Ugh, Fine. A Dragon Ball Watch Order (Don't Screw It Up)
You *actually* want to delve into this series? Fine, I'll guide you through the chaos, but if you complain about the filler or the pacing, it's entirely on you.
Look, I get it. You've heard of *Dragon Ball*. Maybe you even liked some of it. But navigating the sheer, mind-numbing volume of content, the conflicting canons, and the endless, *endless* power-ups can be a nightmare. And honestly, it's mostly self-inflicted by the creators. But since you asked (and probably would have just stumbled through it anyway), here's the *only* remotely sensible way to watch this... franchise. Try not to make it harder than it already is, because I'm not doing this again.
There. You happy? You've now consumed a frankly excessive amount of yelling and punching. If you followed my (begrudgingly given) advice, you at least avoided the worst of it. Now go outside or something. Or don't. I don't care. Just don't come back asking me about *Dragon Ball AF* or whatever fan-fiction nonsense you find next. My patience is already thin.
The Complete Watch Order
- 1
Alright, look, you *have* to start here. It's the beginning. Yes, it's slower. Yes, it's more about adventure than planet-destroying fights initially. Get over it. It sets up everything. Don't skip it just because you're impatient for the screaming to start; you'll just confuse yourself later, and I'll refuse to explain.
- 2
Okay, pay attention, this is important. You want to watch 'Z'? You watch *Kai*. It trims the mind-numbing filler, gets rid of most of the pacing issues, and generally respects your time. If you *insist* on watching the original 'Dragon Ball Z' (1989), go ahead. But don't come crying to me when you've spent three episodes watching someone charge an attack. You've been warned, you masochist.
- 3Dragon Ball Z: Bardock - The Father of GokuTV Special1990
A surprisingly decent TV special. It gives some backstory to a certain Saiyan. It's short, impactful, and actually adds something to the lore without being completely pointless. Shocking, I know. Watch it anytime after the Frieza Saga of 'Kai'.
- 4Dragon Ball Z: The History of TrunksTV Special1993
Another rare gem. This one actually tells a compelling, dark story about a dystopian future. It proves they *can* write something good when they're not preoccupied with repetitive fight scenes. Definitely worth a watch, especially after the Cell Games arc of 'Kai'.
- 5Dragon Ball SuperTV Series2015
Here we go again. This is the direct continuation after 'Z'. Be prepared for some... *inconsistent* animation in the early episodes. It gets better, I guess. The 'Battle of Gods' and 'Resurrection 'F'' movies are adapted into arcs here, so you don't *need* to watch those separate movie versions unless you're a purist who enjoys seeing the same story twice for some reason.
- 6
Okay, I'll admit it. This one was actually pretty good. Great animation, fantastic fights, and they somehow managed to make Broly interesting without just being a walking rage monster. Don't expect *Shakespeare*, but it's a solid action film. Watch it after 'Dragon Ball Super' TV series concludes.
- 7Dragon Ball Super: Super HeroMovie2022
The latest one. More CGI than usual, which some people inexplicably have strong opinions about. It's... a Dragon Ball movie. It happens. It has some cool moments, some questionable choices. Just watch it if you're still invested. It takes place after 'Broly' and the Granolah manga arc.
- 8Dragon Ball GTTV Series1996
Oh, *this* abomination. This is entirely non-canon to 'Super' and generally disliked for its writing, character decisions, and just overall pointlessness. But if you *insist* on seeing Super Saiyan 4 (and I know some of you do), or you're a glutton for punishment, then go ahead. Watch this *after* everything else, if at all. You've been warned about the severe dip in quality.
- 9Dragon Ball GT: A Hero's LegacyTV Special1997
If you subjected yourself to 'GT,' then this is the epilogue. It exists. It's... fine, for what it is. Consider it a reward for your unwavering, if misguided, dedication. Only watch after finishing 'GT' itself.
- 10Original Dragon Ball MoviesMovie Series1986
Most of these (e.g., 'Curse of the Blood Rubies,' 'Sleeping Princess in Devil's Castle') are non-canon retellings of early 'Dragon Ball' arcs or filler side stories. They're mostly forgettable and entirely skippable. Don't bother unless you've exhausted every other form of entertainment and have nothing better to do. Watch them whenever, as they don't impact the main story.
- 11Dragon Ball Z MoviesMovie Series1989
Oh, the endless 'Z' movies (e.g., 'Dead Zone,' 'Cooler's Revenge,' 'Fusion Reborn'). Almost all of them are non-canon, have no real place in the timeline, and are just excuses for new villains and cool fights. Some are fun for a brain-off watch, but don't expect coherent storytelling or plot relevance. Total filler. Watch them if you want more fighting, but don't expect them to matter in the grand scheme of things. Best watched after 'Z Kai' if you're curious, but absolutely not essential.
- 12Super Dragon Ball HeroesONA2018
This isn't even a proper anime, it's a promotional short for a video game. It's pure, unadulterated fan-service chaos, featuring characters and transformations that make absolutely no sense and have no bearing on anything. If you want to see every character imaginable fight every other character imaginable with zero plot, go nuts. Just don't confuse it with anything remotely canon or well-written. Watch it if you've truly run out of dignity.