# Dragon Ball Z (1989)

> Now a married father, martial arts champion Goku keeps defending Earth against a string of extraterrestrial invaders bent on destruction.

Canonical page: https://ember.film/tv/12102

## Facts

- Seasons: 9
- Episodes: 291
- Episode runtime: 26 min
- Status: Ended
- Genres: animation, action, adventure
- Network: Fuji TV
- Cast: Masako Nozawa, Ryo Horikawa, Toshio Furukawa, Mayumi Tanaka, Hiromi Tsuru, Naoki Tatsuta, Ryusei Nakao, Joji Yanami
- TMDB rating: 8.8/10
- IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0121220/

## Ember's analysis

- Pacing: brisk
- Intensity: strong
- Complexity: accessible
- Violence: moderate
- Tone: earnest, high energy, cheerful, intense, optimistic

## What critics say

Viewers broadly acclaim the series as a long-running, high-energy action saga whose tournament battles and escalating power levels deliver the franchise's signature appeal.

## Synopsis

Dragon Ball Z (1989-1996) is a Japanese animated shonen action series produced by Toei Animation and broadcast on Fuji TV, running nine seasons and 291 episodes. Martial artist Goku (voiced by Masako Nozawa) is now a married father who must keep defending Earth against a parade of extraterrestrial invaders. Goku's rival Vegeta (Ryo Horikawa) and the wary Piccolo (Toshio Furukawa) join the fight alongside the earthling Krillin (Mayumi Tanaka), and the engine of the show is escalation: each saga pits the heroes against a stronger foe, forcing new transformations and grueling training regimens. Episodes are built from long, kinetic fights, rapid power-up sequences and comic interludes with the family and friends who keep the stakes personal. The series is serialized in sagas that build toward a larger threat, giving it a long-form, cumulative momentum. Its tone is earnest and optimistic, with bright colors and cheerful humor softening the bloody, high-intensity battles. Fans of Dragon Ball, One Piece, Yu Yu Hakusho and Naruto will find the same mix of sincere friendship and relentless combat.

## Shows like Dragon Ball Z

- [Super Dragon Ball Heroes (2018)](https://ember.film/tv/68706)
- [Dragon Ball GT (1996)](https://ember.film/tv/11839)
- [Dragon Ball Super: Beerus (2026)](https://ember.film/tv/1104904)
- [Ranma1/2 (2024)](https://ember.film/tv/173556)
- [Sonic X (2003)](https://ember.film/tv/10163)
- [Choushinsei Flashman (1986)](https://ember.film/tv/61891)
- [Dragon Ball DAIMA (2024)](https://ember.film/tv/154007)
- [Dragon Ball Super (2015)](https://ember.film/tv/55731)
- [Speed Racer (1967)](https://ember.film/tv/28567)
- [Dragon Quest: The Adventure of Dai (1991)](https://ember.film/tv/35217)

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