15 Best Dragonball Movies That You Should Watching Update 04/2024

Best Dragonball Movies

Only a few of the many Dragon Ball movies are truly memorable. IMDb has compiled a list of the show’s finest moments.

From the manga to the anime to the video games to the movies; the Dragon Ball franchise has it all. While some of the other DB media has praised the movie, this hasn’t always been the case. In some ways, that’s understandable, given that many of the Dragon Ball films have been predictable.

In contrast to this, the finest ones have well-written tales, exciting action sequences, and interesting villains.

Posted byMelody MacReady on July 26th, 2021:

Multiple canons and multiple continuities make up the massive Dragon Ball universe. It’s hard to narrow it down to just ten movies because there are so many characters, plotlines, and enemies for Goku and his comrades to take on. As a result, there are more than 30 films and OVAs for Dragon Ball fans to discover and enjoy. If you’re a fan of anime, you’ll be overwhelmed by the sheer amount of stories that have taken place in the Dragon Ball series. Only Naruto and One Piece come close to it.

15. Dragon Ball: Mystical Adventure (1988) – 7.0

Dragon Ball Mystical Adventure (1988)

Unlike the other Dragon Ball films, Mystical Adventure does not appear in the primary canon of the anime series. Instead, it’s a more compact and self-contained retelling of the Dragon Ball plot in an alternate timeline.

Mystical Adventure is both fun and confusing at first because of this. While it’s not anything exceptional, it’s harmless entertainment that serves as a “What If” version of Dragon Ball as a martial arts story with the seven Dragon Balls.

14. Dragon Ball Z: The Return Of Cooler (1992) – 7.1

Following the success of Cooler’s Revenge, the villain was resurrected and brought back to wreak havoc. Since Cooler is now cybernetic, Goku and the other heroes are forced to finish the job they started with Cooler.

Frieza’s anthology’s third installment, The Return Of Cooler, was a strong one. At the time, it was less memorable than the Frieza Saga or Cooler’s Revenge but Cooler was still an interesting villain and the battles were still exciting.

13. Dragon Ball Z: Super Android 13 (1992) – 7.1

While Super Android 13 emerges after Goku is rescued from his heart infection, he is killed by androids 17 and 18. Dr. Gero designed him to be the perfect android to murder Goku and carry on his work. Android 13 was a formidable opponent for Goku and the Z-Fighters, even if it wasn’t quite on the same level as Cell.

As it is, Super Android 13 is more like an extended filler episode than a major event like most of the Dragon Ball Z movie.. Still a fantastic trip that serves as a foreshadowing of what Cell will become for the rest of the Saga, though.

12. Dragon Ball Z: Cooler’s Revenge (1991) – 7.2

Dragon Ball Z Cooler's Revenge (1991)

Cooler’s Revenge is a story about Frieza’s older brother, Cooler, and how he retaliates against him. To avenge his brother’s death, he sets out to destroy Goku on Earth.

While the idea of Cooler as a villain may have seemed like an old one, he shocked fans and didn’t feel like a watered-down Frieza. Cooler was, in a sense, what his father King Cold should have been like instead of the scenario that fans received. The Return Of Cooler, the pre-existing sequel, would bring Cooler back.

11. Dragon Ball Z: Bojack Unbound (1993) – 7.2

To clear up any confusion, no, this is not a mashup of Dragon Ball Z and Bojack Horseman. King Kai’s monster, Bojack, escapes from jail on his planet and returns to Earth to unleash mayhem. It’s up to Gohan to step up as the hero now that Goku is gone.

Fans of Gohan were pleased with this movie, which continued one of the strongest character arcs in the franchise by showing him struggling to live up to his father’s heritage. As a result, it’s a darker film than most of the Cell Saga, giving it a distinct flavor that fans adore. Dragon Ball villains Bojack and his troop of demons are also disregarded.

10. Dragon Ball Z: Battle Of Gods (2013) – 7.2

Battle of Gods was the first full-length film in the franchise for many years. As a result, the popularity of Dragon Ball was revived. During the film, Beerus travels to King Kai’s planet and subsequently Earth in quest of a fighter known as the Super Saiyan God, who is referred to as the “God of Destruction.”

Though its significance has diminished since its premiere, Battle of Gods is still an enjoyable, action-packed film that will keep you entertained for a long time. Eventually, in Dragon Ball Xenoverse, Super Saiyan Blue would overtake Super Saiyan God.

9. Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection ‘F’ (2015) – 7.3

Dragon Ball Z Resurrection 'F' (2015)

Resurrection ‘F’ was eagerly anticipated by fans of the Dragon Ball series because Frieza has long been considered one of the most formidable villains in the series. The surviving members of his army present him with the Dragon Balls in the film. As soon as he’s healed and trained for the first time, Frieza arrives on Earth to take out Goku.

Once Emperor and his army arrive on the planet and begin fighting, the movie really picks up in intensity. In especially stunning is the fight between the Z-Fighters and soldiers of Frieza’s army.

8. Dragon Ball: The Path To Power (1996) – 7.4

Retelling various Dragon Ball episodes in a similar fashion to Mystical Adventure, Toei Animation released Dragon Ball: The Path to Power to mark the show’s tenth anniversary. Path to Power is a fun adventure, even if the classic Dragon Ball series didn’t necessitate a new story.

Fast-paced and removing some extraneous scenes from the anime, this movie is a lot like the anime. Sadly, many memorable characters and scenes are omitted, so the original series remains the definitive telling of the tale. Path to Power, on the other hand, is a viable option.

7. Dragon Ball: Episode Of Bardock (2011) – 7.5

Bardock, while being a minor character in the series (except in the video games), is a fan favorite. If this what-if scenario ranks so highly amongst fans, it may be because of this reason

Planet Plant is a familiar-looking planet that Bardock wakes up on after the devastation of his homeworld. He is swiftly charged with safeguarding its residents from a Frieza race member named Chilled. Even if the plot is a little weird, this OVA is nonetheless enjoyable.

6. Dragon Ball Z: Wrath Of The Dragon (1995) – 7.5

Dragon Ball Z Wrath Of The Dragon (1995)

Wrath of the Dragon is a one-of-a-kind Dragon Ball movie. Non-villain characters are rare in films, and this one introduces one. In addition to that, the Z-Fighters aren’t the film’s main focus of attention.

Tapion, a charismatic warrior, is the new hero.

While imprisoned in a mystical music box, Hoi and the Z-Fighters rescue him from his confinement. However, Hoi was only interested in releasing the monster that was bound inside Tapion. Unlike other Dragon Ball movies, this one has a compelling storyline.

5. Dragon Ball Z: Broly – The Legendary Super Saiyan (1993) – 7.5

The original Broly has one of the worst villain motivations. Broly was awakened by Goku’s crying as a baby, and the Legendary Super Saiyan intends to avenge that. That being said, the film’s main plot, which centers on Broly’s father and his quest for revenge against Vegeta, is far more engaging.

However, the best part of the movie is the fight between Broly and the Z-Fighters. The villain’s physical manner of fighting is a treat to witness and is a major factor in his popularity.

4. Dragon Ball Z: Fusion Reborn (1995) – 7.7

For the first time, Gogeta, the fusion dance-induced Goku and Vegeta, appears in this film. Due to Janemba’s release of all hell’s inmates, the two Saiyans must work together to stop him.

Janemba is a superb villain in this film’s action sequences, with Goku and Vegeta taking the lead. However, Gohan’s one-punch victory over reborn Frieza was unnecessary.

3. Dragon Ball Z: Bardock – The Father Of Goku (1990) – 7.9

Dragon Ball Z Bardock - The Father Of Goku (1990)

Due to Bardock’s striking physical differences from his son, Goku, this episode immediately jumps out. In contrast to his cold-blooded father, the younger Saiyan has a strong sense of morality.

Goku’s father, Bardock, attempts to organize a rebellion against the evil Frieza in Bardock – The Father of Goku. The one-hour show does an excellent job of making Bardock both harsh and likable. With that said, the show nevertheless provides viewers with a fascinating glimpse into Saiyan culture.

2. Dragon Ball Z: The History Of Trunks (1993) – 7.9

The History of Trunks is one of the best Dragon Ball stories ever written. Gohan and Trunks are the only ones left who can keep a horde of killer androids at bay in a dystopian future. The two Saiyans’ battles with the androids 17 and 18 have a distinct sense of urgency, which adds greatly to the TV special.

The friendship between Trunks and Gohan is developed wonderfully throughout, and it culminates in one of the most powerful moments ever seen in a piece of Dragon Ball media.

1. Dragon Ball Super: Broly (2018) – 7.9

Dragon Ball Super Broly (2018)

In the most recent Dragon Ball movie, Broly is retconned and made part of the official canon. Recruiting him and his father, the big bad meets Vegeta and Goku for the first time. When Paragus finds out about his father’s activities, he becomes enraged and orders Broly to kill the Saiyan Prince as a form of retribution.

As a result, Vegeta and Goku face off against Broly in a series of thrilling encounters. Everything in the film is visually spectacular, thanks to the talented animators and designers. Frieza, Gogeta, and a deeper backstory for Broly are all welcome additions, and they all contribute to the overall enjoyment of the film.