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Our very own DragonPirate takes a gander at ranking all the DBZ films and ranks them from worst to amazing!
Dragonball Z has always been a big hit in the world of anime to where it had to create films on the side to severe as sequels or side stories to the Dragonball Universe.
They’ve made plenty, but let’s look at each one and see just how good it is among its peers plus a star rating to determine their power level!
Dead Zone
In this film we see Goku fighting to recover his son from the hands of the sinister Garlic Jr. Upon arriving at Garlic Jr.’s layer, the fiend has summoned the Eternal Dragon to wish for immortality in which he successfully gains. To make matters worse he creates a Dead Zone which permanently traps all who enter. Garlic Jr. now appears like he will be able to consume all in his path and he’s not even one of the strongest antagonists. This makes the film more enjoyable because it takes place before the Dragonball Z series begins and only goes to show that there will be many great villains to come. It was also interesting to see how they fit him into the actual series and the fact it acts as the first time we see Gohan’s hidden power.
Reward: 4/5 stars
The World’s Strongest
Dr. Wheelo is an evil scientist who seeks to transfer his mind into the strongest being on the planet. He believes Master Roshi to be that person, but when he learns of Goku he strives to make Goku’s body his permanent home. The last time Goku took on any machines was when he fought the Red Ribbon Army so it was nice to see him fight another one after so long. This time he had help from the other Z Fighters which only added more action to the film. Not to mention this machine was controlled by a human mind making it far deadlier than any other machine we fans have seen. This is an anime film and so it only made sense to have a machine as the main antagonist.
Reward: 3.5/5 stars
The Tree of Might
We are now introduced to another Saiyan known as Turles who looks to turn Earth into a feeding ground for the Tree of Might causing it to eradicate all life on the planet. Turles is a true antagonist as he not only plans to ride the planet of life but turns Gohan against his father by turning him into the Giant Ape. In this film we get to see almost two main antagonists; Turles as one and the other to be the Tree of Might itself. This was interesting to see a plant have a major role in this film as its main goal was to rid a planet of all life and use it to create a special fruit to give anyone who consumes it enormous strength. It was nice to see the Dragonball universe try something new and it paid off.
Reward: 4/5 stars
Lord Slug
Goku and friends must now battle an evil Namekian known as Lord Slug who only has one plan and that is to destroy the planet. Nice to see a Namekian as strong as Piccolo or in this case much stronger take on the Z Fighters. The film did have a few good battle scenes, but in a way, it also felt a little like a retelling of King Piccolo who wanted to rule over everything. Don’t get me wrong, Lord Slug was still a great villain and the film had an interesting plot, but it doesn’t live up to the level as we would have expected it to.
Reward: 2.5/5 stars
Cooler’s Revenge
After defeating Frieza, Goku and everyone can enjoy peace. It all comes to a halt when Frieza’s older and stronger brother cooler takes a visit to Earth to settle the score with Goku. Filled with action and suspense the film lives up to what it speaks for. Cooler, just like his brother Frieza is not one to mess with and always gets a taste out of causing destruction. He even lands a few mighty blows upon Goku until fans finally get to see the Super Saiyan return after being on a nearly five-year hiatus. I mean, who does not love to see when Goku transforms into a Super Saiyan?
Reward: 5/5 stars
The Return of Cooler
Just like his brother Frieza, Cooler makes a return only this time he has the help of the Big Gete Star giving him a new mechanical body that will repair any damages he receives in battle. It seems as if the Big Gete Star has made Cooler invincible, but Goku and Vegeta know everyone can be defeated no matter how strong or invincible they may seem. Though this isn’t one of the greatest films of them all, it still has intense fight scenes and leaves fans on the edge of their seats. After all, Cooler is the brother of Frieza so he too must prove why he is a threat to the Z Fighters.
Reward: 3/5 stars
Super Android 13
Just when Goku thought he and the Z Fighters had seen all the androids they soon discover a new trio of androids released to kill the Z fighters. The film tries to give Goku and friends a new challenge, but it just doesn’t seem it lives up to the expectation as many other films. I mean it is cool to see Android 13 absorb 14 and 15; it’s still not enough to make up for the lack in plot and battles. Not to mention this film doesn’t have a proper time scene in the series as the others all fit perfectly into the series.
Reward: 1/5 stars
Broly: The Legendary Super Saiyan
A Saiyan known as Paragus seeks out Vegeta to be the King of a “New Planet Vegeta”. However, things quickly turn south when the Z Fighters learn Paragus is the father to the Legendary Super Saiyan Broly. With many badass antagonists in both film and the series, none are as tough as Broly. He puts a beating on the Z Fighters like never before and can withstand any attack thrown at him. Yes, he looks to be unstoppable making him one of the most popular antagonists in the Dragonball universe. Not to mention his backstory with Goku and the rest of the Saiyans fall perfectly into the Dragonball series.
Reward: 5/5 stars
Bojack Unbound
Many fans wondered what happened to Gohan and the others in the seven years after the defeat of Cell. A lot probably happened, but one thing for certain was Gohan went head-to-head with the demon Bojack and his minions. This film shows us how the Z Fighters can protect the Earth without the aid of Goku. It never fails to show that even with Goku not around the Z fighters are still some of the strongest beings in the universe. And for any fans who enjoyed Gohan’s Super Saiyan 2 form in the Cell Games get more taste of it when he unleashes it upon Bojack himself.
Reward: 4.5/5 stars
Broly: Second Coming
Like many antagonists, Broly had to make a return to the Dragonball universe. He faces off with Gohan, Goten, and Trunks and they manage to hold him off, but still need help to take him down. This film appears to be a great addition to the Broly saga, but it does not live up to its predecessor. Broly just doesn’t act like his vicious character nor does he show the strength he used to possess. It was nice to see how Gohan, Goten, and Trunks were able to land a few decent blows on him, but even that wasn’t enough to make up for the lack of badass we all were expecting to see.
Reward: 2/5 stars
Bio-Broly
Broly is back, but not in the way you’d expect. This time he returns as a bio-warrior, but he is not as strong as he usually forms. This is what causes the film to flop as the Broly we all know and enjoy just doesn’t show up at all. He just is a big blob of muck and has lost all the original powers that make him the Legendary Super Saiyan. It wasn’t even like we were watching a new Broly film at all, but a big pile of mess that creators and writers didn’t properly dissolve together to create a worthy film for fans to enjoy.
Reward: 1/5 stars
Fusion Reborn
The world of the living and the world of the dead is in major trouble when an accident occurs in the Other World causing a new threat by the name of Janemba to be released. Goku tries his Super Saiyan 3 form against the foe, but that isn’t enough to put him down. Like always we see Vegeta come to Goku’s aid and when all fails, we finally get to see the powers of Goku and Vegeta combined when they fuse into Gogeta. Yes, Gogeta is a character we will all remember no matter how old the series becomes. On a side note, it would have been nice to get to see more Pikkon in action because he too is such a badass that can put a beating on anyone.
Reward: 4/5 stars
Wrath of the Dragon
An elderly known as Hoi seeks help from the Z Fighters in hopes to free a hero known as Tapion from a mystical music box. However, the gang soon learns Hoi’s true plan which is to unleash a ruthless beast known as Hirudegarn. We finally get to see another giant beast and this time the beast is more aggressive and powerful than any we have ever seen. The origins of Hirudegarn are well thought out and we get a good friendship buildup with Trunks and Tapion. The fights, twist, and turn give the film a true feel of what the Dragonball universe is all about. On a side note, we also are introduced to a new move of Goku’s.
Reward: 4.5/5 stars
Battle of Gods
Beerus, the God of Destruction, is on a mission to find the strongest fighter in the universe. When coming to Earth he makes quick work of the Z Fighters and threatens to destroy the Earth unless a worthy opponent takes a step forward. This causes Goku to awaken the Super Saiyan God and Beerus takes on his new opponent. The film shows that no matter how strong one maybe there will always be a much stronger force out there. The film is filled with epic battles and not to mention we get to see Beerus just manhandles the Z Fighters like rookies. We haven’t seen an antagonist do this since Broly.
Reward: 5/5 stars
Resurrection ‘F’
Frieza just never stays down, especially when his henchmen always remain loyal to him. Frieza gets resurrected in this film when his henchmen gather the dragon balls and wish for him to be resurrected. Yes, the most iconic antagonist makes a return to the series and not only does he come back stronger and eviler, but he unleashes a new form. Once again, Frieza does not hesitate to show why he is the greatest villain in the entire series as he never stops to accomplish his goals. Though the Z Fighters still manage to stop him he does not make it easy for them because if he did then he wouldn’t be the best.
Reward: 5/5 stars
With the fifteen films, fans have plenty to enjoy, and even if they don’t all feel as great as they should be they still are worthy of every fans’ time to enjoy. Did you agree with the ratings and breakdowns? Which one is your favorite?
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