Dragon Ball watch order: Which ones are canon?

Updated on July 31, 12:50 p.m. (GMT+8): Improved relevancy.

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.

This foundational series introduced us to the iconic characters, established the world, and laid the groundwork for the high-stakes battles and emotional arcs that defined the franchise and influenced the next generation of Japanese storytellers.

From there, the narrative branches into the action-packed world of Dragon Ball Z and Dragon Ball Super, where the stakes are even higher and the power levels soar.

What is Dragon Ball about?

Dragon Ball follows the adventures of Goku, a young Saiyan raised on Earth. With an insatiable appetite for food and training, Goku embarks on a journey filled with martial arts tournaments, powerful enemies, and the search for the legendary Dragon Balls. These mystical orbs can grant any wish, making them a coveted prize for good and evil forces.

As Goku grows and matures, he encounters a diverse cast of characters, each with unique abilities and motivations. From the loyal and protective Bulma to the enigmatic and powerful Vegeta, the Dragon Ball universe is filled with unforgettable personalities.

Together, they face countless challenges, from defending the Earth from extraterrestrial threats to mastering powerful transformations and techniques, each challenge pushing them to their limits.

At its core, Dragon Ball is a story of friendship, loyalty, and the never-ending pursuit of strength. It’s a world where dreams become a reality, and heroes rise to meet any challenge.

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.

Dragon Ball watch order based on cannon

It’s important to note that the Battle of the Gods and Resurrection F movies are complementary content to the anime episodes. Therefore, even though these movies are canon, they are not included in our Dragon Ball watch order.

While there are ongoing debates about the canonicity of some materials, our Dragon Ball watch order is aligned with the established canon.

The passing of Akira Toriyama means there may be fewer official clarifications in the future, but this order is based on the most reliable information available.

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