Ranking All the Dragon Ball Films
Ranking All the Dragon Ball Films
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Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re Ranking All the Dragon Ball Films. For this list, we’ll be counting down each and every one of this seminal shounen franchise’s movies from worst to best. As much as we’d love to give our thoughts on a certain live action-adaptation, we’ll be sticking to animated features. Which “Dragon Ball” film is your favorite? Sound off in the comments below!
#24: “Dragon Ball Z: Bio-Broly” (1994)
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This one should come with a hazard warning. You probably can’t tell because of the sludge, but once upon a time, the Legendary Super Saiyan was genuinely menacing. Impressively, ruining Broly isn’t even the film’s most damning sin; that belongs to its utter lack of tension. While adding Android 18 and Hercule to the mix brings some breezy humor to the first half, when the beefed-out-blondie finally enters the fray, the movie devolves into a series of well-animated but inexcusably boring fights. Broly - with boring fights. I guess we shouldn’t be surprised since he’s barely the same character, anyway. Much like the Saiyan himself, the gross drudge makes this a mindless slog devoid of any personality or substance.
#23: “Dragon Ball: Curse of the Blood Rubies” (1986)
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The nicest thing we can say about the first ever “Dragon Ball” film is that it’s wholly inoffensive. But, there’s no real reason to check it out, either. Set in an alternate continuity, “Curse of the Blood Rubies” retells the events of the series’ first arc in just fifty minutes, and it goes about as well as you'd expect. The breakneck pace robs the story of any sense of adventure or heart. However, the biggest downgrade is replacing Emperor Pilaf as the central villain with the completely forgettable King Gururmes. It never justifies its own existence for new or old fans, and instead exists as a watchable but altogether pointless detour.
#22: “Dragon Ball Z: Broly – Second Coming” (1994)
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It may not douse the title character in sludge, but this sequel’s power level is still noticeably lower than the firsts’. The film crawls through trivial and clunky plot points at a pace rivaling Frieza’s infamous five minutes, only to reward your patience with a lame scuffle where Broly somehow doesn’t kill Videl. It feels like we’re trapped in the Hyperbolic Time Chamber until Gohan arrives ready to kick some Saiyan tail. But even then, the dull and uninspired choreography fails to generate anything resembling excitement. “Second Coming’s” saving grace is the legendary Family Kamehameha, which is epic enough to single handedly rescue it from absolute embarrassment.
#21: “Dragon Ball: Sleeping Princess in Devil's Castle” (1987)
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At the very least, the franchise’s second movie ever is more creative than the first - though admittedly, that’s a low Power Pole to reach. Lucifer and his plan to blow up the sun is certainly memorable, but ultimately it's the same gi with a different color. It’s just a new villain, a new evil plan, and a new reason for Goku to put up his dukes. Compared to future entries, it’s just not all that entertaining. Sure, it isn’t without some classic “Dragon Ball” gags, but the poor animation and lackluster story structure make it hard to sit through. Maybe if Lucifer had gotten rid of the sun, there wouldn’t be such a shadow hanging over this film.
#20: “Dragon Ball GT: A Hero's Legacy” (1997)
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Even though Future Trunks already proved that stories outside the main timeline can be “super”, GT’s one and only flick failed to do anything interesting with the concept. There’s loads of potential in seeing the future generation grapple with their weighty lineage, but instead of doing that, we get a bland road trip without any of the character or drama that defines the series. It’s simply too beholden to what came before, and not even his shoehorned Super Saiyan transformation helps Goku Jr. hold a candle to his iconic ancestor. Much like the series it hails from, the ideas here are solid, we just wish this ‘grand tour’ had been a bit more fun.
#19: “Dragon Ball Z: Lord Slug” (1991)
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The plot may move as slow as the mollusk its villain is named after, but on paper, there’s a lot going for this one. Lord Slug, despite lacking any real personality, at least stands out as the only Namekian villain in the films. He actually achieves his wish for eternal youth, too; not that it did him much good after Goku went Super Saiyan - or, not-Super-Saiyan. Don’t ask us what that's about. The fun movesets and expanded Namekian lore are welcome additions, but that’s just not enough to stand out in a series with over twenty films. It’s not a bad way to spend an hour, but it doesn’t do anything that other “Dragon Ball” films don’t do better.
#18: “Dragon Ball: Mystical Adventure” (1988)
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After two strikeouts, the last of the original “Dragon Ball” films finally made it onto a base, even if it’s not quite a grand-slam, either. Yes, it’s another alternate retelling, but this one actually has fun reframing the series’ lore. It adapts parts of the 22nd World Martial Arts Tournament and Red Ribbon Army sagas, but with bizarre new plot elements like Chiaotzu being a king and Arale helping take down Mercenary Tao. Unfortunately, it’s too short to do these ideas justice, which makes it a lackluster viewing experience once the novelty wears off. It’s not quite worthy of its “mystical” moniker, but at least it’s different enough to warrant a first watch.
#17: “Dragon Ball Z: The Tree of Might” (1990)
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Goku Black who? Long before “Super” did it, this flick took a crack at the evil doppelganger trope, and even managed to tie it into Saiyan lore. The movie’s opening act feels unnecessarily padded (looking at you, Icarus), but once it sprouts, the story takes a refreshing turn. The titular arboreal weapon gives the plot a unique objective that’s more than just punching the other guy really, really hard. Add in good use of the supporting cast and the always-appreciated Great Ape form, and there’s a lot to like here. If it got into the “root” of things quicker, and didn’t end with the predictable Spirit Bomb, it might have been able to climb the tree a bit higher.
#16: “Dragon Ball Z: The Return of Cooler” (1992)
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Frieza’s brother is playing by the cardinal rule of anime and horror villains - they always come back for a sequel. Thanks to his shiny enhancements, Goku and Vegeta team up for the first time to deliver some devastating combos. They may not be able to compete with a metal army, but it’s still novel and epic to see these two on the same side. Oh, Gohan, Piccolo, and Krillin are there too, but they aren’t given much to do, anyway. Really, those scenes are only notable for Master Roshi and Yajirobe, who add some much-needed humor. “Return of Cooler” is inconsistent and has a highly questionable ending, but the gold-haired fight at its center is awesome enough to keep us coming back.
#15: “Dragon Ball: The Path to Power” (1996)
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To commemorate the tenth anniversary of the original anime, this film went back to Bulma running over Goku. Again. But don’t worry, this retelling is actually pretty damn good. Despite cramming elements of several arcs into ninety minutes, the streamlined narrative actually manages to capture the spirit of the original series in a way no other reimagining has. The exemplary production values and excellent music make it easy to revisist even for those already familiar with the story, which is exactly what a retelling should do. It can only fly so high since it’s a retread of something we’ve seen before, but at the very least it deserves praise for making even Yamcha look cool again.
#14: “Dragon Ball Z: Dead Zone” (1989)
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As the very first film under the “Z” moniker, this entry is a happy fusion dance of the best elements of the original series and its sequel. It isn’t all muscle and beam struggles, but it’s also much more ambitious than previous “Dragon Ball” films, especially in its villain. Garlic Jr. may seem like a less interesting Emperor Pilaf, but he gets credit for successfully wishing for immortality and having a motive that ties into the series’ established lore. While it does inevitably devolve into the Goku show, at least it lets the likes of Kami and Chi-Chi get in on the action, first. Even the main series can’t say that anymore.
#13: “Dragon Ball Z: Super Android 13!” (1992)
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If Vegeta was mad Trunks didn’t warn him about the extra androids before, wait till he hears there’s three more coming their way. At least they make for a film that’s entertaining from beginning to end. The well-paced story involves genuine rising action to escalate the fight between not one, not two, but three Super Saiyans. Creative locales like a shopping mall and the arctic keeps things engaging even though the whole movie is basically one non-stop beatdown. It doesn’t shake up the formula and its villains are as bland as actual robots, but it’s hard to care when even the obligatory Spirit Bomb finisher is this cool.
#12: “Dragon Ball Z: The World's Strongest” (1990)
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When you think of the most powerful warriors in the early days of “Z,” Goku should come to mind. Piccolo, Krillin and Tien are probably up there, too. Unfortunately, Dr. Wheelo is working with some outdated info. In his quest to find the strongest body to inhabit, he doesn’t kidnap any of those guys, but Master Roshi instead. Oh, and did we mention Wheelo is just a brain in a robot suit? The new antagonist and storyline are delightfully unique, especially compared to the series’ other films. It may not have as much high-octane action as the later “Z” films, but this underrated gem’s inventive narrative and quirky characters are a love letter to the best parts of the original run.
#11: “Dragon Ball Z: Broly - The Legendary Super Saiyan” (1993)
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There’s a good reason this is the only villain to star in three films - and that’s not even including his recent reboot. As the longest of the original “Z” movies, it takes a long time for the power levels to start rising. But “Broly” does one thing right, and it does it really, really well. The action is bar none some of the most brutal and intense from any corner of the franchise. Broly’s lack of compelling characterization isn’t as much of a detriment here, either, since the vengeful Paragus gives the film a complex secondary antagonist. This movie’s impact and legacy means “Broly” still wins the gold, and we don’t mean his hair.
#10: “Dragon Ball Z: Wrath of the Dragon” (1995)
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No, Shenron isn’t the focus here, and neither is a new villain. Instead, the spotlight falls on Tapion, a conflicted hero with half of the ruinous Hirudegarn trapped inside him. Refreshingly, this movie gets quiet, which allows a heartfelt bond to grow between Tapion and Kid Trunks. The young Saiyan soon realizes the only way to stop Hirudgarn is to kill his new friend, which is just the kind of character-based conflict we wish more of the movies had. It’s an absolute disappointment, then, when Goku’s shoehorned victory robs Trunks’ choice of any real consequence. It’s only natural that a picture with “dragon” in its name is one of the series’ best, as long as you skip the last few minutes, that is.
#9: “Dragon Ball Z: Bojack Unbound” (1993)
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For the most part, this film sticks to the routine: a villain and his lackeys are a threat to Earth, and Goku and Co. beat them up. Well, except for one notable difference - Goku is dead. Instead, this is Gohan’s movie, and it’s all the better for it. The tournament framework provides several unconventional landscapes and interesting character interactions before the titular villain even steps onto the field. When he does, it’s top-tier, classic “Dragon Ball” action at its finest, capped off with a scene that needs no introduction. Gohan is no stranger to iconic power-up sequences, but this one serves as a special reminder of how unbelievably cool he was at his peak. Goku, we barely missed you.
#8: “Dragon Ball Z: Cooler's Revenge” (1991)
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Frieza’s brother might not fare much better than his sibling against a Super Saiyan, but that’s not for a lack of trying. A well-timed blast takes Goku out of commission for most of the runtime, creating an engaging game of cat-and-mouse for Gohan and the others. It’s a tense and captivating setup, especially since it leads to the fantastic quarrel between Piccolo and Cooler's armored squadron. When our hero jumps back in the ring, the showdown is nothing short of ferocious, and builds towards one of the greatest Super Saiyan transformations, period. It ends with Goku literally throwing the villain’s last attack back at him. We can’t think of a finishing blow any cooler - pun fully intended.
#7: “Dragon Ball Z: The History of Trunks” (1993)
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There’s no saving the Earth this time around; the androids have already won by the time the opening credits roll. Following Future Trunks before his debut in the Android saga, this glimpse at his apocalyptic timeline is by far one of the bleakest corners of the franchise. The film finds a shred of hope in the relationship between Gohan and Trunks, and it's that mentorship that delivers one of the most impactful moments in all of “Dragon Ball.” While its own merits as a standalone product can’t be understated, it also succeeds at expanding upon the lore of the series in an interesting way. It’s not easy to sit through, but that’s precisely why it’s a must-watch.
#6: “Dragon Ball Z: Fusion Reborn” (1995)
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Earth isn’t the only thing at stake when the essence of all evil causes a ruckus in Otherworld, though, personally, we don’t mind the makeover. The film may follow our favorite Saiyan duo battling the incarnation of malice, but it manages to have a lot of fun along the way. Whether it's the quirky aesthetic, outstanding animation, or delightful villain cameos, this feature manages to be pure popcorn-entertainment. Don’t fret, it’s got style to spare, too. Alongside a badass design, Janemba’s unusual abilities make for an enticing and memorable bout with our heroes. Throw in the spectacular debut of a fan-favorite fusion, and we’re reminded that action and fun aren’t mutually exclusive.
#5: “Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection 'F'” (2015)
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After yet another embarrassing defeat, Frieza was probably better off leaving this grudge back on Namek. As the follow-up to “Battle of Gods,” this film excels at continuing character relationships and plot points from the previous film while still forging its own identity. Frieza is better than ever, with all the menace and refined cruelty that made him iconic in the first place. His vengeful invasion of Earth is a definite high-point, boasting amazing choreography and animation to sell the scale of the conflict. The final Saiyan-showdown glows just as bright, and not just because of the new forms. The inventive twists and nostalgic callbacks make this the gold - or, now blue - standard of how to bring back a character the right way.
#4: “Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero” (2022)
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In this heroic outing, the Red Ribbon army returns with some new androids for Gohan to thrash. But, despite the costumes, they aren’t what makes this flick ‘super.’ Refreshingly, this nostalgic ride slows down to explore its characters instead of throwing them into more world-ending action - though, don’t worry, there’s plenty of that, too. While the new CG animation definitely takes some getting used to, it still delivers some fast-paced fight scenes worthy of the big screen. Alongside the undeniable thrills and welcome callbacks, “Super Hero” serves as a reminder that empowering character arcs are just as much a part of “Dragon Ball” as the high-stakes action.
#3: “Dragon Ball Z: Bardock – The Father of Goku” (1990)
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He may be the main character, but Goku’s father is anything but a hero. We shouldn’t like the Saiyans after all the lives they’ve taken, and yet, you can’t help but root for Bardock as he hopelessly tries to save his planet. Outnumbered and outclassed, his only solace is a vision that his son will avenge their race one day. It’s a brilliant character study destined to end in tragedy, but by the time it’s over, you’ll want to wish for Shenron to change the outcome. Much like “History of Trunks,” Bardock’s story is an essential chapter in “Dragon Ball” history that looks to the past to find a deeper appreciation of the present.
#2: “Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods” (2013)
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If you asked Shenron for “Dragon Ball” in its purest form, he’d bring you this film. Unlike other entries, this isn’t just an excuse for cool action; it’s a joyous celebration of everything that defines the series. It’s classic, yes, but don’t think it plays it safe, since even a new transformation can’t help Goku best Beerus. You heard that right - Goku is actually capable of losing a fight. Speaking of Beerus, he and Whis are given the time to grow and develop into organic parts of the universe in a way no other movie-original characters have. This was the first film to be considered canon for a reason; it truly understands the spirit that’s made the franchise successful to this day.
#1: “Dragon Ball Super: Broly” (2018)
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The Legendary Super Saiyan has always been known more for his battle prowess than his personality, and there was no one better to remedy that than series creator Akira Toriyama himself. The film is almost entirely indebted to Toriyama’s excellent script that lets the audience genuinely invest in Cheelai, Lemu, and Broly long before the action ramps up. Of course, it helps that this is tails down the most visually impressive the series has ever been. We thought Gogeta was cool before, but the looser animation style allowed his breathtaking smackdown with Broly to reach dizzying heights we never thought possible. “Broly” single handedly proved that even after 30 years of animated brawls, the series’ power level hasn’t finished climbing just yet.
