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Is it smart to watch dragon ball movies first?

Anime Debate Heats Up | High Schooler Questions Dragon Ball Movie Viewing Order

By

Elena Rodrรญguez

Apr 15, 2025, 05:09 PM

Edited By

Priya Gupta

Updated

Apr 16, 2025, 01:48 AM

2 minutes (approx.)

A vibrant collage featuring iconic characters from the Dragon Ball movies, illustrating key moments of action and nostalgia

A senior in high school has sparked a lively discussion about the best way to experience the timeless Dragon Ball saga. As they weigh whether to kick off with the movies or dive into the entire series, anime fans share their thoughtsโ€”and the perspectives are quite revealing.

In recent discussions, there's been a clear preference voiced by the anime community: starting with the original series rather than the films. A variety of comments shed light on the reasons behind this sentiment. One user noted, "The movies will spoil you a lot of stuff. Thatโ€™s a terrible idea." Others echoed this, stating, "Donโ€™t start with the movies. Youโ€™ll be immediately lost for the most part.โ€

Interestingly, some fans acknowledged the unique experiences the films can offer. They pointed out how the movies historically served as double- and triple-features for kids during school breaks in Japan, being crafted to appeal to a broad audience. However, critics stress that many of them are non-canon and can confuse newcomers with crucial story elements missing.

The conversation took a deeper dive as community members outlined the differences in the films. They categorized several types of Dragon Ball movies, with some being standalone tales that donโ€™t require knowledge of the main series, while others trap viewers in a tangle of non-canonical storylines that risk spoiling significant plot points. A user passionately remarked,

"All the DBZ movies are non-canonical and all take place at different points throughout DBZ."

As reactions poured in, preliminary findings indicate that the general community sentiment leans towards preferring the series:

Insights from Recent Conversations

- โšก Overwhelming support for starting with the series

- ๐Ÿฟ Movies viewed as entertaining but potentially misleading

- ๐Ÿ“บ Concerns about the chronological chaos of the films

The enthusiasm and caution in community responses suggest a pivotal moment in how Dragon Ball is engaged with by new and experienced fans alike. Many attendees expressed a mix of nostalgia while advising newcomers to follow the chronological sequence: first Dragon Ball, then Dragon Ball Z, and only afterward check out selected films.

Community Impact and Current Sentiment

Currently, this debate not only captivates high school students but also catches the attention of anime newcomers, shedding light on evolving viewing habits. Could this signify a broader shift in how fans approach classic anime narratives? Those eager to explore the expansive universe of Dragon Ball can find resources on platforms like Crunchyroll and Funimation.

Notable Takeaways

  • โ–ณ Several users argue the depth of character development is best seen in the series

  • โ–ฝ Many recommend skipping the movies initially to avoid confusion

  • โ€ป โ€œThe full series adds layers that movies just donโ€™t capture.โ€

As this senior embarks on their Dragon Ball journey, they may end up leading a new wave of fans who prioritize comprehensive storytelling over episodic viewing. Could they redefine how generations watch this beloved franchise? The discussions remain vibrant, making it an exciting time for Dragon Ball enthusiasts.