Ever since its debut in 1986 with a few episodes, Dragon Ball movie has become a global favorite among children and adults alike. Ten years after its initial airing in Japan on Fuji TV, Dragon Ball Z made its Cartoon Network debut in 1996. It came to popularity as one of the most watched anime series worldwide by 1998. The plot of the program centers on Son Goku, a young man who has lost his memories and is sent to Earth to rule the planet. When others from his home planet arrive to continue the job, he takes on the role of defender for his new home. The popular series creator of Dragon Ball is Akira Toriyama.
Fans’ desire increased when they learned there were hundreds of episodes and dozens of Dragon Ball movies accessible, thanks to the fascinating plot. But this can also make the Dragon Ball story a little too much to handle. Selecting the best television shows to watch and the most thrilling movies to see is an emotive topic. You can watch practically everything related to Dragon Ball on Crunchyroll. So, making a choice from the vast amount of content becomes simple for you. Start your path to become a Super Saiyan by reviewing this list of the top 5 Dragon Ball movies .
1. Dragon Ball Movie: Broly – The Legendary Super Saiyan (1993)
Broly made her original series debut in Dragon Ball Z Broly — The Legendary Super Saiyan, which is far and away the best of the original Broly trilogy. In contrast to his subsequent appearances, Broly—voiced by Vic Mignogna of Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood fame—was a totally different character in his debut. In contrast to his portrayal as a fearless brute in Broly — Second Coming and Bio-Broly, Broly’s debut featured some past trauma to further develop his character, which went beyond Goku making him cry as a baby. He also had a few memorable lines that displayed a level of wit and sadism that are absent from later appearances. While it doesn’t go far enough to develop Broly as a character, it does make him lot more fascinating than he will be in other Dragon Ball Z appearances.
That brings us to the altercation with Broly himself. Similar to Broly — Second Coming, the majority of the film is devoted to a major battle involving all of the heroes and Broly from Dragon Ball Z, but this time it works better because Broly has just the right amount of personality to keep things interesting. But even if it becomes old quickly, seeing this massive brute abuse everyone gets boring, even though there are plenty of violent times throughout the abuse. The climax, in which Goku miraculously channels everyone’s energy into a punch potent enough to defeat Broly, is so anticlimactic that it detracts even more from the whole experience. After all, Broly had been thoroughly dominating them for the previous twenty minutes.
2. Dragon Ball Super: Broly (2018)
Dragon Ball Super: Broly’s greatest accomplishment was unquestionably turning Broly into a respectable character. Before his transformation into a vicious monster capable of merely yelling “Kakarot!” in Dragon Ball Z. Broly was hardly a complex character; his most notable trait was his sheer sadism. All of that was altered in Dragon Ball Super: Broly by entirely revamping the character to make him a more tragic and sympathetic figure. In addition to reframing the wrath component of his persona into a more obvious issue. Because of this, Broly’s character in Dragon Ball Super winds up being much more than just the fights he goes into. Which elevates him above the original.
Everything in the film, excluding Broly’s new persona, is outstanding. Broly has a new look thanks to a comprehensive overhaul of the animation and graphics from the previous films. Which produces amazing effects. Not only is the film visually stunning, but every battle features superior animation that surpasses all previous efforts in the genre. Particularly in the battles between Goku and Gogeta. It simply goes to show how successful it was all around because this kind of aesthetic would later find its way into other Toei Animation projects like Dragon Quest: The Adventure of Dai and the Wano arc of One Piece.
Another film where the plot serves primarily as a pretext for a lot of fighting is Dragon Ball Super: Broly, although this time. It barely detracts from the picture. The movie didn’t need a fantastic story to complement its stunning graphics and animation. As the fights were enough to keep it moving forward. Even yet, compared to the original version, it manages to extract a great deal of interesting tale material from Broly’s persona. The whole thing culminates in an amazing cinematic production.
3. Dragon Ball Z Movie: Battle of Gods
The primary goal of Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods was to establish the new standard for the franchise going forward. It absolutely succeeds in doing so. The existence of Beerus and Whis not only establishes the multiverse but also works well to naturally show that Goku still has a lot of obstacles to overcome. Dragon Ball Super has benefited greatly from this fact. While the transformation doesn’t appear as spectacular as it does in Dragon Ball Super: Broly and the Tournament of Power. Goku’s enormous—and exquisitely animated—fight with Beerus more than makes up for the lackluster visuals leading up to Super Saiyan God.
Still, there are a few aspects that detract from the film. Compared to many of the previous films, Battle of Gods is significantly more humorous. The film frequently gives off the impression that it is too comical and not enough serious about the story’s real stakes. Additionally, Beerus takes away from the plot because of the cliche that everyone has to be kind to Beerus from Dragon Ball. So he doesn’t go on a rampage and ruin everything.
This is especially annoying because it doesn’t seem like Beerus will start to change until much later in Dragon Ball Super. It doesn’t help that the movie very casually retcons Planet Vegeta’s destruction as something Golden Frieza did on his own. Rather than something Beerus told him to do. This not only detracts greatly from Vegeta’s story. But it also happens nearly ten years after the fact, since Vegeta doesn’t even find out about it until the Granolah the Survivor manga arc.
4. Dragon Ball Z Movie: Fusion Reborn
Among the Dragon Ball Z films, Dragon Ball Z: Fusion Reborn truly stands out. The art and animation in the Dragon Ball and Dragon Ball Z movies were typically only passably good. But in Fusion Reborn, both the art and animation surpass the quality of the anime. The peculiarly surrealistic Hell is largely responsible for this. But the characters are also portrayed as having fantastic looks. With Goku’s Super Saiyan 3 perhaps having the best possible appearance prior to Dragon Ball Super.
That all really comes to life, though, when you look at Janemba. Although Janemba lacks personality. Like many movie villains. His excellent appearance and natural animation considerably complement his distinctive combat style, making up for any shortcomings. This is particularly true when he transforms into Super Janemba. As his swordplay, portal abilities, and cube-shaped teleportation create an unparalleled fighting experience.
Vegeta has several lovely character moments in the film as well. Even though his frustration with Goku resisting him was largely lifted verbatim from the Buu saga. It nevertheless contributes to the character development of Goku and Vegeta and sets up Gogeta’s debut. It also leads to a bittersweet ending in which they are able to part ways as friends. Fusion Reborn was primarily drawn to the story of Goku and Vegeta fusing. The art and animation of the film more than match up to the hype, with Gogeta completely outclassing Super Janemba. The sequence made such an impact that Gogeta and his iconic Stardust Breaker technique were made canon in Dragon Ball Super: Broly. Where Gogeta transformed into a Metamoran fusion and looked even better.
5. Dragon Ball Z Movie: The History of Trunks
Dragon Ball Z: The History of Trunks is a narrative of nothing but tragedy. Much as Bardock: The Father of Goku. The Androids fully destroy the Dragon Team of Future Trunks’ reality in the movie’s opening scene. For the remainder of the film, Gohan is killed as the Androids triumph in fight after fight. To get Trunks to that point in his debut, all of it had to occur. Still, it can be difficult to witness him and everyone else go through so much suffering.
Nevertheless, compared to Bardock: The Father of Goku, everything functions much more smoothly here. That movie’s setup is significantly less effective than The History of Trunks. Which has a much larger role in the primary narrative. It also helps that Trunks’ first Super Saiyan transformation is a fantastic example of the heartbreaking score and rainy atmosphere. As it goes to great lengths to convince the spectator of the sadness of everything. Although the backstory of Dragon Ball Z’s Future Trunks is sometimes difficult to watch. That ultimately contributes to its overall greatness.
In conclusion, Dragon Ball or Dragon Ball Z has been an iconic series that has captured the hearts of millions worldwide. Through its various movies, it continues to entertain and engage audiences, showcasing thrilling adventures and epic battles. Whether you’re a long-time fan or just discovering the franchise. These top 5 DB movies are sure to provide hours of entertainment on the Anime Network. for more anime news keep following AnimeFleek
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Is Dragon Ball suitable for children?
Yes, it promotes themes of friendship and perseverance suitable for children.
Q2. Are these movies standalone stories?
Many can be enjoyed as standalone adventures.
Q3. Which movie is the most action-packed?
“Broly – The Legendary Super Saiyan” is considered one of the most action-packed.
Q4. Where can I watch the these movies?
The movies are available on various streaming platforms such as Crunchyroll, and Hulu.