All Dragon Ball Arcs in Chronological Order

# All Dragon Ball Arcs in Chronological Order ## Introduction {#introduction} The **Dragon Ball** saga is one of the most epic and influential narratives in anime and manga worldwide. Since its creation in 1984 by Akira Toriyama, the franchise has captivated generations of fans with its memorable battles, charismatic characters, and a power progression that redefined the standards of the genre. Understanding the chronological order of the arcs is essential to fully appreciate the narrative complexity and character development throughout decades of storytelling. This definitive guide presents each Dragon Ball arc in chronological order, from Goku's humble beginnings to the cataclysmic events of Dragon Ball Super. Understanding the correct sequence of events allows fans to better appreciate the power progression, character development, and cultural impact that each saga has had on the entertainment industry. ## Table of Contents - [Classic Dragon Ball Arcs](#classic) - [Dragon Ball Z Arcs](#dbz) - [Dragon Ball GT Arcs](#gt) - [Dragon Ball Super Arcs](#super) - [What is the Best Arc?](#best) - [Abbreviated Timeline](#timeline) - [Trivia](#trivia) - [FAQ](#faq) ## Classic Dragon Ball Arcs {#classic} Classic Dragon Ball is the foundation of the entire franchise. Released in 1986, this period established the main characters, the world, and the rules that defined the Dragon Ball universe. The arcs of this era focus on Goku's youth and his journey to become an increasingly powerful warrior. ### Emperor Pilaf Saga The Emperor Pilaf saga marks the absolute beginning of Dragon Ball. Goku, a young wild boy living alone on a mountain, meets Bulma, a girl searching for the Dragon Balls. Together, they embark on an adventure to find the seven magical spheres before Emperor Pilaf, a villain who wants to conquer the world. This saga establishes the tone of carefree adventure that characterizes classic Dragon Ball. Emperor Pilaf is a comedic villain compared to later antago