Today we’re going to be talking about my top Dragonball movie recommendations. They are a must-watch for any fan. Overall there are about 17 movies and two specials. While this blog will not cover all Dragonball movies, here is an official list. Now let’s dive in!
1. Bardock the Father of Goku (Special)
A prequel to the Dragonball Z series that follows Bardock and his crew working under Frieza. Bardock is a Saiyan warrior with a battle power that rivals King Vegeta. One day on a routine mission, Bardock is struck by an alien, and as a result, Bardock gets the ability to see into the future. Through his visions, Bardock learns the destiny of himself, the Saiyan race, and his son. In addition, we see where Goku inherits his thirst for battle and moral compass. Although this special is not canon, it’s still a fun watch.
2. History of Trunks (Special)
A must-watch for Dragonball Z and Super. If you do not want to be scratching your head wondering who Future Trunks is. Set in an alternate timeline where Goku dies from a heart virus. Not long after our hero’s death, a pair of deadly androids appear and kill off the Z-fighters one by one. The only survivors are Gohan and Trunks. The two young Saiyans struggle trying to find a way to defeat the androids and restore peace to the earth.
3. Cooler’s Revenge
After Goku beats Frieza, news travels across the universe to Frieza’s older brother, Cooler. Wanting revenge against the Saiyan who disgraced his family’s name, Cooler heads for the earth. Cooler is one of the most underrated villains in the Dragonball Z franchise. His character was so popular in the 90s, it led him to get a second movie.
4. Battle of the Gods
After a 17-year hiatus, Akira Toriyama gives fans a treat in 2012. This movie is set 4 years after the Majin Buu Saga, where we see a god of destruction named Beerus awaken from a 40-year slumber. He hears about Frieza’s death from a Saiyan named Goku. Beerus wonders if Goku can rival his strength by achieving a God transformation. He travels to earth to meet the Z fighters and find out.
I was on the edge of my seat the first time I watched this movie. The movies Battle of the gods and Resurrection F (not covered in this article) are both canon and a great way to skip the first 27 episodes of the Dragonball Super anime.
5. Broly
Akira Toriyama always admired Broly and decided to put his own interpretation of the character. Infant Broly is feared by King Vegeta. Who is afraid that Broly will grow up one day to overthrow the royal family. As a result, King Vegeta sends Broly off to a deserted planet where he will eventually die. After Broly’s father Paragus hears of this news, he steals a ship and goes rogue to reunite with his son.
43 years later, Frieza recruits Paragus and Broly to join his army. Paragus wants revenge on Vegeta and plans to use Broly as a pawn. The movie shows some great fights between Broly, Goku, and Vegeta. A great canon movie that doesn’t take too long to get into the high-flying action that we all love.
What were your favourite movies growing up?
Well, guys, these are my top Dragonball movie recommendations. I hope you check them out, along with the films I haven’t covered (list here). I grew up watching Dragonball and have watched all the movies several times throughout my life.
What were your top Dragonball movies growing up? Let me know in the comments. Thanks for reading, and happy holidays!
