Introduction

The Dragon Ball series has produced numerous theatrical films since 1986, earning love from fans worldwide. These films, featuring original stories and special settings distinct from the TV series, possess a unique charm. Below, I will provide a detailed chronological overview of these theatrical films.

Dragon Ball Series

1. Dragon Ball: The Legend of Shenron (1986)

• Release Date: December 20, 1986
• Running Time: Approximately 50 minutes
• Overview:
  This film follows Goku and Bulma as they embark on an adventure to collect the Dragon Balls, based on episodes from the original manga. The story features gangsters as antagonists, who battle against Goku and his friends. With the addition of original characters and scenes, this film captures the early charm of Dragon Ball.

2. Dragon Ball: Sleeping Princess in Devil’s Castle (1987)

• Release Date: July 18, 1987
• Running Time: Approximately 45 minutes
• Overview:
  Under Master Roshi’s orders, Goku and Krillin, who are in training, are assigned to rescue a princess trapped in the “Devil’s Castle.” The film showcases their adventure and features a battle against Lucifer, the castle’s master. This episode deepens the friendship between Krillin and Goku.

3. Dragon Ball: Mystical Adventure (1988)

• Release Date: July 9, 1988
• Running Time: Approximately 48 minutes
• Overview:
  Set during the World Martial Arts Tournament, this original story brings back the Red Ribbon Army and Tao Pai Pai. While Goku and Krillin battle in the tournament, other characters like Cymbal and the Pilaf Gang play significant roles. The film offers a fresh take on the original story.

Dragon Ball Z Series

4. Dragon Ball Z: Dead Zone (1989)

• Release Date: July 15, 1989
• Running Time: Approximately 40 minutes
• Overview:
  Released shortly after the start of the Dragon Ball Z TV series, this film features Piccolo, Gohan, and Krillin facing off against the new enemy Garlic Jr. Garlic Jr. later appears in the TV series, creating a crossover between the movie and television.

5. Dragon Ball Z: The World’s Strongest (1990)

• Release Date: March 10, 1990
• Running Time: Approximately 60 minutes
• Overview:
  Dr. Wheelo, a brain preserved in cryogenic stasis, seeks the strongest body to enhance himself and attacks Goku and his friends. Goku, Piccolo, Krillin, and Gohan team up to thwart Dr. Wheelo’s evil plans. The film is known for its intense battle scenes and dynamic action.

6. Dragon Ball Z: The Tree of Might (1990)

• Release Date: July 7, 1990
• Running Time: Approximately 60 minutes
• Overview:
  This film introduces Turles, a Saiyan survivor from Planet Vegeta, who plants the “Tree of Might” on Earth, intending to absorb its energy. Goku and his allies face off against Turles and battle to destroy the tree. Turles’ resemblance to Goku creates a striking visual contrast.

7. Dragon Ball Z: Lord Slug (1991)

• Release Date: March 9, 1991
• Running Time: Approximately 50 minutes
• Overview:
  The film follows the invasion of Earth by Lord Slug, another new Saiyan. Turles bears a striking resemblance to Goku, and is portrayed as a prideful yet evil Saiyan. Goku’s transformation into a Super Saiyan is a highlight of the film.

8. Dragon Ball Z: Cooler’s Revenge (1991)

• Release Date: July 20, 1991
• Running Time: Approximately 60 minutes
• Overview:
  Cooler, Frieza’s older brother, arrives on Earth seeking revenge. Cooler is even more powerful than Frieza, and he overwhelms Goku and his friends, but Goku ultimately transforms into a Super Saiyan and defeats Cooler. The film is based on the Frieza saga and introduces a new, memorable villain to the series.

9. Dragon Ball Z: The Return of Cooler (1992)

• Release Date: March 7, 1992
• Running Time: Approximately 45 minutes
• Overview:
  This film introduces Metal Cooler as the new enemy. With regenerative abilities, Cooler gives Goku and Vegeta a hard time. In the climactic battle, Goku and Vegeta join forces to fight the Metal Cooler army. This film marks Vegeta’s first major role in a theatrical release.

10. Dragon Ball Z: Super Android 13! (1992)

• Release Date: July 11, 1992
• Running Time: Approximately 46 minutes
• Overview:
  Androids 13, 14, and 15 make their appearance, battling Goku and his friends. In the final battle, Android 13 transforms into “Super 13” and nearly defeats Goku. The film is highly regarded by fans for featuring Goku, Vegeta, and Trunks fighting as Super Saiyans.

11. Dragon Ball Z: Broly – The Legendary Super Saiyan (1993)

• Release Date: March 6, 1993
• Running Time: Approximately 72 minutes
• Overview:
  This film introduces Broly, the legendary Saiyan warrior. With immense power and madness, Broly overwhelms Goku and his allies. The film’s introduction of Broly made it one of the most popular entries in the series.

12. Dragon Ball Z: Bojack Unbound (1993)

• Release Date: July 10, 1993
• Running Time: Approximately 52 minutes
• Overview:
  Bojack, a warrior from the galaxy, appears in this film. Goku intervenes from the afterlife to aid his son Gohan. The movie depicts Gohan transforming into Super Saiyan 2 for the first time and battling Bojack, emphasizing Gohan’s growth and his continuation of his father’s legacy.

13. Dragon Ball Z: Broly – Second Coming (1994)

• Release Date: March 12, 1994
• Running Time: Approximately 50 minutes
• Overview:
  Broly returns in this film, this time attacking Earth. With Goku absent, Gohan, Goten, and Trunks battle Broly. Eventually, Goku appears and defeats him. The film is noted for its portrayal of the brotherly bond between Gohan and Goten, featuring many touching scenes.

14. Dragon Ball Z: Bio-Broly (1994)

• Release Date: July 9, 1994
• Running Time: Approximately 52 minutes
• Overview:
  This film features Gohan, Trunks, and Vegeta facing off against a powerful enemy, Janemba, who can manipulate dimensions. Janemba pushes them to the brink, but Goku and Vegeta ultimately fuse to form Gogeta and defeat him. Gogeta’s first appearance was a major highlight.

15. Dragon Ball Z: Fusion Reborn (1995)

• Release Date: March 4, 1995
• Running Time: Approximately 51 minutes
• Overview:
  Janemba returns, and this time Goku and Vegeta fight him in the afterlife. Gogeta reappears in the movie to defeat Janemba. Gogeta’s strength and cool design left a strong impression on fans.

16. Dragon Ball Z: Wrath of the Dragon (1995)

• Release Date: July 15, 1995
• Running Time: Approximately 52 minutes
• Overview:
  As the final theatrical release of the Dragon Ball Z series, this film features Goku teaming up with legendary hero Tapion to battle the powerful monster Hirudegarn. Goku’s use of the Dragon Fist for the first time to defeat Hirudegarn is a film highlight. Tapion’s appearance also brings a fresh element that fans greatly appreciated.

Dragon Ball GT Series

17. Dragon Ball: The Path to Power (1996)

• Release Date: March 2, 1996
• Running Time: Approximately 80 minutes
• Overview:
  A remake that reassembles the early episodes of the Dragon Ball series, starting with Goku and Bulma’s encounter and leading to the battle against the Red Ribbon Army. This film returns to the series’ origins, evoking nostalgia for early fans.

Dragon Ball Super Series

18. Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods (2013)

• Release Date: March 30, 2013
• Running Time: Approximately 85 minutes
• Overview:
  This film introduces Beerus, a new deity, into the Dragon Ball universe. As the first new Dragon Ball Z movie in 17 years, it delves into the mythology of the universe and introduces the Super Saiyan God transformation, sparking the start of the new Dragon Ball Super series.

19. Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection ‘F’ (2015)

• Release Date: April 18, 2015
• Running Time: Approximately 93 minutes
• Overview:
  Frieza returns to life and threatens Earth once more. Goku and Vegeta, who have now mastered the Super Saiyan God Super Saiyan (later called Super Saiyan Blue), face off against Frieza. The film’s dynamic animation and intense battle scenes won high praise from fans.

20. Dragon Ball Super: Broly (2018)

• Release Date: December 14, 2018
• Running Time: Approximately 100 minutes
• Overview:
  This film reimagines Broly, introducing him into the Dragon Ball Super timeline. Broly’s incredible strength pushes Goku and Vegeta to their limits, and they fuse to become Gogeta. The film’s high-quality animation and action-packed scenes made it a massive hit, reinforcing the Dragon Ball series’ ongoing popularity.

21. Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero (2022)

• Release Date: June 11, 2022
• Running Time: Approximately 100 minutes
• Overview:
  The latest film in the series, this time focusing on Gohan and Piccolo. With a combination of traditional animation and modern CG, the film’s action scenes and storytelling offer something new for the Dragon Ball universe. Gohan and Piccolo’s transformations, including Piccolo’s new form, create fresh excitement for fans.

Conclusion

The Dragon Ball series’ theatrical films feature original stories and characters that differ from the TV series, making them must-watch works for fans. Each film captivates many fans, both visually and in terms of story, with its unique charm, themes, and battles against new enemy characters. As the series evolves, the scale and quality of the theatrical films have also improved, and the Dragon Ball universe is expected to expand further in the future.

Note: This text was generated by an AI. AI responses may not always be accurate, so please verify important information.

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