During the franchise’s initial TV broadcast run in Japan from 1986 up through 1997, Toei Animation simultaneously produced 17 theatrical films for the Dragon Ball and Dragon Ball Z TV series. These movies served primarily as stand-alone productions for Toei’s seasonal theatrical events, rarely directly tying in with their respective TV series’ current story line. Movie production for the franchise came to an end in 1996 following the release of the 10th Anniversary movie and the conclusion of the Dragon Ball GT TV series.
In July 2012 it was announced that production of Battle of Gods, the franchise’s first theatrical film in 17 years, was underway. Unlike the franchise’s previous movies it would be a singular film not associated with any seasonal event hosted by Toei or tied to any currently ongoing television series. The movie also marked the first time original author Akira Toriyama would be heavily involved in a movie’s overall plot and production. Since its premiere in 2013, two additional movies and a new TV series have been produced, all spearheaded by Akira Toriyama.
Despite a title of “Movie Guide”, this guide also includes listings for feature-type presentations such as TV specials (which can also be found listed on their respective series’ page in the Episode Guide), live-action movies, features tied to specific video games, and presentations debuted at festivals.
Theatrical Films
Seasonal Films (1986 — 1996)
From 1969 to 2002, Toei hosted two to three seasonal theatrical events a year across Japan, which coincided with the three seasonal breaks in the school year: spring vacation, summer vacation, and winter vacation. Each seasonal event would screen two to three movies from various Toei properties together back-to-back, and therefore each typically had shorter run times of an hour or less. The first three Dragon Ball films were produced annually, with the first being the franchise’s only seasonal film to premiere during winter vacation. Beginning in 1989, coinciding with the premiere of the Dragon Ball Z TV series, two films were being produced annually with one premiering during each spring and summer vacation.
ドラゴンボール ・ 神龍の伝説
Doragon Bōru · Shenron no Densetsu
Dragon Ball – The Legend of Shenlong
The great King Gurumes is searching for the Dragon Balls in order to put a stop to his endless hunger. A young girl named Pansy who lives in the nearby village has had enough of the treachery and decides to seek Muten Rōshi for assistance. Can our heroes save the village and put a stop to the Gurumes Army?
Director: Daisuke Nishio · Executive Producer: Chiaki Imada
Script: Toshiki Inoue · Animation: Maeda Minoru
魔神城のねむり姫
Majin Jō no Nemuri Hime
The Sleeping Princess in Devil’s Castle
Before Kame-Sen’nin will accept Goku and Kuririn as students, he sends them on a quest to a castle in the far east. There they will find the legendary, and pretty, “Sleeping Princess.” Whomever brings back the Sleeping Princess will become his student. The two boys set out, but what devilish demons await them?
Director: Daisuke Nishio · Executive Producer: Chiaki Imada
Script: Keiji Terui · Animation: Maeda Minoru
摩訶不思議大冒険
Makafushigi Dai Bōken
A Mystical Great Adventure
The Emperor of Miphan, Chiaotzu, is hosting the next Tenka’ichi Budōkai, but can’t find his lost doll, “Ran-Ran”. Tsuru-Sen’nin and Tao Pai-pai are searching for the Dragon Balls and promise to use them to locate Ran-Ran, but are actually planning to take over the country. Can Goku and friends save Chiaotzu before it’s too late?
Director: Kazuhisa Takenōchi · Executive Producer: Chiaki Imada
Script: Yoshifumi Yuki · Animation: Maeda Minoru
ドラゴンボールZ
Doragon Bōru Zetto
Dragon Ball Z
Garlic Jr. gathers the Dragon Balls and wishes for immortality, and in the process he kidnapped Gohan, who had the Four-Star Ball. Garlic Jr. seeks the title of God, after his father was denied previously. Piccolo and Goku must join forces once again to save the Earth, God, and Gohan!
Director: Daisuke Nishio · Executive Producer: Chiaki Imada
Script: Takao Koyama · Animation: Maeda Minoru
この世で一番強いヤツ
Kono Yo de Ichiban Tsuyoi Yatsu
The World’s Strongest Guy
Oolong steals Bulma’s Dragon Radar, and finds that Dr. Kochin has wished for Dr. Uiro’s lab to be released from ice. Kame-Sen’nin is soon captured by Dr. Uiro, as he is thought to be the strongest warrior in the world. Goku must defeat friends and foes to save Kame-Sen’nin and the Earth from destruction!
Director: Daisuke Nishio · Executive Producer: Chiaki Imada
Script: Takao Koyama · Animation: Maeda Minoru
地球まるごと超決戦
Chikyū Marugoto Chōkessen
A Super Decisive Battle for Earth
The Saiyan warrior, Tullece, and his minions are scouting Earth to locate Kakarrot. His minions plant a seed for the “Tree of Godly Might”, which grows very quickly and threatens to destroy the Earth. Goku and friends face off against the Saiyan’s, but can Goku’s new Genki-Dama technique save the Earth?
Director: Daisuke Nishio · Executive Producer: Chiaki Imada & Tamio Kojima
Script: Takao Koyama · Animation: Maeda Minoru
超サイヤ人だ孫悟空
Sūpā Saiya-jin da Son Gokū
Super Saiyan Son Goku
Slug’s planetoid crashes into Earth, and a weather satellite is launched, releasing a cloud to cover the planet and freeze it over. He gathers the Dragon Balls and regains his youth and strength once again. With his friends defeated, Goku must face the Super Namekian and save the Earth once again.
Director: Mitsuo Hashimoto · Executive Producer: Chiaki Imada & Rikizō Kayano
Script: Takao Koyama · Animation: Maeda Minoru, Katsuyoshi Nakatsuru, & Masaki Satō
とびっきりの最強対最強
Tobikkiri no Saikyō tai Saikyō
The Incredible Strongest vs Strongest
After receiving a report that his younger brother Freeza had been killed by a Super Saiyan, Coola heads to Earth to see Goku’s true strength for himself. Coola displays a fifth transformation, that Freeza had never obtained. Can Goku once again reach Super Saiyan and save the Earth from Coola and his men?
Director: Mitsuo Hashimoto · Executive Producer: Chiaki Imada & Rikizō Kayano
Script: Takao Koyama · Animation: Maeda Minoru
激突!!100億パワーの戦士たち
Gekitotsu!! Hyaku-Oku Pawā no Senshi-tachi
Clash!! 10,000,000,000 Powerful Warriors
A metal planetoid lands on the new Planet Namek and Dende sends Goku and friends to investigate… only to find that Coola has returned! Goku and Vegeta face-off against Coola, but are no match and get captured. Can the Saiyan spirit of the two fallen warriors overpower Coola and the Big Gete Star?
Director: Daisuke Nishio · Executive Producer: Chiaki Imada & Rikizō Kayano
Script: Takao Koyama · Animation: Maeda Minoru
極限バトル!!三大超サイヤ人
Kyokugen Batoru!! San Dai Sūpā Saiya-jin
Extreme Battle!! The Three Great Super Saiyans
After Dr. Gero is killed by No. 17, his computer activates his earlier creations. No. 13, No. 14, and No. 15 have orders to kill Goku, who is shopping with the family. As the battle ensues, No. 13 undergoes a terrifying transformation. Can the three Super Saiyans stop No. 13 from completing his mission?!
Director: Kazuhito Kikuchi · Executive Producer: Chiaki Imada & Yoshio Anzai
Script: Takao Koyama · Animation: Maeda Minoru
Dragon Ball Z Movie 08Premiere Date: 06 March 1993
燃えつきろ!!熱戦・烈戦・超激戦
Moetsukiro!! Nessen · Ressen · Chō-Gekisen
Burn Up!! A Red-Hot, Raging, Super-Fierce Fight
Vegeta travels to the planet New Vegeta in search of the Legendary Super Saiyan, who has been destroying planets. Goku is also in pursuit of the Legendary Super Saiyan, teleports to the planet, and Broli goes berserk. Goku must defeat the Legendary Super Saiyan… to save the universe!!
Director: Shigeyasu Yamauchi · Executive Producer: Chiaki Imada & Yoshio Anzai
Script: Takao Koyama · Animation: Tadayoshi Yamamuro
Dragon Ball Z Movie 09Premiere Date: 10 July 1993
銀河ギリギリ!!ぶっちぎりの凄い奴
Ginga Giri-Giri!! Butchigiri no Sugoi Yatsu
The Galaxy at the Brink!! The Super Incredible Guy
The Money Family is hosting a Tenka’ichi Budōkai, but everything goes terribly wrong when Bojack and his minions show up in the final stages. The Z Warriors are handily defeated, leaving Gohan to face off against Bojack all alone. Can Gohan’s newly obtained Super Saiyan 2 transformation save the day?
Director: Yoshihiro Ueda · Executive Producer: Chiaki Imada & Yoshio Anzai
Script: Takao Koyama · Animation: Tadayoshi Yamamuro
Dragon Ball Z Movie 10Premiere Date: 12 March 1994
危険なふたり!超戦士はねむれない
Kiken na Futari! Sūpā Senshi wa Nemurenai
The Dangerous Duo! Super-Warriors Can’t Rest
Goten, Trunks, and Videl are searching for the Dragon Balls, when a spaceship crashes to Earth. They investigate, and find Broli, who mistakes the young Goten for Kakarrot. As the battle ensues, Gohan arrives and joins in. Will the brothers be able to save the Earth without the help of their father?!
Director: Shigeyasu Yamauchi · Executive Producer: Tsutomu Tomari & Yoshio Anzai
Script: Takao Koyama · Animation: Tadayoshi Yamamuro
Dragon Ball Z Movie 11Premiere Date: 09 July 1994
超戦士撃破!!勝つのはオレだ
Sūpā Senshi Gekiha!! Katsu No wa Ore da
Super-Warrior Defeat!! I’m the One Who’ll Win
After being blackmailed, Mr. Satan and No. 18 travel to battle some bio-warriors. Fortunately, Goten and Trunks were hiding in their trunk, and along with No. 18, the three battle the bio-warriors. After the fight Goten and Trunks find a Bio-Broli, and they accidentally awaken him. Can the fearless duo stop this biological monster?!
Director: Yoshihiro Ueda · Executive Producer: Tsutomu Tomari, Tan Takaiwa, & Yoshio Anzai
Script: Takao Koyama · Animation: Tadayoshi Yamamuro
Dragon Ball Z Movie 12Premiere Date: 04 March 1995
復活のフュージョン!!悟空とベジータ
Fukkatsu no Fyūjon!! Gokū to Bejīta
The Rebirth of Fusion!! Goku and Vegeta
The oni responsible for watching the soul-cleansing machine is taken over by an evil spirit, and the afterlife succumbs to his will. All across Earth, dead villains come back to life! Goku and Vegeta attempt to defeat Janenba while their families deal with the chaos up on Earth. Their only chance to win? Fusion!
Director: Shigeyasu Yamauchi · Executive Producer: Tsutomu Tomari, Tan Takaiwa, & Yoshio Anzai
Script: Takao Koyama · Animation: Tadayoshi Yamamuro
Dragon Ball Z Movie 13Premiere Date: 15 July 1995
龍拳爆発!!悟空がやらねば誰がやる
Ryū-Ken Bakuhatsu!! Gokū ga Yaraneba Dare ga Yaru
Dragon Fist Explosion!! If Goku Won’t Do it, Who Will?
Goku and friends are tricked into using the Dragon Balls to release Tapion, who contains the demon Hildegarn within himself. Hildegarn eventually escapes and begins to destroy everything around him. Tapion tries to harness the demon, but it’s of no use. Can anyone but Goku defeat the demon and restore peace?
Director: Mitsuo Hashimoto · Executive Producer: Tsutomu Tomari, Tan Takaiwa, & Yoshio Anzai
Script: Takao Koyama · Animation: Tadayoshi Yamamuro
Dragon Ball 10th Anniversary MoviePremiere Date: 04 March 1996
最強への道
Saikyō e no Michi
The Path to Ultimate Strength
Goku and friends are in search of the Dragon Balls, and so is the ruthless Red Ribbon Army. With his friend’s lives at stake, Goku takes on the entire Red Ribbon Army. Unfortunately, for Commander Red and his army, Goku is no ordinary boy. Who will win the fight of ultimate strength and obtain all seven Dragon Balls?!
Director: Shigeyasu Yamauchi · Executive Producer: Tsutomu Tomari, Tan Takaiwa, & Yoshio Anzai
Script: Aya Matsui · Animation: Tadayoshi Yamamuro
Modern Films (2013 — current)
In the early-2000s Toei began moving away from hosting seasonal events to promote their current television series, opting instead to produce more traditional stand-alone theatrical films with longer running times. Unlike the earlier seasonal films, which were originally produced by Toei with the sole intention of local distribution only, these films were produced from the onset in collaboration with 20th Century Fox for international distribution. Also in contrast to the seasonal films, original author Akira Toriyama became heavily involved in overseeing each modern film’s overall plot and production.
神と神
Kami to Kami
God and God (“Battle of Gods”)
Beerus, God of Destruction, has awoken early after a 39 year slumber. Having had a dream about “Super Saiyan God”, he sets out in search of this mysterious Saiyan. After visiting with Kaiō, and eventually ending up on Earth, Goku and friends soon find they are powerless to stop the irritable Beerus. Can our heroes find the “Super Saiyan God” before Beerus destroys the Earth?
Director: Masahiro Hosoda · Senior Producer: Shinji Shimizu & Yoshihiko Taneda
Script: Yūsuke Watanabe & Akira Toriyama · Animation: Tadayoshi Yamamuro
復活の「F」
Fukkatsu no “Efu”
Revival of “F” / Resurrection ‘F’
The Earth is finally at peace, but remnants of Freeza’s forces have arrived to revive him with the Dragon Balls! And so, the worst wish in the history of the universe is granted, and Freeza, plotting his revenge against the Saiyans, is revived at last…!!
Director & Animation: Tadayoshi Yamamuro · Senior Producer: Shinji Shimizu & Yasushi Ogawa
Script & Character Design: Akira Toriyama
ブロリー
Burorī
Broly (“Broli”)
With the destruction of Planet Vegeta, three Saiyans were scattered throughout the universe. While two found a home on Earth, the third was raised with a burning desire for vengeance and developed an unbelievable power. Destinies collide as Goku and Vegeta find themselves up against a terrible, destructive force — Broli!
Director: Tatsuya Nagamine · Animation: Naohiro Shintani
Senior Producer: Atsushi Suzuki & Hirotsugu Usui · Script & Character Design: Akira Toriyama
スーパーヒーロー
Sūpā Hīrō
Super Hero
The ultimate artificial humans, Gamma 1 and 2, have been created by the Red Ribbon Army. Piccolo infiltrates their base and discovers a huge conspiracy unfolding, and then Gohan is pulled into the battle after Pan is kidnapped. To save the world from such strong enemies, Piccolo calls on Gohan to “show his true power”, but can Gohan respond and defeat the Red Ribbon Army?!
Director: Tetsurō Kodama · Animation: Chikashi Kubota · CG Director: Jae-hoon Jung
Script & Character Design: Akira Toriyama
Television Specials
たったひとりの最終決戦〜フリーザに挑んだZ戦士 孫悟空の父〜
Tatta Hitori no Saishū Kessen ~Furīza ni Idonda Zetto-senshi Kakarotto no Chichi~
A Final, Solitary Battle: The Father of Z-Warrior Kakarrot, Who Challenged Freeza
On Planet Vegeta, a Saiyan named Kakarrot is born. His father Bardock soon obtains the ability to see the future and discovers that Freeza has turned on the Saiyans. Bardock confronts him, but Freeza destroys Planet Vegeta and the Saiyans as Kakarrot is sent off to Earth. And so, the story of Dragon Ball begins…
Script: Takao Koyama & Katsuyuki Sumisawa · Art: Tomoko Yoshida
Animation: Katsuyoshi Nakatsuru · Director: Mitsuo Hashimoto
極限バトル!三大超サイヤ人 スペシャル
Kyokugen Batoru!! San Dai Sūpā Saiya-jin Supesharu
Extreme Battle!! The Three Great Super Saiyans – Special
The seventh Dragon Ball Z movie is on its way! Goku and Gohan get all dressed up to review all of the prior movies (three from the first series, and six so far from the “Z” era). Who are some of the tough enemies they have come up against, and what can fans look forward to in the newest movie?
絶望への反抗!!残された超戦士・悟飯とトランクス
Zetsubō e no Hankō!! Nokosareta chō-senshi • Gohan to Torankusu
Defiance in the Face of Despair!! The Remaining Super-Warriors: Gohan and Trunks
The artificial humans have left the future in shambles, killing all of the Z Warriors but two… Gohan and Trunks. As the two battle to save the future, Gohan is killed and Trunks finally obtains the power of the Super Saiyan. However, even that isn’t enough to defeat such evil, so the young boy travels to the past in search of hope.
Script: Hiroshi Toda · Art: Hiroshi Washizaki
Animation: Minoru Maeda · Director: Yoshihiro Ueda
Dragon Ball Z Year-End TV SpecialAir Date: 31 December 1993
全部見せます 年忘れ ドラゴンボールZ
Zenbu Misemasu Toshi Wasure Doragon Bōru Zetto
We’ll Show You Everything: Forget the Year’s Cares with Dragon Ball Z
Goku, who is dead, decides to teleport back to Earth to spend New Years with his family, and while he is there they decide to take a look back at what all had happened in Dragon Ball Z that year (covering the Cell Games and the Afterlife Tournament).
Dragon Ball GT TV SpecialAir Date: 26 March 1997
悟空外伝!勇気の証しは四星球
Gokū Gaiden! Yūki no Akashi wa Sūshinchū
Goku’s Side Story! The Proof of his Courage is the Four-Star Ball
One hundred years after Dragon Ball GT, the only surviving character is Pan, who is now an old grandma. After Pan falls ill, Goku Jr. ventures out to Mt. Paozu to find the Dragon Balls. Along with his school friend Pack, he must face evil and his own fears, while learning how to be brave and courageous like his namesake!
Script: Atsushi Maekawa · Art: Tomoko Yoshida
Animation: Akira Inagami · Director: Yoshihiro Ueda
Festival Features
オッス!帰ってきた孫悟空と仲間たち!!
Ossu! Kaette Kita Son Gokū to Nakama-tachi!!
Heya! Son Goku and Friends Return!!
Two years after the defeat of Majin Boo, a new battle takes place on Earth. Vegeta’s younger brother, Tarble, arrives to ask for help in defeating Avo & Cado, two of Freeza’s former henchmen that have been terrorizing his planet. Do the heroes of Earth stand a chance against such mighty foes?!
ドラゴンボール エピソードオブバーダック
Doragon Bōru Episōdo Obu Baadakku
Dragon Ball: Episode of Bardock
As Freeza destroys Planet Vegeta, Bardock is engulfed and killed in the attack and explosion… or is he? Bardock awakes in what appears to be the past on “Planet Plant”, and comes up against new foe named Chilled, who seems to be related to Freeza in some way. Will Bardock be able to save the planet and his new friends, and will he truly, finally become… a Super Saiyan?!
Video Game Features
ドラゴンボールZ あつまれ!! 悟空ワールド
Doragon Bōru Zetto Atsumare! Gokū Wārudo
Dragon Ball Z: Gather Together! Goku World
Join Goku and the others for an interactive telephone-and-video special feature where you travel into the past to see special events and fights from an all-new perspective. Can you answer all of the quiz questions correctly, and guide Goku into his final battle against Cell?
ドラゴンボールZ 外伝 サイヤ人絶滅計画・上巻
Doragon Bōru Zetto Gaiden Saiya-jin Zetsumetsu Keikaku • Jōkan
Dragon Ball Z Side-Story: Plan to Eradicate the Saiyans – Part 1
The Earth is under attack by the evil Tsufruian, Dr. Raichi, and his Destron Gas. Goku and the others are forced to do battle against “Ghost Warriors” of past villains, all the while destroying the gas machines and protecting life on their home planet.
ドラゴンボールZ 外伝 サイヤ人絶滅計画・下巻
Doragon Bōru Zetto Gaiden Saiya-jin Zetsumetsu Keikaku • Gekan
Dragon Ball Z Side-Story: Plan to Eradicate the Saiyans – Part 2
Goku and the others take off into space to find Dr. Raichi, but the true villain appears to be Hatchihyack, a machine that has collected all of the spite against the Saiyans and brought it together into a forbiddable enemy. Can the heroes work together to destroy the hate-filled machine and save the day yet again?
ドラゴンボール 超サイヤ人絶滅計画
Doragon Bōru Sūpā Saiya-jin Zetsumetsu Keikaku
Dragon Ball: Plan to Eradicate the Super Saiyans
Newly produced for the PlayStation 3 & Xbox 360 fighting game, Raging Blast 2, this new version of the original Famicom/Playdia/VHS feature finds Earth under attack from a Tsufruian hellbent on revenge for their deaths at the hands of the Saiyans.
Public Service Videos
悟空の消防隊
Gokū no Shōbō-tai
Goku’s Fire Fighting Regiment
Don’t play with fire kids, it’s dangerous! In June 1988, this video was released as an educational film to help teach and inform children about fire safety. Always have an escape plan, ask your parents if you don’t!
悟空の交通安全
Gokū no Kōtsū Anzen
Goku’s Traffic Safety
Goku and friends hit the road… and learn how to cross the street? That’s right, in June 1988 this video was released as an educational film to help teach and inform children of proper traffic safety.
Live-Action Films
Korean Live-Action FilmRelease Date: 12 December 1990
드래곤볼 싸워라 손오공 이겨라 손오공
Deuraegonbol Ssawora Son Ogong Igyeora Son Ogong
Dragon Ball: Fight, Son Goku! Win, Son Goku!
The great Emperor Pilaf is set on world domination, but to do so he must first gather the seven magical Dragon Balls. Unfortunately, he must compete with the unnaturally strong Son Goku and his friends, who are also in search of the Dragon Balls. Who will find all seven first and summon Shenlong to get their wish granted?
Chinese Live-Action FilmRelease Date: 1991
新七龍珠 神龍的傳說
Xin Qi long zhu Shen long de chuan shuo
New Dragon Ball: The Legend of Shenlong
The evil Niu Mówáng (Gyūmaō), along with his powerful minions, has set out to gather the Dragon Balls to conquer the world. On their search they soon run into the mysterious Sūn Wù-Kōng (Son Goku), who hold one of the balls they seek. Can Sūn Wù-Kōng and his ragtag group of friends stop Niu Mówáng from reaching his goal?
U.S. Live-Action FilmPremiere Date: 11 March 2009
ドラゴンボール エボリューション
Doragon Bōru Eboryūshon
Dragon Ball Evolution
On his 18th birthday, Goku is sent to collect the seven Dragon Balls in order to save the world from the evil alien Piccolo and his minions. Along the way he meets Bulma, and even the desert bandit Yamcha, who join in his quest. Can Goku and friends stop Piccolo from gathering the Dragon Balls and save the world?
Crossover Specials
Dream 9 Crossover SpecialOriginal Air Date: 07 April 2013
トリコ×ワンピース×ドラゴンボールZ 超コラボスペシャル!!
Toriko × Wan Pīsu × Doragon Bōru Zetto Chō Korabo Supesharu!!
Toriko × One Piece × Dragon Ball Z — Super Collaboration Special!!
A two-part crossover special following Toriko, Luffy, and Son Goku as they compete on an isolated island in the “World’s Best Eating Tournament”. As the tournament ends, and Mister Satan is crowned champion, a gluttonous sea monster appears. Goku, Luffy, and Toriko must combine their powers to defeat this deadly monster!