For over 40 years, Dragon Ball has thrilled fans with explosive battles, iconic transformations, and unforgettable characters. But not every series in the franchise delivers the same visual punch. Let’s dive into the animation highs and lows of each Dragon Ball anime—ranked from roughest to smoothest—and see why some stand the test of time while others… well, don’t.
Super Dragon Ball Heroes: A Messy Promotional Experiment
Where to Watch: YouTube
Let’s be honest: Super Dragon Ball Heroes exists to sell trading cards, not tell a story. This chaotic web series throws random characters (like Super Saiyan Blue Goku vs. Super Saiyan 4 Goku) into flashy but poorly animated fights. Characters often look off-model, and the cheap, stiff animation feels like a rushed afterthought. While it’s fun for meme-worthy moments, the choppy frames and lack of polish make it the franchise’s weakest link.
Key Issue: Tadayoshi Yamamuro’s rigid modern art style clashes with the series’ slapdash execution.
Dragon Ball GT: Dark Tones & Recycled Frames
Where to Watch: Crunchyroll
Dragon Ball GT swapped the franchise’s vibrant colors for moody shadows, giving characters oddly darker skin tones and flattening the energy of earlier series. While its consistent character designs deserve praise, the animation cuts corners with reused fight sequences, clunky ki blasts, and stiff movements. That said, it redeems itself in bursts—like Goku’s jaw-dropping Super Saiyan 4 transformation—proving director Osamu Kasai could deliver some magic.
Silver Lining: Classic cel animation shines in pivotal moments, but filler episodes drag it down.
Original Dragon Ball (1986): Timeless Charm Over Flaws
Where to Watch: Crunchyroll
The OG Dragon Ball proves simplicity ages well. Its hand-drawn fights—like Goku vs. Krillin at the World Martial Arts Tournament—are masterclasses in fluid choreography. The focus on martial arts over energy beams forced animators to get creative, resulting in dynamic clashes with Tien, Piccolo, and Jackie Chun. Sure, some scenes look rough by today’s standards (blame ’80s deadlines), but its heart and humor keep it fresh.
Why It Works: Minoru Maeda’s art style blends whimsy with intensity, making every punch feel personal.
Dragon Ball Super: From Disaster to Masterpiece
Where to Watch: Crunchyroll
Dragon Ball Super started as a hot mess. Early episodes featured melted character models (looking at you, “Noodle Arms” Goku) and laughable frames. But after a rocky start, it evolved into a visual stunner. The Tournament of Power arc delivered eye-popping sakuga (high-quality animation), especially in episodes like 130, where Naotoshi Shida’s key animations made Ultra Instinct Goku’s fights feel like art in motion.
Turnaround Moment: The “Goku vs. Jiren” battle set a new bar for the franchise.
Dragon Ball Z: Iconic, Despite Its Scars
Dragon Ball Z: Iconic, Despite Its Scars
Where to Watch: Crunchyroll
DBZ’s breakneck production led to infamous filler and wonky frames (thanks, Studio Last House). Yet when it clicked, it soared. Fights like Goku vs. Cell (Episode 179) or the raw intensity of Majin Buu’s battles used motion smears, exaggerated expressions, and crisp choreography to create unforgettable spectacles. The Kai remaster cleaned up errors and added HD polish, but purists still adore the original’s gritty charm.
Legacy: Masunaga Keisuke’s work on the Cell Games remains a gold standard for anime battles.
Dragon Ball DAIMA: The Franchise’s Peak (So Far)
Dragon Ball DAIMA: The Franchise’s Peak (So Far)
Where to Watch: Crunchyroll
After six years of meticulous planning, Dragon Ball DAIMA is the franchise’s crown jewel. Every frame oozes polish—from child Goku’s expressive redesign to the jaw-dropping Kamehameha waves. Episodes like “Tamagami” (Episode 8) blend silky-smooth fight choreography with vibrant colors, proving why a longer production schedule pays off. Even critics can’t deny its visual triumphs, like the Super Saiyan 4 transformation reimagined with modern flair.
Standout Feature: Katsuoyshi Nakatsuru character designs balance nostalgia with cutting-edge detail.
Check Out: Dragon Ball Super: Gohan Top 10 Outfits & Transformations Ranked!
Check Out: Dragon Ball Secret Hero: Why Bulma Deserves the Spotlight as Much as Goku
Check Out: Dragon Ball Super Ultra Instinct Forms Explained (No Spoilers? Too Late!)
