How To Watch The Dragon Ball Series In Order
Alright, you're ready to dive headfirst into the world of Dragon Ball! Awesome! But with so many transformations, power-ups, and screaming matches, knowing where to start can feel like trying to find a Senzu Bean in a field of jelly beans.
Fear not, aspiring Saiyan! This guide is your trusty Dragon Radar, pointing you straight to the correct viewing order. No need to wish upon Shenron for clarity; we've got you covered.
The Original Recipe: Dragon Ball (1986-1989)
First up, we have the OG, the grandpappy, the one that started it all: just plain old Dragon Ball. This is where you meet little Goku with his monkey tail, Bulma searching for the Dragon Balls, and all the quirky characters that make the series so darn charming.
Must Read
Think of it like learning to ride a bike. It might seem a little slow at first, but trust me, it's the foundation for all the high-flying action to come!
Power Up Time: Dragon Ball Z (1989-1996)
Next, prepare for some serious screaming! This is Dragon Ball Z, where Goku grows up, learns he's an alien (plot twist!), and fights increasingly powerful villains threatening the entire planet. This is the good stuff.
From Vegeta's iconic "It's over 9000!" to Frieza's chilling ruthlessness, Dragon Ball Z is where the legendary battles are fought. Get ready for some serious Kamehameha action!
A Quick Pit Stop: Dragon Ball GT (1996-1997) - Optional
Now, things get a little… controversial. Dragon Ball GT is considered non-canon by some, meaning it wasn't written by the original creator, Akira Toriyama (although he did some designs).
Think of it like that weird family recipe that nobody really likes but someone always brings to the party anyway. Some people enjoy it, some people skip it entirely. It's your call!
Back to Canon: Dragon Ball Super (2015-2018)
Alright, back on track! Dragon Ball Super picks up where Dragon Ball Z left off, ignoring the events of GT. We're talking Gods of Destruction, alternate universes, and transformations that make Super Saiyan look like child's play. Think Super Saiyan God Super Saiyan, also known as Super Saiyan Blue.
This is like upgrading from a bicycle to a rocket ship. The animation is slick, the fights are epic, and the stakes are higher than ever. Prepare to have your mind blown!
Movies: Sprinkle Throughout!
The Dragon Ball universe also includes a bunch of movies! These movies often offer side stories and fun adventures that don't necessarily fit into the main storyline.
Treat them like delicious toppings on your Dragon Ball sundae! Some are better than others, but they're generally a fun way to spend a couple of hours with your favorite characters.
Where to sprinkle them? It's generally best to watch the movies that fit within the timeline of the series you're currently watching. For example, watch Dragon Ball Z movies after certain sagas are complete.
In Summary: Your Viewing Order
So, to recap, here's the super simple viewing order to become a Dragon Ball master:
- Dragon Ball
- Dragon Ball Z
- Dragon Ball GT (Optional)
- Dragon Ball Super
- Sprinkle in the movies where they fit best!
Now go forth, young Saiyan, and immerse yourself in the incredible world of Dragon Ball! Just remember to pace yourself, stay hydrated, and maybe invest in some earplugs for all the yelling. You're in for one heck of a ride!
