Dragon Ball Z: The World's Strongest

An obsessed scientist named Dr Kochin uses the Dragon Balls to revive his mentor Dr Wheelo, who has slept in a sealed chamber for decades. Wheelo craves the body of the planet’s strongest fighter to serve as a new host, and he fixates on Master Roshi as the starting target. To spring him loose, Wheelo and Kochin abduct Bulma and compel Roshi to surrender to save her. When Goku learns of the rescue mission, he travels to intercept the plan and protect his friends. The battle pits cutting edge science against pure martial arts, setting a frantic pace and high stakes for everyone involved. While it speeds through action set pieces, it also hints at questions about power and responsibility that would echo in later films.

Directed by Daisuke Nishio, with story by Akira Toriyama and Takao Koyama, this 1990 Dragon Ball Z feature marks the franchise's first theatrical outing, expanding the series beyond television with cinematic scale and new battles that push the limits of animation.

Box office figures show a modest reception, with worldwide gross around 1.0 million dollars. The film performed respectably for a first ever Dragon Ball Z theatrical release, helping establish a path for future feature films and a wider fan base.

Being the inaugural Dragon Ball Z film, it helped set the template for how anime movies could sit beside the TV saga. Its visuals, voice cast and high energy confrontations became signature touchstones for fans and influenced later adaptations, merchandise, and the franchise's international expansion, drawing new audiences worldwide. It also boosted attention to voice actors and helped establish a crossover appeal between young viewers and long time Dragon Ball fans.

Critics welcomed its brisk action and the way it blends sci fi ideas with martial arts energy, while fans enjoyed the film's humor and the sense that Dragon Ball Z could grow beyond television. The story weighs power against loyalty, and tech against mysticism, all presented with bold visuals and a fast pace that sparked continued enthusiasm.