Movies like Dragon Ball: The Magic Begins (1991)
The best movies like Dragon Ball: The Magic Begins (1991) are A Chinese Odyssey Part One: Pandora's Box (1995), Zu: Warriors from the Magic Mountain (1983) and The Forbidden Kingdom (2008). If Dragon Ball: The Magic Begins hooked you with its action and adventure, these 30 similar films are what to watch next, and every pick says why it matches.
Quick picks
- Highest ratedA Chinese Odyssey Part Two: Cinderella (1995)7.7/10 from 278 votes
- NewestThe Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim (2024)Released 2024
- In ChineseJourney to the West: Conquering the Demons (2013)Also in Chinese
A Chinese Odyssey Part One: Pandora's Box (1995)
When the Goddess of Happiness tosses the Longevity Monk and his disciples out of heaven (because the Monkey King tried to attain immortality), the Monkey King is reincarnated as the Joker. He now spends his time chasing two jealous women. When one of them is dying, the Joker goes back in time in an attempt to save her.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both action & adventure
Worth the HypeMovies like thisZu: Warriors from the Magic Mountain (1983)
5th century western China: As constant civil wars scars the nation, to evade death, Ti, a young scout, jumps through a crevice in the Zu mountains where he becomes entangled in a great battle against the Blood Demon, a supernatural entity seeking to wreak havoc upon the world.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both fantasy & action
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Forbidden Kingdom (2008)
An American teenager who is obsessed with Hong Kong cinema and kung-fu classics makes an extraordinary discovery in a Chinatown pawnshop: the legendary stick weapon of the Chinese sage and warrior, the Monkey King. With the lost relic in hand, the teenager unexpectedly finds himself travelling back to ancient China to join a crew of warriors from martial arts lore on a dangerous quest to free the imprisoned Monkey King.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both action & adventure
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisGod of Gamblers III: Back to Shanghai (1991)
While battling a psychic gambler, Sing hurtles back in time to 1937 Shanghai. Now he must come to grips with his family history and get back to 1991.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both action & comedy
Worth the HypeMovies like thisKung Fu Hustle (2004)
It's the 1940s, and the notorious Axe Gang terrorizes Shanghai. Small-time criminals Sing and Bone hope to join, but they only manage to make lots of very dangerous enemies. Fortunately for them, kung fu masters and hidden strength can be found in unlikely places. Now they just have to take on the entire Axe Gang.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both action & comedy
Worth the HypeMovies like thisDragon Ball Z: Fusion Reborn (1995)
Not paying attention to his job, a young demon allows the evil cleansing machine to overflow and explode, turning the young demon into the infamous monster Janemba. Goku and Vegeta make solo attempts to defeat the monster, but realize their only option is fusion.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both action
Worth the HypeMovies like thisJourney to the West: Conquering the Demons (2013)
In a world plagued by demons who cause great human suffering, young demon hunter Tang Sanzang must fight against monstrous demons, as well as contend with a beautiful demon hunting woman on his path to enlightenment.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both action & fantasy
Worth the HypeMovies like thisDragon Ball: Curse of the Blood Rubies (1986)
The great King Gurumes is searching for the Dragon Balls in order to put a stop to his endless hunger. A young girl named Pansy who lives in the nearby village has had enough of the treachery and decides to seek Muten Rōshi for assistance. Can our heroes save the village and put a stop to the Gurumes Army?
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both action & adventure
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisNinjago: Masters of Spinjitzu - Day of the Departed (2016)
When Cole returns to Yang's haunted temple to seek revenge on a former Airjitzu Master, he accidentally uses a powerful Dark Magic blade that unleashes the spectral forms of Ninjago's greatest villains and traps himself in the temple. The Ninja must return the ghosts to the Departed Realm before it's too late.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both fantasy & action
Worth the HypeMovies like thisA Chinese Ghost Story III (1991)
100 years after the events of the first film, Buddhist Bai Yun and his disciple Fong journey through a small town to transport a golden idol of Buddha. However, local thieves thwart their journey, forcing them to take shelter at the ghostly Orchid Temple.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both action & comedy
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisFist of the North Star: The Legend of the True Savior: Legend of Raoh-Chapter of Death in Love (2006)
A film adaptation of the Holy Emperor story arc, which primarily depicted the conflict between Kenshiro and Souther. New characters Reina, one of Raoh's army officers who falls in love with him, and her brother Soga, Raoh's advisor, play an important part with much of the plot involving Raoh's relationship with Reina as he conquers the land; most of this portion is new content exclusive to this film. The other side of the story is the retelling of Ken's attempt to save and protect the villagers from Souther's army with the help of Shū. There is also a small subplot of Bart returning to his home.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both action & adventure
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisDragon Ball: Sleeping Princess in Devil's Castle (1987)
Goku and Kuririn are given an assignment by Kame-Sen'nin: "Retrieve the sleeping princess from Lucifer and I will take you as my students." But the mission proves to be more perilous than originally thought.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both action & fantasy
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisDrunken Master (1978)
After getting into trouble, a mischievous young man is sent to train under a brutal, but slovenly old beggar, who teaches him the secret of the Drunken Fist.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both action & comedy
Worth the HypeMovies like thisDouble Dragon (1994)
Two brothers have half of a powerful ancient Chinese talisman. An evil gang leader has the other half, and determines to get the brothers' half and have a complete medallion so he can gain absolute power.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both action & adventure
SnoozefestMovies like thisHoly Flame of the Martial World (1983)
A brother and sister seek vengeance for the death of their parents by honing their martial skills and searching for the legendary Holy Flame sword. To avenge their parents they must fight their way through demons, ghosts, ancient booby-trapped temples, and cultish clans.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both fantasy & action
A Chinese Ghost Story (1987)
A naïve young tax collector for the imperial government winds up spending the night in a haunted temple. There he falls in love with a beautiful woman who, unfortunately, is dead. With the aid of a powerful Daoist Swordsman, he must defeat undead hordes, overcome a sinister Tree Demoness, and descend to the pits of hell, to fight for the spirit he loves.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both fantasy & action
Worth the HypeMovies like thisA Touch of Zen (1970)
Yang Hui-zhen, a mysterious princess on the run from corrupt government officials, is joined in her endeavors by skilled Buddhist monks and an unambitious painter named Gu Sheng-zhai.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both action & adventure
Worth the HypeMovies like thisShaolin Soccer (2001)
A young Shaolin follower reunites with his discouraged brothers to form a soccer team using their martial art skills to their advantage.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both action & comedy
Worth the HypeMovies like thisThe Storm Riders (1998)
Heeding a prophecy, a warlord trains two orphans after killing their parents. But the skills he teaches could lead to his downfall.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both action & adventure
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisYu Yu Hakusho: The Movie - The Golden Seal (1993)
While vacationing, Koenma is kidnapped by a pair of demons known as Koashura and Garuga, who demand the possession of Lord Enma's coveted "Golden Seal." Botan finds Yusuke Urameshi and Kazuma Kuwabara on their summer vacation as well, and asks for their assistance in Koenma's rescue.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both action & adventure
Worth the HypeMovies like thisA Chinese Odyssey Part Two: Cinderella (1995)
This sequel to "Pandora's Box" continues director Jeffrey Lau's adaptation of the Buddhism saga "Journey to the West". Stranded five centuries in the past, Joker Monkey King must battle a variety of monsters, seductive women and super-powered villains to save the dying Pak Jing-Jing.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both action & adventure
Worth the HypeMovies like thisOne Piece: Episode of Chopper Plus: Bloom in the Winter, Miracle Cherry Blossom (2008)
When Nami falls ill, the Straw Hats seek medical care for her on Drum Island. There they meet reindeer doctor Tony Tony Chopper and the Wapol Pirates.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both action & adventure
Worth the HypeMovies like thisDetective Dee and the Mystery of the Phantom Flame (2010)
When the future empress Wu Zetian's two courtiers die in a mysterious fire, she gets Di Renjie, a former detective and rebel, released from prison to solve the mystery of the fire.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both action & adventure
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisDragon Ball: Yo! Son Goku and His Friends Return!! (2008)
Following the defeat of Majin Buu, Son Goku and friends travel to Mr. Satan's newly-opened hotel for an all-you-can-eat banquet, when they are paid a visit by Vegeta's younger brother Tarble. They are informed by Tarble that the terrible brother duo of Abo and Cado have terrorized his planet and are on their way to Earth.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both action & adventure
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisSaga of the Phoenix (1989)
Hell Virgin is granted permission to live on earth for 7 days, if she promises not to cause armageddon whilst she's there. She accepts and tries to enjoy her remaining time. but Hell Concubine has other plans.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both fantasy & action
Fist of the North Star: Legend of Raoh - Chapter of Fierce Fighting (2007)
A film adaptation of the Last Nanto General story arc from the manga, depicting the final battle between Kenshiro and Raoh that led to Kenshiro becoming the successor of Hokuto Shinken. Some events from the manga / anime have been excluded from the story (such as Raoh's fight with Juza) whereas others have been altered or expanded. New content featuring the final battle from Raoh's perspective have been added. This film serves as the follow-up to the first film in the series, which introduced Raoh and Reina's relationship, this time bringing it to a conclusion.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both action & adventure
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisKung Pow: Enter the Fist (2002)
A movie within a movie, created to spoof the martial arts genre. Writer/director Steve Oedekerk uses contemporary characters and splices them into a 1970s kung-fu film, weaving the new and old together. As the main character, The Chosen One, Oedekerk sets off to avenge the deaths of his parents at the hands of kung-fu legend Master Pain. Along the way he encounters some strange characters.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy & action
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim (2024)
A sudden attack by Wulf, a clever and traitorous lord of Rohan seeking vengeance for the death of his father, forces Helm Hammerhand, the King of Rohan, and his people to make a daring last stand in the ancient stronghold of the Hornburg.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both fantasy & adventure
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisBatman and Harley Quinn (2017)
Batman and Nightwing are forced to team with the Joker's sometimes-girlfriend Harley Quinn to stop a global threat brought about by Poison Ivy and Jason Woodrue, the Floronic Man.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both adventure & comedy
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisShang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021)
Shang-Chi must confront the past he thought he left behind when he is drawn into the web of the mysterious Ten Rings organization.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both action & adventure
Worth the HypeMovies like this
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best movies like Dragon Ball: The Magic Begins?
The closest matches to Dragon Ball: The Magic Begins are A Chinese Odyssey Part One: Pandora's Box (1995), Zu: Warriors from the Magic Mountain (1983) and The Forbidden Kingdom (2008). Below are 27 more, each with the reason it matches.
What should I watch after Dragon Ball: The Magic Begins?
People who watched Dragon Ball: The Magic Begins most often go on to A Chinese Odyssey Part One: Pandora's Box (1995), Zu: Warriors from the Magic Mountain (1983) and The Forbidden Kingdom (2008).
What is the highest-rated movie like Dragon Ball: The Magic Begins?
A Chinese Odyssey Part Two: Cinderella (1995), rated 7.7/10 by 278 TMDB users.
What is the newest movie like Dragon Ball: The Magic Begins?
The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim (2024) is the most recent release on this list.
Are there Chinese movies like Dragon Ball: The Magic Begins?
Yes: Journey to the West: Conquering the Demons (2013), A Touch of Zen (1970) and The Storm Riders (1998).
How are movies similar to Dragon Ball: The Magic Begins chosen?
First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside Dragon Ball: The Magic Begins, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.