Super: Broly
Dragon Ball Super: Broly
This is the canon version of Broly’s story and should not be confused with the older Dragon Ball Z Broly trilogy.
The movie explores Broly’s history, expands the Saiyan backstory, and brings Goku and Vegeta into conflict with him.
It also introduces the modern version of Gogeta.
The movie takes place after the Tournament of Power and before Dragon Ball Super: SUPER HERO.
Dragon Ball Super: SUPER HERO
Release: 2022
This movie shifts the spotlight toward Gohan and Piccolo.
The Red Ribbon Army returns, leading to the creation of Gamma 1, Gamma 2, and Cell Max.
The movie introduces two major transformations: Gohan Beast and Orange Piccolo
The movie takes place after Dragon Ball Super: Broly and before the 28th World Martial Arts Tournament.
Dragon Ball DAIMA
Release: 2024-2025
Episodes: 20
Dragon Ball DAIMA is the newest completed Dragon Ball television series.
Goku, Vegeta, and their friends are transformed into smaller versions of themselves as part of a mysterious conspiracy.
The group eventually travels into the Demon Realm, where they encounter new characters and uncover more about the Dragon Ball universe.
Where does DAIMA fit?
Chronologically: Dragon Ball Z → Dragon Ball DAIMA → Dragon Ball Super
However, because DAIMA was released after Dragon Ball Super, watching it after Super is also perfectly reasonable.
For a story chronology, put DAIMA before Super.
For release order, put DAIMA after Super: SUPER HERO.
Dragon Ball Super: Beerus
There is another important entry for anyone following the franchise in 2026.
This is an enhanced edition of the Dragon Ball Super anime, rather than a completely separate sequel series.
It will begin broadcasting and streaming in October 2026, with the Japanese premiere scheduled for October 11, 2026.
The project features enhanced visuals and is intended to reproduce the original story with an updated presentation.
Because it is an enhanced version of the Dragon Ball Super story, newcomers should not treat it as an additional season that must be watched after the existing 131 episodes.
Instead, once it is available, it can serve as an alternative way to experience the Super material.
Dragon Ball Super: The Galactic Patrol
Another upcoming project has also been announced.
Dragon Ball Super: The Galactic Patrol is planned as a new anime adaptation following the Universe Survival arc.
The official announcement says it’s adapting the story that follows the Tournament of Power, corresponding to the Galactic Patrol Prisoner Arc of the Dragon Ball Super manga.
Since it is not yet part of the completed anime watch order, it should be added after Dragon Ball Super once it releases.
Super Dragon Ball Heroes
Super Dragon Ball Heroes is an anime promotional series based around the Super Dragon Ball Heroes game and card game.
It features an enormous number of characters, transformations, and crossover scenarios.
However, it is not part of the main Dragon Ball continuity. You can watch it whenever you want after becoming familiar with the main franchise.
The series includes storylines such as:
Prison Planet Arc
Universal Conflict Arc
Dark Demon Realm Mission
Universe Creation Arc
Big Bang Mission
Ultra God Mission
The appeal here is basically Dragon Ball going completely wild with its transformations and matchups.
Don’t try to insert Super Dragon Ball Heroes into the main Goku timeline.
Super Dragon Ball Heroes: World Mission Promotional Anime
There are also promotional animated episodes connected to Super Dragon Ball Heroes: World Mission.
These are separate from the main television continuity and are primarily designed to promote the game. They are optional viewing.
Dragon Ball SD
Dragon Ball SD is a comedic spin-off adaptation featuring younger, super-deformed versions of the characters.
It retells familiar Dragon Ball stories in a much more comedic style.
It isn’t necessary for the main storyline and can be watched whenever you want.
Every Dragon Ball Movie in Release Order
For readers who simply want a complete movie checklist, here is the theatrical order.
| # | Movie | Year |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dragon Ball: Curse of the Blood Rubies | 1986 |
| 2 | Dragon Ball: Sleeping Princess in Devil’s Castle | 1987 |
| 3 | Dragon Ball: Mystical Adventure | 1988 |
| 4 | Dragon Ball Z: Dead Zone | 1989 |
| 5 | Dragon Ball Z: The World’s Strongest | 1990 |
| 6 | Dragon Ball Z: The Tree of Might | 1990 |
| 7 | Dragon Ball Z: Lord Slug | 1991 |
| 8 | Dragon Ball Z: Cooler’s Revenge | 1991 |
| 9 | Dragon Ball Z: The Return of Cooler | 1992 |
| 10 | Dragon Ball Z: Super Android 13! | 1992 |
| 11 | Dragon Ball Z: Broly – The Legendary Super Saiyan | 1993 |
| 12 | Dragon Ball Z: Bojack Unbound | 1993 |
| 13 | Dragon Ball Z: Broly – Second Coming | 1994 |
| 14 | Dragon Ball Z: Bio-Broly | 1994 |
| 15 | Dragon Ball Z: Fusion Reborn | 1995 |
| 16 | Dragon Ball Z: Wrath of the Dragon | 1995 |
| 17 | Dragon Ball: The Path to Power | 1996 |
| 18 | Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods | 2013 |
| 19 | Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection ‘F’ | 2015 |
| 20 | Dragon Ball Super: Broly | 2018 |
| 21 | Dragon Ball Super: SUPER HERO | 2022 |
Which Dragon Ball Movies Are Canon?
This is where things get confusing.
The older theatrical movies were generally produced as separate movie continuities and don’t fit neatly into the main Dragon Ball story.
The major modern movies connected to the current continuity are:
Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods
Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection ‘F’
Dragon Ball Super: Broly
Dragon Ball Super: SUPER HERO
The first two were also adapted into the Dragon Ball Super television series. The latter two continue the story beyond the Tournament of Power.
Complete Dragon Ball TV and Anime Watch Order
If you want the franchise’s major animated productions in one place, use this checklist:
Main Story
1. Dragon Ball
2. Dragon Ball Z OR Dragon Ball Z Kai
3. Dragon Ball DAIMA
4. Dragon Ball Super
5. Dragon Ball Super: Broly
6. Dragon Ball Super: SUPER HERO
Alternate Continuity
7. Dragon Ball GT
8. Dragon Ball GT: A Hero’s Legacy
Older Movies
9. Dragon Ball: Curse of the Blood Rubies
10. Dragon Ball: Sleeping Princess in Devil’s Castle
11. Dragon Ball: Mystical Adventure
12. Dragon Ball Z: Dead Zone
13. Dragon Ball Z: The World’s Strongest
14. Dragon Ball Z: The Tree of Might
15. Dragon Ball Z: Lord Slug
16. Dragon Ball Z: Cooler’s Revenge
17. Dragon Ball Z: The Return of Cooler
18. Dragon Ball Z: Super Android 13!
19. Dragon Ball Z: Broly – The Legendary Super Saiyan
20. Dragon Ball Z: Bojack Unbound
21. Dragon Ball Z: Broly – Second Coming
22. Dragon Ball Z: Bio-Broly
23. Dragon Ball Z: Fusion Reborn
24. Dragon Ball Z: Wrath of the Dragon
25. Dragon Ball: The Path to Power
Modern Movies
26. Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods
27. Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection ‘F’
28. Dragon Ball Super: Broly
29. Dragon Ball Super: SUPER HERO
Specials and OVAs
30. Bardock: The Father of Goku
31. The History of Trunks
32. Dragon Ball Z: The Plan to Eradicate the Saiyans
33. Dragon Ball: Plan to Eradicate the Super Saiyans
34. Dragon Ball GT: A Hero’s Legacy
Spin-Off/Promotional Anime
35. Super Dragon Ball Heroes
36. Super Dragon Ball Heroes: World Mission promotional episodes
37. Dragon Ball SD
The Simplest Order If You Don’t Want to Watch Everything
If hundreds of episodes and two dozen movies sound like way too much, don’t worry.
The essential modern journey is:
- Dragon Ball
- Dragon Ball Z Kai (or Dragon Ball Z)
- Dragon Ball DAIMA
- Dragon Ball Super
- Dragon Ball Super: Broly
- Dragon Ball Super: SUPER HERO
That’s the cleanest way to experience Goku’s story without getting buried in alternate continuities, old movie timelines, and promotional anime.
If you want the complete Dragon Ball experience, add the original Z movies, specials, GT, Super Dragon Ball Heroes, and the other spin-offs afterward.
And if you’re starting in late 2026, keep an eye on Dragon Ball Super: Beerus, which is scheduled to begin broadcasting in October 2026.
