Dragon Ball (1986)
Kernel Score: 86% · 3,321 ratings
Genres: Animation, Action & Adventure, Sci-Fi & Fantasy
First aired: 1986-02-26
Seasons: 1 · 153 episodes
Is Dragon Ball worth watching?
Worth watching. The original Dragon Ball follows young Goku on a comic quest for wish-granting orbs. It's lighter and funnier than the later Dragon Ball Z, and kids and nostalgic fans will love it, though its 1980s humour and pacing show their age.
Watch it if you
- want the origin of Goku's story
- like martial-arts adventure with comedy
- grew up on shonen anime
Skip it if you
- want the high-stakes battles of Dragon Ball Z
- dislike dated animation and gags
Best for: Nostalgic binge
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Dragon Ball
- Stream: Hulu, Crunchyroll
- Buy: Prime Video, Fandango At Home
US availability, updated 2026-10-22.
Overview
Young Goku sets off on a quest with his teenage friend Bulma to find the seven Dragon Balls, which grant whoever possesses them a single wish.
Dragon Ball parents' guide: ages 7+
Parents need to know that this TV-PG anime features frequent martial arts combat and tournament fighting appropriate for older kids.
- Violence & scariness: Moderate — Frequent martial arts combat, fighting tournaments, and monster battles, rated TV-PG.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official TV-PG rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Shows like Dragon Ball
If you liked Dragon Ball, these are the shows we'd watch next.
- Dragon Ball Z (1989) — 90%: The famous sequel, with bigger fights and higher stakes
- Dragon Ball Super (2015) — 89%: Modern continuation with Goku and friends in new battles
- Hunter x Hunter (2011) — 90%: A sharper, smarter quest series with a similar adventurous spirit
- Naruto (2002) — 88%: Another long-running ninja adventure about growing stronger
- Avatar: The Last Airbender (2005) — 90%: Western-made adventure with a young hero on a quest
- InuYasha (2000) — 89%: Fantasy quest with demons, magic and a travelling team
Cast
- Masako Nozawa as Son Goku (voice)
- Mami Koyama as Lunch (voice)
- Chikao Ohtsuka as Tao Pai Pai (voice)
- Hirotaka Suzuoki as Tien Shinhan (voice)
- Takeshi Aono as Piccolo Daimao (voice)
- Toshio Furukawa as Piccolo Jr. (voice)
- Hiroko Emori as Chaozu (voice)
Dragon Ball FAQ
Is Dragon Ball worth watching?
Worth watching. The original Dragon Ball follows young Goku on a comic quest for wish-granting orbs. It's lighter and funnier than the later Dragon Ball Z, and kids and nostalgic fans will love it, though its 1980s humour and pacing show their age.
Where can I watch Dragon Ball?
In the US you can stream Dragon Ball on Hulu and Crunchyroll and buy it from Prime Video and Fandango At Home.
Is Dragon Ball OK for kids?
Dragon Ball is rated TV-PG. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 7+. Parents need to know that this TV-PG anime features frequent martial arts combat and tournament fighting appropriate for older kids.
What shows are like Dragon Ball?
If you liked Dragon Ball, try Dragon Ball Z, Dragon Ball Super, Hunter x Hunter and Naruto.