If you need a story built around this fact, here’s a quick narrative hook:

However, this number requires context. The franchise is split into different series, and there is a major distinction between the original Japanese run and the heavily edited English dubs (specifically the old Dragon Ball Z dubs).

Here’s the full, accurate count for every main Dragon Ball anime:

153 + 291 + 131 = 575 episodes

The total episode count is distributed across the following major installments:

r/dbz Show all Dragon Ball (1986–1989): 153 episodes. Dragon Ball Z (1989–1996): 291 episodes. Dragon Ball GT (1996–1997): 64 episodes. Dragon Ball Z Kai (2009–2015): 167 episodes (international version); this series is a remastered, filler-free version of Dragon Ball Z . Dragon Ball Super (2015–2018): 131 episodes. Dragon Ball Daima (2024–2025): 20 episodes. Reddit +9 Additional Content In addition to the main television series, the franchise includes numerous movies and specials: Movies: There are

Here’s a solid, clear breakdown of Dragon Ball episode counts across all main series—perfect for a reference or a story intro.

For the modern viewer, (if watching Kai instead of Z ). This is a manageable binge that offers one of the most influential stories in animation history.

Dragon Ball franchise consists of across its six primary television series as of April 2026. This legacy, spanning four decades, began with the 1986 premiere of the original Dragon Ball and has grown into a global phenomenon encompassing multiple sequels and a modern reimagining. Core Series Breakdown