Broly Movie Saga
A lost Saiyan's rage ignites a galactic war that tests the limits of godhood.
Dragon Ball Super: Broly is a 2018 Japanese animated martial arts fantasy adventure film, the twentieth animated feature film in the Dragon Ball franchise and the first to carry the Dragon Ball Super branding. It serves as a canonical reimagining of the Broly character from the 1993 film Dragon Ball Z: Broly – The Legendary Super Saiyan and its sequels, integrating him into the main Dragon Ball continuity. Set after the Universe Survival Saga, the plot follows Goku and Vegeta as they encounter the powerful Saiyan named Broly, chronicling the history of the Saiyans and the background story of these three Saiyans with different destinies connected to the turbulent period of their race.
- Key Character
- Broly (New Canon)
- Primary Antagonist
- Frieza
- Location
- Vampa Planet / Earth
- First Appearance
- Dragon Ball Super: Broly (2018)
- Status
- Active, Allied with Goku and Vegeta
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
The film explores the origin of Broly, a Saiyan infant exiled by King Vegeta to the distant planetoid Vampa after his power level was found to greatly exceed that of the king's own son, Vegeta. Broly's father Paragus rescued him but became stranded on Vampa, raising his son to exact revenge on King Vegeta. Forty-three years later, Broly and Paragus are rescued by Frieza Force soldiers Cheelai and Lemo and brought to Frieza, who enlists them to defeat Goku and Vegeta. Broly's power increases and adapts during battle, allowing him to seemingly beat Vegeta in his Base, Super Saiyan, and Super Saiyan God forms, and later overwhelm both Goku and Vegeta in their Super Saiyan Blue forms after Frieza covertly kills Paragus to awaken Broly's latent Super Saiyan powers. The film includes elements of the 2014 'Dragon Ball −(Minus): The Departure of the Fated Child' story written by Akira Toriyama.
In Their Own Story
In Age 732, King Vegeta exiles the infant Broly to the planetoid Vampa after learning his power level greatly exceeds that of his own son. Broly's father Paragus attempts to rescue him but becomes stranded on Vampa, raising his son for revenge. Five years later, Bardock and his wife Gine send their infant son Kakarot to Earth before Frieza exterminates the Saiyan race. Forty-three years later, after the Tournament of Power, Goku and Vegeta train on a desert island. Bulma's Dragon Balls are stolen by Frieza Force soldiers, leading Goku, Vegeta, and Whis to search for the seventh Dragon Ball. Broly and Paragus are rescued by Cheelai and Lemo and brought to Frieza. On Earth, Broly battles Vegeta and Goku, with his power increasing until Frieza kills Paragus, triggering Broly's Super Saiyan transformation. Goku and Vegeta learn the Fusion Dance from Piccolo and form Gogeta, who dominates Broly in Super Saiyan Blue form. Cheelai and Lemo summon Shenron to wish Broly back to Vampa. Later, Goku visits Vampa to provide supplies and expresses intent to spar with Broly, telling him to call him by his birth name, Kakarot.
Reader's Guide
The film begins with the backstory of Broly's exile to Vampa and the Saiyan genocide. After the Tournament of Power, Goku and Vegeta train while Frieza's forces steal Dragon Balls. Broly and Paragus are recruited by Frieza. The main conflict occurs on Earth, where Broly fights Vegeta and Goku in escalating forms: Base, Super Saiyan, Super Saiyan God, and Super Saiyan Blue. Frieza kills Paragus to trigger Broly's Super Saiyan form, making him mindless and overwhelming both Saiyans. Goku uses Instant Transmission to get himself and Vegeta to Piccolo, who teaches them the Fusion Dance. After two failed attempts, they form Gogeta, who fights Broly in Super Saiyan and Super Saiyan Blue forms. Gogeta defeats Broly with Meteor Explosion and nearly kills him with the 'Ultimate' Kamehameha, but Cheelai and Lemo use the Dragon Balls to wish Broly back to Vampa. The film ends with Goku visiting Broly on Vampa, offering friendship and training.
Did You Know?
- The film is the third in the franchise to be personally supervised by series creator Akira Toriyama, who wrote the story, screenplay, and designed the characters.
- The film was released in Japan on December 14, 2018, by Toei and 20th Century Fox Japan, and grossed over $124 million worldwide, becoming the highest-grossing Dragon Ball film ever.
- The film was the final Dragon Ball film co-distributed by 20th Century Fox, following the acquisition of 21st Century Fox by Disney on March 20, 2019.
- The film includes elements of the 2014 'Dragon Ball −(Minus): The Departure of the Fated Child' story written by Toriyama.
- A sequel, titled Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero, was released in June 2022.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Broly Movie Saga?
The Broly Movie Saga centers on the 2018 theatrical release that officially integrates the legendary Saiyan into the main Dragon Ball Super timeline. It serves as a narrative bridge connecting the Tournament of Power arc with the subsequent Galactic Patrol Prisoner story.
Who are the main antagonists in this saga?
While Broly initially acts as an unstoppable force, Emperor Frieza serves as the true primary antagonist driving the conflict. He seeks to capture Broly for his own army after discovering the Saiyan's immense power on Planet Vampa.
What makes Broly so powerful in this version?
Broly displays an innate ability to grow stronger through rage, eventually unlocking a unique Legendary Super Saiyan form. His strength forces Goku and Vegeta to fight in tandem using their strongest techniques to overcome his overwhelming power.
How does the story conclude for Broly?
Goku and Vegeta subdue Broly through combined effort, convincing him to stop his rampage against Earth. The conflict concludes with the three Saiyans becoming allies after Broly defeats Frieza to protect his new friends.
Why is this saga important for the series?
This arc is crucial because it reimagines a previously non-canon character into the official manga and anime continuity. It also marks a significant shift in Goku and Vegeta's relationship as they fight side-by-side to protect their new ally.
More in Arcs & Major Events
Elsewhere in the Dragon Ball Super universe
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