A Complete Timeline of Dragon Ball, DBZ, and Dragon Ball Super (2024)

Table of Contents
Quick Links Goku's Early Life (Age 737 - 749) Emperor Pilaf Saga (Age 749) Episodes 1 - 13 Tournament Saga (Age 750) Episodes 14 - 28 Red Ribbon Saga (Age 750) Episodes 29 - 45 General Blue Saga (Age 750) Episodes 46 - 57 Commander Red Saga (Age 750) Episodes 58 - 67 Fortuneteller Baba Saga (Age 750) Episodes 68 - 83 Tien Shinhan Saga (Age 753) Episodes 84 - 101 King Piccolo Saga (Age 753) Episodes 102 - 122 Piccolo Jr Saga (Age 756) Episodes 123 - 153 Raditz Saga (Age 761) Episodes 1 - 6 Vegeta Saga (Age 762) Episodes 7 - 35 Namek Saga (Age 762) Episodes 36 - 67 Ginyu Force Saga (Age 762) Episodes 68 - 74 Frieza Saga (Age 762) Episodes 75 - 107 Garlic Jr Saga (Age 763) Episodes 108 - 117 Trunks Saga (Age 764) Episodes 118 - 125 Android Saga (Age 767) Episodes 126 - 139 Imperfect Cell Saga (Age 767) Episodes 140 - 152 Perfect Cell Saga (Age 767) Episodes 153 - 165 Cell Games Saga (Age 767) Episodes 166 - 194 Other World Saga (Age 767) Episodes 195 - 199 Great Saiyaman Saga (Age 774) Episodes 200 - 209 World Tournament Saga (Age 774) Episodes 210 - 219 Babidi Saga (Age 774) Episodes 220 - 231 Majin Buu Saga (Age 774) Episodes 232 - 253 Fusion Saga (Age 774) Episodes 254 - 275 Kid Buu Saga (Age 774) Peaceful World Saga (Age 784) Episodes 288 - 291 God of Destruction Beerus Saga (Age 778) Episodes 1 - 15 Golden Frieza Saga (Age 779) Episodes 16 - 27 Universe 6 Saga (Age 779) Episodes 28 - 41 Copy-Vegeta Saga (Age 779) Episodes 42 - 46 Future Trunks Saga (Age 779) Episodes 47 - 76 Universe Survival Saga (Tournament of Power) Episodes 77 - 131 Broly Saga Movie Only Galactic Patrol Prisoner Saga Manga Chapters 42 - 67 Granolah The Survivor Saga Manga chapters 67 - 87 Super Hero Saga Manga chapters 88 - 103 References
Dragon Ball

A Complete Timeline of Dragon Ball, DBZ, and Dragon Ball Super (1)

A Complete Timeline of Dragon Ball, DBZ, and Dragon Ball Super (2)

By Brett Cardaro & Arthur Goyaz

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A Complete Timeline of Dragon Ball, DBZ, and Dragon Ball Super (3)

Quick Links

  • Goku's Early Life (Age 737 - 749)

  • Emperor Pilaf Saga (Age 749)

  • Tournament Saga (Age 750)

  • Red Ribbon Saga (Age 750)

  • General Blue Saga (Age 750)

  • Commander Red Saga (Age 750)

  • Fortuneteller Baba Saga (Age 750)

  • Tien Shinhan Saga (Age 753)

  • King Piccolo Saga (Age 753)

  • Piccolo Jr Saga (Age 756)

  • Raditz Saga (Age 761)

  • Vegeta Saga (Age 762)

  • Namek Saga (Age 762)

  • Ginyu Force Saga (Age 762)

  • Frieza Saga (Age 762)

  • Garlic Jr Saga (Age 763)

  • Trunks Saga (Age 764)

  • Android Saga (Age 767)

  • Imperfect Cell Saga (Age 767)

  • Perfect Cell Saga (Age 767)

  • Cell Games Saga (Age 767)

  • Other World Saga (Age 767)

  • Great Saiyaman Saga (Age 774)

  • World Tournament Saga (Age 774)

  • Babidi Saga (Age 774)

  • Majin Buu Saga (Age 774)

  • Fusion Saga (Age 774)

  • Peaceful World Saga (Age 784)

  • God of Destruction Beerus Saga (Age 778)

  • Golden Frieza Saga (Age 779)

  • Universe 6 Saga (Age 779)

  • Copy-Vegeta Saga (Age 779)

  • Future Trunks Saga (Age 779)

  • Universe Survival Saga (Tournament of Power)

  • Broly Saga

  • Galactic Patrol Prisoner Saga

  • Granolah The Survivor Saga

  • Super Hero Saga

When Akira Toriyama's first foray into martial arts-themed battle manga, Dragon Ball, was first serialized in 1984, there was no way he -- or anyone else -- could have predicted it would transform into the international phenomenon it became. Since then, the franchise has expanded into many other mediums, including video games, card games, anime, and feature-length films. Following Toriyama's tragic passing, fans are eagerly waiting for Dragon Ball Daima, Goku's next adventure and Toriyama’s final involvement with Dragon Ball. The series is set after the final battle with Majin Boo and before the events of Dragon Ball Super, likely fitting into the canon. Fans can check out Dragon Ball Daima on October 11, on Crunchyroll.

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Goku is Dragon Ball's main hero: a mysterious young boy with superhuman physical abilities and a bushy, brown tail. After the death of his beloved grandfather, Goku is compelled to go on a journey after he has a chance meeting with a prodigal genius named Bulma, who recruits Goku on her quest to find the magical Dragon Balls. Goku's adventures in Dragon Ball extend into two follow-up sequel series, Dragon Ball Z and Dragon Ball Super, which continue the tale of Goku's adventures as an adult, detailing how he continually saves the world -- and the multiverse -- alongside his ever-growing group of friends.

Updated by Arthur Goyaz, September 24, 2024: It's uncertain how exactly Dragon Ball Daima will fit into the canon, but Toriyama’s involvement in the new series is a great sign. Until it comes out, it's best to revisit the stages that led to Goku's final battle with Majin Boo, including his early life in the original Dragon Ball series. This article was updated to include more information on Goku's background and to reflect CBR's current formatting standards.

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Goku's Early Life (Age 737 - 749)

There are conflicting views when it comes to why exactly Goku was sent to Earth. In the first Dragon Ball Z saga, Vegeta and Raditz claim that he was sent to complete the Saiyan custom to claim a planet for their own and destroy its inhabitants. Since humans were seen as weak creatures, a baby Goku was enough to take care of the job. Later on, it's revealed that Goku was sent to Earth by his parents, Bardock and Gine, to escape the extinction of Saiyans at the hands of Frieza. Regardless of the circumstances, Goku landed next to Grandpa Gohan's remote home in the woods.

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Grandpa Gohan named the child "Son Goku" and raised him as his own grandson despite the boy's odd and violent behavior. Goku's wild comportment was only eased off when he accidentally fell down a ravine and hit his head, resulting in a serious injury that very nearly killed him. After he got better, Goku and Grandpa Gohan led a peaceful life away from civilization, with Grandpa Gohan teaching Goku the martial arts techniques he learned with Master Roshi. It was possible that Grandpa Gohan suspected how dangerous Goku could become in the wrong hands. As the child's only parent figure and mentor, his lessons were vital to ensuring Goku would evolve into an earnest and kind-hearted person who saw humans as equals.

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It didn't take long for Grandpa Gohan to discover the dangers of leaving Goku exposed to the full moon. Despite his requests, Goku once looked at the moon and turned into a Great Ape, accidentally killing Grandpa Gohan. After the tragedy, Goku resumed an ordinary life in the woods, conducting the same daily chores and protecting his grandpa's Four-Star Dragon Ball until he and Bulma crossed paths.

Emperor Pilaf Saga (Age 749)

Episodes 1 - 13

A Complete Timeline of Dragon Ball, DBZ, and Dragon Ball Super (5)

Goku meets several main characters during the introductory arc of the series, including Master Roshi, Chi-Chi, Yamcha, Bulma, and Oolong, with the latter three making up his main party by the end of the arc. It details Goku's initial adventure to find the Dragon Balls and the interesting people and secrets he learns along the way.

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The climax of the arc occurs when Goku and the gang are captured by the evil Emperor Pilaf and his minions, Mai and Shu. Goku eventually escapes thanks to a full moon and his Oozaru form, and Oolong successfully wishes for a pair of "the most comfortable underwear in the world" to Shenron. The Dragon Balls are scattered throughout the world after the wish is made, and Goku agrees to train under Master Roshi.

Tournament Saga (Age 750)

Episodes 14 - 28A Complete Timeline of Dragon Ball, DBZ, and Dragon Ball Super (6)

Goku begins his training with Master Roshi and meets Krillin for the first time. Goku and Krillin enter the 21st World Martial Arts Tournament, where Goku is defeated in the final round by Master Roshi, disguised as Jackie Chun. He is forced to destroy the moon in order to stop Goku's Great Ape transformation, ensuring a fair fight between the two. The students learn the valuable lesson that no matter how strong you get, there will always be someone out there who is stronger.

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Red Ribbon Saga (Age 750)

Episodes 29 - 45

A Complete Timeline of Dragon Ball, DBZ, and Dragon Ball Super (8)

Following his defeat at the World Tournament, Goku decides to set out to find his beloved Grandpa Gohan's four-star Dragon Ball. Along the way, Goku crosses paths with the Red Ribbon Army: an evil organization that aims to rule the world using the Dragon Balls. Goku climbs to the top floor of one of the Red Ribbon Army's bases, dubbed Muscle Tower, and easily defeats his enemies there. He even meets a friendly Android named Android 8, who gives Goku a Dragon Ball as a token of their friendship.

General Blue Saga (Age 750)

Episodes 46 - 57

A Complete Timeline of Dragon Ball, DBZ, and Dragon Ball Super (9)

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Now reunited with Bulma and Krillin, Goku continues his search for the Dragon Balls but is intercepted by the Red Ribbon Army's powerful General Blue. General Blue chases them in a submarine, but the group escapes into an underwater cave. After defeating Blue (mostly by dumb luck) and getting his Dragon Ball, Goku continues his search as none of the Dragon Balls he's found so far are his grandpa's four-star.

The group is later captured by General Blue and has all their Dragon Balls and their Dragon Radar stolen. Luckily, they are eventually rescued by Arale Norimaki, a character from Dr. Slump who is way stronger than she looks. After he's headbutted into oblivion by Arale, General Blue realizes he's lost the Dragon Balls, though he still has Bulma's Dragon Radar.

Commander Red Saga (Age 750)

Episodes 58 - 67

A Complete Timeline of Dragon Ball, DBZ, and Dragon Ball Super (10)

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In his continued search for the four-star Dragon Ball, Goku crosses paths with a boy named Upa, whom Goku rescues from the Red Ribbon Army. As a thank you for saving him, Upa gives Goku the four-star Dragon Ball. Their peace is short-lived, however, when Upa's father, Bora, is later killed by the evil Mercenary Tao. Goku vows to collect all the Dragon Balls to bring Upa's father back to life.

In order to beat Mercenary Tao, Goku climbs Korin's tower to drink the Sacred Water there, which is said to give people mystical strength. Goku learns his true strength actually came from the difficulty of climbing the tower, and he challenges Tao to a rematch with his newfound power. After defeating Tao, Goku storms the Red Ribbon Army's main headquarters. He easily defeats the entirety of the Red Ribbon Army and emerges with six of the seven Dragon Balls.

Fortuneteller Baba Saga (Age 750)

Episodes 68 - 83

A Complete Timeline of Dragon Ball, DBZ, and Dragon Ball Super (11)

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Goku learns that Master Roshi's sister, Fortuneteller Baba, has the remaining Dragon Ball. In order to receive it, Goku fights off Baba's greatest otherworldly fighters. The final fight is against a mysterious masked man who ends up being Grandpa Gohan, who returns from the afterlife for a day. With all the Dragon Balls collected, Goku wishes to bring Bora back to life, and the Dragon Balls are scattered once again — but not before Goku jumps up to catch the four-star Dragon Ball before it can fly off.

Tien Shinhan Saga (Age 753)

Episodes 84 - 101

A Complete Timeline of Dragon Ball, DBZ, and Dragon Ball Super (12)

After three years of intense training, Goku, Krillin, and Yamcha enter the 22nd World Martial Arts Tournament to test their skills. This time, they are confronted by the students of Master Roshi's rival, Master Shen, who teaches the Crane style of combat. Shen's star pupil is Tien, a merciless fighter who brutally injures Yamcha in their intense battle during the Quarter-Finals.

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In the semi-finals, Goku and Krillin have one of the best fights of their lives, and Jackie Chun (Master Roshi) forfeits against Tien after assessing his strength. In the final match, Goku and Tien trade blows, but Goku soon realizes that Chaiotzu is cheating by using his technique from the stands to paralyze Goku. Tien orders Chaiotzu to stop, which angers Shen. Tien, out of respect for both Roshi and Goku's strength, decides he doesn't want to be an assassin like Tao, and fights Goku fair and square. The battle ends in a climactic finale that sees Goku losing on a technicality, but both Tien and Goku win a new friend in the end.

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After the tournament, Goku gets a bad feeling in his gut after noticing that Krillin has been gone for too long. He rushes back to the tournament stage to find that Krillin is dead, killed by the monstrous villain Tamborine, a minion of the evil King Piccolo. This marked the first major death in Dragon Ball and the first of many times that Krillin has died.

King Piccolo Saga (Age 753)

Episodes 102 - 122

Krillin's death thrusts Goku and the others into a seemingly hopeless fight against the all-powerful demonic entity King Piccolo. King Piccolo is far more powerful than any of them, and when Master Roshi's Evil Containment Wave fails, there is no one left to stop him from collecting all the Dragon Balls and wishing to be restored to his former power.

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In order to find a way to stop Piccolo, Goku travels with his new friend, Yajirobe, to Korin tower, where he drinks the Ultra Divine Water. After suffering through a difficult night, Goku wakes up more powerful than ever. Goku joins forces with Tien to challenge Piccolo once again, and in the ensuing battle, Goku has both his legs and one arm broken. In a final effort, Goku uses a one-handed Kamehameha to propel himself at King Piccolo — punching a hole through the demon's body and killing him. With his last breath, Piccolo spits out an egg that contains his reincarnation, Piccolo Jr.

Piccolo Jr Saga (Age 756)

Episodes 123 - 153

A Complete Timeline of Dragon Ball, DBZ, and Dragon Ball Super (14)

After three years of training with Kami and Mr. Popo, Goku reunited with his friends at the World Tournament. He is nearly unrecognizable due to having grown several inches taller in that time. Goku joins the tournament in hopes of facing off with Piccolo Jr. and defeating the villain once and for all.

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Film taking place at the end of Dragon Ball:

Dragon Ball Z: The Movie - Dead Zone (1989)

In the midst of the tournament, Goku meets his future wife Chi-Chi, who reminds him of their promise to get married when they're older. Goku also has a rematch against Tien, who witnesses the results of Goku's training firsthand. As promised, the final round is between Goku and Piccolo Jr. The fight is fairly equal, though Jr. eventually gains the upper hand over Goku by catching him off guard and proceeds to break all of Goku's limbs to ensure he doesn't make the same mistake as his previous incarnation. When all hope seems lost, Goku demonstrates he has learned to fly and charges his body head-first into Piccolo Jr., defeating him. With the world at peace and Goku now the champion of the world, he and Chi-Chi sail off on the Flying Nimbus together.

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A Complete Timeline of Dragon Ball, DBZ, and Dragon Ball Super (15)

Dragon Ball

TV-14

Anime

Action

Adventure

Fantasy

Comedy

Martial Arts

Son Gokû, a fighter with a monkey tail, goes on a quest with an assortment of odd characters in search of the Dragon Balls, a set of crystals that can give its bearer anything they desire.

Release Date
February 26, 1986

Cast
Masako Nozawa , Jôji Yanami , Tôru Furuya , Mayumi Tanaka , Hiromi Tsuru , Naoko Watanabe , Kôhei Miyauchi

Studio
Toei Animation

Creator
Akira Toriyama

Raditz Saga (Age 761)

Episodes 1 - 6

A Complete Timeline of Dragon Ball, DBZ, and Dragon Ball Super (16)

Goku and Chi-Chi's son, Gohan, is now 3 years old. Interrupting their time of peace, a terrifying villain named Raditz arrives on Earth and reveals that he is Goku's brother and a member of an alien race called the Saiyans. Raditz then kidnaps Gohan, forcing Goku to team up with Piccolo if they are to have any chance at defeating him.

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Due to his brother's overwhelming power, Goku realizes that the only way to stop Raditz is to hold him down, while Piccolo uses his most powerful attack: the Special Beam Cannon. The plan is a success, but it comes at the cost of Goku's own life. With Raditz's dying breath, he alerts the last two remaining Saiyans, Vegeta and Nappa, of his location on Earth and warns Piccolo that Saiyans even stronger than him will arrive on Earth in a year.

Vegeta Saga (Age 762)

Episodes 7 - 35

Piccolo takes Gohan under his wing to train him in hopes of unlocking his hidden potential by the time the Saiyans arrive on Earth. Meanwhile, Goku, still dead, trains in the Other World under the supervision of King Kai, who teaches Goku the powerful Kaioken technique.

Films that take place after the Saiyan Saga:

  • Dragon Ball Z: The World’s Strongest (1990)
  • Dragon Ball Z: Tree of Might (1990)
  • Dragon Ball Z: Lord Slug (1991)

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Even despite Gohan and Piccolo's training, the Z Fighters prove no match against Nappa and Vegeta. Goku is revived using the Dragon Balls and arrives just in time to show off his newfound strength. Goku and Vegeta engage in a high-stakes battle that is mostly evenly matched, but -- with the help of Gohan, Krillin and Yajirobe -- Goku eventually overcomes him and brings Vegeta within an inch of life. Krillin suggests they finish Vegeta off, but Goku shows him mercy, allowing Vegeta to escape and live to fight another day.

Namek Saga (Age 762)

Episodes 36 - 67

A Complete Timeline of Dragon Ball, DBZ, and Dragon Ball Super (18)

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Krillin, Gohan, and Bulma are in a race against time to collect the Namekian Dragon Balls and wish everyone killed by the Saiyans back to life. Unfortunately, they're not the only ones. Vegeta and the Frieza Force are also in pursuit of Shenron's wish-granting powers. With no other choice, and due to having common enemies, Vegeta is forced to team up with Krillin and Gohan to fight off the Frieza Force. Chief among them is the Ginyu Force, who proves too great a threat for even Vegeta to defeat on his own.

Ginyu Force Saga (Age 762)

Episodes 68 - 74

A Complete Timeline of Dragon Ball, DBZ, and Dragon Ball Super (19)

The Ginyu Force is a select group of Frieza's most powerful warriors. Led by Captain Ginyu, the squad is sent to collect the Dragon Balls for Frieza, but Vegeta, Gohan, and Krillin stand in their way.

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Just when things look hopeless for Vegeta and the others, Goku arrives to face off with the Ginyu Force himself, displaying a level of power far beyond anything Vegeta had seen from him before. Along with Vegeta's help, Goku finally defeats Captain Ginyu, who gets swapped into the body of a frog by his own technique.

Frieza Saga (Age 762)

Episodes 75 - 107

A Complete Timeline of Dragon Ball, DBZ, and Dragon Ball Super (21)

The final battle with Frieza begins, and he is just as powerful as everyone feared. Many of Goku's friends die during the fight, including Krillin and Vegeta — the former of whom sends Goku into such a rage that he achieves the legendary Super Saiyan transformation for the first time. Goku and Frieza's intense battle leads to the utter destruction of Namek, prompting Gohan and the remaining survivors to escape using the Dragon Balls. Goku stays behind to finish Frieza off and escapes Namek just in the nick of time using one of the Ginyu Force's space pods.

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Movies Set During the Frieza arc:

Dragon Ball Z: Bardock - The Father of Goku (1990)

Garlic Jr Saga (Age 763)

Episodes 108 - 117

A Complete Timeline of Dragon Ball, DBZ, and Dragon Ball Super (22)

While Goku is gone following the fight with Frieza, peace on Earth is not long-lasting. The villain Garlic Jr. attacks Kami's Lookout, capturing Kami. This leaves only Gohan, Piccolo, and Krillin as the Earth's main means of defense. Garlic Jr. infects the entire world with a Black Water Mist, making them into evil zombies. After his friends are all severely injured, Gohan taps into his innate potential to defeat Garlic Jr. and save the world in his father's absence.

Trunks Saga (Age 764)

Episodes 118 - 125

A Complete Timeline of Dragon Ball, DBZ, and Dragon Ball Super (23)

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Frieza arrives on Earth as a cyborg, having been revived by his father, King Cold. The two seek to destroy Goku and his friends, but they're met by a mysterious new Super Saiyan named Trunks. After Trunks easily disposes of both Frieza and King Cold, Goku arrives. Trunks tells Goku about the fate of his world in the future and warns him of the impending doom of the Androids, as well as Goku's death from a heart virus.

Android Saga (Age 767)

Episodes 126 - 139

When the Androids finally do arrive, the Z Fighters quickly realize they are in over their heads. Androids 19 and 20 are the first to appear, and despite Goku being stronger than them at first, he is infected by the heart virus, which greatly weakens him.

Films that take place after the Android Saga:

  • Dragon Ball Z: Cooler’s Revenge (1991)
  • Dragon Ball Z: The Return of Cooler (1992)
  • Dragon Ball Z: Super Android 13 (1992)
  • Dragon Ball Z: The History of Trunks (1992)

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Android 20 reveals that he is actually Dr. Gero, the creator of all the other Dragon Ball Androids and a former member of the now-defunct Red Ribbon Army. Despite their attempts to stop Dr. Gero, he releases the even more powerful Androids 16, 17, and 18, who are far too powerful for even Super Saiyan Vegeta to match.

Imperfect Cell Saga (Age 767)

Episodes 140 - 152

A Complete Timeline of Dragon Ball, DBZ, and Dragon Ball Super (24)

With the newfound threat of the Androids proving too great, Piccolo fuses with Kami to become the Unnamed Super Namek. The enigmatic creature from the future known as Cell reveals himself and tells Piccolo of his plans to achieve his perfect form by absorbing Andorids 17 and 18.

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Vegeta, Trunks, Gohan, and Goku decide to train in the hyperbolic time chamber for one day each in order to surpass the limits of their power and defeat the Androids. Meanwhile, Piccolo protects the Kame house from Android 17 and 18. Imperfect Cell arrives to interrupt their battle in hopes of absorbing the Androids. After a long-fought battle, Cell succeeds in catching 17 off-guard and absorbing him, turning him into Semi-Perfect Cell.

Perfect Cell Saga (Age 767)

Episodes 153 - 165

A Complete Timeline of Dragon Ball, DBZ, and Dragon Ball Super (26)

The Z Fighters desperately try to stop Semi-Perfect Cell from absorbing Android 18 and transforming, but Vegeta's hubris gives Cell the perfect opportunity to reach the level of power he seeks. With his form now perfected, Cell proves himself to be an unfathomable threat.

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Films taking place before the Cell Games:

  • Dragon Ball Z: Broly - The Legendary Super Saiyan (1993)
  • Dragon Ball Z Gaiden: Saiya-jin Zetsumetsu Keikaku (1993)

Both Vegeta and Future Trunks do their best, but even their Ascended Super Saiyan forms are ultimately no match against Cell. However, Cell's curiosity about the limits of the Saiyans' strength leads him to declare that he will hold a tournament in ten days, offering the opportunity for anyone on Earth to challenge him. Goku and Gohan emerge from the hyperbolic time chamber, revealing that Gohan has acheived his Super Saiyan transformation.

Cell Games Saga (Age 767)

Episodes 166 - 194

Cell's tournament shows how strong the villain truly is, as he quickly defeats every earthling who stands against him. That is, until Goku steps up to the plate, resulting in a fight that Cell only barely wins in a battle of attrition.

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The fate of the Earth then rests on Gohan's shoulders, who proves that his training with his father paid off when he eventually ascends to SSJ 2. However, Cell self-destructs, forcing Goku to sacrifice himself to teleport Cell away from the Earth. Cell then regenerates his body from nothing and returns to fight Gohan stronger than ever. With the help of the other Z Warriors, Gohan wins a beam battle against Cell, evaporating him from existence.

Other World Saga (Age 767)

Episodes 195 - 199

A Complete Timeline of Dragon Ball, DBZ, and Dragon Ball Super (27)

In the Other World, Goku trains diligently alongside other powerful warriors who have passed into the afterlife. In order to prove his worth and train with the Grand Kai, Goku enters a tournament where the winner is rewarded 300 years of training under Grand Kai. In the tournament, Goku faces off against the formidable fighter Pikkon. The battle between Goku and Pikkon is so extraordinary that Grand Kai agrees to train them both.

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Films that take place during the Other World Saga:

Dragon Ball Z: Bojack Unbound (1993)

Great Saiyaman Saga (Age 774)

Episodes 200 - 209

A Complete Timeline of Dragon Ball, DBZ, and Dragon Ball Super (28)

In the ensuing peace following the destruction of Cell, the Z Fighters settle in to their new lives. Krillin and Android 18 start a family, and Vegeta settles down with Bulma and their son, Trunks. Gohan, now in high school, takes on the identity of the Great Saiyaman, a superhero who defends the people of Satan City from criminals. Gohan's main cause of concern during this period is keeping his secret identity hidden from a girl named Videl in his class, whom he has a crush on.

Films that take place before the Buu Arc:

  • Dragon Ball Z: Broly - Second Coming (1994)
  • Dragon Ball Z: Bio-Broly (1994)

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World Tournament Saga (Age 774)

Episodes 210 - 219

A Complete Timeline of Dragon Ball, DBZ, and Dragon Ball Super (29)

The 25th World Tournament is underway, and Goku has been sent back to Earth for a day to take part in it with his friends. Goten and Trunks also join as part of the Junior division, which they both make their way through easily. Goten and Trunks also join the adult division as well, as Trunks stands on Goten's shoulders to disguise themselves as an older (and taller) fighter. Things get complicated when Shin appears to inform the Saiyans of Babidi's impending threat. As they go off in search of Babidi's ship, Android 18 stays behind to fight in the tournament and win the prize money for her family.

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Babidi Saga (Age 774)

Episodes 220 - 231

A Complete Timeline of Dragon Ball, DBZ, and Dragon Ball Super (31)

The Z Fighters track down Babidi's ship and infiltrate it in hopes of destroying the Sealed Ball that contains Majin Buu. The warriors make their way through the various stages therein, but things get complicated when Vegeta is placed under Babidi's mind control. Vegeta is thereby transformed into Majin Vegeta, and Goku is forced to fight his greatest rival once again, giving Babidi just enough time to power up his ship and release the pure evil monster Buu from his prison.

Majin Buu Saga (Age 774)

Episodes 232 - 253

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Majin Buu is finally released thanks to Majin Vegeta's selfishness, and Vegeta can't help but recognize the threat he presents. After knocking Goku out, Vegeta fights Majin Buu himself. Things don't get quite as he planned, as nothing Vegeta can do has any effect on the ancient demon. In desperation, Vegeta gives his life using his Final Explosion ability to try to incinerate Buu, but the villain emerges unharmed.

Goku teaches Goten and Trunks the fusion dance, and the two begin training to use it. Meanwhile, Goku turns into his new SSJ3 form to buy the kids some time. When he fails to kill Buu, Goku convinces Buu to give Goten and Trunks two days to train so they can fight him at full strength.

Fusion Saga (Age 774)

Episodes 254 - 275

A Complete Timeline of Dragon Ball, DBZ, and Dragon Ball Super (32)

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Goten and Trunks combine using the fusion dance to create Gotenks, who is powerful enough to achieve the SSJ3 transformation that Goku only recently showed. Unfortunately, Gotenks' fusion runs out before he can deliver the decisive blow, and Buu regains the advantage.

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Why Dragon Ball Z's Final Villain Was Also One of the Anime's Best

Majin Buu may not be as well known as Frieza, but he achieved feats of terror other Dragon Ball villains could have only dreamed of.

After Buu absorbs Gotenks, Piccolo, and even Gohan, his power becomes unrivaled. Realizing they have little chance of beating Buu on their own, Goku convinces Vegeta (who was allowed to revive for one day by King Yemma) to fuse with him using the Potara earrings. This results in the creation of the powerful warrior Vegito, who easily wipes the floor with Buu. He then allows himself to be absorbed into Buu so that he can free his friends and sons from the inside.

Kid Buu Saga (Age 774)

Episodes 276 - 287

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A Complete Timeline of Dragon Ball, DBZ, and Dragon Ball Super (34)

With the Potara fusion having worn off, Goku and Vegeta attempt to fight Buu themselves, but his power is limitless while the Saiyans continue to run out of energy. Goku's SSJ3 form is effective at first, but it requires too much ki to last for long. Vegeta attempts to hold off Buu long enough for Goku to recharge, but that's to no avail as well. Completely out of options, Goku is forced to use his ultimate technique: the Spirit Bomb. With the help of Hercule, who convinces the people of Earth to offer Goku their power, Goku successfully destroys Kid Buu once and for all.

Films taking place after the Buu Saga:

  • Dragon Ball Z: Revival Fusion (1995)
  • Dragon Ball Z: Wrath of the Dragon (1995)

Peaceful World Saga (Age 784)

Episodes 288 - 291

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The world has finally reached a state of true peace, and each of the Z Fighters has settled down into normal life. Still, that doesn't mean that Goku has slacked on his training. He and the rest of the group enter the 28th World Tournament, where Goku meets a boy named Uub. Uub is actually the reincarnation of Buu, which explains his unusually high power level. Goku decides to take Uub on as his new pupil in hopes of making Uub strong enough to defend the world in his place one day.

Films taking place at the end of DBZ:

  • Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods (2013)
  • Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection “F” (2015)
A Complete Timeline of Dragon Ball, DBZ, and Dragon Ball Super (36)

8

10

Dragon Ball Z

TV-PG

With the help of the powerful Dragonballs, a team of fighters led by the saiyan warrior Goku defend the planet earth from extraterrestrial enemies.

Release Date
September 30, 1996

Cast
Sean Schemmel , Brian Drummond , Christopher Sabat , Scott McNeil
Main Genre
Anime

Seasons
9

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God of Destruction Beerus Saga (Age 778)

Episodes 1 - 15

A Complete Timeline of Dragon Ball, DBZ, and Dragon Ball Super (37)

A few years after Majin Buu's defeat, Bulma is hosting a birthday party on a private yacht. Things go downhill quickly when the God of Destruction, Beerus, arrives looking for the fabled Super Saiyan God. In accordance with Beerus' wishes, Goku enlists the aid of Shenron and all the Saiyans on Earth to give Goku the power of the Super Saiyan God.

With his new divine strength, Goku engages in a battle with Beerus that shakes the heavens and threatens the entire universe with every blow. Goku entertains Beerus so much with their battle that he decides to allow the Earth to continue existing, so long as Bulma continues bringing him and Whis delicious food whenever they ask.

Golden Frieza Saga (Age 779)

Episodes 16 - 27

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While Goku and Vegeta are training on Beerus' planet, a well-known foe arrives on Earth once again: Frieza. Gohan, Piccolo, Krillin, Tien and Master Roshi team up to fight off the Frieza Force themselves, but Frieza's individual power is far too great for them to face. That's because Frieza has been training for four months — the first time he has ever trained in his life.

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10 Best Goku Fights in the Dragon Ball Z Anime, Ranked

Goku is DBZ's greatest hero, so it's only natural that some of his best fights are also the best in the Dragon Ball franchise.

Frieza kills Piccolo but is stopped from killing Gohan by Goku and Vegeta, who arrive just before it's too late. Frieza then shows off the power he worked so hard to gain by transforming into his Golden Frieza form. Initially, Golden Frieza proved more powerful than SSJ Blue Goku. However, Frieza still has yet to master his new form, causing him to run out of power quickly. This is in contrast to Goku and Vegeta, who have fully mastered their SSJ Blue forms, making the villain succumb to using the most devious of tactics in a fruitless effort to win.

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Universe 6 Saga (Age 779)

Episodes 28 - 41

A Complete Timeline of Dragon Ball, DBZ, and Dragon Ball Super (39)

After Champa and Beerus get into a brotherly tiff, the two propose a tournament between the best fighters in their respective universes. Goku, Vegeta, Piccolo, and Gohan are forced to fight against the greatest fighters in Champa's universe, including Frost, Cabba, and Hit.

After Universe 7's victory, Zeno threatens to erase both universes because Beerus and Champa go behind his back to settle their argument. Luckily, Goku befriends Zeno, and the latter instead decides that he'll hold his own tournament consisting of all the universes under his jurisdiction.

Copy-Vegeta Saga (Age 779)

Episodes 42 - 46

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In an anime-only saga, the Z Fighters encounter a strange life form named Commeson that can absorb beings and then spit out a malignant copy of them. Commeson is actually a weapon created by the inhabitants of Planet Potaufeu that is used to protect the planet from attackers.

Commeson absorbs Vegeta and spits out a perfect copy of the Saiyan prince, complete with all his powers and even his prideful disposition. This copy version of Vegeta slowly drains Vegeta's own power, potentially causing Vegeta to disappear forever. Luckily, with the help of Monaka, who accidentally steps on Copy-Vegeta's core, Goku is able to gain the upper hand and destroy the monster with a Kamehameha.

Future Trunks Saga (Age 779)

Episodes 47 - 76

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Trunks travels back to the past to seek the assistance of Goku and Vegeta after a mysterious villain who looks just like Goku has begun to wreak havoc on his timeline. Goku and Vegeta learn the culprit is Zamasu, one of the Kais who wished for Goku's power using the Super Dragon Balls. Trunks, Goku, and Vegeta team up to stop Goku Black, with Trunks dealing the decisive blow by channeling a Spirit Bomb into his sword.

Universe Survival Saga (Tournament of Power)

Episodes 77 - 131

Zeno's long-awaited multiversal tournament gets underway. In the midst of the combat, Jiren of Universe 11 stands out as the most powerful combatant by far. Just before Goku is completely annihilated by his own Spirit Bomb, which Jiren reflects back at him, he transforms into a brand-new form: Ultra Instinct.

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2:01

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The 25 Most Powerful Dragon Ball Villains, Ranked

Goku and his allies have battled plenty of villains in the Dragon Ball franchise. Some were humorous while others could destroy the universe.

The tournament comes down to only two remaining universes, Goku's Universe 7 and Jiren's Universe 11. Goku masters an even greater form of Ultra Instinct during their fight but is unable to last long because it uses too much power. With only Jiren remaining, Android 17 and Frieza team up to fight Jiren off, with Goku eventually joining them at only a fraction of his power. Android 17 eventually emerges as the last man standing and wishes for all the universes that were erased during the tournament to be restored.

Broly Saga

Movie Only

A Complete Timeline of Dragon Ball, DBZ, and Dragon Ball Super (43)

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Broly was an unnaturally powerful Saiyan who was exiled from Planet Vegeta as a baby. He is also prone to extreme fits of violent rage, causing his father, Paragus, to have to fit him with an electrical collar around his neck to gain some semblance of control. After being brought into the Frieza Force, Paragus pits Broly against Vegeta in order to get revenge for Vegeta's father exiling him so many years before.

Film adapting the Broly Saga:

Dragon Ball Super: Broly (2018)

While Vegeta and Goku prove stronger than Broly at first, they soon realize that Broly is able to adapt and increase in strength at an alarming rate unlike anyone either of them had ever seen before. He quickly reaches a level that neither of them is able to surpass, leaving Frieza no chance but to join in on the fight to help. After Goku and Vegeta fuse into Gogeta using the fusion dance, Gogeta is able to defeat the monstrous Saiyan warrior once and for all, bringing him back to his senses.

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Galactic Patrol Prisoner Saga

Manga Chapters 42 - 67

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Goku and Vegeta become honorary members of the Galactic Patrol, tasked with finding and capturing an escaped prisoner named Moro. Goku and Vegeta are unable to win, even with the help of The Supreme Grand Kai, who was awakened from within Majin Buu. Goku then trains with Merus to unlock his Perfected Ultra Instinct, while Vegeta trains on Yardrat and learns the Forced Spirit Fission technique. Using their new abilities, combined with the assistance of the angel Merus, Goku and Vegeta are finally able to bring Moro to his knees.

Granolah The Survivor Saga

Manga chapters 67 - 87

A Complete Timeline of Dragon Ball, DBZ, and Dragon Ball Super (45)

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Granolah is a member of the Cerealian race, a group that was nearly entirely killed off by the Saiyans. In his quest for revenge, Granolah wishes to be the strongest fighter in the universe using the Cerealian Dragon Balls.

Goku and Vegeta engage the warrior but are easily defeated at first. However, Vegeta grows tremendously during their fight, eventually achieving the Ultra Ego form for the first time. Granolah still overcomes the two Saiyans, however, but not before they are faced with a new foe: Gas. Like Granolah, Gas has made his own wish to become the strongest in the universe, making him even stronger than Granolah. Granolah, Goku, and Vegeta must join forces to defeat Gas, but their fight is cut short when Black Frieza arrives to assert his dominance over the group.

Super Hero Saga

Manga chapters 88 - 103

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Piccolo uncovers a devious plot by the new Red Ribbon Army under the ruse of a pharmaceutical company. The Army has hired Dr. Hedo to build an even more powerful version of Cell called Cell Max. In order to fight back, Piccolo wishes on the Dragon Balls to unlock his power, rewarding him with a new Orange Piccolo transformation. He also goes undercover as a member of the Red Ribbon army and — along with Pan — devises a scheme to make it look as though the Red Ribbon Army kidnapped her so that Gohan will be angered into tapping into his inner strength.

1:59

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The 40 Strongest Dragon Ball Super Characters At The End Of The Series

Dragon Ball Super contains some of the most powerful characters in Dragon Ball, but their exact power rankings are always in motion.

2

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When Gohan finally tracks them down, Gohan and Piccolo are faced with the Gamma Androids: Dr. Hedo's favorite creations. Though they initially fight, Piccolo convinces Gamma 1 and 2 that Dr. Hedo has been deceived by the Red Ribbon Army to do evil. The Gamma Androids then join forces with Gohan, Piccolo, and the other Z Fighters to defeat Cell Max, and Gohan achieves his most powerful form yet — Gohan Beast.

Film adapting the Super Hero Saga:

Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero (2022)

Following the defeat of Cell Max, Goku arrives on Earth to greet his son and check out his new transformation with his own eyes. He challenges Gohan to a sparring match on Beerus' planet, and Gohan's power proves even more incredible than Goku could have imagined. Gohan Beast proves he's even stronger than his father, and after a huge battle royale between the saiyans, Goku accompanies Piccolo to pick up his granddaughter Pan.

A Complete Timeline of Dragon Ball, DBZ, and Dragon Ball Super (47)
Dragon Ball Super

TV-PG

Anime

Action

Adventure

With Majin Buu defeated half-a-year prior, peace returns to Earth, where Son Goku (now a radish farmer) and his friends now live peaceful lives.

Release Date
January 7, 2017

Cast
Masako Nozawa , Takeshi Kusao , Ryô Horikawa , Hiromi Tsuru

Seasons
5

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  • Anime
  • Dragon Ball
  • Dragon Ball Z

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A Complete Timeline of Dragon Ball, DBZ, and Dragon Ball Super (2024)

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