Since its debut in 1986, Akira Toriyama’s Dragon Ball has enjoyed remarkable success. Initially, the movies were not given standard release dates but were instead featured alongside other films at festivals organized by Toei Animation. However, since 2000, the Dragon Ball movies, including international releases, have received their own theatrical releases, expanding the franchise’s reach to fans worldwide.
More than 30 Dragon Ball films have been released over the past four decades. The latest installment, Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero, marked the fourth and final Dragon Ball film supervised by Akira Toriyama before his unfortunate demise in March this year. This list features the five best films of the Dragon Ball franchise.
1. Dragon Ball Z: The History of Trunks
Dragon Ball Z: The History of Trunks delves into a darker narrative compared to the typical upbeat Saiyan story. Set in the Future Trunks timeline, the film depicts the devastation wrought by the Androids, leaving Trunks and Gohan as the last defenders against their onslaught. Laden with emotional scenes, including the death of Gohan, the movie’s grim premise may be challenging for some viewers. Nevertheless, Dragon Ball Z: The History of Trunks delivers a compelling and impactful story.
2. Dragon Ball Super: Broly
Dragon Ball Super: Broly is arguably one of the most popular Dragon Ball films today. This was the first film under the Dragon Ball Super banner. Yet, it was the introduction of the beloved character, Broly, that truly captivated audiences. Departing from the original Dragon Ball Z narrative, the film presented a fresh backstory for Broly, transforming him from a mere savage into a character of greater complexity. This acclaimed film garnered nominations for over three awards, lauded for its exceptional fight sequences and animation quality.
3. Dragon Ball Z: Wrath Of The Dragon
The Wrath of the Dragon took a unique approach to the main storyline of the Dragon Ball franchise, shifting its focus away from the Z-fighters. The film plot begins shortly after the Majin Buu arc and introduces a new, exciting character — Tapion. At the start of the movie, Tapion is trapped in a magical music box and is later released by a being named Hoi. The Wrath of the Dragon adopts a fresh perspective, departing from its usual action sequences to highlight the adventurous journey of the characters.
4. Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection ‘F’
Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection ‘F’ is the second canonical movie of the franchise. It includes the return of fan-favorite villain Frieza, last seen in the Fusion Reborn film. Frieza’s underlings wish him back to life using the Dragon Ball. The film features several remarkable events, like Goku and Vegeta showcasing Super Saiyan Blue and encountering the Frieza train for the first time. It also has its share of fast-paced action scenes and good pacing, making it a memorable film in the Dragon Ball franchise.
5. Dragon Ball: The Path to Power
Toei Animation launched Dragon Ball: The Path to Power in celebration of the franchise’s 10th anniversary. This film revisits earlier arcs of the series while incorporating later ones, such as the Red Ribbon arc. It successfully delivers a fast-paced narrative to fans, streamlining the storyline by eliminating unnecessary events that were featured in the series.
6. Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero
Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero is a true standout among the Dragon Ball movies. The famous film was streamed across multiple continents worldwide, including Africa. The show was also the first to make use of 3D animation. The story mainly focuses on Gohan and Piccolo’s mission to save the world from the newly reformed Red Ribbon Army.
Since its inception in 1986, the Dragon Ball franchise has continually evolved from its humble beginnings as festival features to becoming a global cinematic phenomenon. With each installment, the franchise has reached new heights and captivated audiences at the theatres. The legacy and impact of Dragon Ball on this genre entails that its influence will continue to endure for generations to come.
