How to Watch Dragon Ball Movies in Chronological Order
Fans of Japanese anime or movies must be familiar with Dragon Ball, an anime series that serves as an adaptation of Akira Toriyama's manga published in Weekly Shonen Jump. Surprisingly, this series has been on the air for over 30 years, consistently entertaining its fans and remaining popular even today.
The story itself is incredibly captivating, which explains why Dragon Ball is eagerly anticipated by its audience. The anime's success has even transcended into the world of gaming.
For those interested in starting or revisiting the entire Dragon Ball series, it's essential to be well-prepared. You see, this anime is divided into several parts, making it quite challenging for some viewers to follow, given its complex storyline.
To simplify things for you, here is the chronological order of the Dragon Ball movies based on their release dates. Take a look to ensure a seamless viewing experience without getting confused!
1. Dragon Ball: Curse of the Blood Rubies
Dragon Ball: Curse of the Blood Rubies, also known as Dragon Ball: Shen Long no Densetsu, is the initial film of the Dragon Ball anime series, which premiered on December 20, 1986. The plot of this movie is an adaptation and modification of the main storyline found in the manga.
In this film, a new character named King Gurumes emerges as a member of the Pilaf Empire, serving as the primary antagonist.
The story depicted in this movie presents an alternate version of the Dragon Ball series, commencing with the introduction of Goku, Bulma, Oolong, and Yamcha. Each of them possesses distinct motivations for seeking the dragon balls. During their quest, they cross paths with a demon named Gurumes, who is also on the lookout for a dragon ball.
2. Dragon Ball: Sleeping Princess in Devil’s Castle
Dragon Ball: Sleeping Princess in Devil's Castle is the second movie in the Dragon Ball franchise. The film, also known as Doragon Bōru Majin-jō no Nemuri Hime, was released in 1987.
The story takes place several years before, during a time when the earth was engulfed in darkness. A mysterious castle, known as the Devil's Hand, stood tall amidst five mountains. According to legend, within its walls resided a beautiful Sleeping Beauty, protected by the underworld's most wicked ruler.
Master Roshi assigns Goku and Krillin with the task of rescuing the Sleeping Beauty. If they succeed, they will earn the honor of becoming his apprentices. However, the mission proves to be far more perilous than they had anticipated.
3. Dragon Ball: Mystical Adventure
Dragon Ball: Mystical Adventure, also known as Doragon Bōru: Makafushigi Dai-Bōken, is a movie that aired on July 9, 1988. Unlike the previous two movies, this one did not introduce original characters. Instead, it adapted characters from the Red Ribbon Army and the 22nd Martial Arts Tournament arc from the manga, creating an original story.
In this film, young Goku and Krilin are undergoing training under Master Roshi for the upcoming World Martial Arts Tournament. The tournament takes place in the city of Mifan and is hosted by the Emperor. Meanwhile, the Emperor's wife, Chiaotsu, has gone missing.
Upon learning about the seven dragon balls, which have the power to grant wishes, the Emperor orders his troops to search for them. However, Bora and his son, Upa, attempt to hide the dragon balls from the Emperor's army. Little do they know that the army is led by the evil Shen and General Tao.
4. Dragon Ball Z: Dead Zone
Dragon Ball Z: Dead Zone was initially released in Japan on July 15, 1989. As the fourth movie in the Dragon Ball franchise, it serves as the first installment within the Dragon Ball Z series. The movie's narrative revisits the original Dragon Ball story, albeit with a different backdrop wherein Goku, Bulma, and Kame-Sen-nin cross paths.
Additionally, the film tells the story of the Red Ribbon Army, who now set their sights on Goku. Following his defeat at the hands of Goku during the 23rd World Martial Arts tournament, Piccolo embarks on solitary training. However, his progress is impeded when he is falsely accused by an enigmatic warrior.
This same group subsequently launches an assault on Chi-Chi, Goku's wife, and their son Gohan. Meanwhile, Goku, who was engaged in a fishing activity, perceives the imminent danger that his family faces. He becomes aware that his son has been abducted.
5. Dragon Ball Z: The World’s Strongest
Dragon Ball Z: The World's Strongest is the second movie in the Dragon Ball Z franchise. The story follows Gohan and Oolong as they search for a magical dragon ball and discover that someone else is collecting them. They track the dragon balls using radar clues and find themselves at a location where Piccolo is training, behind a large ice wall.
They soon learn that a mad scientist named Dr. Kochin is behind the dragon ball collection. He seeks the help of Shenron to free Dr. Wheelo. Suddenly, the ice wall shatters, revealing a hidden building.
Gohan and Oolong, who were scouting, are then attacked by "bio-men," Dr. Kochin's army. While trying to save them, Piccolo is confronted by mysterious soldiers. Meanwhile, Gohan and Oolong manage to escape.
6. Dragon Ball Z: The Tree of Might
Dragon Ball Z: The Tree of Might was aired on July 7, 1990. The movie's storyline takes place on Planet Namek, amidst a fierce battle. The initial event that unfolds is a forest fire, triggered by a meteor's impact. This incident marks the commencement of a fresh menace that the Z Fighters must confront.
Subsequently, they come across a swiftly growing, enigmatic tree referred to as the perilous Tree of Might. Recognizing its potential danger, the Z Fighters swiftly proceed to its location with the intention of obliterating it.
Meanwhile, Goku becomes aware of an imminent threat in close proximity. Turles, the rogue Saiyan, aims to exploit the Tree of Might's power to ascend as the most formidable entity in the universe.
7. Dragon Ball Z: Lord Slug
Similar to its predecessor, Dragon Ball Z: Lord Slug is also set amidst the intense battle on Namek. This film introduces a formidable super-villain known as Slug.
Once upon a time, the tranquility of Earth was disrupted when an unknown entity approached the planet. Goku and Krillin endeavored to alter the course of the incoming small planet, yet their valiant efforts proved futile, resulting in a collision between the small planet and Earth.
To their surprise, the small planet turned out to be a majestic vessel, serving as Slug's royal palace. Ruling over the universe as its king, Slug seized Gohan's dragon ball. Consequently, Gohan utilized Bulma's dragon ball to locate the remaining dragon balls.
Slug devised a scheme to harness the power of the dragon balls in order to regain his youth and embark on his conquest to dominate the world.
8. Dragon Ball Z: Cooler’s Revenge
Dragon Ball Z: Cooler's Revenge is set after the battle on planet Namek before the Android conflict. The movie is the debut of Frieza's younger brother Cooler, who invades Earth to avenge his brother's death.
The story begins when Goku and his friends are camping. Suddenly, they were ambushed by Cooler's army. Goku is seriously injured while protecting Gohan from the explosion released by Cooler.
Later, they escaped and went into hiding. Dissatisfied, Cooler restarted the hunt to find Goku. He didn't stop until he could kill Goku for his revenge plan.
9. Dragon Ball Z: The Return of Cooler
This movie still tells the story of the antagonist Cooler. As implied by the title, Cooler makes a reappearance in this film. However, this time he aligns himself with the Big Gete Star and attempts to launch an attack on the planet New Namek.
A mysterious entity known as the Big Gete Star absorbs energy from the planet New Namek, placing everyone on the planet in grave danger. Dende, the guardian of New Namek, becomes aware of the situation and urgently seeks assistance from Goku and his friends.
Upon reaching New Namek, Goku and his friends discover that the inhabitants are being held captive by formidable robots under Cooler's command. Cooler mentions that the Big Gete Star can grant him salvation from death, prompting him to launch an assault on Goku and his friends in an attempt to eliminate them permanently.
10. Dragon Ball Z: Super Android 13!
The movie is set in a parallel world amidst the ongoing android conflict. Dr. Gero, a deranged scientist, clandestinely engineers androids utilizing his advanced supercomputer. He relentlessly pursues his ambition of crafting androids capable of eliminating Goku and eradicating humanity.
Dr. Gero successfully resurrects his milk androids, numbered as #13, #14, and #15. Subsequently, they swiftly proceed to Goku's location.
Upon arrival, the androids promptly launch a ferocious assault on Goku, intent on terminating him. However, Goku, joined by Trunks and Vegeta, valiantly counterattacks in a concerted effort to defend themselves.
11. Dragon Ball Z: Broly - The Legendary Super Saiyan
This movie introduces Broly, who is one of the legendary Super Saiyan characters. The film also narrates the initial conflict that transpired between the Z Fighters and Broly.
Upon sensing the destruction of the Southern galaxy by the Super Saiyan, King Kai becomes aware that the Northern galaxy will be the next target. Subsequently, he employs telepathy to relay this information.
Goku embarks on an investigation into the destruction of the Southern galaxy. Meanwhile, Vegeta has recently been designated as the new king by the alien army. He also becomes aware of the rampant spread of the Super Saiyan legend throughout the galaxy.
With Trunks, Krillin, Master Roshi, and Oolong accompanying them, Vegeta and Gohan try to thwart the legend.
12. Dragon Ball Z: Bojack Unbound
Bojack, voiced by the original voice actor Kōhei Miyauchi before his passing two years later, served as the primary antagonist in the movie.
The tale commences with a prosperous family orchestrating an intergalactic martial arts tournament on Earth, attracting Z Fighter and various extraterrestrial combatants. Unfortunately, circumstances take a turn for the worse when Bojack, a space pirate, leads a group of warriors in seizing control of the event.
In an effort to thwart Bojack's plot to conquer the planet, the Z Fighters unite, discovering along the way that his release from prison was orchestrated by his devoted followers.
13. Dragon Ball Z: Broly-Second Coming
This film serves as a sequel to Dragon Ball Z: Broly - The Legendary Super Saiyan. Similar to its predecessor, Broly returns to battle the Z Fighters. Defeated by Goku, Broly lands on Earth and enters a state of hibernation.
Seven years later, Goten, Trunks, and Videl embark on a quest for the mystical Dragon Balls. Unintentionally, Broly awakens due to Goten's shout while he was in hibernation.
As the trio rests, a loud explosion draws Videl's attention. She encounters Broly and attempts to fight him, but suffers defeat. Goten and Trunks join the battle, only to find themselves outmatched by the fierce Broly. Gohan arrives shortly after, striving to rescue Goten, Trunks, and Videl, and confronts the legendary Saiyan Broly on his own.
14. Dragon Ball Z: Bio-Broly
Dragon Ball Z: Bio-Broly is the 3rd movie that shows the character Broly. However, Broly in this movie is just a genetic clone called Bio-Broly. The movie tells the story of a mad scientist who took the remnants of Broly's Saiyan DNA and turned him into Bio-Broly.
Trunk, Goten and Android #18, are ordered to stop the rampaging Bio-Broly. They also try to figure out the evil plans of the mad scientist, Dr. Collie.
After finding out, it turns out that Bio-Broly is a more powerful and terrifying threat than they thought. An epic battle between the Z Fighters and Bio-Broly ensues. They fight to save the earth from Dr. Collie's evil plan.
15. Dragon Ball Z: Fusion Reborn
Dragon Ball Z: Fusion Reborn depicts the turmoil that unfolded between the realms of the living and the dead, causing chaos in both worlds. Gogeta, formed by the merging of Goku and Vegeta in their deceased states, confronts the formidable Janemba, who wreaks havoc.
In their initial encounter, Gogeta triumphs over Janemba, restoring harmony between the living and the dead realms. Unfortunately, disorder resurfaces as Frieza and various other villains return from the afterlife. Now, Gogeta and the Z Fighter heroes must once again battle to prevent the world's destruction.
16. Dragon Ball Z: Wrath of the Dragon
In Dragon Ball Z: Wrath of the Dragon, the story unfolds after the battle with Kid Buu. Hoi, an evil wizard, plans to release the dangerous creature Hirudegarn upon the earth. The Z Fighters come across a music box and are instructed to open it with a dragon ball.
Inside the box, they discover Tapion, a warrior who had been sealed alongside Hirudegarn. A chain of mysterious events then endangers the world's safety. The Z Fighters unite to confront Hirudegarn, but its immense power leads Goku to seek Tapion's assistance in finding a way to defeat the monster.
17. Dragon Ball: The Path to Power
Dragon Ball: The Path to Power is a rebooted film adaptation of the Dragon Ball anime series, created to celebrate its 10th anniversary. Serving as the final theatrical release before Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods in 2013, the movie retells Goku's childhood adventures and his first encounter with Bulma.
It also explores the Red Ribbon Army's involvement, with Goku being discovered by them this time. Together, Goku and Bulma embark on a quest to gather the seven dragon balls, encountering various characters and Red Ribbon soldiers along their journey.
18. Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods
In Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods, set in chapter 517 of the manga, Beerus the God of Destruction discovers that Goku defeated the ruler Frieza. Seeking a worthy opponent, Beerus journeys to the Northern Galaxy with his partner, Whis and challenges Goku.
However, Goku's strength falls short of Beerus' expectations, prompting the decision to destroy Earth. In a united effort, Goku and the Z Fighters fight back, with Goku attempting to tap into the legendary Super Saiyan God's power to save the planet.
19. Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection ‘F’
This movie shows the return of Frieza who attacks earth. He is an old villain who was previously defeated by Goku and friends. Frieza is resurrected with dragon balls to avenge Goku. Earth's peace is short-lived when the rest of Frieza's army returns. They are led by Sorbet and his right-hand man, Tagoma.
In their attempt to revive their master Frieza, they attempted to summon Shen Long. After Frieza is revived, his deep hatred for Goku and Trunks resurfaces. Fueled by vengeance, he vows to finish them off with his own hands and is determined to surpass Goku's strength through intense training.
20. Dragon Ball Super: Broly
Dragon Ball Super: Broly is the first movie to take branding from the Dragon Ball Super series. Set after the events of the Universal Survival saga, the movie follows Goku and Vegeta who meet Broly, the legendary Saiyan; as well as the backstory of the three Saiyans who have different destinies. The history relates to the upheaval of their race and the culmination of the battle.
Several years after Broly's exile, Goku and Vegeta are believed to be the last survivors of the Saiyan race. They are busy training on a remote island, until their old enemy Frieza shows up. Frieza then introduces his new allies, Paragus and Broly, who are extremely powerful and cause an epic battle.
21. Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero
Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero, the second film under the Dragon Ball Super franchise, stands out as the first to utilize 3D animation. The plot centers around Piccolo and his former disciple, Gohan, who join forces to protect the world from the destructive return of the Red Ribbon army.
In this movie, Piccolo takes on the role of the main protagonist for the first time. The narrative commences with Magenta, the son of the Red Ribbon Army, striving to defeat Goku. Seeking assistance, Magenta enlists the help of Dr. Gero, a scientist consumed by his fascination with superheroes.
Meanwhile, Goku and Vegeta engage in training activities away from Earth. During their absence, Piccolo assumes the responsibility of mentoring Pan, Gohan's young daughter, much like he did with Gohan. As Gohan focuses on his academic pursuits, Piccolo and Gohan reunite to confront the imminent threat posed by Gamma 1-gou and Gamma 2-gou.
That's the end of the Dragon Ball anime movie sequence from time to time. Each story is fun to watch especially when you have enough free time to relax. So, which Dragon Ball movie do you want to watch?