How to watch

Dragon Ball Anime Watch Order in the correct order

How to watch the Dragon Ball anime series in order

Last updated: July 6 2026

Written by: ChronoAlice

Dragon Ball is one of the most influential anime franchises ever created, spanning multiple series, dozens of films, and over 40 years of storytelling. This guide cuts through the complexity and tells you exactly how to watch it all.

Akira Toriyama's Dragon Ball began as a manga in 1984 and has since become a global phenomenon. From Goku's childhood adventures to planet-destroying battles in Dragon Ball Super, the franchise spans decades and multiple distinct series. If you're just getting started—or returning after a long break—this guide will walk you through the recommended order.

🕐 Release Order

The Dragon Ball anime was released across several distinct series over many years. Here's the main series in release order, excluding the many theatrical films.

  1. Dragon Ball (1986–1989) — 153 episodes
  2. Dragon Ball Z (1989–1996) — 291 episodes
  3. Dragon Ball GT (1996–1997) — 64 episodes (non-canon)
  4. Dragon Ball Z Kai (2009–2015) — remastered DBZ without filler
  5. Dragon Ball Super (2015–2018) — 131 episodes
  6. Super Dragon Ball Heroes (2018–present) — promotional anime
  7. Dragon Ball Daima (2024–present)

Beyond the main series, there are over 20 theatrical films. The most essential are Battle of Gods (2013), Resurrection F (2015), Dragon Ball Super: Broly (2018), and Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero (2022)—the last two are canon.

📖 Story Chronology

Chronologically, the Dragon Ball story follows Goku from his childhood through adulthood and into his battles as a grandfather. The main series follows this sequence:

  1. Dragon Ball (1986–1989) — Goku's childhood
  2. Dragon Ball Z (1989–1996) — Goku as an adult, Saiyan and Cell sagas
  3. Dragon Ball Super (2015–2018) — directly follows Z
  4. Dragon Ball Super: Broly (2018) — canon film set during Super
  5. Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero (2022) — canon sequel
  6. Dragon Ball GT (1996–1997) — alternate future, considered non-canon by many

Which Order Should You Choose?

For newcomers: start with Dragon Ball for Goku's origin, then move to Dragon Ball Z (or the tighter Dragon Ball Z Kai if you want to skip filler), then Dragon Ball Super. Watch the Broly and Super Hero films after Super. Skip GT unless you're a completionist—it's generally not considered canon. Dragon Ball Daima is a newer series that's worth adding at the end.

🔗 Related Guides

  • Naruto Watch OrderGuide
  • Attack on Titan Watch OrderGuide
  • Demon Slayer Watch OrderGuide

Did we miss anything? Let us know and we'll keep this guide up to date!