Welcome to the ultimate dilemma for any anime fan! You have chosen the three titans, the very pillars of the shonen genre: Naruto, One Piece, and Dragon Ball. Deciding what should I watch first out of these monumental series is tough because you are committing to thousands of episodes of action, drama, and world-class storytelling. As an otaku, I can tell you there is no single right answer, but we can explore the best starting point based on what you are looking for.
The Big Three: Which Should You Watch First?
All three series offer a foundational shonen experience, but their pacing, tone, and completion status are what truly set them apart. Your choice often comes down to what kind of viewing experience you want to begin with.
Option 1: The Foundation - Dragon Ball
Dragon Ball is the historical starting line. It is the grandfather of the modern shonen genre, setting the template for everything that followed. If you appreciate seeing how the genre began and want to witness the roots of both Naruto and One Piece, this is your pick. It begins as a lighthearted adventure with martial arts, which then gradually evolves into the epic, world-shaking battles of Dragon Ball Z. It's arguably the most dated in its original run, but it’s a necessary piece of anime history.
Option 2: The Complete Story - Naruto
For many newcomers, Naruto is the ideal choice because it offers a truly complete narrative arc. The core story of Naruto Uzumaki, from a lonely outcast to a beloved Hokage, is fully finished across two main series, Naruto and Naruto Shippuden. While the episode count is still high, the satisfaction of watching a long story with a fixed ending is a major draw. It's character-driven, focuses heavily on themes of loneliness, friendship, and perseverance, and is often cited as a great bridge between older and newer anime styles. If you want a full, resolved journey, start with Naruto.
Option 3: The Epic Adventure - One Piece
One Piece is widely praised for having arguably the deepest lore, most intricate world-building, and most consistently high-quality storytelling of the three. However, it is the longest series by a significant margin and is still ongoing. Starting One Piece first is a massive time commitment, and you'll catch up to the weekly releases long before the story is finished. If you are looking for a fresh feel that focuses more on grand high-seas adventure, unique characters, and massive scope rather than the martial arts focus of the others, this is the one to jump into. Just be prepared for a marathon, not a sprint\!
Final Recommendation: The Fan Consensus
When fans debate which to watch first, two logical paths emerge. If you're overwhelmed by the sheer length, start with a complete, definitive story first. If you want to follow the evolution of the genre, begin at the beginning.
My advice is to try the first few episodes of all three and see which one's vibe hooks you the most. But if you need a firm sequence to commit to, here is the most common fan-recommended viewing order:
- Dragon Ball (Start with the original series)
- Naruto (Complete the full saga for the satisfaction of an ending)
- One Piece (Commit to the greatest ongoing journey)
Regardless of your choice, you are about to embark on an incredible journey filled with unforgettable characters, legendary battles, and deep emotional resonance. Enjoy the ride, fellow fan\!
