Dickens & Rumi
Cover of Dragonball Evolution

film

Dragonball Evolution

2009

On his 18th birthday, Goku receives a mystical Dragonball as a gift from his grandfather. There are only six others like it in the whole world, and legend has it that whoever possesses all seven will be granted one perfect wish. When the arrival of a dark force triggers a tragedy, Goku and his companions are propelled into an epic quest to collect the seven Dragonballs and save the Earth from destruction.

Ages 12+Source checked

Why this age? The film contains moderate martial arts violence, fantasy peril, and sequences involving death and destruction that are better suited for pre-teens and older viewers. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age12+

Strongest cautions

  • Violence4/5
  • Death of a character3/5
  • Frightening scenes3/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience3/5
  • Creativity & curiosity2/5
  • Diverse representation2/5

What’s in it?

Products & advertising2/5
Why this rating?

The film is based on a major manga franchise, but the supplied material does not indicate prominent in-story product placement or buying pressure.

Death of a character3/5
Why this rating?

Goku's grandfather dies after the home attack, and Roshi is apparently choked to death before being restored by the Dragonballs.

Graphic injury1/5
Why this rating?

Includes minor injuries, scuffles, and depictions of characters being defeated or knocked unconscious.

Strong language1/5
Why this rating?

Contains infrequent mild language.

Religious themes1/5
Why this rating?

The story uses mystical legends, enchantments, Dragonballs, and a wish-granting dragon, but organized religion is not central.

Romance2/5
Why this rating?

Goku has a crush on Chi-Chi, attends her party, apologizes after harming her, and they begin a playful sparring relationship.

Frightening scenes3/5
Why this rating?

Dark supernatural villains, monsters, destroyed homes, peril, possession-like transformation, and threats to Earth create sustained fantasy tension.

Sexual content & nudity1/5
Why this rating?

Contains very mild innuendo typical of teen-oriented action movies.

Violence4/5
Why this rating?

Frequent martial-arts fights, ambushes, energy attacks, destruction, shootings, and a final battle against a world-threatening villain.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience3/5
Why this rating?

Teenage Goku and his companions repeatedly confront dangerous enemies and risk their lives to save others and Earth.

Creativity & curiosity2/5
Why this rating?

Mystical Dragonballs, energy powers, transformations, invented tracking technology, and imaginative world-building drive the adventure.

Diverse representation2/5
Why this rating?

The cast features international actors, though the adaptation faced significant criticism regarding source-material accuracy.

Kindness & empathy2/5
Why this rating?

Companions cooperate, protect one another, and revive Roshi; kindness is present but secondary to the quest and battles.

Positive messages2/5
Why this rating?

Teamwork, responsibility, perseverance, protecting others, and correcting mistakes are positive themes, though revenge and combat drive the plot.

Good role models2/5
Why this rating?

Goku and companions show loyalty, courage, and willingness to protect others, while some rely on fighting and make dangerous choices.

Family discussion

Talk about it

Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What did courage look like in this story? Was being brave always the same as being fearless?
  2. How did the story handle conflict or violence? Did the characters have other choices?
  3. Which choice in Dragonball Evolution would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in Dragonball Evolution, and what caused that change?
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These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

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