Dragon Ball Super: Broly
Toei Animation
When to watch: Watch this movie immediately after Episode 131 of Dragon Ball Super. It is required viewing and directly connects to the next arc.
Dragon Ball Super: Broly is a landmark entry in the Dragon Ball franchise — the first film to officially canonize Broly, a character who originated in three non-canon Z films but became one of the most beloved figures in the franchise's history. This 2018 film reimagines Broly as a tragic, sympathetic figure: a Saiyan of extraordinary innate power who was exiled as an infant by King Vegeta out of fear, raised in isolation on a harsh planet by his father Paragus. When Frieza discovers the exiled Saiyans and brings them to Earth as weapons against Goku and Vegeta, the result is a battle that pushes the two heroes to their absolute limits — including a fusion sequence that drives the film's spectacular climax.
The animation in Dragon Ball Super: Broly set a new standard for the franchise, blending fluid hand-drawn action with dynamic digital effects that make the fights feel genuinely earth-shattering. The film also expands Saiyan lore significantly, exploring the final days of Planet Vegeta and providing new context for characters like Bardock. Critically, this is now canon Dragon Ball lore — Broly's power level, his history, and the events of this film are considered official continuity. For Dragon Ball Super viewers, watching this film after the Tournament of Power arc provides the intended dramatic context, though the film is accessible even to casual viewers.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dragon Ball Super: Broly canon?
Yes. Unlike the original Broly films from the Z era, Dragon Ball Super: Broly is fully canonical, overseen by Akira Toriyama himself. It establishes Broly's official origin and is part of the main Dragon Ball continuity.
Do I need to finish Dragon Ball Super before watching?
The film works as a standalone, but watching after Episode 131 (end of the Tournament of Power) provides the best context for the characters' power levels and Frieza's current situation.
How does Super: Broly compare to the original Broly films?
The original Broly – The Legendary Super Saiyan (1993) is non-canon and has a different, simpler origin for Broly. Super: Broly completely reimagines the character with a more compelling backstory and far superior animation.
When was Dragon Ball Super: Broly released?
Released December 14, 2018 in Japan and in January 2019 internationally. It became one of the highest-grossing Dragon Ball films of all time.
Is Super: Broly adapted from the manga?
The film is an original story by Akira Toriyama, not adapted from the manga. However, Toriyama's direct involvement makes it fully canonical regardless.
What do fans think of Dragon Ball Super: Broly?
Extremely well received — hailed as the best Dragon Ball film ever made by most fans. The animation quality and the reimagined Broly backstory earned near-universal praise.