Introduction
Dragon Ball is a popular anime series that has been around for over three decades, spanning various seasons, movies, and adaptations. With all the different iterations of the Dragon Ball franchise, it can be challenging to watch the entire series in chronological order. That’s why we’ve put together this guide, which explains the different methods of how to watch Dragon Ball in order.
Chronological Order
One way to watch Dragon Ball is to follow the order of events in the series. This method involves starting with the original Dragon Ball, followed by Dragon Ball Z, and ending with Dragon Ball Super. This method is ideal for those who want to experience the entire series from start to finish.
The main advantage of watching in chronological order is that you get to see the character’s journey from the beginning, and it’s easier to follow the story. However, this method has its disadvantages, such as the pacing of the series, which can be slow at times, and the animation quality of the earlier episodes may not be as impressive as the later seasons.
To make the experience more enjoyable, we suggest skipping the filler episodes, which are not part of the main plotline.
Release Order
Another way to watch Dragon Ball is to follow the order in which the episodes and movies were released in Japan and internationally. This method is ideal for those who want to experience the story as it was released to the public.
The primary advantage of watching in release order is that you get to experience the series as it was intended. However, this method is not recommended for first-time viewers as it can be confusing to follow the story.
That said, for those who want to try this method, it’s essential to pay attention to the title and order number of each episode and movie.
Saga Order
Watching Dragon Ball in saga order is another option. This method involves organizing the episodes and movies into sagas, such as the Saiyan Saga, Frieza Saga, Cell Saga, etc., and watching them in that order.
The main advantage of watching in saga order is that it’s more manageable to follow the story. The sagas are easier to parse, and the pacing is more consistent than other methods.
However, it’s worth noting that this method doesn’t follow the exact timeline of events and may require some backtracking to fill in the gaps in the story.
Character Order
This method involves following the journey of a specific character, such as Goku, and watching all the episodes and movies related to that character in order.
The advantage of watching in character order is that it’s easier to follow the story and character development. The disadvantage is that you’ll miss out on the overall plotline and the development of other characters in the series.
For those who want to try this method, we suggest starting with Goku as he is the main character of the series.
Hybrid Order
Many viewers prefer to watch Dragon Ball in a hybrid order, where they combine different methods to create a unique order that suits their preferences. This method allows viewers to pick and choose different sagas or episodes to watch in the order they want.
The advantage of watching in a hybrid order is that it’s flexible and allows viewers to tailor their viewing experience to their preferences. However, this method can be confusing and difficult to follow, especially for first-time viewers.
Abridged Order
If you’re short on time and want to experience Dragon Ball’s essential aspects, an abridged version of the series may be for you. This method involves watching condensed versions of the series, such as Dragon Ball Z Kai or Dragon Ball Super: Broly (the movie).
The primary advantage of watching an abridged version is that it’s faster and more digestible. The downside is that you’ll miss out on many of the series’ details and nuances that make the series so popular.
Conclusion
There is no one-size-fits-all solution for how to watch Dragon Ball in order. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, depending on your preferences and the amount of time you have to watch the series.
If you’re new to Dragon Ball, we recommend starting with the Digital HD release, which is in release order. If you prefer to follow a character, we suggest starting with Goku and watching the series in character order.
Whatever method you choose, we hope this guide provides valuable insight and helps you enjoy the Dragon Ball series to the fullest.
