Overview of Dragon Ball Movies
- Most Dragon Ball movies are classified as non-canon due to discrepancies with the core timeline and the absence of creator Akira Toriyama’s involvement.
- However, films like Battle of Gods and Resurrection ‘F’ are considered canon as they align with events in both the anime and manga.
- Numerous Dragon Ball films, including The World’s Strongest and Cooler’s Revenge, exhibit timeline inconsistencies, thereby excluding them from the main narrative.
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Canon Dragon Ball Movies: Are There Any?
Transformations in Dragon Ball’s Movie Approach Post-Super
Indeed, there are a select number of Dragon Ball films that are considered canon. Specifically, Battle of Gods and Resurrection ‘F’ depict events that coincide with the storylines in both the anime and the manga, thus qualifying them within the canon realm. Although the more recent Dragon Ball Super films, such as Dragon Ball Super: Broly and Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero, have yet to be integrated into the anime series, they remain valid within the canon as their events are recognized in the manga.
Understanding Why Most Movies Are Non-Canon
Curse of the Blood Rubies (Original Series)
Those who are accustomed to the later Dragon Ball Z films may find the original series movies perplexing. Unlike their successors, the original films primarily adapt episodes from the series rather than presenting entirely new narratives. For instance, Curse of the Blood Rubies attempts to recreate the Pilaf Saga, but with altered motivations for Goku and Bulma, who are now on a quest to thwart the malicious King Gurumes rather than simply seeking the Dragon Balls. Notably, prominent characters such as Pilaf are entirely absent from this retelling.
Sleeping Princess in Devil’s Castle (Original Series)
The movie Sleeping Princess in Devil’s Castle diverges from the original training arc of Goku and Krillin under the mentorship of Master Roshi. Instead, the storyline revolves around their quest to acquire the Sleeping Princess, neglecting the significant appearance of Launch, who plays a crucial role in the original tale. Additionally, during the film’s events, Goku’s transformation into Oozaru remains unknown to his friends, a detail that differs from the series continuity.
Mystical Adventure (Original Series)
Mystical Adventure is positioned after the training period of Goku and Krillin but presents an alternate version by replacing the 21st World Martial Arts Tournament with a different storyline. Characters such as Tien and Chiaotzu are featured, despite their introduction occurring only in the 22nd tournament during the series, with their portrayals also significantly differing from the main storyline.
The Path to Power (Original Series)
This film, despite being released after Wrath of the Dragon, functions as a retelling of the original series, specifically covering the Red Ribbon Army Saga. However, upon closer inspection, deviations arise, such as Goku wearing a different outfit reminiscent of Dragon Ball GT. Key characters from the early saga, including Krillin and Chi-Chi, are missing, ultimately altering the essence of the narrative.
Dead Zone (Dragon Ball Z)
The plot of Dead Zone is situated between the events of the original Dragon Ball and the Z saga. A significant inconsistency arises as Krillin already recognizes Gohan during the film, while in the anime, Goku only introduces Gohan at the outset of Z.
The World’s Strongest (Dragon Ball Z)
The story featuring Dr. Wheelo cannot be integrated into the timeline effectively. Goku utilizes the Spirit Bomb during the film, suggesting it takes place after he acquired this technique from King Kai. Within the main series, Goku embarks on fights with Nappa and Vegeta immediately after his resurrection, creating a contradiction regarding the timeline. Additionally, Piccolo’s appearance in this film poses further inconsistencies, as he is dead during the fight against Nappa.
The Tree of Might (Dragon Ball Z)
Similar to The World’s Strongest, The Tree of Might presents logical challenges in aligning with the timeline. Goku’s use of the Spirit Bomb and Kaio-ken x10 against Turles indicates after the Namek Saga, yet he fails to access his Super Saiyan form. Furthermore, Gohan’s first encounter with Icarus raises issues, as Gohan should have met Icarus during the Garlic Jr. Saga.
Lord Slug (Dragon Ball Z)
In like manner, Lord Slug also fits after the Namek Saga based on Goku’s use of the Spirit Bomb and Kaio-ken knowledge. However, Goku shows no signs of having reached Super Saiyan. Additionally, the absence of Vegeta from this film creates confusion regarding the timeline’s coherence.
Cooler’s Revenge (Dragon Ball Z)
This film transpires after the Namek Saga as it centers on Cooler avenging Frieza’s demise and showcases Goku utilizing his Super Saiyan transformation for the first time in the films. However, contradictions arise with Gohan, who inappropriately has his Saiyan tail, a feature that should have been lost after the Saiyan Saga.
The Return of Cooler (Dragon Ball Z)
Following the events of its predecessor, The Return of Cooler directly continues the storyline from Cooler’s Revenge. However, with Dende acting as Earth’s guardian—a role he only acquires during the Cell Saga—logical inconsistencies arise, as no mention is made of the current android threats. At this point, Gohan should have already unlocked Super Saiyan, yet he has not.
Super Android 13 (Dragon Ball Z)
Taking place between the introduction of Androids 17 and 18 and Cell’s emergence, this movie presents timeline challenges. Goku’s presence, whether he is recovering from the heart virus or has already regained his strength, conflicts with Dr. Gero’s master’s computer—whose destruction should have already occurred.
Broly: The Legendary Super Saiyan (Dragon Ball Z)
Despite Broly’s eventual canonization in Dragon Ball Super, earlier films featuring him remain non-canonical. While the first film does not present overt contradictions, its dissonance arises from characters behaving atypically. Setting this film marginally before the Cell Games ought to have introduced tension; however, calm citizens in the city contradict the chaotic atmosphere established in the anime’s tournament setup.
Bojack Unbound (Dragon Ball Z)
Remarkably, Bojack Unbound aligns closely with the main series canon, occurring after Cell’s defeat when Goku and King Kai have passed. Minor contradictions arise with Trunks’ appearance, as his long hair contradicts the timeline where he cut his hair short post-Cell Games.
Broly: Second Coming (Dragon Ball Z)
Similarly, Broly: Second Coming cannot be classified as canon since it directly derives from a non-canon film. The plot presents time constraints; portraying Videl with short hair and the ability to fly suggests a timeframe prior to the 25th Martial Arts Tournament. However, the simultaneous use of the Dragon Balls creates an inconsistency as their reuse is limited by a one-year cycle.
Bio-Broly (Dragon Ball Z)
The utility of the non-canon status persists in Bio-Broly, evidenced by 18’s significant involvement throughout the film. In the original series, her post-tournament continuity deviates, contributing to further inconsistencies in the timeline. Moreover, Goten and Trunks’ omission of the Fusion Dance suggests an implausible timeline after the Buu Saga.
Fusion Reborn (Dragon Ball Z)
Fusion Reborn presents continuity challenges as both Goku and Vegeta are deceased at the same time—a scenario that doesn’t coincide with the series’ timeline. After the battle against Majin Buu, Goku’s time in Other World is strictly accounted for, limiting opportunities for adventures in this state.
Wrath of the Dragon (Dragon Ball Z)
The final non-canon movie within the Dragon Ball Z framework posits its events after the Buu Saga, introducing questions regarding the sword given to young Trunks by Tapion. The film implies that the sword is the same as Future Trunks’, contradicting timelines where Hoi’s arrival and Hirudegarn’s emergence wouldn’t occur in Trunks’ narrative without errors, thus defying continuity.
For anime enthusiasts eager to revisit the Dragon Ball series, it is currently available for streaming on Crunchyroll.
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