Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods
Toei Animation
Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods is the first Dragon Ball Z theatrical film in 17 years, released as a canonical bridge between the Buu arc and Dragon Ball Super. The film introduces Beerus, the God of Destruction, and his angelic attendant Whis — two of the most significant characters in the Dragon Ball Super continuity. Beerus awakens from a long slumber seeking the legendary Super Saiyan God, a form he saw in a prophetic dream, and arrives on Earth to challenge Goku and the Z Fighters. The film also introduces Super Saiyan God — a transformation that requires the ki of six pure-hearted Saiyans and represents the first major power escalation beyond Super Saiyan 3 in the franchise's history.
Battle of Gods was developed with Akira Toriyama's direct involvement and served as the foundation for Dragon Ball Super's first two arcs, which retell the events of this film and the subsequent Resurrection F movie in expanded form. The film's tone is lighter than many DBZ entries, with comedy and party scenes contributing to a more relaxed atmosphere before the climactic battle. Beerus himself is a fascinating antagonist — immensely powerful yet not purely malevolent, more whimsically dangerous than evil. For viewers who want to transition from Dragon Ball Z to Dragon Ball Super, Battle of Gods provides the essential character introductions and power-scaling context that the Super series builds from.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is DBZ: Battle of Gods canon?
Yes — Toriyama was directly involved and the events are retold in Dragon Ball Super. It bridges the Buu arc and Dragon Ball Super and introduces Beerus and Whis.
Should I watch Battle of Gods or just start Dragon Ball Super?
Dragon Ball Super's first arc retells Battle of Gods in expanded form. You can skip the film and start Super directly — but the film is more concise and many prefer it to Super's retelling.
When was Battle of Gods released?
Released March 30, 2013 in Japan — the first Dragon Ball theatrical film in 17 years and the return of Akira Toriyama to the franchise.
Is Battle of Gods adapted from the manga?
Toriyama wrote the original story for the film, and the events were later adapted into Dragon Ball Super's first arc. The film is canonical to Dragon Ball continuity.
What do fans think of Battle of Gods?
Received with great enthusiasm as Dragon Ball's return after years of dormancy. Beerus and Whis became instant fan favorites. Most fans prefer the film version over Super's retelling for its tighter pacing.