Dragonball Z GT Movie Chronicles

Dragonball | Dragonball Z | Dragonball GT | Dragonball Movies

Dragon Ball Movies 1 - 4

DB Movie 1: Legend of Shenron/Curse of the Blood Rubies
Original Release Date: December 20,1986
Rating: 5 of 7

Story
A retelling of Goku's initial meeting with Bulma, Oolong, and Yamucha, this movie summarizes the beginning of the Dragon Ball series. Basically, they all go out looking for the dragon balls for various reasons, but a monster with an insatiable hunger is also searching for the dragon balls.
Thoughts
This movie has great humor and an original storyline, though boring and predictable in spots.

DB Movie 2: Sleeping Princess in Devil's Castle
Original Release Date: July 18,1987
Rating: 6 of 7

Story
Learning who Roshi is, Goku seeks him out to receive training. However, when he arrives he runs into Kuririn, who has also sought Roshi for a similar request. To earn the right to train, Roshi sends the two boys to a castle called Devil's Hand, where a sleeping princess lives. Whoever brings the princess back to Roshi will receive his training. But, there is more in the castle than just a princess.
Thoughts
Though lacking in the humor that most Dragon Ball series and movies display, this film is extremely entertaining. It's also vital for it's retelling of how the friendship between Goku and Kuririn came to be.

DB Movie 3: Mystical Adventure
Original Release Date: July 9,1988
American Release Date: 2000/2001
Rating: 5 1/2 of 7

Story
Now that Goku and Kuririn have completed their training under Roshi, they join the Tenkaichi Budoukai to test their new skills. The young Emperor Chaozu is sponsoring the Budoukai. Unfortunately, Chaozu's wife has been kidnapped and Chaozu's evil advisor suggests that the only way to get her back is to find the dragon balls. While Goku and Kuririn compete, Bulma is also searching for the dragon balls herself.
Thoughts
This movie presents more action than the previous two films and has great fight scenes. The music and story could have been a little better, but they don't significantly lower the overall quality of the movie.

DB 10th Anniversary Special: The Way to Become the Strongest
Original Release Date: March 4,1996
Rating: 6 of 7

Story
This movie starts with a retelling of Goku's first meeting with Bulma, Oolong, and Yamucha, up to the point where Goku fights and destroys the Red Ribbon Army.
Thoughts
With the animation of the GT artists, the movie was incredibly drawn when compared to the original Dragon Ball series. The music and story are great, and the action is above the norm for Dragon Ball - yet not at the standard for DBZ.

Dragon Ball Z Movies 1 - 13

DBZ Movie 1: Return My Gohan!!/Dead Zone
Original Release Date: July 15, 1989
American Release Date: 1996
Rating: 4 1/2 of 7

Story
To gain immortality, Garlic Jr. collects the dragon balls. Once done, he hopes to take over Kami-Sama's spot as God of the Earth. However, he makes the mistake of kidnapping Gohan (who had a dragon ball on his hat). To get back his son, Goku seeks out Garlic Jr.. Kuririn and Piccolo join Goku. Being immortal, no one seems strong enough to defeat Garlic, yet Gohan is much stronger than anyone thought.
Thoughts
Despite below-average music and parts of the story that just don't make sense (such as Garlic's men trying to kill Piccolo even though they wanted to collect the dragon balls), this movie was decent. There were humurous scenes and the fight sequences weren't that bad.

DBZ Movie 2: The World's Strongest Man
Original Release Date: March 10, 1990
American Release Date: 1996
Rating: 6 of 7

Story
Using Shenron to free his master, Dr. Kochin destroys the icy jail where Dr. Wheelo has been imprisoned for many years. Wanting to have the strongest body on Earth, Wheelo goes after Roshi thinking that he's still the strongest. However, upon learning that Goku is now the strongest, Wheelo has a new target.
Thoughts
With an easy to understand story that flows well with the movie's music and animation, this movie is a definate must see. Yet after seeing the movie, you won't watch it again for some time. While it's enjoyable and entertaining, it seems to lack those special moments that really define Dragon Ball.

DBZ Movie 3: Ultimate Decisive Battle for Earth/Tree of Might
Original Release Date: July 7, 1990
American Release Date: 1997
Rating: 6 of 7

Story
Needing the Earth to grow the "Shinseiju" (the "Tree of Might" in the English dub), Taurus - who looks just like Goku but is of no relation - and his men plant the seed, since the fruit of the tree gives the person who eats it a giant power up. Taurus also has his eyes on Gohan, who's the strongest Saiyajin due to his amazing potential. With his minions, Taurus defeats all the Z Senshi, including Goku, but Goku has a few surprises.
Thoughts
Despite a horrid ending, the movie was excellent. Both the English dub and original Japanese versions are done extremely well in music, dialogue, story, and animation.

DBZ Movie 4: Super Saiyajin Son Goku/Lord Slug
Original Release Date: March 19, 1991
American Release Date: August 7, 2001
Rating: 2 of 7

Story
To regain his youth, Slug comes to Earth to gather the dragon balls. Once his wish has been granted, Slug attempts to destroy Earth, since it is turning into a frozen wasteland due to the sun being blocked (Do you understand yet why so many hate this movie so?) When fighting Goku, he shows his true power and form. Yet, when all seems lost, Piccolo and Gohan help Goku win.
Thoughts
This is the worst movie and story of all that is Dragon Ball. I actually prefer to watch the Garlic Jr. Saga over this filth. The music, fighting, story and characters fall far below the Dragon Ball standard. I recommend seeing this movie only if you want to complete your Dragon Ball series.

Story
To avenge his dead brother, Coola comes to Earth to kill the Super Saiyajin. With his Tokusentai, Coola defeats Goku, Gohan, Kuririn, and Piccolo. But when fearing the death of all life on Earth, Goku transforms, and even Coola's final form won't be enough to win.
Thoughts
Though its storyline gets a bit boring at times, this movie takes a different approach to the Furiza saga, showing Furiza's brother and the anger he has for Furiza's death (which is strange since Furiza cared for no one but himself). Coola's final form is also really cool.

DBZ Movie 6: Clash!! 10 Billion Power Warriors
Original Release Date: March 7, 1992
Rating: 5 1/2 of 7

Story
With the New Planet Namek being eaten by the Giant Ghetti Star, the Z Senshi fly to the planet in a Capsule Corp. spaceship. Seeing that the entire Namekseijin race has been enslaved by large robots, Goku, Gohan, Piccolo, Kuririn, Yajirobe, Roshi, and Oolong try to help, only to learn that the person behind this occurrence is Coola. Now a metallic robot, Metal Coola is taking revenge on the people who lived on the planet where Furiza was killed. With Goku there, Metal Coola has another chance to avenge his dead brother. With Vegeta's help, Coola is destroyed. But from the Ghetti Star hundreds of Metal Coola's suddenly begin to arrive. 
Thoughts
With animation ona par with that of the Furiza Saga, I was surprised by how well drawn Metal Coola's appearence and the Super Saiyajin transformations were. They look great to say the least. The fight scenes are exciting but could have been longer. The story itself bogs down at parts, but is still worth seeing.

DBZ Movie 7: Utmost Limits of Battle!! The Three Super Saiyajin
Original Release Date: July 11, 1992
Rating: 6 1/2 of 7
U.S. Release Date: February 4, 2003

Story
Creating three new androids in the spirit of Dr. Gero's hatred for Goku, Dr. Gero's computer sends the androids out to complete Gero's plan on killing Goku. The first two to go out are 14 and 15, who attack Goku while he is shopping with Chichi and Gohan. Not wanting to destroy the city they're in, Goku and Trunks leave for an uninhabited Arctic area. The fight seems even until Android 13 shows up - at least until Vegeta and Piccolo arrive. Just when the fight seems won, 13 shows off his "Super" form, changing the battle's outcome yet again.
Thoughts
This is one of my favorites. The animation is great, the music is perfect, and the story (though not as original as others) is still cool. It's also a movie that wears well with repeated viewing.

DBZ Movie 8: Burn Your Spirits to the Max!! Close Battle, Violent Battle, Super Bloody Battle
Original Release Date: March 6, 1993
Rating: 5 of 7

Story
Paragus comes to Earth seeking Vegeta. He wants Vegeta to return with him to what Paragus claims to be Planet New Vegeta. However, Paragus and the planet aren't what they seem, and Paragus' son, Burori, is the legendary Super Saiyajin, born with a power level of 10,000. Since Goku was the only person who ever made Burori cry (which occurred when they were infants). Burori loses control and tries to kill everyone. After an amazing battle, everyone seems beaten, but Goku isn't as weak as Burori thought.
Thoughts
Though this movie has its dull stretches - partially due to the length - the animation is good and the music is great. It also explains more about the Super Saiyajin and the Saiyajin race.

Story
Having another Tenkaichi Budoukai funded by Mr. Money for his son's birthday, Mr. Satan invites everyone on Earth to a competition on a remote island. The Z Senshi all go, and Goku - who is still dead with Kaio-Sama - wishes he could compete. After the elimination rounds, the winners reach the final where Mr. Satan's students are dressed as aliens (or so it seems) and are to serve as foes for the warriors. However, Bojack and his men, who were at one time imprisoned within a star by the Kaios, have changed things in secret. They take over the tournament and fight the Z Senshi. After all seems lost, Goku's words of encouragement give Gohan the power he needs to stand up to Bojack and his men.
Thoughts
With an original story, great animation, and beautiful music that fits each scene, this movie is a must see for any Dragon Ball fan.

DBZ Movie 10: Dangerous Partners! Super Warriors Never Rest
Original Release Date: March 12, 1994
Rating: 6 of 7

Story
While searching for the dragon balls, Goten, Trunks, and Videl encounter Burori, who crash landed on Earth after supposedly being defeated in DBZ movie 8. The three don't do well against Burori until Gohan arrives to help. Despite the years between the fight on New Vegeta and the present battle, even Gohan's Super Saiyajin 2 form isn't strong enough to compete against Burori. All seems lost until the dragon balls perform a miracle.
Thoughts
Though this movie has significant boring stretches (mostly early on), the humor and fighting make it more than worth seeing.

DBZ Movie 11: Crushing Super Warrior!! I am the Winner
Original Release Date: July 3, 1994
Rating: 4 1/2 of 7

Story
Challenged by Jaga Bada, Mr. Satan goes to Jaga's island along with Android 18 who wants her money for throwing the Budoukai. Trunks and Goten tag along seeking adventure. When at Jaga's place, Bio Warriors are shown to be Mr. Satan's fight. Wanting this whole incident to be over quickly so she can get her money, 18 decides to fight the Bio Warriors instead of Hercule Satan. Goten and Trunks join the fight for the shear fun of it. After this little battle is over, Goten and Trunks discover a cloning vessel that has grown a clone of Brolly. After breaking free, Brolly again tries to fight Trunks and Goten, but only to be engulfed with an acid. Thinking that this killed Brolly, the warriors are proved wrong as Brolly gets up as a hideously deformed monster. After another long fight, they once again think that Brolly is defeated. Unfortunately, Brolly surfaces as a gigantic monster. Now, Goten, Trunks, and Krillin can't defeat Brolly, but Brolly finds his match in the seawater.
Thoughts
Next to DBZ Movie 4, this is the worst of the films. The story is boring and Clone Burori just looks stupid. The fight scenes aren't that bad, but this movie's only saving grace is the humor.

DBZ Movie 12: The Rebirth of Fusion!! Goku and Vegeta
Original Release Date: March 4, 1995
Rating: 6 1/2 of 7

Story
Not paying attention to the evil cleansing machine in Hades, a young demon is possessed by all the evil in the machine when it overloads and blows up, creating a large and powerful demon named Janemba. With the once controlled evil now released, Enma Daimoa (King Yamma) is imprisoned in his castle and powerless to do anything about the new demon. Goku and Paikuhan answer the call for help. In attempting to free Enma, they learn the only way to succeed is by destroying Janemba. Goku flies into hell to face him while Paikuhan continues to attempt to free Enma. After transforming into Super Saiyajin 3, Goku defeats the large yellow demon and thinks he has won. Unfortunately, the demon has also changed into a smaller, red and much more powerful demon too strong for even Super Saiyajin 3 Goku. Vegeta arrives and joins Goku in the battle. But they learn the only way to win this fight is through Fusion.
Thoughts
Due to the computer graphics for some of its animation, this movie is amazing to watch. The story, music, humor, fighting, and, of course, the animation are great. It is another must see.

DBZ Movie 13: Dragon Fist Explosion!! If Goku Can't Do It, No One Can
Original Release Date: July 15, 1995
Rating: 7 of 7

Story
After encountering a strange old man named Hoi who tends an oracle, Gohan and Videl bring the oracle to Capsule Corp. for examination. The Z Warriors discover the oracle was truly not of Earth, then set out to find the dragon balls and summon Shenron to open the oracle. They succeed, and a strange and mysterious man named Tapion emerges from the oracle, playing his ocarina. Tapion is horrifically terrified for being released, since he holds a secret that could destroy an entire galaxy.
Thoughts
With an original story, great music and enhanced animation, this movie is almost perfect. You'll find yourself singing the themes in your head for days after watching, and wanting to see the movie over and over again.

Dragon Ball Z Television Specials

DBZ TV Special 1: A Final Solitary Battle! The Z Warrior Son Goku's Father Challenges Furiza/Bardock: Father of Goku
Original Release Date: October 17,1990
American Release Date: 2000
Rating: 7 of 7

Story
After destroying the entire Kannassajin race, Bardock (Goku's father) and his men relax and discuss various topics. However, a last surviving Kannassajin manages to attack Bardock by surprise, successfully landing a blow on the back of Bardock's head. The blow has a strange result: it bestows on Bardock the ability to see the future. Seeing his planet and people killed by Furiza and believing his son will also later die, Bardock takes it upon himself to attempt to gather the Saiyajins to kill the tyrant. Receiving nothing but mock and disbelief, Bardock flies to space and faces Furiza himself.
Thoughts
The story is much deeper and more emotional than that of any other Dragon Ball movie, and truly is the one film that should be watched above all others. Now with the DVD version released here in the U.S., all fans should pick up a copy and watch a piece of Dragon Ball perfection.

DBZ Television Special 2: Defiance in the Face of Despair! The Remaining Super Warriors - Gohan and Trunks
Original Release Date: February 24,1993
American Release Date: 2000
Rating: 6 1/2 of 7

Story
With Goku dead from a viral heart disease, the Z Warriors are faced with defeating Dr. Gero's androids on their own. The battles end with only Gohan surviving and years of the Earth being ravaged and destroyed by the androids since there is no one strong enough to defeat them. Angered by the destruction-taking place, Trunks asks for Gohan to train him to help with the android fight. During a battle with the androids, Gohan and Trunks are both severely beaten, and Gohan gives Trunks the last senzu to save the teenagers life. This leaves Gohan with only one arm. When the androids attack the Western Capital, Gohan dies. When finding Gohan's body, Trunks transforms. Years later, Bulma completes the time machine that she wants Trunks to travel back in time in. But, Trunks wants to take one more shot at the androids.
Thoughts
This movie is great and shows how the future was if Goku had died. The music and story are amazing. Further, Trunks' first Super Saiyajin transformation makes this movie another one that you shouldn't miss.

DBZ OVA Special: Plan to Destroy the Saiyajin
Rating: 5 of 7

Story
While gathering firewood, Goku and Gohan notice that the trees and forest area around them are dying. Mr. Popo floats down to them and explains that a gas called Destron is destroying all life on Earth (including human), and will eradicate everything within 72 hours. They join up with Vegeta, Piccolo, and Trunks, then set out to destroy the Destron-emitting machines. Just when they believe all the machines have been destroyed, another is found. This one has a protective shield that even Goku's ki attacks can't penetrate. To save Earth, Goku, Gohan, Trunks, Vegeta, and Piccolo journey to the Dark Planet to face Dr. Raichii.
Thoughts
This film is enjoyable, even though the background music wasn't nearly up to the norm of DBZ. I was very disappointed. The story itself was entertaining, with unexpected surprises. But there were plot holes and if made just a little longer, this problem could have been resolved.

Dragon Ball GT Television Specials

Story
A hundred years have passed since the end of Dragon Ball GT and the only character still alive from the series is Pan. Her grandson, Goku Jr., sets out to find the four-star dragon ball to save his ill grandmother by asking Shenron to save her. Unfortunately, Goku Jr. is very cowardly and unaware of his true power, unlike his great grandfather Goku. While on his journey, Goku Jr. is joined by Pahku, a bully who picks on him at school. Together they set out for Mt. Paozu where the four-star ball resides.
Thoughts
This movie has some great humor and the story is well done, despite the lack of familiar characters from the three Dragon Ball series. There's also deep emotion when Goku Jr. encounters his Great Grandfather.