This long-running franchise has many great opening songs, but there are a few that were just a perfect fit for Dragon Ball.
Highlights
- Dragon Ball series offers awesome theme songs besides Dragon Ball Z, like “Gotta Find That Dragon Ball” and “Rock The Dragon.”
- “Eternal Sacrifice” sets the tone for Broly’s menance, while “We Gotta Power” fits the serious tone with the Cell Saga.
- Songs like “Step Into The Grand Tour” and “Fight It Out!!” add tension and action to the adventures of Goku and friends.
Anyone who’s ever tuned in to the adventures of Son Goku and his friends in Dragon Ball will likely love the songs that accompany each episode, particularly action-packed opening sequences that demonstrate just how much intense combat, funny shenanigans, and hopeful encounters Dragon Ball has to offer fans.
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What’s perhaps more amazing is how headbanging awesome theme songs aren’t exclusive to Dragon Ball Z alone. In fact, entries such as Dragon Ball Super and even the original Dragon Ball anime can offer extremely catchy songs aside from Dragon Ball Z. However, for fans who want to get into the anime, just which opening songs should they look forward to?
Updated April 25, 2024 by Rhenn Taguiam: While Dragon Ball Daima drags Goku and his pals to yet another adventure when a conspiracy transforms them into chibi versions of themselves, the rest of the Dragon Ball series is known for its jaw-dropping action and high-stakes combat. Beginning with Goku as a prodigious martial artist and eventually having him grow as Earth’s mightiest defender remains a tale that resonates with fans even with Akira Toriyama’s recent passing.
However, aside from the Z-Warriors dishing it out against threats in flashy fights are theme songs from each series that make each episode more worth the watch. Among must-listen songs include the theme song of Broly’s first appearance, the rap-heavy Western opening of Dragon Ball GT, the OG theme of the first series, and the head-bopping beats of the Western opening of Dragon Ball Z.
1
Eternal Sacrifice
Performer: Tendril
Dragon Ball Z: Broly – The Legendary Super Saiyan
Action
Release Date
March 6, 1993
Director
Shigeyasu Yamauchi
Runtime
72 Minutes
Studio
Toei Animation
The original somber melody of “Eternal Sacrifice” teased the sheer menace of Broly as the Legendary Super Saiyan in the Funimation dub of his debut. However, vocals from the rock band Tendril increased the tension in a way not many Dragon Ball openings managed to do. Both its instrumental and vocal versions hit hard in terms of ambiance, with almost no pause on its build-up.
While this seems hardcore for a shonen anime at first glance, events in the film would eventually make “Eternal Sacrifice” quite perfect for what Dragon Ball Z: Broly – The Legendary Super Saiyan represented at the time. With a threat like Broly unbelievably dominating the combined forces of the Z-Warriors and their Super Saiyans, the theme song fulfills its purpose by reminding fans to keep themselves on the edge of their seats.
2
Step Into The Grand Tour (Dragon Ball GT)
Performer: Marcus Hall
- Release Date: 1996
- Genres: Action, Adventure, Comedy
- Studio: Toei Animation
- Number of Episodes: 64
Compared to the soulful “Dan Dan Kokoro Hikarete Ku” that Dragon Ball GT is best known for, the Funimation dub of the series treated fans with the edgier “Step Into The Grand Tour” as its first opening song. Carrying the same rock aesthetic as “Rock the Dragon” and head-bopping tunes akin to other English-dubbed anime like Yu-Gi-Oh! and Shaman King, the overall tone of “Step Into The Grand Tour” also added tension to Goku’s new adventures with his granddaughter Pan and nephew Trunks.
However, Marcus Hall’s rap throughout the song sets “Step Into The Grand Tour” apart from other action-themed OPs. Unlike other high-octane theme songs that often feature repetitive lyrics, “Step Into The Grand Tour” features lyrics with story cues. This makes the song more akin to the Danny Phantom theme song, this time with Goku’s exploits.
3
Gotta Find That Dragon Ball
Performer: David Steele
Dragon Ball
ActionComedyAdventure
Release Date
February 26, 1986
Studio
Toei Animation
Number of Episodes
153
As the original Dragon Ball story is inspired by Journey to the West, it’s no surprise that Goku’s exploits in a world where fantasy, martial arts, and sci-fi meet will end up in crazy shenanigans. For viewers, though, a crazy day with Goku is just an ordinary episode. It’s this “chill” quality that “Gotta Find That Dragon Ball” radiates, courtesy of David Steele’s vocals and just the general ambiance of the synth melody.
Contrary to more recent Dragon Ball theme songs that feature a lot of Super Saiyan action, the more toned-down premise of Dragon Ball allowed “Gotta Find That Dragon Ball” to showcase the allure of Goku’s original adventures. Yamcha is less of a joke, Tien is a more menacing figure, and Bulma is the ever-resourceful companion who always has a way out of trouble.
4
Fight It Out!! (Dragon Ball Z Kai: The Final Chapters)
Performer: Masatoshi Ono
- Release Date: 2014
- Genres: Action, Adventure, Comedy
- Studio: Toei Europe, Funimation
- Number of Episodes: 69
While the Majin Buu Saga of the abridged Dragon Ball Z Kai is merely among its final episodes, its international release under this edited version would be dubbed Dragon Ball Z Kai: The Final Chapters. Along with this tease of Goku’s final adventures is an appropriately high-octane theme song, courtesy of “Fight It Out!!” as interpreted by Masatoshi Ono.
The song immediately begins with a sense of finality. This climactic build-up explodes into teases such as Goku fighting Majin Vegeta, Goten and Trunks fusing into Gotenks, and even Super Saiyan 3 Goku facing Kid Buu. The techno-pop-esque nature of the song is already enough to make viewers feel pumped, but its head-bopping melody that may remind viewers of Kenny Loggins’ “Danger Zone” can give the song a significant boost in appeal.
5
Rock The Dragon
Performer: Jeremy Sweet
Dragon Ball Z (1989)
ActionAdventureComedy
Release Date
April 26, 1989
Studio
Toei Animation
Number of Episodes
291
Considered the “OG” Ocean Group dubs theme song throughout the first few Dragon Ball Z arcs (Raditz Saga to the Namek Saga, sometimes until the end of the Frieza Saga), “Rock the Dragon” immediately builds tension at the onset and teases action-packed scenes featuring the more adult version of Goku. Composed by Shuki Levy and Haim Saban while performed by Jeremy Sweet, “Rock the Dragon” sets itself apart from the more rhythmic “Cha-La Head-Cha-La” with a punk-esque vibrance unique even when compared to future songs.
Interestingly enough, “Rock the Dragon” does fit the beginning arcs of Dragon Ball Z, where complicated martial arts still become the norm before slowly being phased out by transforming villains. Enemies still “rocked” swords and relied on Ki, instead of Power Levels, scouters, and ancient space myths. While “Rock the Dragon” ends just after the Frieza Saga, it remains an iconic enough theme song indicative of the start of Goku’s adult years.
6
Chozetsu Dynamic
Performer: Kazuya Yoshii
Dragon Ball Super
ActionAdventure
Release Date
July 5, 2015
Studio
Toei Animation
Number of Episodes
131
For all intents and purposes, “Chozetsu Dynamic” does fit the rather simple, low-stakes, and rather comedic take of Dragon Ball Super. And while it grows on listeners after a few run-throughs, seeing this exact song being used in the much darker arcs of Super like the Goku Black Arc really didn’t help to showcase its allure.
It’s by all means an entertaining opening to watch. New visuals of Goku and Vegeta are a delight to see, as well as the rest of the gang going back for new adventures in this official sequel. And while “Chozetsu Dynamic” is a great method of showcasing this level of optimism in the first few episodes of the anime, it can get quite old too fast.
7
Kuu-Zen-Zetsu-Go (Dragon Ball Z Kai)
Performer: Takayoshi Tanimoto
- Release Date: 2009
- Genres: Action, Adventure, Comedy
- Studio: Toei Animation
- Number of Episodes: 167
Translated as “Airy First and Absolute Last,” “Kuu-Zen-Zetsu-Go” serves as the second opening of Dragon Ball Z Kai and was made specifically for the Majin Buu Saga. And while the opening itself is catchy, it lacks a certain degree of luster compared to the other openings of the series. Now featuring the five main Saiyans of the series, Goku as well as Vegeta, Gohan, Trunks, and Goten zoom towards new threats – the wizard Babidi, Dabura, and the enigmatic Majin Buu.
The thing is, compared to the other openings, Dragon Ball Z Kai held no stops showcasing the modernization of animation in the visuals. While this isn’t bad per se, it does feel too “generic” for a shonen anime to have its visual effects. It doesn’t help that Dragon Ball did inspire a lot of shonen anime for their arcs and famous tropes, making the experience not as magical as other openings in the series.
8
We Gotta Power
Performer: Hironobu Kageyama
When things started getting more serious in Dragon Ball Z – both in terms of art style and the stakes for each fight with the Cell Saga and the Majin Buu Saga, things just became ripe for yet another song. This was the role “We Gotta Power” had for Episodes 200 to 291 for the series. Again by the powerhouse that is Hironobu Kageyama, this song is a more action-packed take on the series.
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This take is appropriate, especially with Gohan now essentially an adult Gohan going into college. The opening begins with Gohan dressing up as his alter-ego Saiyaman, as well as the introduction of new arrivals such as Goten, Videl, and even Trunks. The anime showcases a lot of spectacular Super Saiyan action and quite a lot of emphasis on Gohan, especially for the majority of the series where Goku is in the Afterlife. And for the part of the series where Gohan takes the helm as Earth’s protector, this is a fitting change of pace.
9
Genkai Toppa x Survivor
Performer: Kiyoshi Hikawa
When it’s the entire Universe that’s hanging in the balance, it’s a song like “Genkai Toppa X Survivor” by Kiyoshi Hikawa that becomes the perfect song to encapsulate all of its suspense. Translated as “Limit Break X Survivor,” it’s a song that indeed tries to surpass its limits. Starting with an intense fight between Goku and his Universe Saga rival Jiren, “Genkai Toppa X Survivor” shows that this DB Super arc shows no stops.
The series also shows some of Goku’s primary allies in the endeavor – from classics such as Master Roshi, Tien, Piccolo, Krillin, and Android 18, to newcomers such as Majin Buu and Android 17. Not only that, but the opening also shows new characters in the fray, such as Frost, Kale, and Caulifla. What’s more impressive is how fans get an awesome shot of SSJB Goku giving all he’s got in a fight against Jiren near the end!
10
Makafushigi Adventure
Performer: Hiroki Takahashi
Nothing is perhaps more iconic than the song that started it all. Since the first episode of the original Dragon Ball anime aired in 1986, it’s “Makafushigi Adventure!” by Hiroki Takahashi became its opening track. Meaning “Mystical Adventure!,” the song and the accompanying visuals immediately start upbeat and seek to drag fans. The Dragon Balls were immediately a highlight of the visuals, as they’re seen orbiting the sun and then down on Earth as a younger Goku demonstrates his martial arts prowess while riding his signature Flying Nimbus.
Alongside cheerful Goku is his host of friends – Bulma with her high-tech gear, the gleeful Master Roshi, and even allies such as Krillin, Yamcha, Tien, and Chiaotzu. What’s perhaps impressive about “Makafushigi Adventure!” is how the visuals also adjust as the story goes along. With multiple versions across the anime’s entire 153-episode run, the song is always a fitting musical piece to accompany the opening.
11
Dragon Soul
Performer: Takayoshi Tanimoto
Serving as the opening of Dragon Ball Z Kai is “Dragon Soul” by Takayoshi Tanimoto, and its cheerful and upbeat tune is a perfect way to encapsulate the shortened but equally intense tone of the abridged Dragon Ball format. While not as action-packed as the likes of “Cha-La,” the opening to accompany “Dragon Soul” is equally immersive.
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Starting with the fleshed-out visuals, Dragon Soul immediately begins with Shenron on the centerpiece of dark skies and cackling lightning, and then Goku and the gang zoom in to meet the threat. It transitions to bluer skies with Goku and Gohan training, as well as Goku and Vegeta fighting on Earth with the threat of Freeza looming over the horizon.
12
Dan Dan Kokoro Hiraketeku
Performer: Field Of View
For a song that is more of a ballad than containing action-packed mayhem, “Dan Dan Kokoro Hiraketeku” by Field Of View serves as the theme song for Dragon Ball GT. And for a time when fans thought Dragon Ball GT was the anime to cap off the series, Dan Dan was the perfect song to send the series off.
Despite the controversy regarding Dragon Ball GT’s story, Dan Dan became quite the powerful ballad to accompany the series as it tried returning to the series’ roots – an intergalactic adventure to search for the Dragon Balls. Even the animation has a lot of analogous animations with the previous openings of the series, primarily the first Dragon Ball – such as Goku, Trunks, and Pan flying around in circles, the rest of Goku’s family on high-tech gear, and an ominous view of Shenron and the Dragon Balls looming over the horizon.
13
Cha-La-Head-Cha-La
Performer: Hironobu Kageyama
If there’s anything that says an opening song is iconic, it’s perhaps when the time comes that said song is used for almost 200 episodes, and yet it never gets old – and this is the prestige that “Cha-La Head-Cha-La” by Hironobu Kageyama holds. Any anime fan who hears of the title will probably remember the song, as it’s such a headbanger to begin with.
There are around four versions of the Dragon Ball Z opening to accompany the song – the first one with the Saiyan Saga, the Freeza Saga, the Cell Saga, and the one for the 2008 OVA. And while the first three versions have slight changes in visuals aside from Goku’s techniques with the arrival of key figures such as Nappa and Vegeta, as well as Future Trunks, the fourth one is a heartfelt tribute with a key family scene where Ox-King eats with Gohan and Goten, and another with Goten and Trunks on their adventures. Was it mentioned that this song was used for the first 199 episodes of Dragon Ball Z?
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Fuente: successacademy.edu.vn
Categorías: Anime
