List of Dragon Ball films

Dragon Ball Z Films 1-13 poster A poster with Goku and all of the main appearing movie villains in DBZ films 1-13.

The Dragon Ball franchise has captivated fans around the world with its incredible stories and iconic characters. From the original manga to the animated TV series, Dragon Ball has spawned a multitude of films, specials, and stage shows that have delighted fans for decades. In this article, we will explore the vast world of Dragon Ball films and provide a comprehensive guide for fans new and old.

An Overview of Dragon Ball Films

All Dragon Ball movies were originally released in theaters in Japan, often during the spring and summer vacations for school children. These movies were typically paired with a Dr. Slump movie and lasted about 60 minutes. While Akira Toriyama, the creator of Dragon Ball, had minimal involvement in the movies, his name is credited as the creator. Toriyama once stated that he considers the movies to be stories in a "different dimension" from the manga's main story. However, only "Dead Zone" and "Cooler's Revenge" are officially recognized as part of the main timeline.

A Turtle's Tale: Sammy's Adventures - A Heartwarming Journey of Friendship and Discovery

The production of each film took approximately three months, showcasing the dedication and effort put into creating these cinematic experiences.

Dragon Ball Movies

Dragon Ball

Movie 1: Curse of the Blood Rubies

Japanese title: "The Legend of Shen Long"
FUNimation title: "Curse of the Blood Rubies"
UK Title: "The Legend Of Shenron"

Premiering on December 20, 1986, this film presents an alternate scenario to the Emperor Pilaf Saga, taking place in a parallel world. It is an exciting adventure that expands the Dragon Ball universe.

Movie 2: Sleeping Princess in Devil's Castle

Japanese title: "Sleeping Princess in Devil's Castle"
FUNimation title: "Sleeping Princess in Devil's Castle"
UK Title: "Sleeping Beauty in Devil Castle"

Released on July 18, 1987, this film provides an extended version of Goku and Krillin's training with Master Roshi. It offers new insights into their characters and showcases their growth as fighters.

Movie 3: Mystical Adventure

Japanese title: "Mystical Great Adventure"
FUNimation title: "Mystical Adventure"
UK title: "Mystical Adventure"

Premiering on July 9, 1988, this film delves into an alternate scenario of the Tien Shinhan Saga, set in a parallel world. It brings new challenges and thrilling battles for our beloved characters.

Movie 4: The Path to Power

Japanese title: "The Path to Ultimate Strength"
FUNimation title: "The Path to Power"

Released on March 4, 1996, this film retells the Red Ribbon Army Saga with some alterations. It offers a fresh perspective on the story and provides an entertaining experience for fans.

Dragon Ball Z

Movie 1: Dead Zone

Japanese title: "Dragon Ball Z"
FUNimation title: "Dead Zone"
UK title: "In Pursuit of Garlic"

Premiering on July 15, 1989, this movie takes place after the original Dragon Ball series but before Dragon Ball Z. It introduces the Makyan race led by Garlic Jr., who later appears in the Garlic Jr. Saga.

Movie 2: The World's Strongest

Japanese title: "The World's Strongest Guy"
FUNimation title: "The World's Strongest"
UK title: "The Strongest Guy in the World"

Released on March 10, 1990, this film is set after the Attack of the Saiyans and before the Battle on Planet Namek. It features Dr. Wheelo's quest to obtain Goku's body, creating an intense battle between good and evil.

Movie 3: The Tree of Might

Japanese title: "Super Showdown for the Whole Earth"
FUNimation title: "The Tree of Might"
UK title: "Super Battle in the World"

Premiering on July 7, 1990, this movie takes place during the Battle on Planet Namek. It introduces the renegade Saiyan Turles, who plans to use Earth to grow the Tree of Might and become the strongest in the universe.

Movie 4: Lord Slug

Japanese title: "Super Saiyan Son Goku"
FUNimation title: "Lord Slug"
UK title: "Super Saiya Son Goku"

Released on March 9, 1991, this film is also set during the Battle on Planet Namek. It showcases the evil Super Namekian Lord Slug's quest to reclaim his youth and convert Earth into a vehicle.

Movie 5: Cooler's Revenge

Japanese title: "The Incredible Mightiest vs. Mightiest"
FUNimation title: "Cooler's Revenge"
UK title: "Super Rivals"

Premiering on July 20, 1991, this movie takes place after the Battle on Planet Namek but before the Android conflict. It introduces Frieza's brother, Cooler, who seeks revenge for his brother's death by attacking Earth.

Movie 6: The Return of Cooler

Japanese title: "Clash!! 10 Billion Power Warriors"
FUNimation title: "The Return of Cooler"
UK title: "Fight! 10 Billion Power Warriors"

Released on March 7, 1992, this film is set after the Battle on Planet Namek but before the Android conflict. Cooler returns, having merged with the Big Gete Star, and launches an attack on New Namek.

Movie 7: Super Android 13!

Japanese title: "Extreme Battle!! The Three Great Super Saiyans"
FUNimation title: "Super Android 13!"
UK title: "Super Battle of the Three Super Saiyans"

Premiering on July 11, 1992, this movie takes place during the Android conflict in a parallel world. It introduces three androids who were destroyed in the main timeline and now seek to fulfill their objective of killing Goku.

Movie 8: Broly - The Legendary Super Saiyan

Japanese title: "Burn Up!! Hot Fight! Fierce Fight! Super Violent Fight!"
FUNimation title: "Broly - The Legendary Super Saiyan"
UK title: "The Burning Battles"

Released on March 6, 1993, this film is set during the break before the Cell Games. It introduces Broly, the Legendary Super Saiyan, and showcases the Z Fighters' first encounter with this immensely powerful foe.

Movie 9: Bojack Unbound

Japanese title: "The Galaxy at the Brink!! The Super Incredible Guy"
FUNimation title: "Bojack Unbound"
UK title: "Super Guy in the Galaxy"

Premiering on July 10, 1993, this movie is set shortly after the Cell Games. It follows the Galaxy Soldiers' attack on Earth in the absence of Goku, with Gohan taking on the mantle of the Earth's protector.

Movie 10: Broly - Second Coming

Japanese title: "The Dangerous Duo! Super-Warriors Can Not Rest"
FUNimation title: "Broly - Second Coming"

Released on March 12, 1994, this film is set during the early stages of the Majin Buu Conflict. It brings back Broly as he seeks revenge and engages in a dramatic battle with the Z Fighters once again.

Movie 11: Bio-Broly

Japanese title: "Super-Warrior Defeat!! I'm the One who'll Win"
FUNimation title: "Bio-Broly"

Premiering on July 9, 1994, this film is set during the Majin Buu Conflict. It introduces the clone of Broly, Bio-Broly, who causes havoc and encounters Goten and Trunks in a thrilling showdown.

Movie 12: Fusion Reborn

Japanese title: "The Rebirth of Fusion!! Goku and Vegeta"
FUNimation title: "Fusion Reborn"

Released on March 4, 1995, this film is set during the Majin Buu Conflict. It introduces the Fusion Dance between Goku and Vegeta, resulting in the creation of Gogeta. Together, they must stop Janemba's chaos in the Other World.

Movie 13: Wrath of the Dragon

Japanese title: "Dragon Fist Explosion!! If Goku Won't Do It, Who Will?"
FUNimation title: "Wrath of the Dragon"

Premiering on July 15, 1995, this film is set after the Majin Buu Conflict. It revolves around the conflict between Tapion and Hirudegarn, with the Z Fighters lending their strength to bring an end to the chaos.

Movie 14: Battle of Gods

Japanese title: "Kami to Kami"
FUNimation title: "Battle of Gods"

Premiering on March 30, 2013, this film marked the beginning of a new era for Dragon Ball. It introduced Beerus, the God of Destruction, and Goku's transformation into a Super Saiyan God. This film serves as the foundation for the subsequent God of Destruction Beerus Saga.

Movie 15: Resurrection ‘F’

Japanese title: "Fukkatsu no F"
FUNimation title: "Resurrection ‘F’"

Premiering on February 21, 2015, this film is the second part of the Gods of the Universe Saga. It features the return of Frieza in his Golden form and the intense battles between Frieza, Goku, and Vegeta as Super Saiyan God Super Saiyans. The events of this film are later adapted into the Golden Frieza Saga.

Dragon Ball Super

Movie 1: Broly

Japanese title: "Burorī"
Funimation title: "Broly"

Premiering on December 14, 2018, this film takes place after the Tournament of Power and introduces Broly and Gogeta into the main Dragon Ball story. Fans can expect epic battles and a reimagining of this legendary Saiyan.

Movie 2: Super Hero

Main article: Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero

Toei Animation announced on May 9, 2021, that a new movie set in the Dragon Ball Super timeline was in development. The film features Akira Toriyama as the lead writer and character designer, promising an exciting experience for fans. It was originally planned to release on April 22, 2022, but due to a cyber-attack, it was delayed until June 11 of the same year. The movie focuses on Gohan and Piccolo battling the returning Red Ribbon Army and their three new androids.

TV Specials

Dragon Ball Z specials

Special 1: Bardock - The Father of Goku

Japanese title: "Dragon Ball Z: Tatta Hitori no Saishū Kessen ～Freeza ni Idonda Zetto Senshi Son Gokū no Chichi"
FUNimation title: "Dragon Ball Z: Bardock - The Father of Goku"
UK title: "The Father of Goku"

Special 2: Movie Overview Special

Japanese title: "Kyokugen Batoru! ! San Dai Chō Saiyahito Supesharu"

Special 3: The History of Trunks

Japanese title: "Dragon Ball Z: Zetsubō e no Hankō!! Nokosareta Chō-Senshi Gohan to Trunks"
FUNimation title: "Dragon Ball Z: The History of Trunks"
UK title: "Gohan & Trunks"

Special 4: Looking Back at it All: The Dragon Ball Z Year-End Show!

Japanese title: "Zenbu Misemasu Toshi Wasure Doragon Boru Zetto!"

Crossover Special: Dream 9 Toriko & One Piece & Dragon Ball Z Super Collaboration Special

Japanese title: "Dori-mu 9 Toriko & Wan Pi-su & Doragonbo-ru Z chō Korabo Supesharu!!"

Dragon Ball GT special

A Hero's Legacy

Japanese title: "Gokū Gaiden! Yūki no Akashi wa Si Xing Qiu"
FUNimation title: "A Hero's Legacy"

Set 100 years after the Baby Saga in Dragon Ball GT, this film follows Goku Jr. as he searches for the 4-star Dragon Ball to help his grandmother, an aging Pan, recover from an illness.

Dragon Ball Super specials

This is the Ultimate Battle in all the Universes! Son Goku vs Jiren!!

Japanese title: "Korezo zen uchū ichi no kyūkyoku batoru! Son Gokū bāsasu Jiren!!"
FUNimation title: "This is the Ultimate Battle in all the Universes! Son Goku vs Jiren!!"

As part of Episode 109 and 110, this special 1-hour episode was aired to promote the debut of Ultra Instinct Sign. It showcases an epic battle between Goku and Jiren.

History of Japan

Japanese title: "Efu Enu Esu Nijyūnana Jikan Terebi Nihon No Rekishi"

Right Before the Dragon Ball Super Movie Debuts! Looking Back on the TV Show's Climax

Japanese title: "Doragonbōru no chokuzen sūpā eiga debyū! Terebibangu no kuraimakkusu o furikaette!!"
FUNimation title: "Right Before the Dragon Ball Super Movie Debuts! Looking Back on the TV Show's Climax"

OVA (Original Video Animation)

OVA 1: Plan to Eradicate the Saiyans

Japanese title: "Dragon Ball Z Gaiden: Saiyajin Zetsumetsu Keikaku"
English translation: "Dragon Ball: Plan to Eradicate the Saiyans"
2010 Remake Title: "Plan to Eradicate the Super Saiyans"

This OVA series consists of two versions: the original released in 1993 and a shorter remake released in 2010. It delves further into the story of eradicating the Saiyans and provides additional context for Dragon Ball enthusiasts.

OVA 2: The Return of Son Goku and Friends!

Japanese title: "Doragon Bōru Ossu! Kaette Kita Son Gokū to Nakama-tachi!!"
English translation: "Dragon Ball: The Return of Son Goku and Friends!"

OVA 3: Episode of Bardock

Japanese title: "Doragon Bōru: Episōdo o Bādokku"
English translation: "Dragon Ball: Episode of Bardock"

PSA (Public Service Videos)

PSA 1: Goku's Traffic Safety

Japanese title: "Gokuu no Koutsuu Anzen"
English translation: "Goku's Traffic Safety"

PSA 2: Goku's Fire Brigade

Japanese title: "Gokuu no Shoubou-tai"
English translation: "Goku's Fire Brigade"

4-D Attractions

The Real 4-D

An incredible cinematic attraction that debuted at Universal Studios Japan, The Real 4-D features a captivating CG animation of Goku vs. Frieza in a 4D experience. This event was held from July 1 to September 4.

The Real 4-D at Super Tenkaichi Budokai

A successor to Dragon Ball Z: The Real 4-D, this cinematic attraction at Universal Studios Japan focuses on Super Saiyan Blue Goku and Vegeta's face-off against Broly God. It promises an immersive and thrilling experience.

Live-action films

Dragonball Evolution

Released in 2009, Dragonball Evolution is an American film that combines elements from the Emperor Pilaf Saga and the King Piccolo Saga. It presents the Dragon Ball story in a more real-world perspective.

Trivia

From Curse of the Blood Rubies to Wrath of the Dragon, the Dragon Ball movie series sold 50 million tickets and earned a gross total of ¥40 billion at the Japanese Box Office.
Cooler and Broly are the only movie characters to appear in multiple movies as the main villains. Broly has appeared in the most movies as the main villain.
Some of the English dub versions of the movie soundtracks feature songs from real-life American rock bands like Finger Eleven, Disturbed, Pantera, and more.
Certain video games based on Dragon Ball movies, such as Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 3, feature levels with their original Japanese titles. These levels take place in what the game refers to as the "Special Saga."
The video game Dragon Ball Z: Shin Budokai showcases a story mode based on Fusion Reborn, although the developers titled it "Fusion Rebirth" on the main menu.
Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 states that events from several movies, including The Tree of Might, Lord Slug, Cooler's Revenge, The Return of Cooler, Broly - The Legendary Super Saiyan, Broly - Second Coming, and Fusion Reborn, occur in a separate timeline from the main one.
In Dragon Ball Super: Broly, the gag of Goku's clothing being completely ripped during battle, which started in The World's Strongest, returns.

References

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This comprehensive guide provides a detailed overview of the Dragon Ball films, specials, and stage shows. Whether you're a dedicated fan or new to the franchise, this guide will help you navigate the rich universe of Dragon Ball and discover exciting new adventures. Happy exploring!

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