The Best Order to Watch Dragon Ball: A Complete Guide Currently, Dragon Ball is one of the most popular anime that Akira Toriyama created. It’s actually a colossal body of work consisting of several series, movies and specials – it’s got all the epic fights, heroes, anti-heroes and moments crammed into one epic experience. Still, it might get rather hectic because there are many more than three main series that can be regarded as being canonical, the series was reissued with improved graphics and side games that don’t belong to the main story with dragon ball z timeline.
In this blog, it is described which series of Dragon Ball is best ordered to watch, why it is better to do this, and some details about the series and their place in the timetable of the show.
1. Dragon Ball (1986-1989)
Episodes: 153
IMDb Rating: 8.5/10
This is where Dragon Ball is started from with Goku being depicted as a kid at this young age. The series revolves around his transformation from an innocent pure heart boy to a Kung fu Master. The overall storyline is about Goku and his friends Bulma, Master Roshi, and Krillin in their quest for the Dragon Balls accompanied by foes such as the Red Ribbon Army and King Piccolo.
This series lays the backdrop and foundation for all that is to come after. It reveals who Goku is, his companions and what he wants. Therefore, Dragon Ball is darker but more realistic and less comical than the subsequent installments of the manga.
2. Dragon Ball Z (1989-1996)
Episodes: 291
IMDb Rating: 8.8/10
Picking up right after where the original Dragon Ball left off, Dragon Ball Z is where things get very serious. Goku discovers that he is a Saiyan, fights foes such as Frieza, Cell & Majin Buu & key concepts like Super Saiyan. This is the cosby-show that really brought the franchise into the mainstream.
However, since there’s Dragon Ball Z Kai, an enhanced version of DBZ, fans can opt for the original DBZ for its more enjoyable pacing and, importantly, the filler arcs. This series broadens the scope and let you understand the dragon ball z timeline. presents everyone’s favourite topic – power levels, and gives us some of the most iconic scenes in anime history.
3. Dragon Ball Z Kai (2009-2015)
IMDb Rating: 8.3/10
Episodes: 167
Dragon Ball Z Kai is a remastered version and edited form of Dragon Ball Z. Let it eliminate fluff, it allows the story to be more concise and adhere to the manga more than the anime did. If you are more into the faster tempos and the visuals this is definitely a good alternative for the original Dragon Ball Z.
There are people even if they have watched the series of Dragon Ball Z, and revisit the Dragon Ball Kai is a different thing altogether due to its enhanced graphics and in addition to that it has left out elongated parts of the story.
4. Dragon Ball Daima (2024-Present)
IMDb Rating: 8.2/10
Episodes: 20 (ongoing)
To be specific, Dragon Ball Daima is the newest creation from the ongoing Dragon Ball saga after Dragon Ball Z. The last one is depicting Goku and friends turned again into children and going to the Demon Realm to fight a new enemy. It is part of the story proper when done by the author Akira Toriyama.
Dragon Ball Daima is directly connected to the topics of the show and progresses immediately after Dragon Ball Z. Oddly enough, the story tries to combine two elements of nostalgia by recapping Goku’s childhood state while bringing in a little contemporary flair.
5. Dragon Ball Super (2015-2018)
Episodes: 131
IMDb Rating: 8.3/10
Dragon Ball Super supplements events after Dragon Ball Z along with new gods, universes and villains. In terms of animation the series portrays improved dynamic action and most importantly introduces monstrous battles changing the equation of power between protagonist and antagonist in the DragonBall series. Key arcs are the Universe 6 Tournament arc, Goku Black arc, and the Universe Survival arc.
6. Dragon Ball GT (1996-1997)
Episodes: 64
IMDb Rating: 6.8/10
Basically, the series Dragon Ball GT is a sequel to the DBZ series and is a non-canon series. It redeploys Goku as a kid using the Black Star Dragon Balls and space travelling endeavors are dealt with. Key villains include Baby, Super 17, and Omega Shenron.
Only loosely connected to the main events, Dragon Ball GT offers new characters, situations, World of preparations, and the highly contested yet interesting Super Saiyan 4 form. They are basically a “what if” type of series which is entertaining for dedicated fans.
7. Movies and TV specials in the universe of Dragon Ball
Dragon Ball has had over 20 movies, most of which are not canon, however they are all great fun. Here’s a suggested viewing order for the canonical films that can help with dragon ball z timeline
1. Battle of Gods (2013)
Introduce Beerus and the concept of Super Saiyan God through this episode.
2. Resurrection ‘F’ (2015)
Includes the comeback of Frieza in his golden form.
3. Dragon Ball Super: Broly (2018)
Retelling the Story of Broly’s origin. Now canon.
These are exciting to watch because they give extra information about the Dragon Ball world and some awesome fights in high quality animation.
8. Super Dragon Ball Heroes (2018-2024)
Episodes: 56
Said promotional mini-series is tied to the Dragon Ball Heroes video game. It has different timelines, bust-art fights, and non- canon power-ups such as Ultra Instinct Vegito, and Super Saiyan 4 Goku.
Even though it is not the primary plot of the Dragon Ball history, Super Dragon Ball Heroes are fun and watchful because of fight scenes and some characters’ ideas. I think it is great for fans because they can get even more material.
Suggested Viewing Order Overview
- 1. Dragon Ball (1986-1989)
- 2. Dragon Ball Z (1989-1996)
- 3. Dragon Ball Z Kai (2009-2015)
- 4. Dragon Ball Daima – (2024 – Present)
- 5. Dragon Ball Super (2015-2018)
- 6. Dragon Ball GT (1996-1997)
- 7. Dragon Ball Movies (Canon films in order)
- 8. Super Dragon Ball Heroes (2018 – now)
Why This Order Works
Chronological Progression: We are to understand the sequence of events which gives a flow to a series, and watching Dragon Ball and then going to sequels provide.
Canonical Consistency: It is important not to mix one series with another, especially with a side story like GT and Super Dragon Ball Heroes.
Modern Enhancements: Adding remasters such as Dragon Ball Z Kai makes for a more enjoyable watch for new viewers.
Dragon Ball is one of those franchises that I believe anyone could pick up and follow because it is an incredible journey. It may be better to watch this in order, from scratch, that is from Goku’s less than beginnings to the newly expanded multiverse. Created for both newcomers to the series, and those who have watched the anime since childhood, Dragon Ball can be wholly appreciated if you stick to this guide.