Dragon Ball Z: Wrath of the Dragon

Toei Animation Summer 1995
7.4
Quality Score
0.81 (Positive)
Audience Mood
4 / 10
Controversy
91,337
MAL Ratings

Synopsis — from MyAnimeList

The Z Warriors discover an unopenable music box and are told to open it with the dragon balls. The contents turn out to be a warrior named Tapion who had sealed himself inside along with a monster called Hildegarn. Goku must now perfect a new technique to defeat the evil monster.

Audience Consensus

Audience sentiment is largely positive, with many hailing it as one of the best DBZ movies due to its unique story, strong character development, and high-quality animation. While some critiques point to a weak main villain and less engaging fight choreography at times, these are generally seen as minor flaws in an otherwise enjoyable and well-crafted film.

Strengths

  • Amazing animation and art style, with crisp colors and beautiful details.
  • Strong character development for Tapion and Trunks, making them relatable and compelling.
  • Unique story that deviates from the standard DBZ formula, offering a fresh experience.
  • The introduction of Goku's Dragon Fist technique is a memorable and impactful moment.
  • Excellent sound design, including memorable music and fitting voice acting for new characters.
  • The film fits well into the main DBZ timeline, acting as a satisfying epilogue.

Weaknesses

  • The main antagonist, Hildegarn, lacks personality and depth beyond being a destructive force.
  • Some fight sequences, particularly against Hildegarn, can become repetitive and less engaging.
  • The plot can feel rushed in parts, with some generic backstory elements for new characters.
  • The resolution for Hildegarn's defeat feels like an asspull and wasn't foreshadowed.
  • The use of secondary characters like Goten and Vegeta feels like fan service or underdeveloped.
  • Shenron granting only one wish instead of three is a minor plot convenience for runtime.