Dragon Ball’s timeline is simpler than it seems—but the various series, movies, and alternate continuities still confuse newcomers. This guide clarifies what to watch, in what order, and what you can skip without missing essential content.
The Core Series (Required)
Dragon Ball (1986-1989, 153 Episodes)
Young Goku’s journey from martial arts prodigy to defender of Earth. This is where everything begins: the Dragon Balls, the World Martial Arts Tournament, the Red Ribbon Army, King Piccolo. The tone is more comedic and adventure-focused than later series.
Essential? Yes. Understanding Goku’s origins, relationships, and the world’s rules requires Dragon Ball. Skip only if you absolutely cannot tolerate older animation.
Dragon Ball Z (1989-1996, 291 Episodes)
The Saiyan Saga onward. Raditz reveals Goku’s alien origin; the series expands to cosmic scale. Frieza, Cell, Buu—the iconic villains appear here. This is what made Dragon Ball globally popular.
Essential? Absolutely. DBZ is the core Dragon Ball experience for most fans.
Alternative: Dragon Ball Z Kai (167 episodes) removes filler and improves pacing. Purists prefer Z; efficiency-seekers prefer Kai.
Dragon Ball Super (2015-2018, 131 Episodes)
The sequel series picking up after Buu’s defeat. Battle of Gods and Resurrection F arcs (also movies), Universe 6 Tournament, Future Trunks returns, Tournament of Power. New forms, new universes, new power scales.
Essential? For current Dragon Ball content, yes. Super is the ongoing story.
The Movies (Optional)
Non-Canon Movies
Most Dragon Ball movies are not canon—they do not fit the series timeline. This includes Broly’s original appearances, Cooler, Bojack, and many others. They are fun action showcases but narratively irrelevant.
Watch if: You want more Dragon Ball action. Skip if: You only care about the main story.
Canon Movies
Dragon Ball Super: Broly (2018): Reintroduces Broly as canon character. High production values, excellent fights. Required viewing for current Dragon Ball continuity.
Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero (2022): Focuses on Gohan and Piccolo. CGI animation style is divisive but the story is canon.
Watch: Both canon movies if you want complete Super continuity.
What You Can Skip
Dragon Ball GT (1996-1997, 64 Episodes)
Non-canon sequel to DBZ. Goku becomes a child; the series explores space before returning to Earth threats. Divisive among fans. Super effectively replaced it as the official continuation.
Skip? Generally yes, unless curiosity demands it. It is not part of the main continuity.
Filler Episodes
DBZ contains significant filler—episodes not from the manga that pad out runtime. The Garlic Jr. Saga, much of the Frieza fight’s episode count, and various training episodes are filler.
Solution: Watch DBZ Kai, which removes filler, or use a filler guide to skip non-essential episodes.
Recommended Watch Order
For Complete Experience
- Dragon Ball (153 episodes)
- Dragon Ball Z (291 episodes) OR Dragon Ball Z Kai (167 episodes)
- Dragon Ball Super: Battle of Gods arc (episodes 1-18) OR Movie
- Dragon Ball Super: Resurrection F arc (episodes 19-27) OR Movie
- Dragon Ball Super: Universe 6 through Tournament of Power (episodes 28-131)
- Dragon Ball Super: Broly (movie)
- Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero (movie)
- Dragon Ball DAIMA (currently airing)
For Efficiency
- Dragon Ball (skip filler with guide)
- Dragon Ball Z Kai
- Dragon Ball Super: Broly movie (skip first two Super arcs since movies cover them better)
- Dragon Ball Super (episodes 28-131)
- Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero
For Action Only
- Dragon Ball Z Kai (Saiyan through Cell Sagas, minimum)
- Dragon Ball Super (Tournament of Power arc, episodes 97-131)
- Dragon Ball Super: Broly
Understanding the Timeline
Age System
Dragon Ball uses “Age” dating system. Key events:
- Age 749: Goku meets Bulma (Dragon Ball begins)
- Age 761: Raditz arrives (DBZ begins)
- Age 767: Cell Games
- Age 774: Buu defeated
- Age 778-780: Super events
Where Movies Fit
Canon movies slot into specific timeline points. Non-canon movies do not fit anywhere—do not try to place them.
Common Questions
Sub or Dub?
The Funimation dub is iconic for many Western fans. Both are acceptable. Z Kai has improved dub; Super’s dub is solid.
Do I Really Need Dragon Ball?
You can technically start with DBZ and understand the basics. But character relationships, world mechanics, and Goku’s development are better appreciated with original context.
Is GT Worth Watching?
Only if you have exhausted main content and want more. It has fans but is not essential or canon.
What About DAIMA?
Dragon Ball DAIMA is the current series, featuring chibi versions of characters. It continues the Super continuity.
The Verdict
Dragon Ball’s watch order is fundamentally simple: original Dragon Ball, then Z (or Kai), then Super, then current content. The complexity comes from optional movies and skippable filler.
Follow the order that matches your time and interest level. The series rewards complete viewing but remains enjoyable in more efficient formats. What matters is experiencing the story that defined shonen action anime.