Dragon Ball Z: Lord Slug

Earth faces a sudden danger when a formidable Super Namekian named Slug lands with a secret plan to rule the planet. His arrival sets off a wave of deceit, power plays, and rapid battles as he recruits followers and uses cunning technology to weaken Earth’s defenses. The Z Fighters rally to defend their home, facing Slug’s enhanced strength and a new wave of threats that press their teamwork to the limit. Goku and Piccolo push their abilities in intense showdowns, while the younger warriors and allies weigh the cost of war. The story balances humor with fast paced action as the team uncovers Slug's motives and presses for a final stand. Along the way, rivalries flare and new allies emerge.

Directed by Mitsuo Hashimoto, the movie expands the Dragon Ball Z world with a tale from Akira Toriyama. Released in 1991 as part of the original film slate, it showcases the series' signature mix of explosive action and humor.

The film earned 15,218,214 dollars worldwide, a solid showing for a 1990s anime feature and a sign of Dragon Ball Z's expanding appeal. Its release helped pave the path for theatricals and boosted licensing momentum across Asia and the Americas.

Critics and fans noted the brisk tempo, big set pieces, and humor that keeps the film accessible to younger viewers while delivering tense confrontations. The story explores themes of power, responsibility, and the costs of victory through Slug's invasion and the Z Fighters' resolve. Themes also resonate with fans today.

Toei Animation produced the feature with a script drawn from Akira Toriyama's concepts and Mitsuo Hashimoto directing. Dragon Ball Z look remains with fights and character designs. The cast includes Masako Nozawa as Goku, Toshio Furukawa as Piccolo, Mayumi Tanaka as Krillin and Yajirobe, Kenji Utsumi as Slug, formidable foil.