Dragon Ball Z (Cartoon Network)

common sense media says

Anime series stands the test of time, but very violent.


parents & educators say

What 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.

Educational value: Not applicable.
Positive messages: Overall, good overcomes evil, and episodes include themes related to the importance of family and teamwork. That said, violence is often the way that conflicts are dealt with.
Positive role models: The father is a strong figure to his son and friends. Goku and Gohan have a strong relationship. It's always clear who the good and bad guys are.
Violence & scariness: Characters are tied up and threatened. Others fall in pain. Lots of energy blasts knock others over.
Sexy stuff: 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."
Consumerism: A full line of toys, books, games, and DVDs have been designed around the storyline and characters.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.

More on Dragon Ball Z

What to talk about

Talk to your 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?
  • Looking past the wham-bam violence, what are the show's overriding themes?
  • Since the show originated in Japan, families can discuss Japanese culture and history.

What's the story?

What's the story?

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?

Is it any good?
 

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.

TV themes & details

TV Details
TV Rating: TV-Y7-FV
Network: Cartoon Network
Cast: Dameon Clark, Ian James Corlett, Kyle Hebert
Genre: Kids' Animation
Where to watch: Cartoon Network

This review was written by Pam Gelman
 
 

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What parents & educators say

9

Most useful reviews by all members

Yusuke
adult
 
Dragon Ball Z is the most popular anime/manga series of all time. Most children and generally people with a low intellect have a hard time comprehending thing about the series. The plot isn't always fighting nor is it the same. It's also not slow paced. The people that generally say this again, have seen very few episodes and fail to look past a couple of scenes. The series starts with Goku going back to his old master's house for a reunion. Little did he know, his brother had come to Earth. Goku knew nothing about himself, or why he had a tail (See Dragon Ball). Raditz his brother explained everything, kidnapped his son and told him to kill 100 humans if he wished to see his son again. Goku being the pure hearted guy he is, set in after to rescue his son with former rival Piccolo. The plot in a sense changes from rescuing his son, to a greater threat coming to Earth. Goku is killed in this battle and due to Kami allowing him to train with King Kai, the God of the North portion of the universe, Goku is able to train with him to prepare for these invaders. Long story short, it shifts to Goku's friends dieing in battle. And without the Dragon Balls, they can't wish them back. So the next thing is for them to journey to planet Namek to use their Dragon Balls. Little did they know, A tyrant known as Frieza which had been controlling the saiyan race had also been Vegeta's boss so to speak. Vegeta had come to Earth in search of the Dragon Balls to become immortal to defeat Frieza and take his place. He was one of the invaders that came that Goku was preparing for. He narrowly escaped due to Goku's good will. Though the amount of blood and wounds on him shows how badly injured he was, He couldn't even walk! People who would use a stereotypical again are the ones that are completely biased. Comments would include: *Intense screaming for episodes on end. *Predictable fights. *The same thing over and over. All those are incorrect. The first arc consisted of Goku learning off his ancestry and fighting off some really strong new guys, who were actually of the same race. They then in search of the Dragon Balls go to Namek, where they learn of Frieza. This part of the story is really interesting. Just between all the stirring ambivalence. Frieza and his men are after the balls, Krillin and co are as well, not to mention Vegeta. It's a three way struggle for the Dragon Balls. Eventually, Vegeta and Krillin's side join forces to beat Frieza's men, but they're outclassed. Vegeta did manage to cut off Guldo's head though. The battle scene changed entirely when Goku arrives on Namek and disposes of Frieza's men, all but one that is. Captain Ginyu had actually switched bodies with Goku, causing a lot of conflict. Goku and Frieza fight to the death, that is until Goku's best technique fails. At this point Vegeta dies of heart failure, due to being hit in the chest from a death beam by Frieza. Frieza then does the same to Piccolo, who barely survives. And he then kills Krillin by causing him to literally explode. As it was hinted by Vegeta for a vast amount of time, Goku had the power of the super saiyan. He unlocks this using the pain of lost, putting his feelings first. He is then able to outclass Frieza, but at the same time show him mercy. He lends Frieza his chi after Frieza's arm and bottom half of his body are sliced off. Frieza didn't learn a thing and retaliates, ultimately ending up with severe injuries in space. Dragon Ball Z was initially suppose to end with Goku dieing on Namek becoming the savior of the universe, but Akira's editor pushed him to create more due to it's high popularity. As you can see we've already proven two stereotypes wrong. The battles are rarely predictable, and the storyline is never the same. The main reason they say it would be predictable is because the series is a few decades old and it's been seen before. The other stereotype being the ones who says there's tons of screaming that goes on for episodes. This never happened. The most you would have in DBZ is in two scenes out of 291 episodes. One being Vegeta's Final Flash, which he was charging a blast for 4 minutes. He was also directing it away from the Earth and antagonizing Cell to stay there. He was abusing the pride and arrogance Cell had from his own cells which lie inside of cell. Tongue twister, eh? Vegeta is a master tactician, there was a lot more going on in that scene than just a bit of yelling which was used as a battle cry you could say. That's the second longest amount of yelling in the series, ranging from 3-4 minutes. Also interrupted by other character talking and once again, other characters talking in other locations. I used talking as an example, there were other things going on. The longest is 4-5 minutes, and it's Goku going super saiyan 3. Most people think that's the amount of time needed to go into this form. Once again that's incorrect. Goku is able to do it in less than 10 seconds as seen with the fight against Kid Buu. This was used a stalling tactic for Trunks to get the Dragon Ball radar. Other than those small scenes, the general yelling would be small bursts, which were usually battle cries. Once again proving the stereotype wrong. After Frieza, the Cell and Buu saga are entirely unpredictable, there's actually so many things going on it, it would take too long to actually explain in this small review. Overall Dragon Ball Z has swearing using words such as "Bast- Hel-, Dam-" and various other hand signs representing profound words, hence the middle finger. There is a ton of violence. From heads being cut off to holes being punched through people's stomachs. But Goku, he's probably the best remodel there is. Of course children are too young to understand much of this and would pay attention to the violence and swearing more than what the characters represent. There are mild uses of gambling and alcohol, and a slight bit of nudity (Though a lot less than Dragon Ball which has an extreme amount of nudity).

Cooldee
parent
 
Dragon Ball Z is the worst cartoon ever!
This tv show is too violent for children under 14 years of age. There are postitive messages of teamwork and never giving up, but this show is overshowered by violence.

Coolman44
teen, 13 years old
 
What I think about Dragon Ball Z
This anime series have the following content Blood and Gore, Crude humor, Intense Violence, Mature humor, Moderate Language, Nudity, Use of Alchohol and Tabacco. I got these from the Enterntainment Software Rating Board{ESRB}.So the point is this is definently not for little kids and if you're one of those people who can handle strong content then I recommend you watch it.Trust me, this is not for the young.This has very mean content so make sure someone older watches it first.If he/she decides you are able to watch it, then you have alot of strength.I am not talking about a little.I am talking about so much.In the frieza saga you can see an alien impaling a human with his horns.That part was unexpected and very tough.Also in one scene a hero named "Goku" battled an alien named "Frieza".Frieza threw an attack that cuts everything.Goku sent it on Frieza, then he got impaled.I dont recommend this for anyone under 12.When Goku was kid you could see his naked body and innapropiate animated parts.When I saw that i was disturbed.This also has blood in every episode or almost every episode.Make sure you get parental consent.This also has disturbing scenes.In one episode a human named "Master Roshi" crashes into a womans front, then master Roshi tells jokes about it and touches it.(This is what I mean by mature humor).Even if you are 12 that doesnt mean you can watch this series.You have to get somebody older and make him/her watch the entire series.(Watch the entire series because it is very innapropiate in each episode).This is very strong, dont watch it without consent or you'll be emotionally scarred!I didnt watch all of Dragon Ball Z so be prepared for scary scenes.I think you should have parent controls so only a password should make you watch an episode.If you dont think your child is ready for this watch "Dragon Ball Z kai" It is rated "TV-Y7-FV"So it is alot nicer than Dragon Ball Z.I dont really know what Dragon Ball Z is rated but if I had to guess I would say"Between PG-13 and R"But ratings dont matter.Its how strong you are that matters.I clicked on good role models because the good guys always win.Something I'd watch out for is Goku naked and the stabbing.If you are underaged absoulutely dont watch it!

ibarncat
teen, 17 years old
 
More violence now because you have to see it online
I already reviewed DBZ Kai, so I'm not going to go over my same opinions here. But the reason why I added two years to it is because if you're going to watch it, and I mean the original version, not Dragon Ball Z Kai on Nicktoons, then you have two options, both of which are highly questionable: DVDs, which I don't have, so I don't know how censored they are, but knowing the average anime fan, they probably aren't, and online, where it seems censored, but I caught some blood and one scene where you saw Cell's head come right off his body. As for the filler controversey, I'll just say there's good filler and bad filler. Good filler is rich dialogues inside a character's head, bad filler is stuff like Gohan's birthday and him blowing the cake on everyone.

internetpro
kid, 11 years old
 
Its Legit!
What NOT to like its better than Naruto (back off narrutards) dbz takes over from the top! Many People are into it because of the fighting well your not TRUE FANS a real fan would not adore it fot the Blood and Gore we would like it for the saving and how goku and his friends are shared in peaceful times or how sacrafices are made I say Dragon beats all the 1986 Hit is making a comeback Goku is an alien called a saiyin (they look like humans -_-) with there tails they can turn int oozaru a great ape goku is the hope of teh universe I am the good that cries out of people I am Son goku ally to good night mare to you! I am lactose intolernt i cant count pass seven I never have to shave!!! i am...batman

starwars reviewer
kid, 13 years old
 
Really Less Violent Than the Common Superman Cartoon: Wonderful Show!
I really enjoy this series. When I was younger, I thought it was just a glorified fight fest with big-thighed men. Still, as I became more interested in anime, I decided to take a look. It was soooo much more than glorified muscles! I am no fan of Superman, I admit it. But imagine, if Superman where logical and his weakness was not a rock. That would describe Goku, the main character. He works hard and never gives up! This was my kind of show! While there is violence, even the villans have honor, and know that fighting is an art. I was very impresed with the character development as well. As the series progresses, you learn about each character and their lives. In short, this show is the one many anime lovers will love and came introduce anime very well to those who have not seen it.

MizztaSquiggles
kid, 12 years old
 
Uh.
Whoops I forgot.

F-Zero studios
teen, 14 years old
 
IT'S OVER 9000!
IT'S OVER 9000! times better than South Park

kirbymic
kid, 12 years old
 
A lot better than what others think
This show really gets beat up on by people who think they know it because they saw commercials or a few episodes. Really, you can't judge it like that. Since the show is no longer airing, you can only watch DBZ via DVDs, which are uncut. I had the most problems with the Android and Frieza saga. In the Frieza saga, Frieza and Vegeta kill lots of innocent Namekians (Vegeta does turn good, though). In the Android saga, Cell kills millions of humans via absorbing them, obliterating them. He also absorbs Androids 17 and 18, which are long, horrible scenes. He ends up killing the peaceful Android 16, too. Those are the show's worst parts, but the rest it pretty good. Goku, the main character, is pure-hearted, does anything to protect his friends and the innocent, and shows mercy at several times. For example, he lets his evil brother go when he pleads for mercy, but Goku's brother lies and eventually dies. Goku gives the evil Frieza one last chance to leave the dying Namek, but Frieza tries to finish off Goku, who defeats Frieza in self-defense. Most of the fighting done by the good guys is in defense of themselves and innocent people. A lot of people say the show is just muscle-headed people fighting and screaming, but that's only the commercials and the videos they see on YouTube. (P.S. Dragon Ball Z Kai is airing on Nicktoons, cut, but is a lot shorter due to overuse of commercials.)

bleachfreak09
kid, 12 years old
 
perfect for teens
i love this show and it is very good my only problems with this show is the violence the nude the the people who kill other people and the saftey stuff like for example the safety stuff a kid watches dbz an the next think you know there are holes in the walls and they are sayin kameahmeah!!!

casandra_j_k
parent of 6 and 8 year old
 
This is a excellent show. There is violence but always to save the world and the main character is very pure and good with good morals. a excellent teacher of good
First off I would like to say as a warning if you are the type of parent who believes any violence in tv shows is bad for your kids then this is not a show for your kids. It is a traditional fighting style show for all ages. There is very little blood though goku and others get beat up alot. Goku is a very good man. He stands up for what is right. I believe those morals are very importaint to instill in children. The main character is very outgoing friendly and pure. Even though he fights. It is always to save the world and its people. This is a family favorite. Some of the anime movies have a little blood in it. I would not suggest the first broly movie for children under 6 my younger son watched it and was scared of the bad guy in that one. However, the 2nd and 3rd broly movies were not too scary particularly the 3rd one. This anime stems from the dragon ball anime. A word on dragonball Z though is that from time to time goku's original teacher shows up and he is a bit lecherous but he is not in dragonball Z as much as he is in the original series of dragon ball. If you rent this or try to find somewhere to watch it online make sure it is english dubbed not subbed. The english dub means english voices and they also pull some content i believe from the original japaneese version. English subs is the original version with original voices and you read the english subs at the bottom.

gokussj
kid, 11 years old
 
i found a bit of cursing in season three
love it

icebatboy
kid, 11 years old
 
Dragonball Z. A violent anime that is finally worthy!
Dragonball Z is by far the best anime I have ever watched. It's funny, intense and even though good will always prevail, your never gonna know what happens next! However, it will usually depend on the saga your kids are watching. The saiyan saga, a bit of everything, good role models, messages, a bit of master roshis disusting jokes. ( just body part jokes, just like captain jack in POTC ) But my main problem with the saiyan saga is the language and violence. Violence is constant, not an episode goes without it. And the language can be occasional, mainly the word b***a*d and I think I spotted a D**m and a H*ll, not too serious though. The frieza saga is next, which has I think at least 6 uses of bad language, no sexual stuff and alot of messages and role models. But this is the most violent of all sagas, with endless beatings of enemies and a few bits of blood, but the end battle between Goku and Frieza is gory, starting with the explosion of Krillin, leading all the way up to Frieza getting sliced in half with his own attack. ( blood is shown, although only for a brief second) It's gonna make little kids cry and have nightmares if they watch that battle. The cell saga isn't too bad but it does have little amounts of blood, which in the big battles won't go away. So it's probably the second most violent and there is no swearing, or at least I didn't catch any. No sexual either. Plenty of messages, not so much as role models but there are some. Now, the majin buu saga is probably the worst appropiate wise, BUT it's still not as violent as the frieza saga. There is no real swearing, but there is swearing in sign language, hence the finger. Including a bully using it against a 5 year old. Gotenks fights for the good which is kind of a role model, except he's about 8 years old, and uses the finger. Which isn't very good. But it's the BEST anime ever and appropiate for kids in double figures. AKA pre-teens and up. It's a brilliant show with lots of messages.

dbzfan890
kid, 10 years old
 
The difference between american and japanesse
This Show is AWSOME!!! I think that the american version is for 10 and up because of the violence. But if your watching the oringinal japanesse then it would be 13 and up for violence,blood,cussing. So if your younger child is watching this show make sure its english.

AWESOMEDJ
kid, 11 years old
 
Awesome show!
8 AND UP?! You gotta be kidding me. This show contains blood and cursing me as a Dragon Ball Is disgraced! 13 and up. Stop thinking every freaking show Is for kids. Especially anime!

KidWhoReviewsStuff
kid, 13 years old
 
More violent than you remember, it's Dragon Ball Z
Very violent anime series. I remember watching this when I was five and loving it mainly because I didn't really understand the plot due to them showing random episodes of all three of the series (the other two are Dragon Ball and Dragon Ball GT). It is confusing unless you watch it right from the very start of the first series and go in order. The fights take forever to progress and the action is the same over and over again. If you can find a good episode though it can still be enjoyed.

sagax04
teen, 15 years old
 
AWESOME!!!
I loved this series as i kid and still do. Girls showing cleavage might concern parents of a 4 year old but is good for 6 year olds and up.

DrAwesomer
kid, 12 years old
 
Best show ever
I love this show! i would give it a much higher age if it was the uncut version because that has about 3x as much of blood and gore.

Gunman
teen, 17 years old
 
4 out of 5, due to some filler.
Look, this is what I grew up with when I was 9, it was a great show, and Goku can show how you can overcome odds. But, younger kids may not get what is going on.

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ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child, some content may not be right for some kids
OFF: Not age appropriate for kids this age