When anime fans think of “Dragon Ball,” they think of “Dragon Ball Z” right away. It is as if “Dragon Ball Z” is the only part of the series, right? This is understandable since that show seems to be the flagship of the series, its most popular. 

However, the “Dragon Ball” series goes beyond just “Dragon Ball Z.” There are a whole lot of other shows that feature the adventures of the heroes and villains on their search for the Dragon Balls. This guide will teach you how to watch the series in historical order. Yes, the “Dragon Ball” story is a history.

‘Dragon Ball’

Start with “Dragon Ball,” not “Dragon Ball Z,” okay? Find that title because this is the beginning of your chronological viewing of the series. Aired and broadcast in 81 countries worldwide, this first-ever TV series adaptation of the franchise spanned over 100 episodes from February 1986 to April 1989. 

“Dragon Ball” follows the quests of Son Goku, a young, odd boy with a monkey tail but exceptional strength. He is passionate about fighting and defeating evil.  

‘Dragon Ball Z’

Here you go. “Dragon Ball Z,” to your thinking, isn’t the first in chronology, but actually the second. Here, you see the adventures of Goku continuing, but now in his adult life as he and his comrades defend the Earth against evil, such as aliens – Frieza and Vegeta – androids – Cell – and magical beings like Majin Buu. The story also tackles Goku’s son, Gohan, and the story progression of his rivals, Vegeta and Piccolo. “Dragon Ball Z” was also broadcast worldwide from 1989 to 1996, shortly after the end of “Dragon Ball.”

‘Dragon Ball Kai’

You may also place this series second on your list instead of “Dragon Ball Z.” Though “Dragon Ball Kai” aired much later, from 2009 to 2011 and from 2014 to 2015, it is also considered the continuation of “Dragon Ball.”

Here, Goku and his buddies, as usual, continue to fight to save the planet, but this time, from the last remaining alien races. The Saiyans are approaching Earth, anxious to take over it and defeat Goku, then already regarded as the world’s strongest and greatest fighter. Goku then prepares to battle against Prince Vegeta, the Saiyan warlord, together with his minions. Action-packed, indeed.

‘Super Dragon Ball Heroes’

Now, that title is cute, it is cute. “Super Dragon Ball Heroes” hit your screens from 2018 until recently. Well, it’s more of a web series than a TV series like the other “Dragon Ball” classics, but it’s nothing short of spectacular. There were 56 episodes released from July 2018 to August 2024. 

The placement of the series as third here can spark debate. While others say it is set beyond the main continuity of the series, it is considered following the previous show on this list in terms of the events.

“Super Dragon Ball Heroes” may be considered a “spinoff.” It features alternate timelines, vigorous transformations, and fan-favorite characters from the “Dragon Ball” universe. You will still see Goku and Vegeta here, don’t worry. 

‘Dragon Ball Super’

As you can see, the “Dragon Ball” creative team isn’t the most inventive when thinking of titles. Also based on the manga of the same title, this show follows the adventures of Goku and his buddies during the 10-year timeskip after the defeat of Majin Buu. To better understand what a timeskip is, read this PVP Live piece about one of the “Naruto” timeskips

It is also interesting to note that this show is set during the time frame of the late Akira Toriyama’s original “Dragon Ball” manga. Viewers in Japan saw the show from July 2025 to March 2018.

‘Dragon Ball GT’ (Most Interesting!)

Then, be sure to watch “Dragon Ball GT” afterward. Note here that “Dragon Ball GT” is the most interesting part of the franchise. Surprise, surprise, this does not adapt Toriyama’s manga. Instead, it is exclusively an anime, a sequel to “Dragon Ball Z,” but with the same characters and universe as the original storyline.

“Dragon Ball GT” follows the adventures of Goku, who, get this, is turned into a child (imagine “Detective Conan”). But, here, his granddaughter, Pan, and their associates embark on a quest to collect the Black Star Dragon Balls, touted as more powerful than the usual Dragon Balls. They are hidden across the galaxy. 

‘Dragon Ball DAIMA’

Last but not least is “Dragon Ball DAIMA.” About to air soon this year, the story revolves around Goku and his friends shrinking due to a conspiracy. In this situation, they set on an adventure to explore the unknown Demon Realm, crossing paths with Supreme Kai, Pansy, and Glorio.

There you go. But, of course, those are just the tip of the iceberg. If you want a more detailed way to watch the franchise in historical order, the list is below:

  • “Dragon Ball“
  • “Dragon Ball Z: Dead Zone“ (movie)
  • “Dragon Ball Z“ (Episodes 1-86)
  • “Dragon Ball Z: Bardock – The Father of Goku“ (TV Special)
  • “Dragon Ball Z“ (Episodes 87-107)
  • “Dragon Ball: Episode of Bardock“ (movie)
  • “Dragon Ball Z: The World’s Strongest“ (movie)
  • “Dragon Ball Z: The Tree of Might“ (movie)
  • “Dragon Ball Z: Lord Slug“ (movie)
  • “Dragon Ball Z“ (Episodes 108-123)
  • “Dragon Ball Z: The History of Trunks“ (TV Special)
  • “Dragon Ball Z (Episodes 124 and 125)
  • “Dragon Ball Z: Cooler’s Revenge“ (movie)
  • “Dragon Ball Z“ (Episodes 126-146)
  • “Dragon Ball Z: Super Android 13“ (movie)
  • “Dragon Ball Z“ (Episodes 147-173)
  • “Dragon Ball Z: The Return of Cooler“ (movie)
  • “Dragon Ball Z: Broly – The Legendary Super Saiyan“ (movie)
  • “Dragon Ball Z“ (Episodes 174-194)
  • “Dragon Ball Z: Bojack Unbound“ (movie)
  • “Dragon Ball Z“ (Episodes 195-207)
  • “Dragon Ball Z: Broly’s Second Coming“ (movie)
  • “Dragon Ball Z“ (Episodes 208-250)
  • “Dragon Ball Z: Bio-Broly“ (movie)
  • “Dragon Ball Z (Episodes 251-253)
  • “Dragon Ball Z: Fusion Reborn“ (movie)
  • “Dragon Ball Z (Episodes 254-288)
  • “Dragon Ball Z: Wrath of the Dragon“ (movie)
  • “Dragon Ball GT“ (Episodes 1-64)
  • “Dragon Ball Super“ (Episodes 1-3)
  • “Dragon Ball Z: Battle of the Gods“ (movie)
  • “Dragon Ball Super“ (Episodes 4-18)
  • “Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection F“ (movie)
  • “Dragon Ball Super“ (Episodes 19-131)
  • “Dragon Ball Super: Broly“ (movie)
  • “Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero“
  • “Dragon Ball DAIMA“
  • “Dragon Ball Z“ (Episodes 289-291)

You can now stream the “Dragon Ball” shows on Crunchyroll and VIZ. 

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