So, you want to tackle the mountain that is Akira Toriyama’s magnum opus. Honestly, I don't blame you for being confused about how many episodes in dragon ball series there actually are. It's a mess. Between the original run, the various sequels, the "refreshed" versions that cut out the filler, and the stuff that isn't even technically canon, the number changes depending on who you ask.
If you count every single televised episode across the main five series, you're looking at 806 episodes.
That is a lot of screaming. A lot of powering up. Probably too many episodes of people standing on a crumbling planet while a timer says there are only "five minutes" left. But if you're a completionist, that’s your magic number. If you add in the 21 movies, the various TV specials, and the promotional web series, you're pushing well past the 900-mark.
Breaking Down the 806: Series by Series
Let’s get into the weeds. Most fans start with the 1986 original.
Dragon Ball (153 Episodes)
This is where it all started. It’s more of an adventure comedy than a straight-up battle shonen. You have 153 episodes of young Goku searching for the dragon balls, training with Master Roshi, and taking down the Red Ribbon Army. It’s charming. It’s also surprisingly pervy if you haven't seen it since you were a kid.
Dragon Ball Z (291 Episodes)
The big one. This is the series that defined the 90s for an entire generation of Western fans. It covers everything from Raditz arriving on Earth to the final departure of Uub. Across 291 episodes, you get the Saiyan, Namek, Android, and Buu sagas. It’s legendary, but let's be real: it’s bloated. There are entire episodes where literally nothing happens except rocks floating in the air because someone is charging a Spirit Bomb.
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Dragon Ball GT (64 Episodes)
Here is where the "canon" debate starts. GT wasn't based on a manga by Toriyama. Toei Animation just kind of went for it. It’s only 64 episodes, making it the shortest main series. Most people hate the first half (the Black Star Dragon Ball hunt) but find the Baby and Shadow Dragon sagas decent. Because it’s not manga-canon, many fans skip it entirely, but if you want the full experience, it’s there.
Dragon Ball Z Kai (167 Episodes)
This is the "remaster." It’s basically DBZ but with the filler ripped out. They cut the 291 episodes down to 167. They also updated some of the voice acting and touched up the animation. If you value your time, this is the version to watch, but you lose some of the "soul" (and the famous driving school filler episode, which is a tragedy).
Dragon Ball Super (131 Episodes)
The modern era. Super picks up after the defeat of Buu and ignores GT. It ran for 131 episodes, ending with the massive Tournament of Power. It brought in Multiverses, Gods of Destruction, and hair colors we didn't know were possible.
What About the "Extra" Stuff?
If you're asking how many episodes in dragon ball series because you're planning a binge, you have to decide if you care about the side projects.
- Super Dragon Ball Heroes: This is a promotional web series for a Japanese card game. The episodes are only about 8-10 minutes long. There are over 50 of them now. It’s pure fan service—think Super Saiyan 4 fighting Super Saiyan Blue. It makes zero sense, but it’s fun.
- TV Specials: You’ve got Bardock – The Father of Goku and The History of Trunks. These are essential. They aren't "episodes" in the seasonal sense, but they are crucial for the lore.
The Filler Problem: Why the Number is Misleading
Numbers lie. Or at least, they don't tell the whole story. When you look at the 291 episodes of DBZ, roughly 38 of those are "pure" filler. That means they don't exist in the manga. They were created because the anime was catching up to the author, and the studio needed to buy time.
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Sometimes the filler is great. Sometimes it's Goku and Piccolo trying to get their driver's licenses. Other times, it's Garlic Jr. taking over the world in a plot thread that goes nowhere.
If you stick strictly to the manga-canon material via Dragon Ball Kai and Dragon Ball Super, your watch list drops significantly. You can experience the core story in about 450 episodes instead of 800+. That’s a massive difference in your life expectancy.
The Watch Order That Actually Makes Sense
Don't just jump in blindly. If you want the most cohesive experience without burning out, follow this path:
- Dragon Ball (All 153): Don't skip this. People say start with Z, but you miss all the emotional weight of Goku’s growth.
- Dragon Ball Z Kai (167): It saves you roughly 120 episodes of staring at landscapes. The pacing is much closer to what the creator intended.
- Dragon Ball Super (131): This is the current "official" continuation.
- Dragon Ball Super: Broly & Super Hero (Movies): These are canon. They happen after the Super anime ends.
Why the Episode Count Keeps Changing
You might see different numbers online. Some sites say DBZ has 276 episodes; that’s usually because they’re looking at the old edited international broadcast versions. Others might count Kai and The Final Chapters as two different shows.
And then there's the future. Dragon Ball Daima is the newest project. It adds another layer to the count. As of now, the franchise is a living organism. It’s not a closed book.
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The Absolute Totals for Your Spreadsheet
For those who need the hard data for a wiki or a bet with a friend, here is the breakdown of the 806-episode televised legacy:
- Original Dragon Ball: 153 episodes.
- Dragon Ball Z: 291 episodes.
- Dragon Ball GT: 64 episodes.
- Dragon Ball Kai: 167 episodes.
- Dragon Ball Super: 131 episodes.
Total: 806.
If you watch one episode a day, it would take you about two years and two months to finish. If you're a monster and watch five episodes a day, you’re done in about five months.
Final Practical Advice for New Viewers
The sheer volume of how many episodes in dragon ball series can be intimidating. Honestly? Don't worry about the number. The "Z" era is divided into very distinct arcs. Treat it like four different shows.
Start with the Saiyan Saga. If you aren't hooked by the time Vegeta and Goku have their first beam struggle, the show probably isn't for you. If you are hooked, the 800+ episodes won't feel like a chore; they'll feel like they're ending too soon.
Avoid the "promotional" series like Heroes until you've finished everything else. It’s confusing and will spoil major power-ups for you. Focus on the core journey.
To start your journey properly, begin with the first episode of the 1986 Dragon Ball series titled "The Secret of the Dragon Balls." If the 1980s animation style is too dated for your taste, jump straight into Dragon Ball Z Kai episode one. This ensures you get the most efficient version of the most iconic story arc in anime history without the fluff. For the best visual experience, seek out the Blu-ray releases or official streaming platforms like Crunchyroll, which maintain the original aspect ratios rather than the awkward "cropped" versions often found on older DVDs.