The theatrical films of Dragon Ball have been released from the first installment in 1986 up to a total of 21 works by 2022. The unique story developments that differ from the TV anime and the powerful battle scenes exclusive to the films are part of their charm.
This article provides a thorough explanation in the form of a recommended ranking, so that both first-time viewers and fans aiming to watch all the works can find the perfect movie for them. We will particularly highlight the most popular films such as "Dragon Ball Super: Broly", "Battle of Gods", and "Super Hero", detailing the attractions of each work.
To enjoy the theatrical films of Dragon Ball, it's important to first understand the overall structure of the series and the viewing order. The 21 works can be broadly classified into three series, each with its own distinct appeal.
The Dragon Ball theatrical films are classified into the following three series.
Dragon Ball Z (1989-1995): A total of 17 films were released, set against the backdrop of the Frieza Saga to the Boo Saga. Numerous original powerful antagonists appear, including Broly, Cooler, and Janemba.
Dragon Ball GT (1996-1997): Only one film exists, which is "Dragon Ball GT: Goku's Side Story! The Proof of Courage is the Four-Star Ball", the sole theatrical release.
Dragon Ball Super (2013-2022): Three films have been released, this is the latest series significantly involving Akira Toriyama. "Battle of Gods", "Resurrection 'F'", "Broly", and "Super Hero" are positioned as official canon due to the supervision by the original creator. 【Related Articles】: The Difference Between Dragon Ball GT and Super | Which is Canon? An Explanation of the Timeline
The recommended viewing order for beginners is to watch in reverse from the latest series. Starting with "Dragon Ball Super: Broly" allows you to experience the highest quality animation and modern directing. Next, enjoy the encounter with Beerus in "Battle of Gods", and after that, it is recommended to freely choose other works that interest you.
On the other hand, for those who wish to watch in chronological order, starting from the early works of the Z era allows you to feel the evolution of animation techniques and directing.
However, since the early works may feel outdated to modern audiences, starting with the highly rated works is a safe choice. 【Related Articles】:Dragon Ball Movie Timeline and Viewing Order | Positioning of all 21 WorksFrom the 21 Dragon Ball movies, we will introduce the top 10 particularly recommended works ranked based on the evaluation of animation quality, story, characters, and battle scenes.
This film, released in 2018, is called the greatest masterpiece of the Dragon Ball movies. Akira Toriyama himself directly participated in the script, significantly remaking the character setup of the legendary Saiyan Broly.
The biggest highlight is the overwhelming battle scenes that bring together the essence of modern animation technology. The intense three-way battle among Goku, Vegeta, and Broly features an innovative visual expression that blends hand-drawn animation and CGI, with a battle scene lasting over an hour that captivates from start to finish. In particular, the final showdown between Gogeta and Broly achieves an unprecedented intensity that surpasses all previous Dragon Ball works, thanks to the setting of the battle taking place in a dimensional space.
In terms of story, Broly's tragic past and the history of the Saiyans are carefully depicted, turning it into an emotional tale that transcends a mere battle anime. This is a work that can confidently be recommended to all Dragon Ball fans, from beginners to long-time enthusiasts. 【Related Article】: Types of Super Saiyans in Dragon Ball | A Complete Explanation of Transformation Forms
Released in 2013, "Battle of Gods" is a monumental work that marks the beginning of the Dragon Ball Super series. The introduction of the overwhelming character Beerus, the God of Destruction, greatly expands the world of Dragon Ball.
The transformation scene into Super Saiyan God, with its striking red hair and divine aura, presented a new form of power-up. The concept of battling in the realm of gods, rather than relying merely on brute force, is innovative. Additionally, the humorous exchanges between Beerus and Whis, as well as Vegeta's dance scene, provide plenty of humor, making it a work enjoyable for a wide range of age groups. 【Related Article】: Complete Overview of Dragon Ball Transformation Forms | Transformation Patterns of All Characters
The latest release from 2022 is an ambitious work that fully adopts 3DCG animation. Gohan and Piccolo take center stage, and a story that returns to the roots with the revenge of the Red Ribbon Army unfolds.
The awakening scene of Gohan Beast is an emotional moment where his anger as a father merges with the release of his latent power. Including the new form of Orange Piccolo, the focus on characters other than Goku and Vegeta has been highly praised. The quality of the 3DCG texture is mixed in opinion, but the dynamism of the action scenes boasts a level of completion that rivals hand-drawn animation.
This work, released in 1995, is a historic piece that realized the first fusion of Goku and Vegeta. The enemy character Janemba exudes a unique charm as a creepy presence that does not speak.
The initial appearance scene of Gogeta remains a memorable scene for many fans to this day. The differences between the normal fusion and Potara are clearly depicted, leading to a tense battle within a 30-minute time limit. The unique world setting staged in the afterlife and the colorful visual expressions are also attractions of this work. The fluent combat scenes directed by Naoki Yamamuro are among the highest quality in Dragon Ball Z movies. 【Related Article】: A Thorough Comparison of Vegito and Gogeta | Which One is Stronger? An Explanation of the Differences
The old Broly movie released in 1993 is the most popular among original characters in theater adaptations. Broly, the legendary Super Saiyan’s overwhelming strength and crazed fighting style leave a strong impression.
Broly's line "Kakarot" and his gigantic frame enveloped in a green aura shocked many fans. The despair that even Goku, Gohan, Vegeta, Trunks, and Piccolo can't overcome, combined with the climax where Goku gathers everyone's power to turn the tables, creates a hot climax that is truly classic. 【Related Articles】：Dragon Ball Villains Popularity Ranking: Who is the Strongest Villain?
This work released in 2015 created a stir with the shocking setting of Frieza's resurrection. The new form, Golden Frieza, is visually stunning with the contrast of blue and gold, making a tremendous impact.
It's also the first appearance of Super Saiyan Blue, presenting a new dimension of power for Goku and Vegeta. The story that resolves the grudge with Frieza is deeply moving for fans of the Namek Saga. The scene where Vegeta almost delivers the final blow to Frieza is a memorable moment symbolizing liberation from past humiliations. 【Related Articles】：List of Dragon Ball Special Techniques: Popular Techniques Ranking and Users
The final Z movie released in 1995 features the tragic character Tapion, leaving a strong impression. The sound of the ocarina and the setting of the sealed upper body create a fantasy-filled story.
The Dragon Fist technique of Super Saiyan 3 Goku evokes the Dragon, which symbolizes Dragon Ball, making it a fitting technique for the culmination of the series. The friendship between Trunks and Tapion is also carefully depicted, balancing the classic elements of a children's anime while remaining deep enough for adults to enjoy. 【Related Articles】：25 Famous Quotes and Scenes from Dragon Ball: A Collection of Touching Lines
This work, released in 1993, features Bojack as the enemy character. Gohan takes center stage, and his grown-up form after the Cell Games is depicted.
The development set at the World Martial Arts Tournament has a charm that brings back the origins of Dragon Ball. The awakening scene of Gohan to Super Saiyan 2 is emotional as it tells the growth story of a boy overcoming the death of his father, Goku. Bojack's subordinates are also unique, and the simultaneous development of multiple battles results in a high-quality action film with good pacing. 【Related Articles】：Dragon Ball Character Popularity Ranking: 2025 Official Vote
This 1994 release, a sequel to Broly, was produced due to the previous film's popularity. Young Trunks and Goten take the lead as they face Broly in a rematch.
While it lacks the shock of the previous film, it emphasizes Broly's immortality and tenacity, adding elements of horror. The timeline setting leading up to the birth of Gotenks involving Gohan, Goten, and Trunks across three generations is also intriguing, resulting in a story centered on family bonds. Gohan's performance as a Super Saiyan 2 is also a highlight. 【Related Articles】: Dragon Ball Watching Order | Beginner's Chronology and Viewing Guide
The early Z movie released in 1990 features Dr. Willow, a scientist, as the enemy. His characterization as a mad scientist who has become a being composed only of a brain creates a story rich in science fiction elements.
Dr. Willow's pursuit of the ultimate body, targeting Goku's body, reflects a simplicity characteristic of the early Dragon Ball movies. The battles set in the snowy mountains are visually striking, showcasing the beautiful contrast between the white snow and the golden sheen of the Super Saiyan. There are also numerous cooperative battle scenes featuring Piccolo and Gohan, packed with the appeal of team battles.
This section categorizes Dragon Ball movies by series and introduces the characteristics and representative works of each era. Each series has its unique charm and offers different ways to enjoy depending on the viewing order.
The theatrical releases from the Dragon Ball Z era were released annually from 1989 to 1995, boasting a staggering total of 17 works. A notable feature of these films is the abundance of strong original characters created specifically for the movies.
Top 3 Recommended Z Movies
"Burn Up!! Intense Battle, Severe Battle, Super Intense Battle" is a monumental work as it marks the debut of the legendary Super Saiyan Broly. The coexistence of overwhelming strength and madness in Broly's character continues to captivate numerous fans.
"Fusion Reborn!! Goku and Vegeta" holds historical significance as it features the first appearance of Gogeta. The fantastical world setting in the afterlife and the intense battle with Janemba make it one of the most complete works among Z movies.
"Dragon Fist Explosion!! If Goku Doesn't Do It, Who Will?" serves as the final Z movie, introducing the iconic finishing move, Dragon Fist, from Super Saiyan 3. The touching story of friendship between Tapion and Trunks also makes it a fitting conclusion to the series.
There is only one theatrical release from the Dragon Ball GT era, titled "Goku Gaiden! The Proof of Courage is the Four-Star Ball." This story is independent of the main GT television series and features Goku reverting to his childhood form.
The appeal of this work lies in its strong adventurous elements reminiscent of the original Dragon Ball. The story revolving around the Four-Star Ball resonates with series fans as a symbol of the bond between Goku and Gohan. Its independent story structure allows even those who haven’t seen the GT series to enjoy it easily.
The theatrical releases of the Dragon Ball Super series began with "Battle of Gods" in 2013, with four films released to date. The biggest feature is that the original creator, Akira Toriyama, is deeply involved in the scripting, making it treated as official canon.
Evolution Points of the Super Series
"Battle of Gods" introduced a new dimension of powerful fighters with the God of Destruction Beerus and realized the transformation into a God-like form known as Super Saiyan God. It symbolizes the transition from traditional power struggles to a new stage of battles among gods.
"Revival of 'F'" depicts the final battle against the arch-nemesis Frieza, introducing the blue Super Saiyan form known as Super Saiyan Blue. The color contrast with Golden Frieza is beautiful, making it a visually impressive work.
"Dragon Ball Super: Broly" achieves the highest quality of animation in the series and is a historic work that officially incorporates Broly's character. It carefully depicts the history of the Saiyans and Broly's tragedy, receiving high praise on the story front as well.
"Super Hero" is an ambitious work that challenges new technology with 3DCG animation, centering on Gohan and Piccolo. The introduction of new forms such as Gohan Beast and Orange Piccolo showcases the actions of the next generation of warriors.
The Dragon Ball movies are categorized by viewing purpose to help you find works that suit your preferences. Depending on whether you focus on action, story, or if you’re a beginner, the optimal films vary.
Introducing 3 works that are perfect as an introduction, enjoyable even without prior knowledge of Dragon Ball.
1. Dragon Ball Super: Broly: With the latest animation techniques and an easy-to-understand story structure, even those watching Dragon Ball for the first time can enjoy it thoroughly. The history of the Saiyans is explained in detail, making understanding the world view smooth.
2. Battle of Gods: This marks the beginning of a new chapter starting with the meeting of the God of Destruction Beerus, serving as the starting point of the Super series. It contains many comedic elements and can be enjoyed in a light-hearted atmosphere.
3. Super Hero: Since Gohan and Piccolo are the main characters, the structure is easy to understand even without knowing Goku's past. The 3DCG animation is modern, allowing those unfamiliar with anime to watch without resistance. 【Related Article】: Thorough Explanation of the Charm of Dragon Ball Super DAIMA | Highlights of the Latest Work
For those seeking overwhelming battle scenes and intense action, the following works are recommended.
Dragon Ball Super: Broly doesn’t allow others to follow it in terms of the quality and quantity of action scenes. The continuous battles that last over an hour are regarded as masterpieces in animation history.
Fusion Reborn!! Goku and Vegeta showcases the battle between Gogeta and Janemba. The dynamic movements and fights in the colorful otherworldly setting provide an outstanding visual impact.
Burn Up!! Hot Battle, Fierce Battle, Super Intense Battle is a work where Broly's overwhelming power explodes. The despair of five Z Fighters banding together and being no match creates a thrilling storyline with a climactic turnaround. 【Related Article】: Dragon Ball's Strongest Character Ranking | Comparing Combat Power and Strength
Introducing works that possess memorable stories that go beyond mere battle anime.
Dragon Ball Super: Broly is outstanding not only in action but also in storytelling. The complex relationship with his father Paragus and his meeting with Chilai and Lemmo deeply explore Broly's humanity.
Dragon Fist Explosion!! If Goku Doesn't Do It, Who Will? portrays the friendship between the tragic character Tapion and Trunks. The heartbreaking farewell scene symbolized by the sound of the ocarina remains a memorable moment for many fans.
Gods and God depicts the beginning of the master-disciple relationship between Goku and Beerus, and the process of forming a bond that goes beyond mere antagonism is touching. The scene of the ritual to transform into Super Saiyan God to protect Earth also emphasizes the bonds with friends through beautiful direction. [Related Article]: Complete Explanation of the Dragon Ball Story | Summary of the Plot
To enjoy Dragon Ball movies more deeply, we have compiled information you should know about the relationship with the original work and the viewing environment.
The Dragon Ball theatrical films can be broadly classified into two categories.
Parallel World Works (Mostly during the Z Era): The theatrical films during the Dragon Ball Z era develop in a parallel story in a different timeline from the original work and TV anime. Enemy characters like Broly, Cooler, and Janemba are original to the films and do not appear in the main storyline. Therefore, you can enjoy them as independent works without worrying about contradictions with the original settings.
Canon Works (Super Series): The works from 2013 onwards, such as "Gods and God," "Resurrection 'F'," "Broly," and "Super Hero," are deeply scripted by the original creator Akira Toriyama and are positioned as official canon. Characters like Beerus, Whis, and Golden Frieza that appear in these works also show up in the TV anime "Dragon Ball Super" and are incorporated as official settings. [Related Article]: Complete Explanation of the Dragon Ball Timeline | Summary of the Story Flow and Chronology
Dragon Ball movies are available on multiple video streaming services. Major platforms include Amazon Prime Video, U-NEXT, and d Anime Store, where many works are offered for rental or unlimited viewing.
The latest work "Superhero" has started distribution on various subscription services along with the release of Blu-ray and DVD after its theatrical release. On the other hand, some of the older works from the Z era may not be available on certain services, so it's recommended to check in advance if the works you wish to watch are available. Additionally, there is a possibility of limited-time distribution or the end of distribution, so be sure to check the works you want to see early.
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The 21 theatrical films of Dragon Ball are a collection of gem-like works, each with its own unique charm. For newcomers, I strongly recommend starting with "Dragon Ball Super: Broly." This work, which blends the pinnacle of modern animation and an emotional story, will serve as a perfect entry point into the world of Dragon Ball.
Next, experience the encounter with the God of Destruction Beerus in "God and God" and understand the world view of Dragon Ball Super. From there, if you prioritize action, you can freely choose films like "Fukatsu no Fusion," and for story emphasis, films like "Ryukuen Bakuhatsu" to suit your preferences.
There are many beloved masterpieces from the Z era that have transcended time. If you are not resistant to older animation styles, you can enjoy masterpieces like "Burn Out!! Hot Fighting, Fierce Fighting, Super Intense Fighting" and "Galactic Edge!! Incredible Cuts Like No Other." The world of Dragon Ball movies is vast and profound. Please refer to the rankings and themed recommendations introduced in this article to find the best one for you. I hope you can share that excitement with those around you and enjoy the charm of Dragon Ball together.
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