Do you have to watch Dragon Ball to understand Dragon Ball Z?
Daniel Davis
Updated on April 20, 2026
Keeping this in consideration, can I skip Dragon Ball and watch Dragon Ball Z?
So yeah you can watch DBZ and skip Dragonball. you can go back and watch Dragonball later if you want to see the whole story. But it isn't necessary to watch in chronological order to follow it.
Beside above, do you have to watch Dragon Ball in order? Canon Standard Watch Order If you want to get the best possible viewing order from the Dragon Ball series, but you don't need it to be chronological. Dragon Ball Z (or Kai, your choice) through the conclusion of the Frieza Saga. Bardock: Father of Goku Movie. Dragon Ball Z through the Cell Saga.
Thereof, is Dragon Ball worth watching?
DragonBall is more lighthearted and funny than DBZ. It's definitely worth watching. I like DBZ better, but I can definitely see people liking DragonBall more. You should watch both in order, it's definitely worth it.
Can I skip Dragon Ball GT?
GT isn't canon and thus not part of the official story, so you can skip it entirely. It does have some cool moments tho (I loved the Baby saga).