A Comprehensive Guide to Dragon Ball Z Movies
A Comprehensive Guide to Dragon Ball Z Movies
Dragon Ball Z, one of the most beloved animated series of all time, has brought us a series of thrilling and engaging movies. As of August 2023, there are 15 Dragon Ball Z movies, each offering its own unique storyline, characters, and battles. This article provides a detailed list of the main Dragon Ball Z films and explores their historical relevance in the franchise.
How Many Dragon Ball Z Movies Have Been Made?
As of August 2023, there are 15 Dragon Ball Z movies. These films were released between 1989 and 2018, giving fans a wealth of content to enjoy. Here is a detailed list of the main Dragon Ball Z movies, along with their release dates:
Dragon Ball Z: Dead Zone (1989)
The first Dragon Ball Z movie, titled “Dead Zone”, was released in 1989. This film sets the tone for the rest of the franchise's cinematic universe, introducing key characters and plot elements.
Dragon Ball Z: The Worlds Strongest (1990)
Released in 1990, “The Worlds Strongest” expands on the universe, showing the strength and power of the characters. This movie is one of the earliest to explore themes of power and competition.
Dragon Ball Z: The Tree of Might (1990)
Also from 1990, this film, “The Tree of Might,” delves into the concept of destiny and strength. It features Goku’s growth and development, setting the stage for future battles.
Dragon Ball Z: Bardock – The Father of Goku (1990)
This 1990 film, “Bardock – The Father of Goku,” delves into the backstory of Goku’s father, adding depth to the already rich character of Goku. It provides fans with insight into how Goku came to be.
Dragon Ball Z: Broly – The Legendary Super Saiyan (1993)
In 1993, the world was introduced to Broly, the antagonist of this film. “The Legendary Super Saiyan” is a significant movie, establishing Broly’s character and his ultimate battle against Goku.
Dragon Ball Z: Bojack Unbound (1993)
The 1993 film, “Bojack Unbound,” showcases one of the most villainous super Saiyans, Bojack. This movie is notable for its dark and intense tone, providing a stark contrast to the more lighthearted earlier films.
Dragon Ball Z: Broly – Second Coming (1994)
Continuing the story of Broly, the 1994 film, “Broly – Second Coming,” sees Broly returning to arm himself against threat after threat. This movie is known for its action-packed sequences and the revival of Broly’s powers.
Dragon Ball Z: Bio-Broly (1994)
In 1994, the animated world saw the release of “Bio-Broly,” featuring the character Bio-Broly, a clone of Broly with even more sinister traits. This movie is known for its deep dive into Broly’s lore and the consequences of cloning.
Dragon Ball Z: Fusion Reborn (1995)
“Fusion Reborn” in 1995 sees Goku and Vegeta fuse into the immensely powerful Fusion form. It’s a pivotal moment in the series, highlighting the ability to combine strength for ultimate battles.
Dragon Ball Z: Wrath of the Dragon (1995)
The 1995 film, “Wrath of the Dragon,” introduces a new character in King Vegeta, the father of Goku and Vegeta. This movie heightens the stakes and brings serious themes to the narrative.
Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods (2013)
2013 saw the release of “Battle of Gods,” which marked a significant change as it began a story arc for Dragon Ball Super. It introduced a new threat, Omiros, and delved into the world of deities.
Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection F (2015)
“Resurrection F” in 2015 also marked a transition, continuing the story arc for Dragon Ball Super. It introduced Frieza, another formidable opponent, and continued the journey of the main characters.
Dragon Ball Super: Broly (2018)
Concluding the transition, “Broly” in 2018 focuses on the rivalry between Goku and Frieza, showcasing the ultimate battle in the series. It remains a fan favorite and a highlight of the Dragon Ball Super movie lineup.
Related Films and Specials
While the 15 main Dragon Ball Z movies form the core of the franchise’s cinematic universe, there are additional films and specials that are worth noting:
TV Specials
The series includes two TV specials that don’t count as theatrical releases:
A Lonesome Final Battle - The Father of Z Warrior Son Goku who Challenged Freeza (Bardock - The Father of Goku) (1990) Defiance in the Face of Despair!! The Remaining Super-Warriors: Gohan and Trunks (The History of Trunks) (2012)OVA (Original Video Animation)
Two OVA episodes are also part of the extended universe:
Dragon Ball Z Side Story: Plan to Eradicate the Saiyans (1996) Dragon Ball: Plan to Eradicate the Super Saiyans (Remake of the OVA) (2010)While these specials and OVAs offer additional content, they don’t always follow the exact trajectory of the theatrical releases, focusing more on side characters or backstory.
Conclusion
Dragon Ball Z movies have played a crucial role in expanding the scope and depth of the franchise. From introducing new villains and allies to exploring complex stories and themes, each movie brings something unique to the table. Whether you are a longtime fan or a newcomer, the Dragon Ball Z movies offer a rich tapestry of action, adventure, and emotion.