# Where to Watch Dragon Ball

**Dragon Ball begins as a roaming search for seven wish granting orbs, well before the events of Dragon Ball Z. Crunchyroll and Hulu carry the original TV series legally. Across 153 episodes, broad comedy surrounds the martial arts action before the danger grows. The 25 minute runtime makes individual episodes easy to fit in, although the full run asks for a real commitment. Start here if you want Goku's childhood and the adventure focused beginning of the story. It best suits viewers who like plenty of jokes beside their fights instead of constant escalation.**

## Where to Watch

- [Crunchyroll](https://www.crunchyroll.com/dragon-ball)
- [Hulu](http://www.hulu.com/dragon-ball)

Crunchyroll and Hulu both carry Dragon Ball. Crunchyroll is a sensible choice for viewers planning to continue into Dragon Ball Z, while Hulu also covers this original run.

## Synopsis

A remarkably strong boy named Goku lives alone in the mountains with one of the seven Dragon Balls. Bulma arrives while searching for the complete set, which can grant a wish once gathered. Goku does not simply surrender his orb, so he joins her trip and leaves his isolated home behind. Their search carries them through a peculiar world filled with people who want the Dragon Balls for themselves. Martial arts tournaments interrupt the traveling adventure, while new companions gradually become part of the journey. The tone is lighter and sillier than Dragon Ball Z, but the action still has room to take center stage.

## Fast Facts

- **Format:** TV
- **Episodes:** 153
- **Premiered:** 1986
- **Studio:** Toei Animation
- **Score:** 7.8

## Watch Order

Begin with Dragon Ball, then move to Dragon Ball Z. This series follows Goku as a child and supplies the adventures that come before his adult story.

- [Dragon Ball Z](https://hozuna.com/anime/dragon-ball-z) (sequel)
- Dragon Ball Kai (sequel)

## If You Liked This

- **[Dragon Ball Z](https://hozuna.com/anime/dragon-ball-z)**: Dragon Ball Z continues Goku's story in adulthood and shifts the emphasis toward the large battles associated with the later saga.
- **[Dragon Ball Daima](https://hozuna.com/anime/dragon-ball-daima)**: Dragon Ball Daima is a good match for viewers drawn to the original series' lighter mood and emphasis on adventure.
- **[Gintama](https://hozuna.com/anime/gintama)**: Gintama pairs martial arts action with persistent comedy, making it a fitting next pick for viewers who enjoyed Dragon Ball's jokes as much as its fights.
- **[KonoSuba: Legend of Crimson](https://hozuna.com/anime/konosuba-legend-of-crimson)**: 
- **[Naruto Shippuden](https://hozuna.com/anime/naruto-shippuden)**: 
- **[Shangri-La Frontier Season 2](https://hozuna.com/anime/shangri-la-frontier-season-2)**: 
- **[Naruto](https://hozuna.com/anime/naruto)**: 
- **[Shangri-La Frontier](https://hozuna.com/anime/shangri-la-frontier)**: 

## FAQ

### Where can I legally watch the original Dragon Ball?

Crunchyroll and Hulu carry the original Dragon Ball series. Either service is a legal place to begin Goku's childhood story.

### How many episodes are in the original Dragon Ball?

Dragon Ball has 153 episodes, each with a runtime of 25 minutes. It is a substantial watch, so the early search for the Dragon Balls is a useful sample of its comic adventure style.

### Should I watch Dragon Ball before Dragon Ball Z?

Start with Dragon Ball if you want the story in chronological order and want to see Goku's childhood. Dragon Ball Z continues with him as an adult, although viewers mainly interested in its famous battle focus can begin there.

### Is the original Dragon Ball finished?

Yes, the 1986 TV series is finished. Its full 153 episode run comes before Dragon Ball Z, so you can complete this chapter before continuing.