Dragon Ball watch order can be a labyrinth for newcomers, given its vast universe of series, movies, and specials. To get into this legendary franchise with clarity, understanding the canonical timeline is key.
The original Dragon Ball series, which debuted in 1986, marks the genesis of Goku’s adventures and sets the stage for the epic saga that follows. From there, the narrative branches into Dragon Ball Z and Dragon Ball Super.
Dragon Ball watch order by canon
Not all Dragon Ball content aligns with the canon. Movies like those in the Dragon Ball Z era and the entirety of Dragon Ball GT exist outside the main storyline. To streamline your Dragon Ball watch order, it’s important to focus on the canonical narrative.
You may notice that Dragon Ball Z Kai is also not included in this watch order since it is basically the same as Dragon Ball Z, only with some new dialogues and updated animation.
The recommended Dragon Ball watch order based on canon is pretty straightforward.
| TITLE | CONTENT | RELEASE DATE |
| Dragon Ball | 153 episodes | February 26, 1986 – April 19, 1989 |
| Dragon Ball Z | 291 episiodes | April 26, 1989 – January 31, 1996 |
| Dragon Ball Super | 131 episodes | July 5, 2015 – March 15, 2018 |
| Dragon Ball Super: Broly | movie | December 14, 2018 |
| Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero | movie | June 11, 2022 |
It’s essential to note that Battle of the Gods and Resurrection F movies are complementary extensions of the anime episodes, enhancing the viewer’s experience rather than altering the core storyline. That is why these movies, although canon, are not included in our Dragon Ball watch order.
While this Dragon Ball watch order aligns with the canon, ongoing debates surround certain materials’ canonicity. And because of the recent death of Dragon Ball creator Akira Toriyama, official statements regarding canon would be difficult to acquire.
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