The Dragon Ball franchise was originally created as a manga that was written and illustrated by Akira Toriyama. After the manga gained a significant amount of popularity, an anime adaptation was produced by Toei that eventually gained the attention of many people around the globe. Today, the franchise exists in many different kinds of media and merchandise such as manga, TV series, movies, video games, figures, apparel, card games, and even theme park attractions. The franchise has become so loved by the international community that they have come to love many of the characters of the series and even go so far as to write a plethora of fanfiction inspired by Dragon Ball. Fan-made projects like Dragon Ball Multiverse have also garnered the attention of many fans and have been translated into a myriad of different languages spoken around the world.
Series
Although the franchise got its start with the Dragon Ball manga, several other series, both canonical and non-canonical, were created afterward. The following list includes all of the individual series that have been released to date.
Dragon Ball
The original series. Dragon Ball, when compared to other series, has a more comedic focus, though fighting is still one of its core elements. When adapted into an anime, “Dragon Ball” covers the first half of the original manga.
Dragon Ball Z
Dragon Ball Z is the anime adaptation of the second half of the manga. It takes place after most of the characters have grown into adults and has a much more serious tone than the first half. Dragon Ball Z also operates on a much larger scale, as many locations in the series take place on extraterrestrial planets whereas the first half largely took place on Earth.
Dragon Ball Kai
Dragon Ball Z Kai is the remastered, re-cut, and re-dubbed version of Dragon Ball Z. Many voice actors returned to voice their respective characters, though there are some exceptions. Kai also cut out a lot of filler content that was added to the original adaptation.
Dragon Ball GT
Dragon Ball GT is an original anime project created completely by Toei that takes place after the events of Dragon Ball Z. GT has no manga counterpart and Toriyama had little involvement in its creation, making it non-canon.
Dragon Ball Super
Dragon Ball Super is the most recent canonical series. It takes place soon after the Buu saga in Dragon Ball Z and follows the same characters as the original series. Although Toriyama creates the basic storyline and acts as an editor, the Dragon Ball Super manga is illustrated by his assistant and successor Toyotaro.
Super Dragon Ball Heroes
Super Dragon Ball Heroes is a web series that is based on the Dragon Ball Heroes arcade game. Episodes are released periodically and do not follow a set schedule, though the series is currently still ongoing.
Characters
Here is a list of significant characters in the Dragon Ball franchise.
Son Goku
Goku, is the main protagonist throughout most of the franchise. He is a Saiyan that was sent to the Earth as a child and was raised by his adoptive grandfather, Grandpa Gohan. After he grew up, he quickly became the Earth’s (and possibly the galaxy’s) strongest warrior to ever live. When not fighting, training, or eating an entire feast by himself, Goku has a friendly, happy-go-lucky personality despite having a heritage full of bloodthirsty killers. He is the first person in the Dragon Ball series to transform into a Super Saiyan.
Son Gohan
Gohan is Goku’s first son. His mother Chi-Chi often tries to keep him away from fighting by doing everything she can to educate him. Despite this, however, Gohan is shown to be an incredibly capable fighter. At times, Gohan is shown to have a temper, which causes his power to spike dramatically at times. Gohan is the first character to ever transform into a Super Saiyan 2.
Vegeta
Vegeta is the proud prince of all Saiyans, though most of them were annihilated by Frieza many years ago. He is incredibly arrogant and stubborn, but he is also incredibly powerful. Although Vegeta was once an enemy, many now see Goku and Vegeta’s relationship more like a rivalry.
Piccolo
Piccolo is a Namekian that was originally created by the Evil King Piccolo to continue his legacy, but ended up joining the Z Fighters later in Dragon Ball Z. As the son of Evil King Piccolo, he was originally called Piccolo Jr., but the suffix was later dropped.
Bulma
Bulma is a character that has existed nearly as long as Goku has. She is Goku’s first friend and is the one that convinces him to go on an adventure with her to find the Dragon Balls. Although she isn’t a fighter by any means, her intellect and engineering skills have helped Goku and his friends countless times.
Trunks
Trunks is the son of both Vegeta and Bulma. Although he is first introduced as a baby, Future Trunks appears shortly after. He appears several times as a messenger of sorts that warns the group of incoming danger. Present Trunks later grows into a kid during the Buu saga and becomes best friends with Goten.
Master Roshi
Master Roshi is the master of the Kame School of martial arts. Despite being an elderly old man, he is an incredible fighter, though he is well past his prime. Since the other Z Fighters long surpassed him, Roshi often stays on his island and passes the time by ogling women on TV and in erotic magazines.
Other Characters
Movies and Specials
A variety of movies based on the original Dragon Ball manga have been produced throughout the years. A majority of them are animated, though a small number of live-action films have also been created as well. Furthermore, several specials have been created by Toei as well.
Dragon Ball Movies
Specials
Video Games
As one of the most popular anime and manga series in recent history, it should be no surprise that the franchise has spawned a number of video games. Most of these entries are fighting games, though each generally has its own battle system, roster, mechanics, and so on. Games have been developed on a variety of consoles starting the Famicom. Dragon Ball games are still being developed today and are even all made for the most recent generation of consoles like the Nintendo Switch and PS4.
Merchandise
As with any popular franchise, a wide variety of merchandise has been created and sold all across the world. Products like figures and Funko Pops are quite commonly found, but other products like Dragon Ball themed apparel, toys, costumes, card games, and many more can all be found online. Dragon Ball has even collaborated with companies like Uniqlo and Adidas to bring new, fashionable merchandise to many customers.
Table of Contents
Dragon Ball Z: Bio-Broly is a Japanese animated fantasy and martial arts film that premiered in Japan at Toei Anime Film Fair on July 9th, 1994. It is the eleventh Dragon Ball Z feature film and is the last film to feature Broly until Dragon Ball Super: Broly. Bio-Broly is direct...
Last updated at, 12 Jan 2021
Dragon Ball Z: Fusion Reborn is a Japanese anime martial arts and fantasy film and the twelfth feature-length film in the Dragon Ball Z series based on the manga by Akira Toriyama. The film debuted in Japan at the Toei Anime Film Fair on March 4th, 1995. The film was directed by ...
Last updated at, 12 Jan 2021
Dragon Ball Z: Wrath of the Dragon is a Japanese anime fantasy and martial arts film that premiered on July 15th, 1995 at the Toei Anime Fair in Japan. It is the 13th feature-length Dragon Ball Z movie.
Last updated at, 12 Jan 2021
Dragon Ball: Battle of Gods is a Japanese anime martial arts and fantasy film from 2013 based on Akira Toriyama's Dragon Ball series. Battle of Gods is a full feature production and a stand-alone release from the Toei Anime Fair. The film was the first in the series to be scr...
Last updated at, 12 Jan 2021
Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection 'F' is a Japanese anime martial arts, science-fiction, and fantasy film and the nineteenth entry in the Dragon Ball series of feature films. Resurrection 'F' is the first Dragon Ball film to screening in IMAX 3D and 4DX theaters. Resurr...
Last updated at, 12 Jan 2021
Dragon Ball Super: Broly is a Japanese animated fantasy and martial arts film that was written by Akira Toriyama and is the twentieth Dragon Ball feature film. The film was directed by Tatsuya Nagamine, Naohiro Shintani (animation), and Kazuo Ogura (art). Music for the film was c...
Last updated at, 12 Jan 2021
Dragon Ball Evolution is a live-action fantasy and adventure film from America. It was produced by Stephen Chow, directed by James Wong, written by Ben Ramsey, and based on Akira Toriyama’s Dragon Ball manga. Dragon Ball Evolution stars Chow Yun-Fat, Joon Park, Justin Chatwin, Em...
Last updated at, 12 Jan 2021
In addition to the twenty movies released based on the Dragon Ball universe created by Akira Toriyama in 1984, various adaptations inspired by this series have also been aired, including unofficial films, live-action movies, and even cinematographic attractions produced all over ...
Last updated at, 12 Jan 2021
There are four Dragon Ball Z TV specials and one crossover special. Some are purely one-off episodes, while others attempt to expand on an already established storyline. Many argue that since they were never in manga form by Akira Toriyama, these specials are non-canon and are un...
Last updated at, 12 Jan 2021
Dragon Ball: Plan to Eradicate the Saiyans was the first-ever Dragon Ball Z OVA (Original Video Animation) to be released in Japan. It was released on the 6th of August, 1993 on videocassette and is set during the lead up to the Cell Games. The original purpose of the OVA was to ...
Last updated at, 12 Jan 2021
Dragon Ball: Yo! Son Goku and His Friends Return!! was the first Dragon Ball animation to be released in almost ten years following Goku’s appearance in the remade Dr. Slump anime series in 1999. The OVA was first shown in Japan on the 21st of September, 2008, at the Jump Super A...
Last updated at, 12 Jan 2021
Based on the popular video game Dragon Ball Heroes, Dragon Ball: Episode of Bardock is a three-chapter manga written by Naho Ooishi. The manga was also animated and broadcast online later appearing as a bonus DVD for the March 2012 issue of Saikyo Jump.
Last updated at, 12 Jan 2021
Super Saiyan is an advanced transformation capable by the people of the Saiyan race (or those with Saiyan blood) in the Dragon Ball series franchise. The transformation is only capable by a select few and includes a physical change in addition to a multiplication of fighting powe...
Last updated at, 12 Jan 2021
Super Saiyan 2, also known as Super Saiyan Fifth Grade or Ascended Super Saiyan in the Funimation Dub, is a Super Saiyan form that succeeds the first Super Saiyan transformation and precedes Super Saiyan 3. Super Saiyan forms are advanced transformations that enhance the power, e...
Last updated at, 12 Jan 2021
Super Saiyan 3 or 超サイヤ人3, SS3, Ultra Super Saiyan - succeeds the second phase of Saiyan transformation which becomes the third version of the Super Saiyan Class. The third form draws out the maximum capacity from a Saiyan's blood. The first Saiyan who achieved this form from ...
Last updated at, 12 Jan 2021
Super Saiyan 4 is a Saiyan transformation first introduced in Dragon Ball GT, an anime series and one of two sequels to Dragon Ball Z. In Dragon Ball Z, Saiyans are a warrior race of beings that are able to alter their physical strength, energy, and other capabilities by undergoi...
Last updated at, 12 Jan 2021
Super Saiyan God is a transformation that is unique to Saiyans that grants them an unbelievable amount of power (more than that of Super Saiyan 3) and also gives its user the ability to use and sense divine ki. This transformation was first shown in Dragon Ball Z: Battle of the G...
Last updated at, 12 Jan 2021
Super Saiyan Blue (also known as Super Saiyan God Super Saiyan) is a transformation that surpasses its red counterpart, Super Saiyan God. It is usually achieved by using the power of a god (often by being in the God-like Saiyan state that can be used after first transforming into...
Last updated at, 12 Jan 2021
Autonomous Ultra Instinct (often simply called Ultra Instinct) is an extremely powerful, yet insanely difficult ability to master that requires its user’s mind to be completely devoid of thought. This essentially separates the user’s consciousness from their body and allows it to...
Last updated at, 12 Jan 2021
The Legendary Super Saiyan, more often referred to as full power Super Saiyan, is one of many Super Saiyan transformations in the Dragon Ball franchise, which composes anime, manga, video games, movies, merchandise, and much more. In Dragon Ball, Saiyans are a warrior race of bei...
Last updated at, 12 Jan 2021
Dragon Ball Fighterz was developed by Arc System Works and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment. It is a fighting game based on the internationally popular Dragon Ball manga and anime ‘Dragon Ball’ (written and illustrated by Akira Toriyama). The series follows the adventures ...
Last updated at, 12 Jan 2021
Dragon Ball Xenoverse 1 is a role-playing game released in February 2015 for Playstation 3, 4, Xbox 360, One and Microsoft Windows. It is based on the popular Dragon ball manga and the game was developed by Dimps and published by Bandai.
Last updated at, 12 Jan 2021
Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot is a single player action role playing video game. The game is based on the internationally popular Japanese manga series Dragon Ball, both written and illustrated by Akira Toriyama. It was developed by CyberConnect2 and produced by Bandai Namco Entertainme...
Last updated at, 12 Jan 2021
Dragon Ball Z: Dokkan Battle is a free to play mobile game based on the internationally popular Japanese manga and anime series Dragon Ball, both written and illustrated by Akira Toriyama. The series was published in Weekly Shonen Jump from 1984 to 1995 and the anime continues to...
Last updated at, 12 Jan 2021
Dragon Ball: Legends is a mobile game by Bandai Namco that falls into the action and card game genres based on the Dragon Ball franchise. It features single-player and multiplayer modes and a multitude of rotating and seasonal events. The roster of characters is vast and cards co...
Last updated at, 12 Jan 2021
Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi is a 3D fighting game initially released for PlayStation 2, developed by Spike, and published by Atari (Bandai in Japan). Three games were released in the series (2005, 2006, and 2007), with the last two being re-released on the Nintendo Wii. This...
Last updated at, 12 Jan 2021
The Dragon Ball video games are based on the original manga and anime series created by Akira Toriyama, some of the most recent game series have been produced for the Playstation 4 platform. These include Dragon Ball Xenoverse, Dragon Ball Fighter Z, and Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot. D...
Last updated at, 12 Jan 2021
After the resounding success of the Dragon Ball series written and illustrated by Akira Toriyama, a multitude of all kinds of merchandise and games for platforms such as PS4, Nintendo Switch, and mobile games were launched. Of the latter, there are several different games that fo...
Last updated at, 12 Jan 2021
The ongoing mega success of Akira Toriyama’s Dragon Ball Z franchise continues to spawn a massive array of manga, anime, toys, merchandise and of course video games. Over 80 video games featuring the Dragon Ball Z storyline and its characters have been produced by companies such ...
Last updated at, 12 Jan 2021
There have been many Dragon Ball games released since the 1980s. Most are fighting games, while some are action-adventures and some are even RPGs. Many of the RPG games feature card-based battle systems.
Last updated at, 12 Jan 2021
The following is a compilation of official, released soundtracks according to each respective installment of the Dragon Ball anime adaptations.
Last updated at, 12 Jan 2021
Dragon Ball Super: Broly is the twentieth anime movie of the Dragon Ball franchise overall and the first to be included in the Dragon Ball Super series. The film was directed by Tatsuya Nagamine and written by Akira Toriyama. It is also the third Dragon Ball movie released in the...
Last updated at, 12 Jan 2021
From April 2007 to March 2019, the Dragon Ball franchise has grossed more than ¥90 billion from toy sales and sold over 1 million Dragon Ball action figures back in 2018 just in America and Europe alone, making them one of the highest grossing media franchises of all time in the ...
Last updated at, 12 Jan 2021
The global fandom of Dragon Ball manga, anime, and merchandise such as action figures influenced the creation of many Dragon Ball cosplay and costumes. The anime series and its characters have had a strong presence during Halloween each year, as well as during Comic-Con, a conven...
Last updated at, 12 Jan 2021
Due to the success and seemingly endless popularity of the Dragon Ball franchise there is no surprise in the vast amount of variety in their merchandise. Action figures, collectables, card games and toys are just some of the available merchandise. Due to the extremely high qualit...
Last updated at, 12 Jan 2021
Dragon Ball Heroes is a Carddass trading card game developed in Japan and is based on the Dragon Ball franchise. Carddass is a system of arcade games that players use physical cards on an arcade machine surface to summon characters in-game. The first Dragon Ball Heroes machine de...
Last updated at, 12 Jan 2021
The worldwide popularity of the Dragon Ball franchise sparked a cult-like following that ultimately gave rise to a plethora of releases of Dragon Ball hoodies, t-shirts, clothing, and collectibles. While Dragon Ball collectible card games and action figures continue to be high-ea...
Last updated at, 12 Jan 2021
The Dragon Ball franchise has made a huge earning off merchandise, including (but not limited to) action figures, official cosplay pieces and costumes of the series’ most notable characters, Goku and Dragon Ball toys, the series’ collectable card game, and hundreds of hoodies, t-...
Last updated at, 12 Jan 2021
Akira Toriyama is an award-winning Japanese manga artist and character designer. His first breakthrough came with the massively successful Dr. Slump manga serialized in Shonen Jump magazine from 1980 to 1984. His most renowned (and still ongoing) work with the Dragon Ball series....
Last updated at, 12 Jan 2021
Created by Akira Toriyama in 1983 to continue working on the hugely successful hit manga Dr. Slump, Bird Studio in Nagoya is a manga and design production studio responsible for creating and developing the Dragon Ball series. Toriyama’s motivation for making the studio lies in h...
Last updated at, 12 Jan 2021
The Toei Company (formerly Tokyo Film Distribution Company) is a Japanese media company. They produce and publish film, television, and video games. Toei owns a range of facilities across Japan, including 34 theaters in Tokyo, studios in Tokyo and Kyoto, and even has shares in va...
Last updated at, 12 Jan 2021
Masako Nozawa (born Oct 26, 1936 in Nippori, Arakawa, Tokyo, Japan) is a Japanese voice actress affiliated with Aoni Production and Office Nozawa who voices the protagonist Son Goku in the anime series Dragon Ball, a Saiyan sent to Earth originally to conquer and destroy, but bec...
Last updated at, 12 Jan 2021
Ryo Horikawa (born Makato Horikawa, February 1, 1958 in Osaka, Japan) is a Japanese voice actor and film actor affiliated with Aslead Company. He has gone by his stage name, Ryo, which uses the kanji of his birth name, during the span of his voice acting career. He is well-known ...
Last updated at, 12 Jan 2021
Mayumi Tanaka (born January 15, 1955 in Tokyo, Japan) is a Japanese voice actress affiliated with Aoni Production, a Japanese talent agency. She is best known for her voice acting in the roles of ‘Krillin’ and ‘Yajirobe’ in the Dragon Ball anime series. ‘Krillin’ is one of the hu...
Last updated at, 12 Jan 2021
Hiromi Tsuru (born March 29th, 1960 in Hokkaido, Japan, died November 16th, 2017 in Tokyo, Japan) was a Japanese actress and voice actress that was represented by and affiliated with the talent agency known as Gekidan Himawari during her career as a child actor, then Aoni Product...
Last updated at, 12 Jan 2021
Since the amount of long-running series and movies based on the original Dragon Ball manga written and illustrated by Akira Toriyama is quite large, it should go as no surprise that there is a similarly impressive list of voice actors and actresses that lent their voices to all o...
Last updated at, 12 Jan 2021
Dragon Ball Z: The Real 4D is an amusement park 4-D cinematic attraction that debuted on July 1st, 2016. Dragon Ball Z: The Real 4-D animation was designed using 4-D computer-generated imagery, and featured a battle between Goku and Frieza. The second attraction, also designed in...
Last updated at, 12 Jan 2021
Uniqlo is a Japanese clothing designer, manufacturer, and retailer. The company is a subsidiary of Fast Retailing, which was originally named Ogori Shoji. Founded in Yamaguchi prefecture in 1949, Ogori Shoji was a company that owned a number of clothing stores called “Men's S...
Last updated at, 12 Jan 2021
