by The anime “Dragon Ball” is an anime version of the manga of the same name that was serialized in “Weekly Shonen Jump” (Shueisha) from 1984 to 1995.
In 1986, the first anime series, “Dragon Ball,” began broadcasting, and over 700 episodes have been broadcast. It is a work that continues to be loved by many fans worldwide, regardless of age, without fading over time.
In this article, we will explain in chronological order the viewing order of the Dragon Ball anime series and introduce a synopsis of each series.
The order to watch the anime “Dragon Ball” series
There have been many fans of the anime “Dragon Ball” series since the beginning of the broadcast, and I think many people have watched the series in the order they were broadcast. However, there is a recommended viewing order other than the broadcast order.
First, let’s look at the series broadcast order.
Broadcast order list of the anime “Dragon Ball” series
Broadcast order
- Dragon Ball (1986-1989)
- Dragon Ball Z (1989-1996)
- Dragon Ball GT (1996-1997)
- “Dragon Ball Kai” (1st season: 2009-2011/2nd season: 2014-2015)
- Dragon Ball Super (2015-2018)
The anime “Dragon Ball” series is an action battle work depicting the growth of the main character, Son Goku, as a martial artist and human being, and the hot bonds with friends and family.
As the number of episodes increases, the strength of the enemies that appear and Goku’s power will also increase, with heated action scenes such as attacks using the special move “Kamehameha” and “Ki” and various transformation forms. It can also be enjoyed.
In addition, the characters created by the original author, Akira Toriyama, have a high level of design, and the unique characters are beautiful regardless of whether they are friends or foes. In addition to the main characters such as Goku, Goku’s close family members, and friends, even the supporting characters who appear only briefly are loved by many fans.
Anime “Dragon Ball” series chronological list
in chronological order
- “Dragon Ball.”
- “Dragon Ball Z” or “Dragon Ball Kai.”
- “Dragon Ball Super.”
- “Dragon Ball GT.”
Both “Dragon Ball Z” and “Dragon Ball Kai” depict the world five years after “Dragon Ball.” And “Dragon Ball Super” shows the world after the battle with Majin Buu, who appeared in “Dragon Ball Z.”
The Recommended Order to Watch the Dragon Ball Anime Series
It is recommended to watch the anime “Dragon Ball” series in chronological order.
The “Dragon Ball” series has many episodes and characters, and among them are characters who turn from enemies to allies and fall in love or get married. Therefore, by watching in chronological order rather than broadcast order, you can learn the relationship between each and the flow of the story more smoothly.
“Dragon Ball Kai” is a digitally remastered version that summarizes the contents of “Dragon Ball Z” and re-edits, so you can watch either one without watching both.
However, since the voices of “Dragon Ball Kai” have been re-recorded, there are characters whose voice actors have been changed between “Dragon Ball Z” and “Dragon Ball Kai.” Therefore, if you are particular about voice actors and want to enjoy the work thoroughly, “Dragon Ball Z.” If you’re going to enjoy beautiful images quickly, you should choose “Dragon Ball Kai.”
Finally, I will explain “Dragon Ball GT.”
This series is set in the world five years after “Dragon Ball Z” and is a series of works drawn with an initial development different from the original. Positioned as an anime-original different story, we recommend enjoying it as a side story after watching “Dragon Ball Z,” “Dragon Ball Kai,” or “Dragon Ball Kai.”
If you prefer, you can watch Dragon Ball GT before Dragon Ball Super, no problem.
Synopsis of the anime “Dragon Ball” series
From here, we will introduce the synopsis of each anime “Dragon Ball” series in order of broadcast.
In addition, we will also introduce comments sent to each series by Mynavi News members, so please check it out.
- “Dragon Ball” (1986-1989) [153 episodes in total]
This is the fantastic first work of the world-famous popular anime “Dragon Ball” series. Goku’s first encounter with Bulma, Krillin, and Kame Sennin, who appear in the entire series, through adventures and battles, and how the boy Goku grows stronger and stronger is depicted.
synopsis
In a certain mountain’s depths, a boy named Son Goku with a long monkey-like tail lived. Goku, raised by an older man named Son Gohan, who has been living alone since Gohan died, meets a city-bred girl, Bulma. She travels searching for mysterious balls called “Dragon Balls” that can grant any wish if you gather seven. When Goku meets Bulma, he learns that the memento Gohan left behind was the Dragon Balls. And he, with her, set out on a journey into the wide world.
“The story of the first Dragon Ball was simple and interesting” (69-year-old male)
“The first series is the most interesting. All the characters are young and cute” (61-year- old female) (40-year-old man)
“The first series was entertaining. The story is also fresh.” (65-year-old man)
- “Dragon Ball Z” (1989-1996) [291 episodes in total]
Second work in the anime “Dragon Ball” series. It has the most significant number of episodes in the series and includes many original anime episodes. In addition to revealing the secret of Goku’s birth, there is plenty of content such as Saiyan, Frieza, Cell, Majin Buu, and other powerful enemies, as well as the appearance of Goku’s eternal rival Vegeta.
synopsis
Five years after the Tenkaichi Budokai, which decides who is the strongest fighter in the world, Son Goku has grown up and married Chichi, the daughter of the Bull Demon King. A son, Gohan, was also born. However, the peaceful days did not last long. The Saiyan Raditz, a dangerous warrior race, has arrived on Earth. He had the power to overwhelm Goku. To oppose Raditz, who plans to erase the earthlings and make the Earth his own, Goku and his companions will face a life-or-death battle, but…
“There were various stories in the first ‘Dragon Ball,’ but after becoming Z, the mysteries and fighting power of Son Goku, a Saiyan from the past, became clearer with Scouter and more interesting.” (50-year-old male) )
“Because I was just watching” (41-year-old male)
“I was excited every time a strong enemy appeared” (51-year-old female)
“I like all series, but I was most hooked” (42-year-old male)
- “Dragon Ball GT” (1996-1997) [64 episodes in total]
The third installment of the anime “Dragon Ball” series. Goku, who has become a child, becomes the main character, and an original anime story develops. Like the first work in the series, Goku’s adventure scene is included, and it is a unique workshop where you can see Goku and Vegeta’s unique transformation form, “Super Saiyan 4”.
synopsis
Five years have passed since the battle with Majin Buu. The Pilaf gang, who are planning to conquer the Earth, sneak into the temple and try to steal the sealed Dragon Balls. However, Goku, who happened to be there, saw the scene, and Pilaf made a wish different from his original desire. It turns Goku into a child! The only way to restore Goku to his original form is to collect the Dragon Balls scattered in space. However, it is not a typical dragon ball but a troublesome thing called a “dark dragon ball”…
“Because I’m a Vegeta fan, I was particularly impressed by this work” (69-year-old male)
“Because I watched it a lot when I was a child, and it was the most interesting for my age” (28-year-old male)
“Because the little Goku is cute” (33 ) 70-year-old man )
“The impact has increased. By shifting to the battle route, it has become easier to immerse myself in the storyline.” (70-year-old male)
Goku is a sight to see” (37-year-old female)
- “Dragon Ball Kai” (1st season: 2009-2011 / 2nd season: 2014-2015) [159 episodes in total]
The fourth installment of the anime “Dragon Ball” series. It is a re-edited work that omits the original anime episodes and flashback scenes of “Dragon Ball Z” and re-edits the attacks according to the original content. The first season has 98 episodes, and the second has 61 episodes.
synopsis
The synopsis is the same as “Dragon Ball Z.”
“Because I felt both nostalgia and newness at the same time” (56-year-old male)
“I like this series best because the past has been remade into beautiful images” (41-year-old male)
- “Dragon Ball Super” (2015-2018) [131 episodes in total]
The 5th installment of the anime “Dragon Ball” series. It is a sequel to “Dragon Ball Z” or “Dragon Ball Kai.” Although it is an anime-original story, Akira Toriyama is involved in the draft of the original novel. You can also see Goku’s new transformation form, including “Super Saiyan God.”
synopsis
Several years have passed since the battle with Majin Buu, and Goku spends his days training while farming. His other companions were also living peacefully, and it seemed that the crisis on Earth had passed. However, in a certain place in space, Beerus, the God of Destruction, awakens for the first time in 39 years. Beerus, as his name suggests, is the god of destruction and possesses a terrifyingly powerful power that can destroy planets. Such Beerus suddenly appears on Earth.
“I enjoyed the original development” (45-year-old male)
“It was crazy and interesting” (31-year-old male) (36-year-old male), “Because the video is so beautiful and cool” (40-year-old male), “Because I used to watch it when I was a child” (25-year-old male) It aired when I was in elementary school, and I watched it without fail. I liked how the characters grew up in the story.” (52-year-old female)
Check out the anime “Dragon Ball” series!
Even after the serialization of the original manga ended in 1995, the “Dragon Ball” series has not faded even in the era of Reiwa as world-class monster content.
The anime movie version is also doing very well, with the 2018 release of “Dragon Ball Super: Broly” earning 13.5 billion yen worldwide and the 2022 release of “Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero” surpassing 1.2 billion yen in domestic box office revenue in just one week after its release. It recorded domestic box office revenue of about 2.5 billion yen.
The first “Dragon Ball” is an animation that started broadcasting in 1986, but it has an overwhelming interest that makes you feel old and old. In addition, it is a work that excites you from the opening song, and you can enjoy the taste of drawing unique to that time.
If you haven’t seen it, please enjoy the world of the anime “Dragon Ball” series from the first series. Even if you’re a long-time fan, revisiting the series may encounter a new charm of Goku, a character that fits your current age.
Survey period: November 29, 2022
Survey target: Mynavi News members
Number of surveys: A total of 508 men and women (male: 403, female: 105)
Survey method: Internet login questionnaire
If you purchase the products introduced in the article, some sales may be returned to Mynavi.
