# Where to Watch Dragon Ball

**Dragon Ball — the original 1986 series — streams on Crunchyroll and Hulu. Before the world-shattering battles of Z, this is where it all started: a funny, fast, endlessly charming adventure about a strange kid with a tail and a quest for seven magic orbs. It's the root of the most influential action franchise anime has ever produced.**

## Where to Watch

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

Crunchyroll and Hulu both carry the original Dragon Ball. Crunchyroll is the natural hub if you'll continue chronologically into the Z era and beyond; Hulu works fine for the original run.

## Synopsis

Goku is a bizarrely strong little boy living alone in the mountains when a city girl named Bulma barrels into his life, hunting the seven Dragon Balls — mystical orbs that grant a single wish when gathered. Goku happens to own one, and rather than hand it over, he strikes a deal to join her search. What follows is a rollicking journey across a weird and wonderful world: martial-arts tournaments, desert bandits, wish-hungry villains, and the slow assembly of a cast that would become legend. Lighter and goofier than the Z era it precedes, original Dragon Ball is a pure adventure comedy — and the charming foundation everything else was built on.

## Fast Facts

- **Format:** TV
- **Episodes:** 153
- **Premiered:** 1986
- **Studio:** toei animation co., ltd.
- **Score:** 7.8

## Watch Order

This is the true beginning of the Dragon Ball saga — it comes before Dragon Ball Z. Start here for the full story of Goku from childhood, then continue into Z.

- [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)** — The direct continuation — Dragon Ball Z picks up Goku's story as an adult and escalates it into the legendary battle saga the franchise is famous for.
- **[Dragon Ball Daima](https://hozuna.com/anime/dragon-ball-daima)** — Dragon Ball Daima returns to the lighter, adventurous spirit of this original era — the perfect follow-up for fans who love early Dragon Ball's charm.
- **[Gintama](https://hozuna.com/anime/gintama)** — For the same blend of martial-arts action and relentless comedy, Gintama channels early Dragon Ball's gift for being hilarious and awesome at once.
- **[Frieren: Beyond Journey's End](https://hozuna.com/anime/frieren-beyond-journey-s-end)** — 
- **[Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc](https://hozuna.com/anime/chainsaw-man-reze-arc)** — 
- **[Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood](https://hozuna.com/anime/fullmetal-alchemist-brotherhood)** — 
- **[Re:Zero Season 4](https://hozuna.com/anime/re-zero-season-4)** — 
- **[Attack on Titan Season 3 Part 2](https://hozuna.com/anime/attack-on-titan-season-3-part-2)** — 

## FAQ

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

The 1986 original series streams legally on Crunchyroll and Hulu.

### How many episodes is the original Dragon Ball?

The series runs 153 episodes, covering Goku's childhood adventures before the events of Dragon Ball Z.

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

It's the chronological start and adds a lot of charm and context, but Z is a soft reboot you can jump into directly. Purists watch the original first; newcomers eager for the famous battles can begin with Z.