Anime fan for 15 years. Covers shonen, seasonal previews, and the occasional deep dive.
Dragon Ball is the anime that started it all for millions of fans. But with four main series, 20+ movies, and multiple specials spanning four decades, the watch order is genuinely confusing. Kai or Z? Where do the movies go? Is GT canon? What about Daima?
Here's the definitive Dragon Ball watch order. No confusion, no contradictions.
The quick answer
Watch in this order: Dragon Ball → Dragon Ball Z (or Kai) → Dragon Ball Super → Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero → Dragon Ball Daima. Skip GT unless you're curious. Most movies are non-canon fun.
The complete Dragon Ball watch order
| Series | Episodes | Type | Notes |
|--------|----------|------|-------|
| Dragon Ball | 1–153 | Canon | Kid Goku's origin. Essential. |
| Dragon Ball Z | 1–291 | Canon | Or watch Dragon Ball Kai (159 eps, same story, less filler) |
| Dragon Ball Super | 1–131 | Canon | Continues after DBZ. Gods, tournaments, multiverse. |
| Dragon Ball Super: Broly (movie) | — | Canon | Watch after DBS episode 131 |
| Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero (movie) | — | Canon | Watch after Broly |
| Dragon Ball Daima (2024) | 1–20 | Canon | Latest series, set between Z and Super |
Dragon Ball Z vs Dragon Ball Kai — which should I watch?
This is the most common question. Here's the simple answer:
Dragon Ball Kai is a remastered, recut version of DBZ with filler removed and updated voice acting. It tells the exact same story in 159 episodes instead of 291.
- Watch Kai if: You want the tightest experience, you're new to anime, or you don't have time for 291 episodes
- Watch Z if: You want the original experience, you enjoy slower pacing, or you grew up with the Faulconer soundtrack (English dub)
Both are valid. Kai is objectively better-paced; Z has more nostalgic value.
Where does Dragon Ball GT fit?
GT is not canon. It was made without creator Akira Toriyama's direct involvement and has been superseded by Dragon Ball Super. That said, it has its fans and some genuinely emotional moments (the final episode is beautiful).
Watch GT if: You've finished everything else and want more Dragon Ball. Place it after DBZ and before DBS in an alternate timeline.
Where do the movies fit in?
Most Dragon Ball movies exist in their own continuity and don't fit neatly into the timeline. The canon movies are:
- 1Dragon Ball Super: Broly (2018) — Canon. After DBS episode 131.
- 2Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero (2022) — Canon. After Broly.
- 3Battle of Gods and Resurrection 'F' — Retold in DBS episodes 1–27. Watch either the movies OR the episodes, not both. (Episodes have more detail; movies have better animation.)
All other movies (Dead Zone, Tree of Might, Cooler's Revenge, etc.) are fun standalone adventures but non-canon.
Where to watch Dragon Ball
- Crunchyroll — Dragon Ball Super, Dragon Ball Daima
- Funimation/Crunchyroll — DBZ, DB, Kai (dubbed)
- Netflix — Dragon Ball Daima in some regions
- Hulu — DB, DBZ, DBS (US)
How long will this take?
| Route | Episodes | Time |
|-------|----------|------|
| Essential canon (DB + Kai + DBS + movies) | ~443 episodes + 2 movies | ~165 hours |
| Full Z route (DB + DBZ + DBS + movies) | ~575 episodes + 2 movies | ~215 hours |
| Completionist (everything) | ~700+ episodes + all movies | ~270+ hours |
Frequently asked questions
Can I skip original Dragon Ball and start with Z?
You can, but you'll miss Goku's entire childhood, the origin of his friendships, and some of the series' best storytelling. Dragon Ball is shorter and more comedic — give it a chance.
Is Dragon Ball Daima worth watching?
Yes. It's the last project Akira Toriyama worked on before his passing, and it's a love letter to the original Dragon Ball's adventure spirit. The animation is gorgeous and it adds genuine lore to the series.
Should I watch Dragon Ball dubbed or subbed?
Dragon Ball is one of the few anime where the dub is arguably more iconic than the sub, at least for DBZ. Sean Schemmel's Goku is legendary. The sub gives you Masako Nozawa's original performance, which is equally iconic in a completely different way. Both are great.
What's the best Dragon Ball saga for newcomers?
The Saiyan Saga (DBZ episodes 1–35 / Kai episodes 1–17) is the perfect test. If you're hooked after Goku vs Vegeta, you'll love the rest.
Looking for anime with the same epic battle energy? Check out [anime like Demon Slayer](/blog/anime-like-demon-slayer) for shows with stunning fight animation.
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