If you have ever typed “Dragon Ball watch order” into a search engine and immediately felt your eyes glaze over at the results, you are not alone. The Dragon Ball franchise is one of the most beloved anime and manga series in history, but it is also one of the most confusing to navigate. Multiple TV series, dozens of movies, a handful of specials, a remastered version, a non-canon sequel, and a brand-new 2024 series that was the final creative work of the late, great Akira Toriyama — it is a lot to take in before you even press play on episode one.
This guide cuts through all of that noise. Whether you are a complete newcomer who just wants to know where to start, or a returning fan trying to figure out where Dragon Ball Daima fits in, this is the only Dragon Ball watch order guide you need. No spoilers, no filler debates that go on for three paragraphs, just a clear, sensible path through one of anime’s greatest franchises.
The Dragon Ball Franchise at a Glance
Before jumping into the order, it helps to understand what you are actually dealing with. The Dragon Ball franchise began as a manga by Akira Toriyama, serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump from 1984 to 1995. The anime adaptations started in 1986 and have continued, in various forms, all the way to 2025. Here is a quick breakdown of the main series:
- Dragon Ball (1986–1989): 153 episodes. The original series following young Goku’s adventures.
- Dragon Ball Z (1989–1996): 291 episodes. The iconic sequel that most people think of when they hear “Dragon Ball.”
- Dragon Ball Z Kai (2009–2015): 159 episodes. A remastered, filler-free version of Dragon Ball Z.
- Dragon Ball GT (1996–1997): 64 episodes. An anime-original sequel not written by Toriyama. Non-canon.
- Dragon Ball Super (2015–2018): 131 episodes. The official canonical sequel to Dragon Ball Z.
- Dragon Ball Daima (2024–2025): 20 episodes. Toriyama’s final work, set after the Buu arc.
On top of those six series, there are 21 animated theatrical films, several TV specials, and one live-action movie that we will not speak of again in polite company. The good news: you do not need to watch all of it. The better news: this guide tells you exactly what matters and what you can safely skip.
The Recommended Dragon Ball Watch Order (Canon Path)
This is the path most fans and critics recommend for first-time viewers. It follows the official canonical story as Akira Toriyama intended it, skipping non-canon side stories and keeping the experience focused and coherent.
1. Dragon Ball (1986) — 153 Episodes
Start here. Dragon Ball introduces Goku as a young boy with a monkey tail, superhuman strength, and absolutely no idea what a girl is. He meets Bulma, who is searching for the seven magical Dragon Balls that can grant any wish, and the two set off on an adventure that quickly expands into martial arts tournaments, dangerous villains, and a world that is equal parts goofy and genuinely exciting.
This series establishes the core characters, the rules of the world, and the relationships that will matter for the next several hundred episodes. Skipping it is technically possible, but you will miss the foundation that makes Dragon Ball Z hit so much harder emotionally. Goku’s friendships, his rivalry with Yamcha, his bond with Krillin, his relationship with his grandfather Gohan — all of it starts here.
The tone is lighter and more comedic than what comes later, which some newcomers find surprising. Stick with it. The payoff is worth it.
2. Dragon Ball Z or Dragon Ball Z Kai (1989–1996 / 2009–2015)
This is where the franchise shifts gears dramatically. Goku is now an adult with a son named Gohan, and the threats facing Earth have escalated from “powerful martial artist” to “alien warlords who can destroy planets.” Dragon Ball Z is the series that defined a generation of anime fans worldwide, and for good reason.
Here is the key decision you need to make: Dragon Ball Z or Dragon Ball Z Kai?
Dragon Ball Z is the original 291-episode run. It has filler arcs, slower pacing, and the kind of extended power-up sequences that became legendary memes. There is a genuine charm to the original pacing, and many fans who grew up with it have deep affection for those slower moments.
Dragon Ball Z Kai is a remastered version released in 2009 that cuts the episode count from 291 to 159 by removing filler content and tightening the pacing to match the original manga more closely. The animation is cleaned up, the audio is remastered, and the story moves at a much brisker pace. For newcomers, Kai is generally the better choice.
Either version covers the same essential story: the Saiyan Saga, the Frieza Saga, the Android and Cell Saga, and the Buu Saga. These are some of the most iconic story arcs in anime history.
2a. Insert: Dragon Ball Z: The History of Trunks (Special, 1993)
After completing the Cell Saga (or the equivalent point in Kai), watch this TV special. It adapts a canonical manga chapter showing the dark alternate future that Future Trunks comes from. It is genuinely moving, surprisingly dark for Dragon Ball, and adds real emotional weight to Trunks as a character. It is short (about 50 minutes) and absolutely worth your time.
3. Dragon Ball Daima (2024–2025) — 20 Episodes
After finishing Dragon Ball Z or Kai (specifically after the Buu arc concludes), watch Dragon Ball Daima. This 20-episode series is set in the main canonical timeline, shortly after the defeat of Majin Buu. It was the final creative project that Akira Toriyama worked on before his passing in March 2024, making it a genuinely significant piece of the franchise’s history.
Daima takes the franchise in a fresh direction while staying true to its roots. It is available on Crunchyroll and Netflix. Watch it here, before Dragon Ball Super, as its events take place earlier in the timeline.
4. Dragon Ball Super (2015–2018) — 131 Episodes
Dragon Ball Super is the official canonical sequel to Dragon Ball Z, set during the 10-year time skip shown at the end of Z. It introduces new concepts like the multiverse, the Gods of Destruction, and the Tournament of Power, which is one of the most entertaining extended arcs the franchise has ever produced.
A note for completionists: the first two arcs of Dragon Ball Super (the Battle of Gods arc and the Resurrection ‘F’ arc) cover the same events as the two films of the same names. The films are slightly better paced and have higher production quality, but the anime versions are perfectly fine. You do not need to watch both.
5. Dragon Ball Super: Broly (2018)
This film is fully canonical and was written by Akira Toriyama himself. It reimagines the character of Broly, who previously existed only in non-canon films, and integrates him into the official story in a way that is genuinely spectacular. The animation is some of the best the franchise has ever produced. Watch it after finishing the Dragon Ball Super anime series.
6. Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero (2022)
The most recent canonical Dragon Ball film shifts the spotlight away from Goku and Vegeta and puts Gohan and Piccolo front and center. It uses a different animation style (CG-heavy) that divided fans initially but has grown on many viewers. It is a fun, character-driven story that expands the lore in interesting ways. Watch it after Broly.
What About Dragon Ball GT?
Dragon Ball GT is the elephant in the room for any Dragon Ball watch order discussion. Here is the honest answer: GT is not canon. It was produced by Toei Animation without direct involvement from Akira Toriyama, and the events of Dragon Ball Super effectively replaced it as the official continuation of the story.
That said, GT is not without its fans. The final arc, the Shadow Dragon Saga, has some genuinely emotional moments, and the series finale is one of the most bittersweet endings in anime. If you finish the canonical path and want more Dragon Ball, GT is there waiting for you. Just go in knowing it exists in its own separate timeline and does not affect the main story.
If you want to watch it, do so after Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero.
The Non-Canon Movies: A Quick Guide
There are 13 classic Dragon Ball Z theatrical films, and the vast majority of them are non-canon side stories. They were produced during the original run of the anime and typically served as standalone adventures that do not fit neatly into the main timeline. That does not mean they are bad — several of them are genuinely entertaining action showcases — but they are optional viewing.
Here are a few worth knowing about:
- Dragon Ball Z: Fusion Reborn (1995): A fan favorite for its wild premise and some genuinely funny moments. Great for fans who want more after finishing Z.
- Dragon Ball Z: Broly – The Legendary Super Saiyan (1993): The original non-canon Broly film. Broly became so popular that Toriyama eventually created a canonical version. Worth watching for historical context after you finish the main series.
- Dragon Ball Z: Cooler’s Revenge (1991): A solid action film featuring Frieza’s brother. Fun, but not essential.
- Dragon Ball Z: Wrath of the Dragon (1995): One of the more emotionally resonant non-canon films. Worth a watch for fans who want more Z-era content.
As for Dragonball Evolution (2009), the live-action Hollywood adaptation: it exists. That is all we will say about it.
Where to Watch Dragon Ball
Most of the Dragon Ball franchise is available on Crunchyroll, which has the original Dragon Ball, Dragon Ball Z, Dragon Ball Z Kai, Dragon Ball GT, Dragon Ball Super, and Dragon Ball Daima. Netflix also carries Dragon Ball Daima. The Dragon Ball Super films (Broly and Super Hero) are available for digital rental or purchase on most major platforms.
If you prefer dubbed versions, Funimation produced the English dubs for most of the series, and those dubs are available through Crunchyroll as well.
Dragon Ball Watch Order: The Complete Summary
For easy reference, here is the full recommended canonical watch order:
- Dragon Ball (153 episodes)
- Dragon Ball Z or Dragon Ball Z Kai (291 or 159 episodes)
- After the Cell Saga: watch The History of Trunks special
- Dragon Ball Daima (20 episodes)
- Dragon Ball Super (131 episodes)
- Dragon Ball Super: Broly (film)
- Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero (film)
- Dragon Ball GT (64 episodes) — optional, non-canon
Frequently Asked Questions About the Dragon Ball Watch Order
Do I need to watch Dragon Ball before Dragon Ball Z?
Technically no, but practically yes. Many people start with Dragon Ball Z because it is more famous, and they get along fine. But watching the original Dragon Ball first gives you a much richer understanding of who Goku is, why his friendships matter, and what the world of the series feels like before the stakes escalated to planet-destroying levels. If you have the time, start from the beginning.
Should I watch Dragon Ball Z or Dragon Ball Z Kai?
For newcomers, Dragon Ball Z Kai is the better choice. It covers the same story in about half the episodes by cutting filler content and tightening the pacing. The original Dragon Ball Z has a certain nostalgic charm, but Kai is simply a more efficient way to experience the core story. Long-time fans often have strong opinions either way, but for a first watch, Kai wins.
Is Dragon Ball GT worth watching?
That depends on how much you love the franchise. GT is non-canon and was not created by Akira Toriyama, so it does not affect the main story at all. Some fans love it, particularly the final arc. Others find it a step down from the main series. Watch it after finishing the canonical path if you want more Dragon Ball and are not ready to say goodbye to these characters.
Where does Dragon Ball Daima fit in the timeline?
Dragon Ball Daima is set after the defeat of Majin Buu (the end of Dragon Ball Z) but before the events of Dragon Ball Super. Watch it after finishing Dragon Ball Z or Kai, before starting Dragon Ball Super. It is a 20-episode series and was the final project Akira Toriyama worked on before his death in March 2024.
Are the Dragon Ball Super movies (Broly and Super Hero) canon?
Yes, both are fully canonical. Dragon Ball Super: Broly was written by Akira Toriyama and is part of the official timeline. Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero is also canon and takes place after the events of Broly. Watch both after finishing the Dragon Ball Super anime series.
What about the classic Dragon Ball Z movies?
The 13 classic Dragon Ball Z theatrical films (Dead Zone through Wrath of the Dragon) are generally considered non-canon. They are fun side stories and action showcases, but they do not affect the main story. Watch them after finishing the main series if you want more content, or skip them entirely without missing anything essential.
How many episodes of Dragon Ball are there in total?
Across all the main series (Dragon Ball, Dragon Ball Z, Dragon Ball GT, Dragon Ball Super, and Dragon Ball Daima), there are roughly 650 episodes. If you watch Dragon Ball Z Kai instead of the original Z, you save about 130 episodes. The canonical path (Dragon Ball, Kai, Daima, Super) comes to around 463 episodes plus two films.
Is Dragon Ball Super better than Dragon Ball Z?
This is one of the great debates in the Dragon Ball fandom. Dragon Ball Z has the iconic arcs, the legendary transformations, and the nostalgia factor. Dragon Ball Super has better animation (especially in the Tournament of Power arc), more creative power systems, and a broader cast of characters. Most fans love both for different reasons. Watch Z first, then Super, and form your own opinion.
Ready to Start Your Dragon Ball Journey?
The Dragon Ball franchise has been entertaining fans for four decades, and it shows no signs of slowing down. From Goku’s first adventure as a kid with a tail to the multiverse-spanning battles of Dragon Ball Super, this is a series that rewards the time you put into it. The watch order might look intimidating at first glance, but once you break it down into its component parts, it is actually quite manageable.
Start with Dragon Ball, let yourself fall in love with these characters, and then follow the canonical path laid out above. By the time you reach Dragon Ball Daima, you will understand why so many fans consider it a genuinely moving send-off to Akira Toriyama’s life work.
Have questions about the Dragon Ball watch order, or a strong opinion about whether GT deserves more respect? Drop a comment below. And if this guide helped you figure out where to start, share it with a friend who has been putting off watching Dragon Ball for years. There is no better time than now.