With almost four decades of history, the phenomenon created by Akira Toriyama can be intimidating and even confusing for casual or newly initiated viewers. And within the chronology of the animated universe of dragon ball coexist numerous series, more than twenty films, numerous OVAs (original video animations) and television specials. Not to mention that several stories and characters still generate intense debates among fans regarding their validity within the canon.
Next, we carry out a general review of all the main productions that make up the anime franchise, according to their release date in Japan. We break down each series by sagas, films and their most notable special chapters, as well as where they can be found on digital platforms in Mexico (and for several Latin American countries). Later, we offer you a proposal to see only those titles that are essential to understand the official canon of the saga.
Chronology of all the sagas and movies dragon ball (by release date)
dragon ball
The series where it all started. A young girl named Bulma is in search of the mystical Dragon Balls that, it is rumored, can grant any wish. Along the way, she meets a peculiar orphan boy named Goku, and they both embark on a journey that will forever change the fate of the universe. The classic series ends with Goku's unforgettable battle against Piccolo Jr. in the 23rd World Martial Arts Tournament, and his marriage to Milk.
Composed of 153 episodes broadcast between 1986 and 1989, the anime adapted the first 194 chapters of Akira Toriyama's manga. In the world of cinema, the original series inspired a total of four films that tell alternate versions of the story we all know.
sagas
- Emperor Pilaf.
- 21st World Martial Arts Tournament.
- Red Patrol Army.
- The Palace of Uranai Baba.
- 22nd World Martial Arts Tournament.
- Piccolo Daimaku.
- 23rd World Martial Arts Tournament.
Where to watch the classic series dragon ball? Available in Crunchyroll.
Films
- The legend of the dragon Shenlong (1986) | Available in Prime Video
- The sleeping princess in the castle evil spirit (1987) | Available in Prime Video
- mystical adventure (1988) | Available in Prime Video
- the way to power (1996) | Available in Prime Video
Continue reading: dragon ball, cronology and where to watch all the series and movies.
Dragon Ball Z
Considered by many fans to be the golden era of the franchise. dragon ball Z is packed with the battles, villains, and epic moments that made Akira Toriyama's universe the global pop culture phenomenon it is today. The 291 chapters broadcast between 1989 and 1996 adapted the remaining 26 compilation volumes of the manga.
Likewise, the series inspired 15 films; However, the vast majority are not considered part of the official canon because they did not have the participation of Akira Toriyama. The only exceptions are The battle of the gods (2013) and Frieza's resurrection (2015), whose plots would be taken up in the sequel series Dragon Ball Super.
Here it is also worth mentioning Dragon Ball Z Kaia renewed version launched within the framework of the twentieth anniversary of Dragon Ball Z. The series offers remastered images in high definition; re-recorded voices and sound effects; new openings, endings and soundtrack; and more strictly follows the manga's plot, eliminating all original content created for the first anime. Kai It ended with a total of 167 episodes broadcast between 2009 and 2015.
sagas
- The Saiyans.
- Frieza.
- Garlick Jr.
- The androids and Cell.
- Majin Boo.
Where to see? Dragon Ball Z in Crunchyroll (complete) and Prime Video (117 episodes) | Dragon Ball Z Kai on Crunchyroll and HBO Max
Films
- Give me back my Gohan!! (1989) | Available in Crunchyroll and Prime Video
- The World's strongest man (1990) | Available in Crunchyroll and Prime Video
- The decisive battle of the Earth (1990) | Available in Crunchyroll and Prime Video
- Goku is a Super Saiyan (1991) | Available in Crunchyroll and Prime Video
- The most powerful rivals (1991) | Available in Crunchyroll and Prime Video
- The most powerful warriors (1992) | Available in Crunchyroll and Prime Video
- The fight of the three Saiyans (1992) | Available in Crunchyroll and Prime Video
- The invincible power (1993) | Available in Crunchyroll and Prime Video
- The galaxy is in danger (1993) | Available in Crunchyroll and Prime Video
- Return of the legendary warrior (1994) | Available in Crunchyroll and Prime Video
- The final combat (1994) | Available in Crunchyroll and Prime Video
- The fusion of Goku and Vegeta (1995) | Available in Crunchyroll and Prime Video
- dragon attack (1995) | Available in Crunchyroll and Prime Video
- The battle of the gods (2013) | Available on Blu-ray on Amazon
- Frieza's resurrection (2015) | Available on Blu-ray on Amazon
*For now, The battle of the gods and Frieza's resurrection are not available even in streaming nor in digital rent/purchase in Mexico.
Featured Specials
- Frieza's battle against Goku's father (1990) | Available in Prime Video
- The two warriors of the future: Gohan and Trunks (1993) | Available in Prime Video
Continue reading: dragon ball, cronology and where to watch all the series and movies.
Dragon Ball GT
Set 10 years after the end of Dragon Ball Z, this series begins when Pilaf and his minions find the seven “Ultimate Dragon Balls” that were hidden in the Temple of Kamisama. Unfortunately, the villain becomes nervous in Goku's presence and wishes that Goku would be a child again. Now, Goku must embark on an interstellar journey to recover said Dragon Balls or else the Earth will explode within a year.
It is the first series in the franchise that was not based on a manga saga, but rather was intended as an exclusive original sequel to the anime, which is why it was never considered canon. The series ended with 64 episodes between 1996 and 1997.
sagas
- The great journey.
- Baby.
- Super Android Number 17.
- The Dark Dragons.
Where to see dragon ball G.T.? Available in Crunchyroll.
Featured Specials
- The legendary four-star sphere (1997).
*At the moment it is not available in streaming, nor in digital rent/purchase in Mexico.
Continue reading: dragon ball, cronology and where to watch all the series and movies.
Dragon Ball Super
Official sequel to Dragon Ball Z. After recapping the events of the movies The battle of the gods (2013) and Frieza's resurrection (2015), the series shows us the new battles of Goku and Vegeta, as they try to master their new god-like powers under the supervision of the God of Destruction, Beerus.
Dragon Ball Super It ended with 131 episodes that aired between 2015 and 2018, but it is expected that the rest of the adventures seen in the manga of the same name written by Akira Toriyama and illustrated by Toyotarou will eventually continue to be adapted.
sagas
- Battle of the gods.
- Frieza's resurrection.
- Universe Tournament 6.
- Goku Black.
- Tournament of Power.
- Prisoners of the Galactic Patrol (Pending adaptation).
- The Granola Survivor (Pending adaptation).
Where to see dragon ball Super? Available in Crunchyroll.
Films
- Dragon Ball Super: Broly (2018) | Available on Blu-ray on Amazon
- Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero (2022) | Available in Crunchyroll and Prime Video
*For now Broly are not available even in streaming nor in digital rent/purchase in Mexico.
Continue reading: dragon ball, cronology and where to watch all the series and movies.
Dragon Ball Daima
This new series will see Goku, Vegeta and other characters from the saga become smaller than usual due to a Shenlong wish made by mysterious characters. The anime will take place sometime after the end of Dragon Ball Z and before the beginning of Dragon Ball Super. Akira Toriyama is credited with the story and character designs of the new anime.
When it premieres? The new series will arrive in eastern fall 2024; that is, at some point between the months of October and December. It is not yet confirmed which platforms it will be available on.
In what order to watch dragon ball?
Is there a single and definitive order to enjoy the franchise dragon ball? Most fans agree to consider only those based on the original manga or those that had direct participation by Akira Toriyama in its creation as official canon productions.
In that sense, to follow the main plot line of the saga it will be enough to watch the series in order. dragon ball, Dragon Ball Z and Dragon Ball Super. In the latter case, the films Broly (2018) and super hero (2022) are also considered part of the main continuity as they have scripts signed by Toriyama himself. It remains to be seen how relevant it will be. Dragon Ball Daima to also add it to this chronology.
As optional viewings that can enrich your knowledge of the series, the specials are accepted Frieza's battle against Goku's father (1990) and The two warriors of the future: Gohan and Trunks (1993).
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Staff Cinema PREMIERE This text was conceived, created and developed at the same time by a team of experts working in harmony. All together. One letter each.