Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods

Years after the last universe shaking conflict, a god of immense power wakes from a long slumber. He learns the galaxy has faced no greater threat since his arrival, and Earth is suddenly in his sights. Goku, eager for a challenge, confronts the divine visitor with a grin and reckless resolve, only to find himself clearly outmatched. The God of Destruction departs, leaving a chilling line that hints at a larger reckoning yet to come. With the peace of Earth at stake, Goku, Vegeta and friends rally to understand this new force, while Whis and Beerus's presence shifts the balance of power and tone. The film follows their efforts to avert catastrophe without spoiling the setup or the surprises ahead.

Directed by Masahiro Hosoda, the film is written by Yusuke Watanabe from a story by Akira Toriyama, based on his Dragon Ball manga. It expands the Dragon Ball Z universe and released in Japan in 2013, by Toei Animation worldwide.

The movie earned about $50,461,371 worldwide, drawing spectators across Asia, Europe, and North America and signaling solid cross cultural appeal for the Dragon Ball franchise, with fans returning for the high energy battles and colorful visuals on big screen releases.

Beerus and Whis emerged as standout elements, shaping the tone of the franchise for years. Their blend of cosmic threat and casual humor helped steer Dragon Ball toward a global, serialized tone in Dragon Ball Super, fueling memes, character debates, and new marketing momentum. The era influenced toys and events.

Critics praised the film for its brisk pacing and accessible scale, even as some called out fan service. The story leans into power and responsibility, highlighting teamwork among allies when extraordinary beings test their limits and the importance of protecting friends and Earth, and newcomers find it approachable for many.