Dragon Ball
Begin with young Goku’s original quest for the Dragon Balls. This series introduces the characters, martial-arts tournaments, and mythology that the later shows build on.
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Follow the four main Dragon Ball anime series in release order. This sequence introduces Goku in the original Dragon Ball, continues his story in Dragon Ball Z, then moves to Dragon Ball GT and Dragon Ball Super. GT is an alternate sequel rather than part of Super’s continuity, but release order remains the clearest way to see how the franchise evolved.
Dragon Ball Series in Release Order
Dragon Ball Z
Continue with Dragon Ball Z for the Saiyan, Frieza, Cell, and Majin Buu sagas. It is the direct sequel to the original Dragon Ball.
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Dragon Ball GT
Watch Dragon Ball GT next in release order. It is an anime-original alternate continuation of Dragon Ball Z and is separate from Dragon Ball Super’s continuity.
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Dragon Ball Super
Finish this core release-order guide with Dragon Ball Super, the later canonical continuation set after the defeat of Majin Buu.
OpenFAQ
What is the best order to watch the main Dragon Ball series?
For release order, watch Dragon Ball, Dragon Ball Z, Dragon Ball GT, and Dragon Ball Super. First-time viewers should not skip the original Dragon Ball because it introduces Goku and the core cast.
Is Dragon Ball GT canon to Dragon Ball Super?
No. Dragon Ball GT is an anime-original alternate sequel to Dragon Ball Z, while Dragon Ball Super follows a different continuity after the Majin Buu saga.
Where does Dragon Ball Z Kai fit?
Dragon Ball Z Kai is a recut version of Dragon Ball Z with less filler. Watch either Z or Kai for that part of the story, not both unless you want to compare them.
Where can I watch Dragon Ball?
Streaming availability changes by country and platform. Open each title on MovieLinks to check current options and related entries.
