Which Dragon Ball movies are considered canon?

Dragon Ball is one of the most iconic anime and manga series of all time, and its success has inspired numerous films. However, when it comes to determining whether the films are canon or not, fans often find themselves in difficulty.

The Dragon Ball film series has expanded over the years, leading to a wide range of stories that often contradict the main plot. Some films are considered canon, or at least do not actively contradict the main story, leaving many discussions about their canonicity open.

Among the more recent films, “Dragon Ball Super: Broly” and “Dragon Ball Super: Superhero” are considered canon to the overall story, but most of the films in the franchise are not. Many of these films entertain hypothetical scenarios rather than direct continuations, generating confusion among fans as to their actual location within the TV series.

And when it comes to Dragon Ball Z, the situation doesn't get any better. Although the first animated film in the series is generally considered canon, most of the other films fail to directly contradict the main series, but their canonicity still remains in question.

Even Dragon Ball GT, the anime-only sequel released in 1996, is not considered canon as a whole. Despite this, one film in the series, “Dragon Ball GT: Legacy of a Hero,” is considered canon to the show. However, this distinction is irrelevant, as the anime itself is not canon.

In short, the confusion over which films are canonical of Dragon Ball continues to divide fans, leaving open many discussions and hopes for definitive clarity from the creators of the series. It remains to be seen whether an official line will be established in the future on the canonical status of the films, but in the meantime fans can enjoy the endless debate on what the true story of Dragon Ball is.



Source: https://www.cbr.com/