Getting ready for the Dragon Ball 40th Anniversary? Learn how to watch Dragon Ball in chronological order with the correct canon watch order, movie timeline, and no-filler options—perfect for a complete marathon before Genkida Matsuri 2026.
With Dragon Ball Genkida Matsuri officially scheduled for January 25, 2026, the hype is real. This isn’t just another fan event—it’s a global celebration of 40 years of Dragon Ball, honoring an anime that first aired in 1986 and went on to define generations.
Like many fans right now, I’m in full marathon re-watch mode. The goal is simple: finish the entire Dragon Ball story the right way before Genkida Matsuri—without wasting time, without getting lost in filler, and without arguing about timelines.
If you’re also looking for an easy, quick, and complete way to watch Dragon Ball in order, this guide is the roadmap you need. It’s built for the hype month, when fans want clarity, not confusion.
Why the Dragon Ball Watch Order Is Confusing for New and Returning Fans
Multiple Series Across Decades
One thing becomes very clear when preparing for a full re-watch: Dragon Ball did not grow in a straight line. Over nearly four decades, the franchise expanded through multiple anime series, a remastered edition (Dragon Ball Z Kai), and a long list of theatrical movies released alongside TV arcs.
Some of these entries move the story forward. Others exist purely as side adventures. When you’re racing toward a January deadline, knowing the difference matters.
Canon vs Non-Canon Confusion
The biggest roadblock during any marathon is canon confusion. Not every Dragon Ball story exists in the same official timeline.
- Dragon Ball Super and Dragon Ball Daima align closely with Akira Toriyama’s canon
- Dragon Ball GT follows a separate anime-only continuity
- Many movies exist as alternate scenarios
This is why fans prepping for Genkida Matsuri keep searching for Dragon Ball canon watch order and Dragon Ball chronological order—we want to watch what counts first.
Why a Clear Roadmap Matters Right Now
With the 40th Anniversary celebration approaching, there’s no time to guess. The smartest approach is to lock in a canon-first watch order, finish the core story efficiently, and then explore extras if time allows.
The Correct Way to Watch Dragon Ball in Order (Quick Answer for Beginners)
Canon-First Viewing Recommendation
If the goal is to be fully prepared for Genkida Matsuri, this is the most efficient and widely accepted Dragon Ball watch order. It covers the entire main storyline without detours into alternate timelines.
Recommended Dragon Ball Watch Order (Canon-First)
- Dragon Ball is where everything begins, introducing the world, characters, and rules of the universe.
- Dragon Ball Z or Dragon Ball Z Kai takes the story into its most iconic sagas and legendary battles.
- Dragon Ball Super expands the universe with gods, new transformations, and multiverse-level stakes.
After Super, Dragon Ball Super: Broly and Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero continue the canon story through essential theatrical films.
This sequence ensures you understand every major character, power jump, and storyline likely to be celebrated at the anniversary event.
Power Level Note
For a marathon re-watch, Dragon Ball Z Kai is a lifesaver. It removes most filler episodes, tightens pacing, and makes finishing Z before January far more realistic. This makes Dragon Ball Z still valid—but Kai is the faster route.
Dragon Ball Series Order Explained: What to Watch and Why It Matters
Dragon Ball (1986): Where the Dragon Ball Timeline Begins
Rewatching Dragon Ball from the start hits differently during an anniversary year. This is where Goku’s journey truly begins—from his childhood adventures to his early martial arts training.
Dragon Ball establishes the tone, humor, and heart of the franchise. Characters introduced here remain relevant decades later. Watching it first adds emotional weight to everything that follows, especially when revisiting major moments in Z and Super during a marathon.
Dragon Ball Z vs Dragon Ball Z Kai: Which Version Should You Watch?
Shared Story Arcs
Both versions cover the same legendary arcs: the Saiyan Saga, Frieza Saga, Cell Saga, and Majin Buu Saga. Nothing essential is missing in either version.
Key Differences in Presentation
Dragon Ball Z is the original broadcast version, complete with filler arcs and extended fight pacing.
Dragon Ball Z Kai is a remastered cut with improved visuals and audio, following the manga more closely.
Choosing the Right Version for a Marathon
For Genkida Matsuri prep, Kai is the practical choice. It respects your time while preserving the full story. Z remains ideal if nostalgia matters more than speed.
Dragon Ball Super Watch Order: Where the Story Expands
Dragon Ball Super is essential viewing for the modern era of the franchise. Set after the Majin Buu Saga, it introduces Gods of Destruction, Angels, and the multiverse—concepts that define current Dragon Ball canon.
Many characters, transformations, and storylines likely to be highlighted during the 40th Anniversary originate here. Skipping Super would leave major gaps.
Dragon Ball Movies in Order Explained (Canon vs Non-Canon Guide)
Understanding Movie Categories
When time is limited, knowing which movies matter is critical. Dragon Ball films fall into canon and non-canon categories.
Canon Dragon Ball Movies (Directly Affect the Story)
Battle of Gods and Resurrection ‘F’ introduce ideas later expanded in Dragon Ball Super.
Dragon Ball Super: Broly officially integrates Broly into canon with a revised origin.
Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero pushes the story forward beyond the Tournament of Power.
Important Clarification
While Battle of Gods and Resurrection ‘F’ are retold in the Super anime, Broly and Super Hero are not. They must be watched separately to complete the canon timeline.
Non-Canon Dragon Ball Z Movies (Optional Viewing)
Most classic Z-era movies exist outside canon. They’re fun, nostalgic, and worth revisiting—but they are not required for Genkida Matsuri preparation.
Dragon Ball GT Watch Order Explained: Should You Watch It or Skip It?
Dragon Ball GT exists as a separate continuity set after Z. It does not align with Super’s timeline and is not canon.
For a focused marathon, GT is best saved for later. If time allows after finishing Super and the canon movies, GT works as an alternate take rather than required viewing.
Dragon Ball Daima Timeline Placement Explained (Where It Fits in the Story)
Dragon Ball Daima is designed to welcome both new viewers and longtime fans. It takes place after Dragon Ball Z and sits comfortably alongside Super-era content.
For marathon watchers, the best placement is after Dragon Ball Z or Z Kai, either before or alongside Super, depending on pacing preferences.
Choose Your Dragon Ball Watch Path: Canon-Only, No-Filler, or Complete Guide
Viewing Flexibility During a Marathon
Not every fan prepping for Genkida Matsuri has the same amount of time. Dragon Ball supports multiple viewing paths.
The Fastest Way to Watch Dragon Ball (No Filler Route)
This is the ideal Genkida Matsuri prep route: Dragon Ball > Dragon Ball Z Kai > Dragon Ball Super > Broly > Super Hero. It covers the entire canon story efficiently.
Dragon Ball Canon Watch Order (Toriyama Timeline)
This path includes only canon series and movies, skipping GT and older Z movies. It’s perfect if you want to be fully up-to-date with official continuity.
Complete Dragon Ball Watch Order (Everything Included)
For fans going all-in, this route includes every series, movie, special, and OVA. It’s ambitious—but fitting for a 40th Anniversary celebration.
Dragon Ball Chronological Order vs Release Order: Which Should You Follow?
Chronological order is the clear winner for marathon re-watches. It keeps the story coherent and avoids tonal whiplash.
Release order is more nostalgic but less efficient when time is limited.
For Genkida Matsuri prep, chronological order is the smartest choice.
Where to Watch Dragon Ball Legally Online (Streaming Platforms Guide)
Getting your Dragon Ball marathon setup right is almost as important as the watch order itself—especially if you’re trying to complete the story before Genkida Matsuri on January 25, 2026.
Since the franchise spans more than 30 years, different entries are licensed on different platforms depending on your region. Here’s the most accurate picture as of late 2025:
Crunchyroll — The Most Complete Dragon Ball Hub Worldwide
Crunchyroll is currently the central streaming home for most of the Dragon Ball universe. It offers:
- Dragon Ball (classic 1986 series) now available for international streaming for the first time on Crunchyroll, honoring its 40-year legacy.
- Dragon Ball Z (original series) — full streaming library.
- Dragon Ball Super — full series available.
- Dragon Ball movies including Dragon Ball Super: Broly and Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero (canon films) — available on Crunchyroll in many region.
- Dragon Ball Daima — streaming worldwide on Crunchyroll outside East Asia and Europe as well.
Crunchyroll also offers multiple audio options (Japanese and English where available) along with subtitles, making it ideal for marathon watching.
Hulu — Especially Useful for Dragon Ball Z Kai and Super
In regions like the United States, Hulu carries several key Dragon Ball properties:
- Dragon Ball Z Kai — streamlined, filler-reduced retelling perfect for marathon prep.
- Dragon Ball Super — also available on Hulu for English sub and dub versions.
- Dragon Ball Super: Broly and other films may also stream here depending on region.
This makes Hulu a strong secondary option if Crunchyroll doesn’t fully cover your region or language preferences.
Netflix — Availability Varies by Region
Depending on your country, Netflix may stream:
- Dragon Ball Z — confirmed available in many regions through Netflix.
- Dragon Ball Super: Broly — available on Netflix in some countries.
- Some regions have limited availability for older series and movies, so always check local listings.
Netflix may not have the entire Dragon Ball catalog everywhere, but it’s often included for core entries like Z in certain markets.
Amazon Prime Video — Buy or Rent Option
Amazon Prime Video doesn’t always include Dragon Ball as part of a subscription, but it often offers:
- Dragon Ball and Dragon Ball Z as individual purchases or rentals.
- Older movies like Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods and Dragon Ball Z: Broly, the Legendary Super Saiyan available for purchase in some regions.
This is useful if your main platforms lack certain entries you want to include in your marathon before Genkida Matsuri.
Dragon Ball Watch Order FAQs (Beginner Questions Answered Clearly)
Should I watch Dragon Ball or Dragon Ball Z first?
Start with Dragon Ball if possible—it adds context that pays off later.
Can I skip Dragon Ball and start with Z?
Yes, but you’ll miss important foundations.
Is Dragon Ball GT canon?
No. It follows a non-canon timeline.
What is the correct order to watch Dragon Ball movies?
Stick to the canon movies listed above.
Where does Dragon Ball Daima fit?
After Dragon Ball Z or Z Kai, before or alongside Dragon Ball Super.
Final Recommendation: The Best Way to Watch Dragon Ball in Order Before Genkida Matsuri
If your goal is to be fully prepared for Dragon Ball Genkida Matsuri in January 2026, this is the most efficient and complete path:
Dragon Ball > Dragon Ball Z Kai > Dragon Ball Super > Broly > Super Hero
From there, you can dive into Dragon Ball GT, Dragon Ball Daima, and older movies as bonus content. Dragon Ball’s 40-year legacy deserves to be celebrated—and this roadmap makes sure you experience it fully, clearly, and on time.
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