Anyone who is into anime would know Dragon Ball Z (DBZ). It is a Japanese anime television series, a part of the Dragon Ball media franchise. The sequel to the 1986 Dragon Ball anime series, Dragon Ball Z, follows Son Goku in his adult life. Goku and his companions battle with villains to defend the Earth. The villains range from intergalactic space fighters, conquerors, and powerful androids to indestructible magical creatures.
The story also unfolds the life of his son, Gohan, and other characters from Dragon Ball. Dragon Ball Z takes a more serious approach and tone. The popularity of the said series is explosive. Hence, it remains a cultural icon via many adaptations and re-releases. No wonder many are clamoring to stream Dragon Ball Z to binge-watch, especially during this holiday season.
How to Watch Dragon Ball Z on Netflix from Anywhere
What you get to watch on Netflix is based on where you reside. If you’re in the UK, you’ll have access to the Netflix UK library, but if you’re in Japan, you’ll enjoy content from the Netflix Japan library. Due to different distribution rights in various regions, you’ll find certain content unavailable from where you are.
Netflix has an impressive library of anime content. However, Dragon Ball Z seems unavailable even in the Netflix Japan library. Sad but true. While this is a bummer for most, especially since Dragon Ball Z is a classic on its own, other anime series equally shine.
Using a VPN for Dragon Ball Z on Netflix
Many shows I’ve tried to find on Netflix end up seeming like they’re unavailable. It may not mean that Netflix does not have the said content but due to regional restrictions caused by distribution rights of the content in the region you reside. Hence, many use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to help bypass such geo-restrictions.
VPNs are tools that hide your IP by replacing it with another to dupe Netflix into believing that you’re coming in from elsewhere. So, if you wish to watch content only available in Japan, connect to a server in Japan. Doing so circumvents the geo-block issue. Also, VPNs safeguard your data via an encrypted tunnel to thwart prying eyes.
I will use NordVPN to show you how to watch Netflix anime from anywhere. The steps are straightforward (assuming that you have subscribed to Netflix):
Step 1. Purchase a NordVPN Plan
Three subscription plans differ based on your committed time. The longer you are willing to commit, the cheaper the plan becomes. It is good to know that NordVPN’s plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Once you have signed up for NordVPN, you will receive your login credentials through your provided email.
Step 2. Install NordVPN App
You will need to look for the NordVPN app of your platform choice and download it. There are tons of supported platforms available – Android, Linux, Windows, iOS, macOS, Smart TVs, Playstation, and others.
However, If you’re looking for a browser extension for NordVPN, check out Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. Begin the installation and follow through with the onscreen instructions to completion.
Step 3. Run NordVPN and Login
Check your email for your login credentials. Please change your password under ‘Account Preferences.’ Remember your new login details, and then launch NordVPN. Key in your new login credentials.
Step 4. Connect to the Intended Region of the Netflix Library
Upon successful login, there’s a list of servers in the respective countries at the left panel, including recently connected ones. Connect to the ‘United States.’
Step 5. Launch Netflix
Once you’ve successfully connected to a NordVPN US server, launch Netflix. Login to Netflix and binge on all the content that Netflix has to offer! Check out the anime collection that will not disappoint.
Recommended Alternatives to Dragon Ball Z
1. Naruto
Naruto follows the story of Naruto Uzumaki, a young ninja who seeks recognition from his peers. Harboring the spirit of the legendary Nine-Tailed Fox within him, he aspires to be the Hokage, the leader of his village.
At first glance, Dragon Ball Z and Naruto seem different. However, when you venture deep, you’ll realize that there are similar traits between Naruto and Goku, plus the epic action scenes, visually stunning fight attacks, and many others. Available on Netflix Japan and Netflix US.
2. One Piece
One Piece is popularly known as the best seller in the manga series of all time. An intriguing story about a vibrant boy named Monkey D. Luffy who unknowingly consumed a Devil Fruit and inherited rubber material properties. With his band of pirates, he wants to claim the title of King of the Pirates. However, he would first need to find the ‘One Piece.’
Like Dragon Ball Z, there are multitudes of swash-buckling fight scenes, well-thought-out character development, and more. Also, both surround a classic quest plot amidst a fun fantasy setting. Available on Netflix Japan and Netflix US.
3. The Seven Deadly Sins
With a setting similar to the European Middle Ages, The Seven Deadly Sins is about a group of knights representing each of the seven deadly sins. They were framed for plotting a coup in the Liones Kingdom and disbanded. The third princess, Elizabeth Liones, seeks the Seven Deadly Sins’ leader, Meliodas, to help regain control of her kingdom.
Although Dragon Ball Z’s world is vastly different from this series, both anime excel in their incredible action scenes and powerful characters. The Seven Deadly Sins has a perfect blend of battle and character-development plots bringing about memorable characters. Available on Netflix Japan and Netflix US.
4. One Punch Man
Although the hero in One Punch Man is bald (Goku has lots of hair), One Punch Man shares several same traits as Dragon Ball Z – huge muscles, extraordinary powers, and insane fight scenes. One Punch Man, a much-talked-about anime, focuses on Saitama, a superhero who can defeat any opponent with a single punch. Sounds easy. Yes, that’s why he grows bored from a lack of challenge.
One Punch Man, like Dragon Ball Z, delivers a perfect blend of mind-boggling fights trickled with enough comedy to keep you tickled. The characters from both series are quirky with immense power, and they both have complicated psychological struggles. Available on Netflix Japan and Netflix US.
5. Hunter x Hunter
Hunter x Hunter centers around Gon Freecss, who discovers that his father, who abandoned him at a young age, is a world-renowned Hunter. He wants to be like his father, who specializes in treasure hunting, surveying enclaves, or hunting down lawless individuals.
Like Goku, Gon depicts the fearless character who runs headlong into danger while maintaining positive thinking. Gon is on a mission to find his lost father and will not easily give up. The beauty of this anime is watching how the story unfolds, witnessing Gon’s growth, and overcoming adversities with his friends. Available on Netflix US.
Is Netflix any Good for Anime Streaming?
Streaming your favorite anime series on Netflix is summed up in one word – AWESOME. After all, Netflix is the granddaddy when streaming anything online. Having a solid and reliable streaming platform is essential to everyone’s well-being. I am not exaggerating.
After a long day at hard work, how would you feel when you return home, drop on the sofa, and turn on the TV, only to be greeted with a ‘sad face icon’ telling you that the service is unavailable? Your brows curve up, and you scream and scratch your hair in frustration. Your balloon of eagerness cruelly punctures and deflates.
Despite heavy competition from rivals like Disney Plus, Netflix remains the best choice for streaming entertainment of all genres. They offer various familiar network shows, movies, documentaries, anime, and original series that are growing in popularity. What makes Netflix enticing is its commitment to providing new and refreshed content, including anime.
Final Thoughts – Happy Watching!
As you can see, Netflix is impressive as a streaming platform provider. I was disappointed that I could not watch Dragon Ball Z on Netflix. However, there are other equally outstanding anime series worth binging. Remember to use a VPN to unlock the anime you eagerly want to watch. A VPN also shields all your online activities. Hence, use a VPN whenever online.
