Dragon Ball Z: Dead Zone (1989)
The first Dragon Ball Z theatrical film — a fast-paced, action-packed adventure where Goku races to rescue his kidnapped son from an immortality-obsessed villain.
Dragon Ball Z: Dead Zone - Movie Information
- Original Title: ドラゴンボールＺ オラの悟飯をかえせッ!!
- Release Year: 1989
- Directed by: Daisuke Nishio
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Animation, Action, Fantasy
- Age Rating (US): PG
- Runtime: 41m
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese
- Release Date (Theatrical): July 15, 1989 (China)
- Alternative Titles: Dragon Ball Z - The Dead Zone (US), Dragon Ball Z 01: Garlick Junior Inmortal (ES), 龙珠Z剧场版1：魔王复仇 (CN), Dragon Ball Z - Film 01 - A La Poursuite De Garlic (FR), Devolva-me Gohan (Zona Mortal) (PT), Dragon Ball Z: ¡Devuélvanme a mi Gohan! (MX), Doragon bôru Z: Ora no Gohan wo kaese!! (JP), Dragon Ball Z - ¡Devuélvanme a mi Gohan! (CL)
- Production Companies: Toei Animation, Toei Company
- Production Countries: Japan
Dragon Ball Z: Dead Zone - Plot
In order to wish for immortality and avenge his father, Garlic Jr. collects the dragon balls, kidnapping Goku's son Gohan in the process. Goku, Kami, Piccolo, and Krillin unite to rescue Gohan and save the world from being sucked into a dead zone.
Dragon Ball Z: Dead Zone - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the action unfold:
Pray for those who took him.
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Dragon Ball Z: Dead Zone - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Daisuke Nishio
Main Cast
- Masako Nozawa
- Toshio Furukawa
- Hiromi Tsuru
- Mayumi Tanaka
- Daisuke Gori
- Mayumi Shou
- Kohei Miyauchi
- Takeshi Aono
- Kenji Utsumi
- Akira Kamiya
Writers
- Takao Koyama
Dragon Ball Z: Dead Zone - FAQs
Is Dragon Ball Z: Dead Zone the first DBZ movie?
Yes, Dragon Ball Z: Dead Zone is the very first Dragon Ball Z theatrical film. It was released in Japan on July 15, 1989, shortly after the DBZ anime series began airing. It introduced movie-exclusive villain Garlic Jr. and set the tone for the many DBZ films that followed.
Where can you stream Dragon Ball Z: Dead Zone?
You can stream Dragon Ball Z: Dead Zone on Crunchyroll or through the Crunchyroll Amazon Channel. If you prefer to own it, it's available to buy or rent on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Fandango At Home.
Does Dead Zone fit into the Dragon Ball Z timeline?
Dead Zone occupies a curious spot in the DBZ timeline. It appears to take place very early in the series — before Gohan's training with Piccolo — yet contains small continuity inconsistencies with the main anime. Most fans treat it as a loose side story set in the early Saiyan Saga era.
What is Dragon Ball Z: Dead Zone about?
The film follows Garlic Jr., a power-hungry villain who kidnaps Goku's young son Gohan to gather the Dragon Balls and wish for immortality. Goku teams up with Piccolo, Krillin, and Kami to rescue Gohan and prevent the world from being swallowed by a deadly dimensional void.
Who are the main voice actors in Dead Zone?
The Japanese cast is led by Masako Nozawa, who voices both Goku and Gohan. Toshio Furukawa brings Piccolo to life, Mayumi Tanaka voices Krillin, and Akira Kamiya plays the villainous Garlic Jr. The full cast delivers the energetic performances the franchise is known for.
How long is Dragon Ball Z: Dead Zone?
Dragon Ball Z: Dead Zone runs just 41 minutes, making it one of the shortest entries in the Dragon Ball film series. Despite its brief runtime, it packs in plenty of action, a memorable villain, and a pivotal early showcase of young Gohan's hidden power.
What is the age rating for Dragon Ball Z: Dead Zone?
Dragon Ball Z: Dead Zone carries a PG rating in the United States. It features animated martial arts combat and fantasy violence typical of the Dragon Ball franchise, making it suitable for most younger viewers while still delivering the action-packed thrills that older fans love.
What are some anime films similar to Dead Zone?
If you enjoyed Dead Zone, you might love Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle, Black Clover: Sword of the Wizard King, Fullmetal Alchemist: The Final Alchemy, or Ultraman: Rising. For classic anime vibes, My Neighbor Totoro is a beloved companion pick from the same era.
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