A Deep Dive into the Best and Worst of the Dragon Ball Movie Collection
Over the past four decades, the Dragon Ball franchise has established itself as one of the most iconic and enduring anime series in history. With 24 theatrical movies released, it’s clear that the franchise has had a significant impact on both Japanese and global pop culture. However, not all of these films have been equally successful. Some have become fan favorites, while others have struggled to live up to expectations.
Skip: Dragon Ball Z: Bio-Broly
Dragon Ball’s Worst-Ever Movie Isn’t Worth the Time
Among the many characters introduced in the Dragon Ball series, none have generated as much attention as Broly. The Saiyan warrior is known for his immense power and unique design, but Dragon Ball Z: Bio-Broly failed to capture the essence of what made him special. This film lacks an engaging plot and relies heavily on the presence of characters like Goten, Trunks, and Android #18, who are not strong enough to carry the story on their own. The movie is widely considered one of the weakest entries in the franchise, and fans are advised to skip it.
Must-See: Dragon Ball Z: Broly – The Legendary Super Saiyan
Broly’s Debut Stands Out as One of Dragon Ball’s Best Movies Ever
In contrast, Dragon Ball Z: Broly – The Legendary Super Saiyan remains one of the franchise’s most celebrated films. Released at a time when Super Saiyans were still a relatively new concept, this movie introduced Broly as a powerful and mysterious character who challenged even the strongest fighters in the series. His design, strength, and enigmatic nature made him a standout character, and the film offered a compelling battle between Goku and his greatest opponent yet. It’s a must-watch for any Dragon Ball fan.
Skip: Dragon Ball Z: Broly – Second Coming
The First Broly Sequel Fails to Live Up to the Original
While the first Broly movie was a success, its sequel, Broly – Second Coming, did not live up to the same standards. The film suffers from weak writing and a lack of originality, with Goten and Trunks once again taking center stage. Although Broly’s return is welcomed, the story feels rushed and unfulfilling. Additionally, the decision to give Broly the ability to speak (other than in screams) was seen as a misstep by many fans. Overall, it’s a film that fails to deliver the excitement of its predecessor.
Must-See: Dragon Ball Z: Wrath of the Dragon
The Final Dragon Ball Z Movie Is One of the Series’ Very Best
Released in 1995, Wrath of the Dragon stands out as one of the best films in the Dragon Ball Z series. Unlike earlier movies, it places Trunks at the center of a compelling narrative involving a mysterious hero named Tapion and a cursed monster named Hirudegarn. The film takes on a more serious tone and manages to integrate itself into the overall timeline of the series. With impressive action sequences and a memorable soundtrack, Wrath of the Dragon is a true classic.
Skip: Dragon Ball: Curse of the Blood Rubies
The First Dragon Ball Movie Is an Underwhelming Retelling of the Anime’s Events
The first Dragon Ball movie, Curse of the Blood Rubies, was released in 1986, the same year the anime premiered. Rather than offering something new, the film simply retold the events of the first arc of the anime. The pacing is uneven, and the 50-minute runtime feels overcrowded. While it may be interesting for completists, there isn’t much to recommend here for casual viewers.
Must-See: Dragon Ball Z: Bojack Unbound
Gohan Gets Rare Time to Shine in This Underrated Movie
After the Cell Saga, Bojack Unbound gave Gohan a rare opportunity to take center stage. The film follows a tournament storyline that showcases Gohan’s growth as a fighter. His Super Saiyan 2 form is one of the most visually striking in the series, and the final battle is a highlight. For fans who enjoy seeing Gohan in a leading role, this movie is well worth watching.
Skip: Dragon Ball Z: Lord Slug
The (Almost) Debut of Super Saiyan Comes in an Underwhelming Movie
Lord Slug was released during the height of Dragon Ball Z‘s popularity, but it didn’t live up to the hype. While it features the Namekian race, which had recently become a key part of the series, the villain is largely uninteresting and the plot lacks depth. Interestingly, the film almost served as the debut of Goku’s Super Saiyan transformation, but the scene was ultimately cut. Fans might find it underwhelming compared to other entries in the series.
Must-See: Dragon Ball Super: Broly
Broly’s Revival Made Up for Dragon Ball’s Past Mistakes
After years of being absent from the franchise, Broly made a triumphant return in Dragon Ball Super: Broly. This modern reimagining of the character offers a more sympathetic portrayal and delivers some of the best action sequences in the series. The film also benefits from updated visuals and a stronger narrative, making it one of the most acclaimed entries in the Dragon Ball movie lineup.
Skip: Dragon Ball Z: The World’s Strongest
Piccolo Almost Becomes a Villain Once More in a Largely Underwhelming Movie
The World’s Strongest is not the worst film in the series, but it also doesn’t reach the heights of the best ones. While the visuals are impressive and the cast includes many of the series’ most popular fighters, the story lacks direction and becomes nonsensical at times. The final act is particularly underwhelming, leaving many fans disappointed.
Must-See: Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero
The Franchise’s Latest Film Is One of Its Best
The latest entry, Super Hero, marks a new direction for the Dragon Ball franchise. It focuses on Gohan and Piccolo, giving them a chance to shine in a way that the series hadn’t done in years. The use of CGI animation is a fresh approach, and the introduction of characters like Beast Gohan and Orange Piccolo adds new layers to the story. Despite some initial criticisms, the film is widely regarded as one of the best in the series.
