Broly, the Legendary Super Saiyan, has become a cornerstone of the Dragon Ball franchise. His overwhelming power and intimidating presence have captivated audiences for decades. Understanding the number of movies featuring Broly, however, can be a little confusing due to the existence of different versions and timelines. Let’s delve into the world of Broly and explore his cinematic appearances in detail.
The Original Broly: A 90s Powerhouse
The original Broly, introduced in the 1990s, is the version most fans associate with the character’s initial rise to fame. This Broly, often referred to as the Z Broly, is characterized by his uncontrollable rage and immense strength fueled by a deep-seated hatred for Goku, stemming from their shared nursery. His story unfolds across several films, showcasing his destructive potential and the Z Fighters’ desperate attempts to contain him.
Broly: The Legendary Super Saiyan (1993)
This is where it all began. “Broly: The Legendary Super Saiyan” introduced viewers to Paragus, Broly’s father, and the Saiyan’s extraordinary, almost limitless power. Paragus manipulates Broly, using a mind-control device to keep his son’s destructive tendencies in check and ultimately seeking revenge on Vegeta. The movie showcases Broly’s sheer power as he effortlessly defeats the Z Fighters, forcing Goku to push himself beyond his limits. It established Broly as a major threat to the entire universe. The animation style is classic 90s Dragon Ball Z, with vibrant colors and exaggerated expressions, contributing to the film’s overall impact. The plot, while straightforward, effectively highlights the danger Broly poses and the desperation of the heroes.
Broly: Second Coming (1994)
Following his defeat in the first movie (though not a complete defeat, more of a near-death experience), Broly returns in “Broly: Second Coming.” This time, he crash-lands on Earth and is frozen in ice for seven years. His dormant power reacts to Goten’s cries, triggering his transformation and unleashing him upon Earth once more. This film focuses more on Goten and Trunks’ struggle against Broly, with Goku eventually appearing to deliver the final blow (with some help from Gohan). While not as critically acclaimed as the first Broly movie, it further cemented Broly’s status as a formidable villain. It also introduces a supernatural element with Broly’s resurrection, suggesting a unique level of Saiyan power.
Bio-Broly (1994)
Often considered the weakest of the original Broly trilogy, “Bio-Broly” sees Broly’s DNA used to create a bio-engineered clone. This clone, while possessing some of Broly’s immense power, is ultimately unstable and grotesque. Goten, Trunks, Android 18, and Krillin are forced to confront this mutated version of the Legendary Super Saiyan. “Bio-Broly” deviates significantly from the previous two films in terms of plot and tone. The bio-engineered aspect adds a science fiction element to the Dragon Ball universe, which wasn’t always well-received. The movie is often criticized for its lower animation quality and somewhat uninspired storyline.
Therefore, the original Broly (Z Broly) appears in a total of three movies. These movies, released in quick succession, established Broly as a fan favorite and a terrifying force to be reckoned with.
The New Broly: A Modern Interpretation
In 2018, Broly was reintroduced to the Dragon Ball canon in the film “Dragon Ball Super: Broly.” This movie reimagines Broly’s origins and motivations, presenting him as a more sympathetic character. This new Broly, sometimes called Super Broly, is a completely separate entity from the original, existing within the Dragon Ball Super timeline.
Dragon Ball Super: Broly (2018)
“Dragon Ball Super: Broly” marks a significant departure from the original Broly’s portrayal. This film retells Broly’s origin story, depicting him as a Saiyan exiled by King Vegeta due to his immense potential. He is raised by his father, Paragus, in harsh conditions, fostering his incredible power but also leaving him emotionally vulnerable. The movie portrays Broly as a victim of circumstance, manipulated by his father and Frieza. His battles against Goku and Vegeta are visually stunning and emotionally charged. The animation is a significant upgrade from the older movies, showcasing the advancements in animation technology. “Dragon Ball Super: Broly” is the only movie featuring this modern, canonized version of Broly. The movie humanizes Broly, making him a more complex and relatable character.
Broly Movie Count: A Summary
So, to answer the central question:
- The original Broly (Z Broly) appears in three movies: “Broly: The Legendary Super Saiyan,” “Broly: Second Coming,” and “Bio-Broly.”
- The new Broly (Super Broly) appears in one movie: “Dragon Ball Super: Broly.”
Therefore, depending on which version you’re referring to, Broly appears in either three movies or one movie. In total, combining both versions, there are four movies featuring Broly.
Distinguishing Between the Brolys
It’s crucial to differentiate between the two versions of Broly to avoid confusion. The original Broly is a one-dimensional villain driven by pure rage and a bizarre hatred for Goku. The new Broly, on the other hand, is a much more nuanced character, a victim of circumstance manipulated by those around him.
Key Differences in Character Design and Story
The original Broly is portrayed as a hulking, muscular Saiyan with a menacing grin and a single-minded focus on destruction. His backstory is relatively simple: he was born with an exceptionally high power level and developed a deep-seated hatred for Goku due to their proximity in the Saiyan nursery.
The new Broly has a more refined design, with a more human-like face and a less overtly villainous appearance. His backstory is significantly more fleshed out, exploring his relationship with his father and the circumstances that led to his exile. This Broly is portrayed as a reluctant warrior, forced into battle by his father’s ambition and Frieza’s machinations.
Differences in Power and Abilities
While both versions of Broly possess immense power, their abilities and transformations differ. The original Broly’s Legendary Super Saiyan form is characterized by his towering size, green hair, and seemingly limitless energy.
The new Broly’s transformations are more in line with the established Super Saiyan forms, progressing from a Wrathful state to a unique Super Saiyan form with green hair. He also demonstrates the ability to adapt and grow stronger during battle, a trait common among Saiyans.
The Impact of Broly on the Dragon Ball Franchise
Regardless of the specific version, Broly has left an undeniable mark on the Dragon Ball franchise. His overwhelming power and iconic design have made him a popular character among fans worldwide.
Broly’s Enduring Popularity
Broly’s popularity stems from several factors. His sheer power makes him a compelling threat to the Z Fighters, raising the stakes and forcing them to push their limits. His imposing physical presence and menacing demeanor contribute to his overall appeal as a villain. The tragic elements of the new Broly’s story have resonated with fans, adding depth and complexity to the character. He represents untamed power and the potential for both destruction and redemption.
Broly in Other Media
Beyond the movies, Broly has appeared in various other forms of Dragon Ball media, including video games, manga, and anime. He is a frequent character in the Dragon Ball video game series, often appearing as a playable character with unique abilities and transformations. His presence in these other media further solidifies his status as a major figure in the Dragon Ball universe. In the Super Dragon Ball Heroes promotional anime, different versions of Broly, including a Super Saiyan 4 version, have appeared, showcasing the character’s enduring popularity and adaptability.
The Future of Broly
With the success of “Dragon Ball Super: Broly,” it’s likely that the new Broly will continue to play a role in the Dragon Ball Super storyline. His integration into the canon universe opens up possibilities for future appearances and character development.
Potential Future Appearances
There’s speculation that Broly might join the Z Fighters as an ally, using his immense power to protect Earth from future threats. His character arc in “Dragon Ball Super: Broly” suggests a path towards redemption, making him a potential asset to the team. The ending of “Dragon Ball Super: Broly” teases further training and development for the character, implying that he will continue to grow stronger and evolve.
Broly’s Continued Relevance
Broly’s enduring popularity ensures his continued relevance in the Dragon Ball franchise. Whether he remains a powerful antagonist or becomes a valuable ally, Broly’s presence will undoubtedly add excitement and intrigue to future Dragon Ball stories. His journey from a vengeful Saiyan to a potentially heroic figure is a compelling narrative that resonates with fans, solidifying his place as one of the most iconic characters in the Dragon Ball universe. He embodies the themes of power, control, and the potential for change, making him a dynamic and engaging character to watch.
How many different versions of Broly are there in the Dragon Ball franchise?
There are technically three distinct versions of Broly within the Dragon Ball universe. The first and most widely recognized is the original Broly, the Legendary Super Saiyan, who debuted in the non-canon Dragon Ball Z movies. He is known for his immense power, uncontrollable rage, and relentless pursuit of Goku. This version is often referred to as Z Broly.
The second version is Broly, introduced in the 2018 film “Dragon Ball Super: Broly,” which is canon to the Dragon Ball Super storyline. This Broly has a completely different backstory and personality, being more sympathetic and less inherently evil than his Z counterpart. Finally, there is an alternate, female version named Kale who mirrors Broly’s Legendary Super Saiyan transformations in Dragon Ball Super, though she is a separate character entirely.
Which Broly movies are considered canon to the Dragon Ball timeline?
Only one Broly movie is considered canon to the official Dragon Ball timeline: “Dragon Ball Super: Broly,” released in 2018. This film was written by Akira Toriyama, the creator of Dragon Ball, and its events are integrated into the ongoing Dragon Ball Super storyline. The film re-imagines Broly’s origin and introduces him as a character with a more nuanced and sympathetic background.
The previous three Broly movies, “Dragon Ball Z: Broly – The Legendary Super Saiyan,” “Dragon Ball Z: Broly – Second Coming,” and “Dragon Ball Z: Bio-Broly,” are all non-canon. While entertaining, they exist outside the main Dragon Ball continuity and do not impact the events of the main series, manga, or Dragon Ball Super.
What are the names of all the Broly movies in the Dragon Ball franchise?
The Broly-centric movies in the Dragon Ball franchise, in chronological order of release, are: “Dragon Ball Z: Broly – The Legendary Super Saiyan” (1993), “Dragon Ball Z: Broly – Second Coming” (1994), “Dragon Ball Z: Bio-Broly” (1994), and “Dragon Ball Super: Broly” (2018). These films feature Broly as either the primary antagonist or a central character.
It’s important to note the distinction between the Dragon Ball Z movies and the Dragon Ball Super movie. The first three belong to the non-canon Dragon Ball Z timeline, while “Dragon Ball Super: Broly” is officially part of the Dragon Ball Super canon, and directly connects to the events of the Dragon Ball Super anime and manga series.
What is the storyline of the non-canon Broly movies?
In “Dragon Ball Z: Broly – The Legendary Super Saiyan,” Broly is introduced as a Saiyan with immense power, driven by a deep-seated hatred for Goku stemming from their shared nursery during infancy. He is controlled by his father, Paragus, who uses him to exact revenge on Vegeta. Broly eventually breaks free of his father’s control and wreaks havoc until he is defeated by Goku and his allies.
The sequels, “Dragon Ball Z: Broly – Second Coming” and “Dragon Ball Z: Bio-Broly,” depict Broly’s return after being seemingly killed in the first movie. In “Second Coming,” he is frozen in ice and later awakened, continuing his rampage until ultimately defeated by Goku, Gohan, and Goten. “Bio-Broly” features a clone of Broly created through bio-technology, which mutates into a monstrous form before being destroyed.
How does the canon Broly differ from the non-canon Broly?
The canon Broly, introduced in “Dragon Ball Super: Broly,” is vastly different from his non-canon counterpart. He is portrayed as a more sympathetic character, a Saiyan who was exiled from Planet Vegeta by King Vegeta out of fear of his immense power. He is raised in a harsh environment with his father, Paragus, who seeks revenge against Vegeta, but Broly himself is not inherently evil.
In contrast, the non-canon Broly is depicted as a psychopathic and destructive force driven by an irrational hatred for Goku. He is portrayed as a nearly unstoppable killing machine with little depth or complexity. The canon Broly’s power stems from his untapped potential and ability to adapt and grow stronger in battle, while the non-canon Broly’s power seems almost innate and unchanging, a raw and overwhelming force.
Will Broly appear in future Dragon Ball Super content?
Given that Broly was reintroduced into the Dragon Ball canon through “Dragon Ball Super: Broly,” it is highly likely that he will appear in future Dragon Ball Super content. The movie ended with Broly under the watchful eye of Goku and Vegeta, hinting at the potential for him to be trained and eventually fight alongside them.
The character’s immense popularity and the setup established in the movie strongly suggest that Broly will play a significant role in future storylines, potentially as an ally or even a rival for Goku and Vegeta. His continued presence would allow for further exploration of his character and his integration into the Dragon Ball Super universe.
Are there any female versions of Broly in the Dragon Ball franchise?
While there is no explicitly female version of Broly named “Broly,” the character Kale in Dragon Ball Super is considered to be a female counterpart to the Legendary Super Saiyan transformation. Kale is a shy and timid Saiyan from Universe 6 who, upon unleashing her hidden power, transforms into a Berserker Super Saiyan, closely resembling the non-canon Broly’s hulking form and uncontrollable rage.
Although Kale is a separate character with her own unique background and personality, her transformation and fighting style are heavily inspired by the original Broly. Her presence in Dragon Ball Super serves as an homage to the popular villain and offers a fresh take on the Legendary Super Saiyan archetype within the context of the series’ multiverse.