Best Dragon Ball Movies

Ever since the Dragon Ball manga was translated into anime form in 1986, there have been many films that surround the events of the long-running manga, many of which take place outside the established canon of the series. While the films generally gained a larger following as Dragon Ball became more popular, that wasn't the case for all films.

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With a manga, four anime series, plenty of films, and countless games under its belt, Dragon Ball doesn't look like it's going to be slowing down any time soon. The latest feature in the franchise, Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero, came out in 2022 in North America, and it was the first project to focus almost exclusively on 3D animation.

Which is the best Dragon Ball movie?

Updated December 9, 2024, by Mark Sammut: Dragon Ball is back in the spotlight thanks to the release of Daima, the Fall 2024 anime series set after the events of the Buu Saga. Reverting the Z-Fighters into children and sending them to the Demon World, the sequel/prequel/spin-off has been an enjoyable romp so far. When it comes to Dragon Ball films, a new project does not appear to be in the works, although one has to assume that Goku and friends will eventually return to the big screen. This article has been updated with more detailed explanations for the rankings.

Every Dragon Ball Movie

Not counting TV specials, Dragon Ball has produced 22 movies over the span of nearly four decades, including entries in three different series. Clearly, the franchise has been kept busy, and the future will likely hold a few more Dragon Ball movies. The following table contains every DB film released so far.

22 Dragonball: Evolution

An Underwhelming Live-Action Version That Never Comes Close To Capturing Dragon Ball's Spirit, Humor, Action, Or Anything

By far the worst project associated with the Dragon Ball universe, Evolution did not get a single thing right. It is only natural that adaptations alter the source material to fit a new medium, but Dragonball: Evolution is devoid of anything that defines Akira Toriyama's property. The action lacks punch and speed, failing to come anywhere close to replicating the epic bouts found in even the earliest chapters of the manga or anime.

While they might share a name with their animated counterparts, Evolution's characters are otherwise entirely different entities; even when viewed in isolation, these people are just not interesting or likable enough to carry an adventure. The movie even wastes James Marsters.

Should You Watch Dragonball: Evolution?

No.

21 Dragon Ball Z: Bio-Broly

Third-Time Is Not The Charm For Broly, And The Villain Is Reduced To A Personality-Less Caricature With No Interesting Qualities

While Broly is something of a one-note character in the non-canon films, he is well-loved among the majority of Dragon Ball fans for bringing more over-the-top Super Saiyan action to the series. That being said, the Bio-Broly film is not only the weakest of the films that center around Broly, but also the weakest of all the animated Dragon Ball films, which may have something to do with the fact that it centers around Goten and Trunks rather than Goku or even Vegeta.

This film takes an already quite straightforward character and simplifies his personality even further, essentially turning Broly into a brainless and, more importantly, boring monster. There is just no reason to watch this movie.

Should You Watch Dragon Ball Z: Bio-Broly?

There is no real reason to watch this movie except for completionist purposes. Broly is at his worst in this entry; meanwhile, Goten and Trunks are best in small doses rather than as the main driving forces.

20 Dragon Ball Z: Broly – Second Coming

Except For One Cool Moment In The End, Broly's Second Outing Is Not Only Forgettable But Also Hurt The Villain's Mystique

Broly's second film, Broly - Second Coming, is only slightly better than Bio-Broly, though that also isn't particularly hard to accomplish. One saving grace that keeps this film from fading into obscurity is the Goku-Gohan-Goten Kamehameha which is reminiscent of the similar ki-blast used by Gohan in the Cell Games, complete with a ghostly Kakarot to assist his sons.

Besides this moment, Second Coming is a by-the-numbers Dragon Ball movie that seems to exist only to capitalize on Broly's popularity. Due to being non-canon, these releases can feel inconsequential, but there is no reason they should be boring. Second Coming is boring.

Should You Watch Dragon Ball Z: Broly – Second Coming?

As a two-parter with Broly – The Legendary Super Saiyan, Second Coming does its job as an action-filled romp with barely anything resembling a story. The movie has a couple of fun moments and, at the very least, is watchable when compared to Bio-Broly. Honestly, this movie is just uninspired.

19 Dragon Ball Z: Lord Slug

An OK Early Effort That Has Decent Action But A Pretty Weak Villain

One of the earlier Dragon Ball Z films, Lord Slug follows a rogue Namekian as he attempts to take over the earth while also giving fans a glimpse of Goku's future Super Saiyan form during the final battle. This film also introduced the idea of Namekian ears being overly sensitive to high-pitched noises, something that doesn't come up again in the series after this.

The best DBZ movies feature iconic villains, but Lord Slug is not one of them. Although he does come across as somewhat of a threat, his design is ultimately too familiar to stand out from the crowd.

Should You Watch Dragon Ball Z: Lord Slug?

Fine as a stopgap filler saga that can be watched before the Namek saga. If someone has watched all of DBZ, this movie might come across as a retread.

18 Dragon Ball Z: The World's Strongest

Piccolo's More Pronounced Role Make This One Of The Better Early Dragon Ball Movies

A somewhat bizarre film compared to most other Dragon Ball features, The World's Strongest follows Goku and his friends as they try to keep a mad scientist from taking over Gohan's body to become the world's strongest warrior.

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Like most other Dragon Ball films, this one takes place during an undisclosed period in DBZ's timeline. According to the canon of the story, this side adventure shouldn't have occurred because Goku is shown discovering the Spirit Bomb attack while both Piccolo and Gohan are still on Earth. This only happened after he defeated Frieza on Planet Namek while he should have been on Yardrat.

Should You Watch Dragon Ball Z: The World's Strongest?

While not bad, The World's Strongest threatens to overstay its welcome despite lasting less than an hour. That said, the story strikes a middle-ground between Dragon Ball and DBZ.

17 Dragon Ball Z: Tree Of Might

The "Evil" Goku Gimmick Should Have Resulted In A Better Dragon Ball Villain Than Turles, But Tree Of Might Is Perfectly Watchable

Although Tree of Might introduced another Saiyan character like the Broly movies, Turles, this story's villain, is entirely forgettable despite the decent quality of the film as a whole. Although it takes place in the same odd continuity as World's Strongest, one neat aspect of Tree of Might is that it shows how Gohan met Icarus, a dragon he is often seen playing with during the series as a child.

Like so many of the early Dragon Ball movies, Tree of Might just feels like an extended filler episode, one that barely has better animation than the main show. That does not mean it is bad, just that it lacks much in the way of excitement.

Should You Watch Dragon Ball Z: Tree Of Might?

Honestly, leave this one for a rainy day when there is nothing else to watch, play, or read. It is just a nothing movie.

16 Dragon Ball: Sleeping Princess In Devil's Castle

An Endearing Dragon Ball Adventure That Retains Most Of The Original Show's Charm

Originally released only in Japan as a quad-feature alongside the Saint Seiya, Hikari Sentai Maskman, and Choujinki Metalder films, Sleeping Princess in Devil's Castle was the second Dragon Ball feature made. It follows a young Goku and Krillin as they are sent on a quest by Master Roshi as part of their training to investigate the titular Devil's Castle.

Boasting more of an adventurous tone than most of the later movies, Sleeping Princess in Devil's Castle is a pleasant enough side story that, unfortunately, is just not all that memorable. Still, it is a fine way to spend an hour.

Should You Watch Dragon Ball: Sleeping Princess In Devil's Castle?

Ultimately, yes. Dragon Ball: Sleeping Princess in Devil's Castle tells a cute adventure that captures the spirit and tone of the original anime.

15 Dragon Ball: Curse of the Blood Rubies

As The First Dragon Ball Movie, Curse Of The Blood Rubies Is A Triumph, Even If It Does Not Bring New Material To The Lore

The first-ever Dragon Ball film, Curse of the Blood Rubies follows a young Goku, alongside his regular traveling companions Bulma, Yamcha, Puar, and Oolong, as they try to find the Dragon Balls. Unlike most other movies in the franchise, this one tells an alternate story of the first arc of the series rather than something entirely new.

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By  Jerry Elengical

Consequently, Curse of the Blood Rubies can be slightly dull since it does not hold too many surprises. That said, the film captures the spirit of the show's early sagas, delivering a lighthearted romp with lovable characters and a bit of action.

Should You Watch Dragon Ball: Curse of the Blood Rubies?

Worth watching as a historical piece due to being the franchise's first feature. Its comedic tone sets it apart from the subsequent action-heavy stories.

14 Dragon Ball Z: Dead Zone

Garlic Jr. Is A Fun Villain, And Dead Zone's Decision To Focus On Gohan Pays Off

The first film released under the Dragon Ball Z name, Dead Zone sees Goku and Piccolo team up prior to Raditz's arrival on Earth, having to fight against yet another bad guy who wants to gain immortality through the Dragon Balls. Unlike the majority of other villains, Garlic Jr. Actually succeeds in his plan to gain immortality, but he is defeated by being banished to the titular Dead Zone by a young Gohan.

Narratively, Dead Zone does not fit in that well with the canon storyline, but it is a solid enough filler distraction. Garlic Jr. Is a pretty fun villain, and he even makes an appearance in the main show.

Should You Watch Dragon Ball Z: Dead Zone?

Despite being mostly a joke nowadays, Garlic Jr. Is still a fairly iconic Dragon Ball villain, and he is at his best in Dead Zone​​​​​​.

13 Dragon Ball: Mystical Adventure

Another Early Refresher That Is Fresh Enough To Justify A Recommendation

Just like Curse of the Blood Rubies, Mystical Adventure, once again, revisiting the classic Dragon Ball origin story, albeit with more new content than its predecessor. This time, the film introduces characters that debuted later, such as Tien and Chiaotzu, while still telling something of an origin story for the series.

The heroes travel to the kingdom of Mifan to take part in a tournament, but they quickly get dragged into a conspiracy to usurp Chiaotzu from the throne. Mystical Adventure has some pretty impressive visuals, especially in its presentation of Mifan, and the fight sequences are decent for Dragon Ball​​​.

Should You Watch Dragon Ball: Mystical Adventure?

A decent reimagining of Goku and Bulma's early adventures. Not a must-watch, but fun enough in its own right.