All Of The Dragon Ball Movies, Ranked

Highlights

• Dragon Ball movies usually happen exterior the primary sequence canon, with 22 films launched over 4 many years, providing numerous tales.
• Whereas some Dragon Ball movies characteristic iconic villains and memorable motion sequences, others could also be forgettable or lack pleasure.
• Dragon Ball Tremendous: Tremendous Hero, the newest movie within the franchise, focuses on Piccolo and Gohan’s relationship, providing a nostalgic and fulfilling expertise.

Ever for the reason that Dragon Ball manga was translated into anime type in 1986, there have been many movies that encompass the occasions of the long-running manga, lots of which happen exterior the established canon of the sequence. Whereas the movies typically gained a bigger following as Dragon Ball grew to become extra common, that wasn’t the case for all movies.

With a manga, 4 anime sequence, loads of movies, and numerous video games below its belt, Dragon Ball would not seem like it is going to be slowing down any time quickly. The most recent characteristic within the franchise, Dragon Ball Tremendous: Tremendous Hero, got here out in 2022 in North America, and it was the primary mission to focus virtually solely on 3D animation.

Which is the finest Dragon Ball film?

Up to date August 19, 2024, by Mark Sammut: Galleries have been added for each Dragon Ball film showcased under.

Specials is not going to be included. This consists of The Historical past of Trunks and Dragon Ball GT: A Hero’s Legacy.

Each Dragon Ball Film

Not counting TV specials, Dragon Ball has produced 22 films over the span of practically 4 many years, together with entries in three completely different sequence. Clearly, the franchise has been saved busy, and the longer term will possible maintain a number of extra Dragon Ball films. The under desk incorporates each characteristic within the sequence.

Click on on the film’s English title to be taught its IMDb rating and rating.

22

Dragonball: Evolution

IMDb: 2.6

By far the worst mission related to the Dragon Ball universe, Evolution didn’t get a single factor proper. It is just pure that diversifications alter the supply materials to suit a brand new medium, however Dragonball: Evolution is devoid of something that defines Akira Toriyama’s property. The motion lacks punch and velocity, failing to come back wherever near replicating the epic bouts present in even the earliest chapters of the manga or anime.

Whereas they may share a reputation with their animated counterparts, Evolution‘s characters are in any other case totally completely different entities; even when seen in isolation, these persons are simply not fascinating or likable sufficient to hold an journey. The film even wastes James Marsters.

Ought to You Watch Dragonball: Evolution?

No.

21

Dragon Ball Z: Bio-Broly

IMDb: 5.9

Whereas Broly is one thing of a one-note character within the non-canon movies, he’s well-loved among the many majority of Dragon Ball followers for bringing extra over-the-top Tremendous Saiyan motion to the sequence. That being stated, the Bio-Broly movie isn’t solely the weakest of the movies that focus on Broly, but in addition the weakest of all of the animated Dragon Ball movies, which can have one thing to do with the truth that it facilities round Goten and Trunks slightly than Goku and even Vegeta.

This movie takes an already fairly simple character and simplifies his persona even additional, primarily turning Broly right into a brainless and, extra importantly, boring monster. There’s simply no purpose to observe this film.

Ought to You Watch Dragon Ball Z: Bio-Broly?

There isn’t any actual purpose to observe this film apart from completionist functions. Broly is at his worst on this entry; in the meantime, Goten and Trunks are finest in small doses slightly than as the primary driving forces.

20

Dragon Ball Z: Broly – Second Coming

IMDb: 6.5

Broly’s second movie, Broly – Second Coming, is simply barely higher than Bio-Broly, although that additionally is not significantly laborious to perform. One saving grace that retains this movie from fading into obscurity is the Goku-Gohan-Goten Kamehameha which is harking back to the same ki-blast utilized by Gohan within the Cell Video games, full with a ghostly Kakarot to help his sons.

Apart from this second, Second Coming is a by-the-numbers Dragon Ball film that appears to exist solely to capitalize on Broly’s reputation. As a result of being non-canon, these releases can really feel inconsequential, however there isn’t a purpose they need to be boring. Second Coming is boring.

Ought to You Watch Dragon Ball Z: Broly – Second Coming?

As a two-parter with Broly – The Legendary Tremendous Saiyan, Second Coming does its job as an action-filled romp with barely something resembling a narrative. The film has a few enjoyable moments and, on the very least, is watchable when in comparison with Bio-Broly. Truthfully, this film is simply uninspired.

19

Dragon Ball Z: Lord Slug

IMDb: 6.5

One of many earlier Dragon Ball Z movies, Lord Slug follows a rogue Namekian as he makes an attempt to take over the earth whereas additionally giving followers a glimpse of Goku’s future Tremendous Saiyan type in the course of the remaining battle. This movie additionally launched the concept of Namekian ears being overly delicate to high-pitched noises, one thing that does not come up once more within the sequence after this.

The finest DBZ films characteristic iconic villains, however Lord Slug isn’t one among them. Though he does come throughout as considerably of a menace, his design is finally too acquainted to face out from the gang.

Ought to You Watch Dragon Ball Z: Lord Slug?

Nice as a stopgap filler saga that may be watched earlier than the Namek saga. If somebody has watched all of DBZ, this film would possibly come throughout as a retread.

18

Dragon Ball Z: The World’s Strongest

IMDb: 6.6

A considerably weird movie in comparison with most different Dragon Ball options, The World’s Strongest follows Goku and his associates as they attempt to preserve a mad scientist from taking on Gohan’s physique to change into the world’s strongest warrior.

Like most different Dragon Ball movies, this one takes place throughout an undisclosed interval in DBZ‘s timeline. In line with the canon of the story, this aspect journey should not have occurred as a result of Goku is proven discovering the Spirit Bomb assault whereas each Piccolo and Gohan are nonetheless on Earth. This solely occurred after he defeated Frieza on Planet Namek whereas he ought to have been on Yardrat.

Ought to You Watch Dragon Ball Z: The World’s Strongest?

Whereas not unhealthy, The World’s Strongest threatens to overstay its welcome regardless of lasting lower than an hour. That stated, the story strikes a middle-ground between Dragon Ball and DBZ.

17

Dragon Ball Z: Tree Of May

IMDb: 6.8

Though Tree of May launched one other Saiyan character just like the Broly films, Turles, this story’s villain, is totally forgettable regardless of the respectable high quality of the movie as a complete. Though it takes place in the identical odd continuity as World’s Strongest, one neat side of Tree of May is that it exhibits how Gohan met Icarus, a dragon he’s usually seen enjoying with in the course of the sequence as a baby.

Like so lots of the early Dragon Ball films, Tree of May simply seems like an prolonged filler episode, one that hardly has higher animation than the primary present. That doesn’t imply it’s unhealthy, simply that it lacks a lot in the way in which of pleasure.

Ought to You Watch Dragon Ball Z: Tree Of May?

Truthfully, depart this one for a wet day when there may be nothing else to observe, play, or learn. It’s only a nothing film.

16

Dragon Ball: Sleeping Princess In Satan’s Citadel

IMDb: 6.6

Initially launched solely in Japan as a quad-feature alongside the Saint Seiya, Hikari Sentai Maskman, and Choujinki Metalder movies, Sleeping Princess in Satan’s Citadel was the second Dragon Ball characteristic made. It follows a younger Goku and Krillin as they’re despatched on a quest by Grasp Roshi as a part of their coaching to research the titular Satan’s Citadel.

Boasting extra of an adventurous tone than a lot of the later films, Sleeping Princess in Satan’s Citadel is a pleasing sufficient aspect story that, sadly, is simply not all that memorable. Nonetheless, it’s a nice approach to spend an hour.

Ought to You Watch Dragon Ball: Sleeping Princess In Satan’s Citadel?

In the end, sure. Dragon Ball: Sleeping Princess in Satan’s Citadel tells a cute journey that captures the spirit and tone of the unique anime.

15

Dragon Ball: Curse of the Blood Rubies

IMDb: 6.7

The primary-ever Dragon Ball movie, Curse of the Blood Rubies follows a younger Goku, alongside his common touring companions Bulma, Yamcha, Puar, and Oolong, as they attempt to discover the Dragon Balls. Not like most different films within the franchise, this one tells an alternate story of the primary arc of the sequence slightly than one thing totally new.

Consequently, Curse of the Blood Rubies may be barely boring because it doesn’t maintain too many surprises. That stated, the movie captures the spirit of the present’s early sagas, delivering a lighthearted romp with lovable characters and a little bit of motion.

Ought to You Watch Dragon Ball: Curse of the Blood Rubies?

Price watching as a historic piece as a result of being the franchise’s first characteristic. Its comedic tone units it aside from the next action-heavy tales.

14

Dragon Ball Z: Useless Zone

IMDb: 6.8

The primary movie launched below the Dragon Ball Z identify, Useless Zone sees Goku and Piccolo crew up previous to Raditz’s arrival on Earth, having to struggle towards one more unhealthy man who desires to realize immortality by way of the Dragon Balls. Not like nearly all of different villains, Garlic Jr. truly succeeds in his plan to realize immortality, however he’s defeated by being banished to the titular Useless Zone by a younger Gohan.

Narratively, Useless Zone doesn’t slot in that properly with the canon storyline, however it’s a strong sufficient filler distraction. Garlic Jr. is a fairly enjoyable villain, and he even makes an look in the primary present.

Ought to You Watch Dragon Ball Z: Useless Zone?

Regardless of being principally a joke these days, Garlic Jr. remains to be a reasonably iconic Dragon Ball villain, and he’s at his finest in Useless Zone​​​​​​.

13

Dragon Ball: Mystical Journey

IMDb: 6.8

Similar to Curse of the Blood Rubies, Mystical Journey is one other retelling of the Dragon Ball story. This time, the movie introduces characters that debuted later, resembling Tien and Chiaotzu, whereas nonetheless telling one thing of an origin story for the sequence.

The heroes journey to the dominion of Mifan to participate in a event, however they shortly get dragged right into a conspiracy to usurp Chiaotzu from the throne. Mystical Journey has some fairly spectacular visuals, particularly in its presentation of Mifan, and the struggle sequences are respectable for Dragon Ball​​​.

Ought to You Watch Dragon Ball: Mystical Journey?

An honest reimagining of Goku and Bulma’s early adventures. Not a must-watch, however enjoyable sufficient in its personal proper.

12

Dragon Ball Z: The Return Of Cooler

IMDb: 6.9

Following his defeat in an earlier movie, Cooler returns to trigger issues for New Namek, although Goku soundly defeated him of their first battle. The villain has a brand new metallic physique and a plan to empty all life from New Namek.

The plot is considerably nonsensical and solely serves to carry Cooler again for one more spherical towards Goku and Vegeta. Nevertheless, the motion scenes are ok to put The Return of Cooler as one of many higher Dragon Ball movies regardless of the story feeling like a retread.

Ought to You Watch Dragon Ball Z: The Return Of Cooler?

Whereas not as fulfilling as Cooler’s first outing, the sequel is a satisfactory film in its personal proper. Watch The Return of Cooler after which try the abridged model.

11

Dragon Ball Z: Tremendous Android 13!

IMDb: 7.0

Simply when Goku thought he was carried out with combating off the androids and Cell, Tremendous Android 13 exhibits as much as lecture him about his $20 haircut and put him in his place as soon as and for all. Whereas Dr. Gero might have been killed by his creations and his lab destroyed by Krillin and Trunks in Dragon Ball Z, one of many scientist’s computer systems stayed energetic to create a number of new androids, although none of them had been as imposing as 17, 18, or Cell.

Tremendous Android 13 struggles to shake the sensation that it’s a rehash of arcs from the canon present, together with a villain that could be a bit too generic. That stated, the struggle sequences are strong, and Tremendous Android 13 is intimidating sufficient to at the very least come throughout as a menace to the Z-fighters.

Ought to You Watch Dragon Ball Z: Tremendous Android 13!?

Whereas coming throughout as Broly-lite, Tremendous Android 13 is among the many franchise’s higher non-canon villains. The motion sequences are typically good too.

10

Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection ‘F’

IMDb: 7.2

The second canonical movie, popping out shortly after Battle of Gods, Resurrection ‘F’ sees the return of fan-favorite evil overlord and all-around unhealthy man, Frieza, who was final seen in 1995’s Fusion Reborn movie.

Not solely did Goku and Vegeta get to point out off their new Tremendous Saiyan Blue types on this film, however followers of the sequence had been lastly capable of see what Frieza may do if he truly educated. As enjoyable as it’s to see the villain once more, Frieza doesn’t come throughout as a lot of a menace in Resurrection ‘F’, which lessens the stress in the course of the struggle sequences. The third act additionally makes use of a deus ex machina that undermines one of many film’s most fascinating moments: Frieza destroying Earth.

Nonetheless, Resurrection ‘F’ is a enjoyable nostalgia-fueled actionfest that shines the highlight on Vegeta, permitting the Prince to correctly get revenge on Frieza.

Ought to You Watch Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection ‘F’?

Whereas much better than Dragon Ball Tremendous‘s rendition of this arc, Resurrection ‘F’ is the least thrilling “new” film within the franchise. Frieza’s return is each a constructive and a adverse, and the villain has refused to go away ever since.

9

Dragon Ball Z: Cooler’s Revenge

IMDb: 7.0

This film begins by considerably retconning the occasions of Planet Vegeta’s destruction to point out Cooler, Frieza’s brother, letting Goku’s ship fly off to Earth. After that, Cooler’s Revenge sees King Chilly’s lesser-known little one looking for revenge for Frieza’s demise by coming after Goku on Earth.

Whereas good, this movie rewrites a number of too many occasions surrounding Frieza and his race, which may be irritating for die-hard followers. Nevertheless, when all that’s taken to the aspect, Cooler’s Revenge has above-average motion and an honest antagonist, arguably the 2 most necessary issues in a Dragon Ball Z film.

Ought to You Watch Dragon Ball Z: Cooler’s Revenge?

Total, Cooler’s Revenge works properly as a follow-up to the Frieza saga that manages to introduce sufficient new concepts to not be utterly spinoff.

8

Dragon Ball Z: Bojack Unbound

IMDb: 7.1

Whereas the occasions of Bojack Unbound aren’t canon to Dragon Ball’s story, it does carry up a number of key questions in regards to the world that had been by no means answered in the primary sequence. As an illustration, it ponders whether or not Goku can depart the Different World of his personal volition with Prompt Transmission, because it was already established that he may achieve this whereas he was nonetheless alive.

Bojack Unbound can also be one of many few the place Gohan will get to really shine because the hero he ought to have been if he had not been overshadowed by Goku so many occasions. For these causes, this movie is price trying out for followers of the franchise.

Ought to You Watch Dragon Ball Z: Bojack Unbound?

Sure, particularly for Gohan followers.

7

Dragon Ball Z: Battle Of Gods

IMDb: 7.1

After a protracted break, Battle of Gods impressed a resurgence of Dragon Ball media. The primary canon movie within the sequence pits Goku towards the God of Destruction, Beerus, who’s tempted to destroy Earth if he is not capable of battle a Tremendous Saiyan God.

After Dragon Ball Tremendous was introduced, the occasions of Battle of Gods had been translated into the anime sequence, with sure issues enjoying out otherwise for the sake of stretching out the run time. Nevertheless, the film remains to be one of the simplest ways to expertise this arc, delivering much better animation and superior pacing. The story is kind of simplistic and options a number of polarizing moments (typically involving Vegeta), however it was additionally pretty recent for the franchise because it facilities on an antagonist who isn’t essentially a typical villain. Beerus can also be far past Goku’s capabilities, a uncommon dynamic.

Ought to You Watch Dragon Ball Z: Battle Of Gods?

Though its shine has dulled a bit through the years, Battle of Gods remains to be comfortably among the many finest Dragon Ball films. Watch this flick and skip DBS‘s model of the arc.

6

Dragon Ball Tremendous: Tremendous Hero

IMDb: 7.1

Launched in 2022, Dragon Ball Tremendous: Tremendous Hero is the franchise’s most up-to-date film and the second launched below the DBS model. Considerably much like the Broly movie, Tremendous Hero seems like a throwback to the anime and manga’s heyday, bringing again characters and organizations that featured within the story’s earlier chapters. In comparison with DBS‘s arcs, this film is pretty low stakes because it opts to inform a smaller-scale narrative centering on Piccolo and Gohan’s relationship.

Whereas a fan favourite, Piccolo has been underutilized for fairly a very long time, usually disappearing inside Goku and Vegeta’s shadows. Tremendous Hero rectifies this by shining a highlight on the Namekian, with the film virtually serving as a celebration of the character’s legacy. Regardless of not having any youngsters of his personal, Piccolo is Dragon Ball‘s most iconic father determine; in DBZ, he helped put together Gohan for the arduous trials he would face later in life. Tremendous Hero revisits this dynamic, displaying that Piccolo and Gohan’s bond is stronger than ever.

Total, the 2022 movie doesn’t attain the identical heights as 2018’s Dragon Ball Tremendous: Broly, however it’s nonetheless an fulfilling and nostalgic expertise. Tremendous Hero‘s 3D animation may be off-putting at first since it’s a departure from the anime’s conventional aesthetic; nevertheless, the visuals are fairly good when seen in isolation.

Ought to You Watch Dragon Ball Tremendous: Tremendous Hero?

Polarizing artwork fashion apart, Tremendous Hero is a reliable action-adventure movie that felt recent as a result of Gohan and Piccolo’s roles.

5

Dragon Ball: The Path To Energy

IMDb: 7.2

Like Curse of the Blood Rubies, The Path to Energy as soon as once more retells the primary few chapters of Dragon Ball, although this time mixing in components of later story arcs such because the Purple Ribbon Military arc. If newcomers to Dragon Ball need to get a style of what the sequence has to supply, this film is an efficient place to start out because it represents the unique present’s sense of journey and humor fairly properly. Whereas decently informed and introduced, The Path to Energy would possibly battle to carry the eye of long-time followers who watched the unique Dragon Ball anime.

Ought to You Watch Dragon Ball: The Path To Energy?

Prototypical Dragon Ball, which is rarely a nasty factor.

4

Dragon Ball Z: Broly – The Legendary Tremendous Saiyan

IMDb: 7.4

With Broly being such a well-liked character, it is no shock that his debut movie isn’t solely one of the crucial beloved within the sequence but in addition probably the greatest. Specializing in the titular powerhouse and the Legendary Tremendous Saiyan type that’s much more highly effective than the a number of transformations Goku and Vegeta can muster, Broly additionally introduced again the concept that there have been nonetheless Saiyans out within the universe except for Goku and his youngsters.

The motion on this film is kind of very good, supplied somebody doesn’t thoughts watching DBZ‘s heroes get thrown round like ragdolls for a superb 20 minutes.

Ought to You Watch Dragon Ball Z: Broly – The Legendary Tremendous Saiyan?

Each epic and type of dumb, The Legendary Tremendous Saiyan reduces DBZ to its purest type. Though overshadowed by the later film, the unique flick remains to be a enjoyable time.

3

Dragon Ball Z: Wrath Of The Dragon

IMDb: 7.5

Happening shortly after the occasions of the Buu Saga, Wrath of the Dragon follows lots of the similar story beats, together with a magical being making an attempt to launch a monstrous entity from its imprisonment to trigger destruction on a galactic scale.

Whereas the story is pretty predictable, it does present one model of occasions that results in Trunks acquiring his signature sword when he returns from the longer term in the course of the Android arc. Wrath of the Dragon additionally moved away from the purely action-driven films that dominated the DBZ period, opting to focus extra on crafting a way of journey.

Ought to You Watch Dragon Ball Z: Wrath Of The Dragon?

Sure, Wrath of the Dragon is implausible.