Dragon Ball Z - TV-Y7-FV

Stands the test of time, but very violent.

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About Our Ratings
Common Sense rates it
3
Seen the show?
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details
  • TV Rating: TV-Y7-FV
  • Network: Cartoon Network
  • Cast: Ian James Corlett, Dameon Clark, Kyle Hebert
  • Genre: Children, Cartoons, & Animation
  • >Available On: DVD,Download

Parents need to know

Parents need to know that this show is an enormously popular sequel to the anime series Dragon Ball and has a huge following across the globe. Consistent strong themes include good triumphing over evil, putting family first, and working as a team. Still, there's no shortage of violent scenes; characters get hurt, unconventional weapons are used, and the dialogue includes language about killing, decimating, and destroying. While the show is massively appealing to anime fans, parents need to be aware that the strong violent visuals may frighten some kids.

Families can talk about the appeal of the father-son team. Does this contribute to the series' long popularity? In what ways are these characters realistic, and what has been dramatized for benefit of the show? Looking past the wham-bam violence, what are the overriding themes? Since the show originated in Japan, families can discuss Japanese culture and history.

Message

Social Behavior:

The father is a strong figure to son and friends. Overall good overcomes evil.

Consumerism:

A full line of toys, books, games, and DVDs have been designed around the storyline and characters.

Drugs/Alcohol/Tobacco:

Violence

Characters are tied up and threatened. Others fall in pain. Lots of energy blasts knock others over.

Sex

Girl characters show cleavage and wear short skirts. Flirty behavior with boys.

Language

No swearing, but lots of threatening language. "You are going to die." "Don't die before I have the pleasure of killing you."

Common Sense says

What's the story?

Reviewed by Pam Gelman

In DRAGON BALL Z, Goku, his son Gohan, and their faithful companions do whatever they can to defend Earth from a variety of bizarre alien villains. Goku and Gohan have special powers (including super strength) and an unyielding commitment to conquer evil. But their skills are often tested by villains who are seeking "genocide" or "mass destruction." The ultimate goal of the villains, besides complete domination, is typically to obtain dragon balls (seven in all), which, when gathered together, can grant a wish.

Is it any good?

3

Having stood the test of time for more than a decade, there's little to debate about the appeal of Dragon Ball Z. Parents who haven't seen any anime before may not understand the genre's worldwide following. You'll need to watch a few shows to understand the characters, story, and consistent messages that are the main reasons for this show's longevity.

Compared to its predecessor, Dragon Ball, Dragon Ball Z, has many more battle and fight scenes and more violent language -- but, then again, it's also more popular. Goku and Gohan use "ki" (life force) to perform spectacular feats such as flying or firing laser blasts from their fingertips. Cool to some viewers, scary to others; it's a parent's call to decide whether or not the content is appropriate for their kids. Parents also need to be aware of the skimpy clothes worn by female characters, as well as some flirty behavior and language directed at the males.

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Parents and kids say

All Reviews

There are 19 reviews.

5


Posted on 04/25/08 by GohanXFanXGoku Kid contributor, age 12

BEST ANIME!

This is my favorite show! It may have some violents but it is really good. I think alot of kids would like it.
Age 13+
5


Posted on 12/18/07 by Ulisa Adult contributor

3


Posted on 08/12/07 by spycaper51 Kid contributor, age 12

mmaaaaaannnn

Im gonna put this in short. some eipsodes leave you wondering if you pushed the fast forward button 6 times...its total insanity in these episodes, destroyed rocks flyin everywhere and characters tryin to beatin the livin crap outta eachother every second of each episode
Age 8+
5


Posted on 08/07/07 by Unmei Adult contributor

I love this show

I'm 19 years old and I still love this show. It has some good values (such as family and working together), terrific art, and while it does have mild violence, the violence is focused on saving people. It's humorous and enjoyable. Not quite sure why some other adults don't like it, I know many other people my age that still enjoy it. Hope this helps any others who are wondering!
Age 8+
5


Posted on 08/01/07 by dragon ball Adult contributor

as a fan.........

I love this show!!! For a full content review visit www.dragonballz.com. Please take note that I am reviewing the edited version not the 2 uncut s. Nudity = none violence= lots language= not a lot of profanity but plenty of death threats.
Age 8+
4


Posted on 07/07/07 by MommieMolly Adult contributor

Good show!

This show is really good, as good as tv show cartoons can get. There are alot of very good messages, and good triumphs over evil. Parents, watch with very young children.
5


Posted on 06/01/07 by melovestrunks Kid contributor, age 11

This show sucked when i was little, now i love it!!

This show is for people who like stuff like sailor moon, naruto or code lyoko, and since i love all of them that's why i like it. If you don't like it then too bad, i'm not gonna force you to love it but youre missing out if you don't like it. This show helped me get back into bodybuilding, now i even do karate because i am so in to japanese cartoons and stuff. Oh, and just saying, i look like Bulma from this cartoon!
Age 8+
2


Posted on 05/31/07 by common_sense_user_12 Adult contributor

A total bore for anyone who isn't an an 8-year-old boy

This immature Japanese fighting show is simply stupid. Characters die in almost every episode, and battles with enemies are the plot of the entire series. Boys 8 and to 10 will think this is ok, but anyone older will find it boring and stupid. A much better show with a similar plot is Avatar the Last Airbender;spectacular voice talents, a more interesting plot, less fighting (though there is some) and it's a lot more fun to watch!
5


Posted on 05/07/07 by Rhen Kid contributor, age 13

A great story, a lot of cool fighting, altogether a great show

Dragonball Z is a great show. The story is very intersting and the action is pretty cool too.
5

Posted on 04/10/07 by Anonymous Kid contributor, age 10

I think that it's A ok!

The reson why I said it's an A-OK because Kids don't really have superpowers! I mean C'mon...im a 10 year old girl! I'ts not like your kids will just fly up to you and do some weird Blasts like KAMEHAMEHA......

See all 19 reviews >

Adult Reviews

There are 8 reviews.

Age 13+
5


Posted on 12/18/07 by Ulisa Adult contributor

Age 8+
5


Posted on 08/07/07 by Unmei Adult contributor

I love this show

I'm 19 years old and I still love this show. It has some good values (such as family and working together), terrific art, and while it does have mild violence, the violence is focused on saving people. It's humorous and enjoyable. Not quite sure why some other adults don't like it, I know many other people my age that still enjoy it. Hope this helps any others who are wondering!
Age 8+
5


Posted on 08/01/07 by dragon ball Adult contributor

as a fan.........

I love this show!!! For a full content review visit www.dragonballz.com. Please take note that I am reviewing the edited version not the 2 uncut s. Nudity = none violence= lots language= not a lot of profanity but plenty of death threats.
Age 8+
4


Posted on 07/07/07 by MommieMolly Adult contributor

Good show!

This show is really good, as good as tv show cartoons can get. There are alot of very good messages, and good triumphs over evil. Parents, watch with very young children.
Age 8+
2


Posted on 05/31/07 by common_sense_user_12 Adult contributor

A total bore for anyone who isn't an an 8-year-old boy

This immature Japanese fighting show is simply stupid. Characters die in almost every episode, and battles with enemies are the plot of the entire series. Boys 8 and to 10 will think this is ok, but anyone older will find it boring and stupid. A much better show with a similar plot is Avatar the Last Airbender;spectacular voice talents, a more interesting plot, less fighting (though there is some) and it's a lot more fun to watch!
Age 17+
5


Posted on 01/09/07 by gatomatt Adult contributor

sweet!!

this show is actually more violent then what is shown on us tv. the japanese version has blood in it and some curse words like D**n,hell and b***ard.the version shown on cartoon network is the one I would recommend for 8 year olds. one other thing that is toned down in the us tv version is master roshi's advances on bulma. other than that, its very enjoyable.
Age 13+
5


Posted on 07/15/06 by EarL Adult contributor

Age 11+
0

Posted on 05/26/06 by Anonymous Adult contributor

Theres so many better shows of this type for kids

but because it's stupid and violent. the kids will love it
See all 8 adult reviews>

Kids Reviews

There are 11 reviews.

5


Posted on 04/25/08 by GohanXFanXGoku Kid contributor, age 12

BEST ANIME!

This is my favorite show! It may have some violents but it is really good. I think alot of kids would like it.
3


Posted on 08/12/07 by spycaper51 Kid contributor, age 12

mmaaaaaannnn

Im gonna put this in short. some eipsodes leave you wondering if you pushed the fast forward button 6 times...its total insanity in these episodes, destroyed rocks flyin everywhere and characters tryin to beatin the livin crap outta eachother every second of each episode
5


Posted on 06/01/07 by melovestrunks Kid contributor, age 11

This show sucked when i was little, now i love it!!

This show is for people who like stuff like sailor moon, naruto or code lyoko, and since i love all of them that's why i like it. If you don't like it then too bad, i'm not gonna force you to love it but youre missing out if you don't like it. This show helped me get back into bodybuilding, now i even do karate because i am so in to japanese cartoons and stuff. Oh, and just saying, i look like Bulma from this cartoon!
5


Posted on 05/07/07 by Rhen Kid contributor, age 13

A great story, a lot of cool fighting, altogether a great show

Dragonball Z is a great show. The story is very intersting and the action is pretty cool too.
5

Posted on 04/10/07 by Anonymous Kid contributor, age 10

I think that it's A ok!

The reson why I said it's an A-OK because Kids don't really have superpowers! I mean C'mon...im a 10 year old girl! I'ts not like your kids will just fly up to you and do some weird Blasts like KAMEHAMEHA......
0


Posted on 02/15/07 by goku Kid contributor, age 9

1


Posted on 01/16/07 by Private Tamama Kid contributor, age 13

5


Posted on 01/13/07 by agmwhatever Kid contributor, age 12

awesome show!!!

obviously like all japanese cartoons with dubs for kids ages 8-13 have no bad words and little blood or none at all contrasting from the original japanese version. this is only my guess because i used to watch naruto on youtube. great show. BEWARE!!! IMMATURE CHILDREN AGES RANGING FROM 5-8 MAY FIGHT EACHOTHER!!! no offense to the little guys....well it probably did but a handshake to the creator!!!
5


Posted on 01/07/07 by jasondoggybag Kid contributor, age 11

Great Series!

OMG! This show is just beyond awesome. When I was like 4 or something, I watched it and my parents said it was stupid mindless violence and wouldn't let me watch it. Later I started watching is again and it was great. (I like how when Goku or Vegeta go SSJ, it's like a nuclear bomb going off.) :)
3

Posted on 01/03/07 by Anonymous Kid contributor, age 16

The original bad cartoon for kids, lol

This was my favorite show when I was a kid. I used to watch DBZ with my dad every day. The violence was extremely mild, no one ever even bled on TV. I hear that the real version was a bit worse, though. Most of the violence was just explosions, really, and I had my love of explosions instilled in me from a couple of TV movies already by the time I started watching. Nothing quite like goody-two-shoes heros saving the world from extremely powerful, but always defeatable, bad guys. DBZ is good quality entertainment for kids.
See all 11 kids reviews >
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