Goku, the energetic Saiyan warrior from Dragon Ball, has captivated audiences for decades. His adventures span across TV shows and movies, offering a thrilling mix of martial arts, humor, and epic battles. But with so many Goku movies to choose from, where do you begin? This guide curates a diverse selection, ranked from low to high, to satisfy your craving for Goku action!
5. Dragon Ball Z: Bio-Broly (1994) – Director: Shigeyasu Yamaura
- Summary: This movie attempts to revive the legendary Super Saiyan Broly using bioengineering. A weakened version emerges, causing mayhem and forcing Goku and his friends to intervene.
- Reason to Watch: If you’re a die-hard Broly fan, this movie offers another dose of the legendary Saiyan’s rage. However, the plot feels recycled and the villain is a pale imitation of the original.
- Pros: Action sequences are decent, and the movie provides some closure for Broly fans.
- Cons: The villain is significantly weaker than the original Broly.
- Rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars
4. Dragon Ball Z: Lord Slug (1991) – Director: Mitsuko Shimamura
- Summary: Lord Slug, a Namekian villain with incredible power, arrives at Earth to drain its life force. Goku, in his newly unlocked Super Saiyan form, must confront this formidable foe.
- Reason to Watch: This movie offers a glimpse into the potential of Super Saiyan power. The villain design is unique, and the animation holds up well.
- Pros: Introduces the iconic Super Saiyan transformation for the first time in a movie. Offers a decent villain with interesting abilities.
- Cons: The plot is predictable, and the movie feels like a filler episode stretched out.
- Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
3. Dragon Ball Z: The History of Trunks (1993) – Director: Yu Yamauchi
- Summary: This TV special takes a dramatic turn, showcasing an alternate timeline ravaged by Androids 17 and 18. Trunks, the son of Vegeta and Bulma from this future, travels back in time to warn Goku and change the course of history.
- Reason to Watch: This is a must-watch for fans who crave a deeper story. It explores themes of loss, hope, and the consequences of inaction. It also introduces the concept of alternate timelines, a recurring plot point in Dragon Ball lore.
- Pros: Offers a compelling story with high stakes. Introduces the concept of alternate timelines and the iconic Future Trunks.
- Cons: Limited action compared to other movies.
- Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
2. Dragon Ball Super: Broly (2018) – Director: Tatsuya Nagamine
- Summary: This movie reboots the Broly character, giving him a more fleshed-out backstory and motivations. We see how Broly and Goku encounter each other as children, leading to their explosive clash years later.
- Reason to Watch: This is the definitive Broly movie. The animation is phenomenal, the fight choreography is top-notch, and the emotional depth adds weight to the conflict.
- Pros: Reinvents Broly in a way that’s both familiar and surprising. Stunning animation and fight sequences. Explores the bond between Goku and Vegeta.
- Cons: The pacing can feel rushed at times.
- Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
1. Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods (2013) – Director: Masahiro Hosoda
- Summary: Beerus, the God of Destruction, awakens and seeks a fight with the legendary Super Saiyan God. Goku embarks on a journey to unlock this new power and defend Earth from Beerus’ wrath.
- Reason to Watch: This movie marks a significant turning point in the Dragon Ball franchise. It introduces the concept of God Ki and sets the stage for the events of Dragon Ball Super. The humor and action are perfectly balanced.
- Pros: Introduces the concept of God Ki and a new level of power for Goku. Fantastic animation and fight choreography. Maintains the lighthearted tone of Dragon Ball while introducing a serious threat.
- Cons: The villain’s motivations can be a bit unclear.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Bonus Picks:
- Dragon Ball Z: Fusion Reborn (1995): This movie features the first appearance of Gogeta, the fusion of Goku and Vegeta. It’s a fun popcorn flick with over-the-top action.
- Dragon Ball Z: Bardock – The Father of Goku (1990): This TV special delves into the backstory of Goku’s father, Bardock. It explores themes of fate, rebellion, and the Saiyan way of life.
- Dragon Ball: Mystical Adventure (1988): This is the first Dragon Ball movie, featuring a younger Goku on a quest to collect mystical Dragon Balls. It offers a lighter tone and introduces iconic characters like Bulma and Oolong.
Choosing the Right Goku Movie for You:
This list offers a variety of Goku movies with diverse plots and settings. Here’s a quick guide to help you pick the perfect one:
- For Fans of Classic Dragon Ball: Check out Dragon Ball: Mystical Adventure to experience the origins of Goku’s journey.
- For Action Enthusiasts: Dragon Ball Super: Broly and Dragon Ball Z: Fusion Reborn will satisfy your craving for epic battles and dazzling animation.
- For a Deeper Story: Dragon Ball Z: The History of Trunks offers a compelling narrative with emotional weight.
- For a Turning Point in Dragon Ball Lore: Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods is a must-watch for its introduction of God Ki and a new level of power for Goku.
Beyond the Movies:
The Goku movies are just a part of the vast Dragon Ball universe. If you enjoy these films, consider exploring the original Dragon Ball and Dragon Ball Z anime series. You’ll delve deeper into Goku’s character development, witness iconic fights, and experience the rich world of Dragon Ball in its entirety.
So, grab some popcorn, power up your energy, and prepare to embark on an epic adventure with Goku!
Note: Copyright credit for the mentioned movies goes to their respective creators and production studios, including Toei Animation, Shueisha, and Funimation.