Are Dragon Ball and Dragon Ball Z Movies Considered Canon?

In the vast and beloved Dragon Ball universe, the status of the movies in relation to the main storyline can be a bit confusing. Generally, the films from the original Dragon Ball series and Dragon Ball Z are considered non-canon. This means they do not fit into the main continuity of the manga or anime series.

Original Dragon Ball and Dragon Ball Z Films

Most of the early films are standalone stories that do not affect the main plot or character development in the series. These films often feature characters and events that do not occur in the main series, leading to their classification as non-canon. This can create a disconnect for fans who are deeply invested in the continuity of the main storyline.

Dragon Ball Super Movies

On the other hand, the movies associated with Dragon Ball Super are more closely aligned with the main series. This includes films like Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods and Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection F. These movies tie directly into the events of the Dragon Ball Super series and are officially part of the canon universe. Their integration makes them more acceptable to fans who seek a consistent narrative experience.

Fan Perception

Despite their non-canon status, many fans still enjoy the original Dragon Ball and Dragon Ball Z films for their unique storylines and character interactions. These films often offer entertaining adventures that, while not fully integrated into the main continuity, can still provide a fun break from the main series.

However, the fan reception can be divided, especially for newer fans who are looking for a strict interpretation of the Dragon Ball universe. The non-canon status of these films can sometimes overshadow their entertainment value, leaving a mixed response among the audience.

Official Stance

Akira Toriyama, the creator of Dragon Ball, has made his position clear regarding the non-canon nature of the movies. In an interview for Daizenshuu 6, the general guidebook for Dragon Ball, he stated:

“I take the movies as ‘stories in a different dimension from the main story of the comic.’ I’m entirely just an audience member for them.”

This statement indicates that Toriyama sees the movies as standalone entities, distinct from the main series. His involvement in designing some of the movie characters further reinforces this separation.

One notable exception is the movie Bojack Unbound, which largely aligns with the storyline of the main series. However, this is a rare exception, and even it is considered non-canon. The Battle of Gods and Resurrection F films were originally intended to be part of the main series but underwent retellings and overwrites in the subsequent anime and manga, making them less conflicting with the official canon.

Conclusion

If you are seeking a strict interpretation of the Dragon Ball universe, the original films are non-canon, while the newer films related to Dragon Ball Super are considered part of the official storyline. Fans of the franchise must navigate this separation to fully appreciate the saga and enjoy its rich storytelling.