Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection 'F'
Toei Animation
Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection 'F' is the direct sequel to Battle of Gods, also written by Akira Toriyama, and centers on Frieza's resurrection by his remaining loyal soldiers. Returned to life and driven by a singular obsession with revenge against Goku, Frieza undergoes four months of intense training — the first time in his life he has bothered to push beyond his natural ability — and arrives on Earth in a golden new transformation: Golden Frieza. The film also introduces the blue-haired Super Saiyan Blue (Super Saiyan God Super Saiyan) transformation for both Goku and Vegeta, representing another major escalation in the power hierarchy of the Dragon Ball universe.
The film's greatest strength is Frieza himself, who receives more character exploration here than in much of his original Namek arc appearance. His arrogance, his refusal to accept that others have grown past him, and his ultimate inability to sustain his new power become thematic underpinnings of the battle. Vegeta's role in the fight also takes on special significance given their long history. Like Battle of Gods, this film is retold in expanded form in Dragon Ball Super's second arc, but the film version is tighter and arguably more effective at conveying the drama of Frieza's return. Watching both Battle of Gods and Resurrection F provides the ideal lead-in to Dragon Ball Super.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Resurrection F canon?
Yes — Toriyama wrote the story and it is the basis for Dragon Ball Super's second arc. The events are considered canonical and retold in Super.
What is Golden Frieza?
Golden Frieza is a powered-up transformation Frieza achieves after four months of training — the first time he ever trained. It temporarily surpasses Super Saiyan Blue but is unstable due to his inexperience.
When was Resurrection 'F' released?
Released April 18, 2015 in Japan — a direct sequel to Battle of Gods and the second canonical Dragon Ball film in the Super era.
Is Resurrection 'F' adapted from the manga?
Toriyama wrote the original story, and it was later adapted into Dragon Ball Super's second arc. The film is canonical, and Super Saiyan Blue (SSGSS) debuted here.
What do fans think of Resurrection 'F'?
Generally well received but slightly overshadowed by Battle of Gods. Frieza's return and Golden Frieza's design are praised; the pacing and power scaling are the main criticisms.