The Dragon Ball franchise is a global phenomenon, a sprawling saga of epic battles, unwavering friendships, and the relentless pursuit of power. But just how many anime series and movies make up this extensive universe? The answer might surprise you. It's more than just Dragon Ball and Dragon Ball Z! Let's dive into the shocking truth about the sheer number of Dragon Ball shows.
While many casually refer to "Dragon Ball" as encompassing the entire franchise, it's actually a collection of several distinct yet interconnected series, movies, and specials. Counting them all accurately requires careful consideration of what constitutes a "show."
The Main Dragon Ball Saga: A Timeline
To truly understand the breadth of the franchise, it's helpful to look at it chronologically:
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Dragon Ball (1986-1989): This is where it all began, introducing Goku as a young boy and his adventures with Bulma, Krillin, and Master Roshi. This series focuses on martial arts tournaments and the gathering of the Dragon Balls.
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Dragon Ball Z (1989-1996): The widely recognized sequel, Dragon Ball Z, dramatically increases the power levels and introduces iconic villains like Frieza, Cell, and Majin Buu. This era is known for its epic battles and its impact on popular culture.
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Dragon Ball GT (1996-1997): Often considered non-canon by many fans, Dragon Ball GT follows an older Goku and introduces new characters and transformations. Its storyline differs significantly from the manga and is generally seen as a separate entity.
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Dragon Ball Super (2015-2018): This series continues the story after Dragon Ball Z, picking up where the Buu Saga left off. Dragon Ball Super introduces new transformations, characters, and arcs, significantly expanding the lore.
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Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero (2022): While a movie, this film's scale and impact on the overall storyline justify its inclusion as a significant piece of the franchise's narrative.
Beyond the Main Series: Spin-offs and Specials
Beyond these core series, several other shows and movies contribute to the vast Dragon Ball universe:
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Numerous movies: Numerous theatrical films exist, some directly tied to the main storylines and others branching off into alternate narratives. These films often introduce new enemies and showcase the characters' power in different contexts.
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OVA's (Original Video Animations): Various OVAs explore side stories or delve deeper into specific events from the main series. These aren't always as widely known but are still part of the overall Dragon Ball canon.
How Many is "Many"? The Shocking Answer
So, how many Dragon Ball shows exist? There's no single definitive answer, as it depends on how you classify "shows." However, considering the four main series (Dragon Ball, Dragon Ball Z, Dragon Ball GT, and Dragon Ball Super), the feature-length film Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero, and the numerous movies and OVAs, we're talking about a significant number of productions spanning decades. It’s not simply a matter of counting series; the entire franchise represents a substantial and continuously evolving body of work.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between Dragon Ball, Dragon Ball Z, and Dragon Ball Super?
Dragon Ball introduces Goku as a child and focuses on martial arts tournaments. Dragon Ball Z follows a much older Goku and features significantly higher power levels and intergalactic threats. Dragon Ball Super is a direct sequel to DBZ, continuing the story with new characters, transformations, and storylines.
Is Dragon Ball GT canon?
The canonical status of Dragon Ball GT is widely debated among fans. While it's officially part of the franchise, its story diverges from the manga and is largely considered non-canon by many.
Are the Dragon Ball movies canon?
The canonicity of Dragon Ball movies is also a point of contention among fans. Some movies directly tie into the main series' plot, while others can be considered alternate timelines or "what-if" scenarios.
How many Dragon Ball movies are there?
There are numerous Dragon Ball movies. The exact number depends on whether you include OVAs and special episodes, but it is a substantial number spanning decades of production.
The Dragon Ball franchise's enduring popularity stems from its engaging characters, action-packed battles, and consistently evolving storyline. The sheer volume of content available ensures that there's something for every fan, making this saga one of the most extensive and impactful in anime history.
