The first Dragon Ball movie Curse of the Blood Rubies was released in Japan in 1986 and the rest is history. Since then, a large number of Dragon Ball movies have been released.
There is no doubt that the series was phenomenal but the non-canonical stories from the movies are magnificent too. In fact, the latest Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero was released in 2022 and it crossed the $100 million mark becoming the highest-grossed movie from the Dragon Ball series.
Speaking of which, the number of released Dragon Ball movies is big. Some of them are worthwhile but not all of them. To save you from wasting your time, I will be talking about only the best movies from the series. Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero is one of them, obviously, but there are more.
Before We Dive Headfirst into the Movies
All of the titles that I covered are great but where can you stream them legally (minus the piracy)?
Crunchyroll is a website where you can stream them all. I have been streaming Dragon Ball movies here in HD quality while being connected to my high-speed Spectrum Internet.
Crunchyroll offers a free trial for seven days and then they will charge you a little over 10 bucks which is affordable. Now, let us get into the movies.
Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero
Released in 2022, Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero brought a new focus on characters like Gohan and Piccolo, moving slightly away from the spotlight on Goku and Vegeta.
With its vibrant animation style, blending traditional and 3D elements, this movie managed to stand out visually while delivering an engaging story. The story follows the revival of the Red Ribbon Army, featuring new androids, Gamma 1 and Gamma 2, as key adversaries.
Its balance of nostalgia and innovation helps it outshine the rest. Gohan’s epic transformation toward the climax delighted long-time fans (I am one of them), and its success at the box office, grossing $100 million globally, cemented its position as one of the best in the Dragon Ball franchise.
Dragon Ball Z: Broly
The original Dragon Ball Z: Broly – The Legendary Super Saiyan (1993) introduced fans to one of the series’ most iconic villains. Broly’s unmatched power and tragic backstory made him a fan favorite. The film’s pacing keeps you on edge as Broly’s immense strength becomes an overwhelming threat.
Vegeta’s palpable fear, coupled with Goku’s unwavering determination, makes for memorable character moments. The film also features dynamic fight sequences that showcase the series’ signature blend of power and intensity which was my favorite segment of the movie.
Though non-canonical, Broly’s impact on the fandom was so significant that it inspired a reimagining of Dragon Ball Super: Broly (2018), blending his origins with the canon storyline.
Dragon Ball Z: Bojack Unbound
Bojack Unbound (1993) takes place after the Cell Saga.
The movie’s plot revolves around an intergalactic tournament that turns deadly when Bojack and his gang infiltrate Earth. Gohan once again takes center stage, stepping up as the hero in Goku’s absence.
This movie’s differentiating moment is Gohan unleashing his Super Saiyan 2 form, a nod to his iconic transformation during the Cell Games. The visuals are packed with intense action sequences, and the villains bring a distinct menace, making this a must-watch for fans who love seeing Gohan’s growth as a fighter.
Dragon Ball Z: Fusion Reborn
Released in 1995, Fusion Reborn is a fan-favorite for its mix of action, humor, and creative storytelling.
The movie’s villain, Janemba, is an impressive character whose abilities bring a surreal edge to the battles. The fusion of Goku and Vegeta into Gogeta is the highlight, marking Gogeta’s first-ever appearance in the franchise.
The movie’s creative setting – a distorted Other World – adds an intriguing layer to the action. What makes Fusion Reborn particularly enjoyable to me is its ability to balance lighthearted moments, such as Goten and Trunks’ antics, with high-stakes action, creating an experience that feels fresh and exciting.
Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods
Battle of Gods (2013) introduced the concept of Gods of Destruction and the multiverse and the beginning of the Dragon Ball series’ resurgence.
Beerus, the God of Destruction, was a game-changing addition to the Dragon Ball lore, bringing a new level of power and humor to the series. The film’s story focuses on Goku achieving the Super Saiyan God form to battle Beerus.
On the flip side, its lighter tone, combined with beautifully animated fight scenes, makes it magnificent. The movie’s success also paved the way for the Dragon Ball Super series, making it a significant milestone for the franchise.
