Dragon Ball Z: Wrath of the Dragon

An ancient music box triggers a crisis when the Z Warriors realize it can only be opened with the Dragon Balls. Inside the box lies Tapion, a guardian from a forgotten era who has sealed away a colossal, rampaging creature named Hildegarn. As the team confronts the threat, Tapion's mysterious past and his bond to a fabled blade come into play, hinting at a larger destiny than any of them expected. Goku and his friends race to understand the monster's true nature and what it will cost to stop it. To stand a chance, Goku must push beyond his known limits and learn a new technique crafted for the fight ahead. The story blends explosive battles with a tale of sacrifice and legacy.

Directed by Mitsuo Hashimoto, Wrath of the Dragon is a Dragon Ball Z feature drawn from Akira Toriyama's world with a script by Takao Koyama. Released in 1995, the film brings cinematic scale to the series while showcasing Toei Animation's lively animation.

Box office details for Wrath of the Dragon are not widely published, and the film did not receive a traditional theatrical run in all markets. Still, it stands as a key installment that helped extend Dragon Ball Z into theaters and reach fans around the globe.

Tapion and Hildegarn are among the film's enduring elements, appearing in later games and fan works and giving fans a memorable corner of the Dragon Ball mythos. The music box motif and the sword carrying Tapion's burden added emotional heft to the action oriented universe. The title remains a touchstone for fans who grew up with the mid 90s era and helped cement the idea that Dragon Ball Z films can stand beside the TV show in scope.

Critics and fans praised the movie for its brisk pace, dramatic moments, and confident animation. The story foregrounds duty, sacrifice, and the responsibility that comes with power, while the ensemble of Z Fighters demonstrates teamwork under pressure. The film holds a solid 7.3 out of 10 from 768 votes, reflecting a favorable but not universally acclaimed response.