The Dragon Ball series is a cornerstone of anime, captivating fans worldwide with its thrilling battles, memorable characters, and evolving power levels. But for anyone looking to dive into the world of Dragon Ball, there is one big challenge: the complex timeline and watch order. Between multiple series, movies, specials, and non-canon content, watching Dragon Ball for the first time can be daunting.

Dragon Ball has many different watch order possibilities that can help new or returning fans stay true to the core storyline, or canon, of the anime. There are 3 main watch orders for Dragon Ball, including shortcuts for those wanting to skip filler and avoid non-canon material. Each fan has the option to choose their own Dragon Ball experience and watch Goku's story from his early days as a child in Dragon Ball to the latest adventures in Dragon Ball Super.

The Canon Watch Order

How To Watch Dragon Ball Staying True To The Original Story

The Dragon Ball canon refers to the official storyline that was created by Akira Toriyama, sticking closely to the manga. Watching through the canon watch order ensures that fans can follow the intended story without veering into filler or alternate timelines. The canon includes the original Dragon Ball series, Dragon Ball Z, Dragon Ball Super, and specific movies and specials. By watching the canon timeline, viewers will see all the major plotlines, character arcs, and transformations that align with Toriyama's vision.

Staying true to the canon not only guarantees an authentic experience but also allows fans to watch the character growth of Goku, Vegeta, and others. , Dragon Ball: Super Hero, fans witness a continuous story full of battles, friendships, and the constantly expanding Dragon Ball universe. Watching in canon order offers a deep dive into the lore, ensuring that each transformation, like Super Saiyan or Ultra Instinct, feels earned and significant to the story.

The Canon Shortcut Watch Order

A Faster Way To Watch Dragon Ball

For fans short on time but still looking to enjoy the main storyline of Dragon Ball without filler or non-essential content, the canon shortcut is the best approach. This method of watching Dragon Ball removes unnecessary filler episodes and condenses the viewing experience to focus on the core plot. Key arcs, like the battles against Frieza, Cell, and Majin Buu, remain intact, while filler episodes and non-essential fights are left out.

This shortcut is particularly useful for viewers wanting to catch up before starting newer series like Dragon Ball Super. By swapping the original Dragon Ball Z for Dragon Ball Z Kai, a remastered version with less filler, fans can experience the same major story in less time. Additionally, skipping early episodes of Dragon Ball Super that were covered in movies like Battle of the Gods and Resurrection 'F' further speeds up the viewing process without sacrificing important content.

The Non-Canon Watch Order

Fun Adventures Outside The Official Storyline

While canon content forms the core storyline of Dragon Ball, there is a wealth of non-canon material that can be watched alongside the canon for additional entertainment. Non-canon refers to any series, movie, or special that does not align with Akira Toriyama's original plot. Although these episodes and films don't fit into the official timeline, they are often beloved for their action-packed battles and fan-favorite characters.

The Dragon Ball titles that are bolded in the above chart at the titles that are not apart of the Dragon Ball "canon".

The non-canon side of Dragon Ball includes a variety of movies and specials that explore "what-if" scenarios or introduce characters who don't fit into the main storyline. One of the most well-known non-canon elements is Dragon Ball Z GT, a sequel series that takes place after the events of Dragon Ball Z. Despite being non-canon, GT has gained a cult following for its unique storylines, such as the introduction of Super Saiyan 4. The movies also offer some exciting new villains, such as Cooler and the original version of Broly, who starred in three separate films.