IMDb 2.5 2009 HD

Dragonball Evolution

Dragonball Evolution

2009
Action Adventure Fantasy Science Fiction Thriller
85 min PG USA
2.935 / 10
2.5 IMDB

On his 18th birthday, Goku receives a mystical Dragonball as a gift from his grandfather. There are only six others like it in the whole world, and legend…

Personnel // Cast & Crew

Director James Wong
Starring
Justin Chatwin / Chow Yun-Fat / Joon Park / Jamie Chung / Emmy Rossum / James Marsters / Randall Duk Kim / Ernie Hudson

How Viewers Describe This Film

Common themes and sentiments

disappointing generic action fantasy quest bland uninspired adequate rushed hollow misfire forgettable

Reviews

G
Genevieve Dubois
Apr 30, 2026
1.5 / 5
1.5

Dragonball Evolution is a valiant, though ultimately unsuccessful, attempt to bring the iconic saga to the big screen. The film's narrative thrust, revolving around the acquisition of the seven wish-granting Dragonballs, is clear, but its execution feels somewhat…

T
Thomas Abernathy
Apr 30, 2026
2.5 / 5
2.5

This Dragonball adaptation offers a straightforward, action-oriented take on the popular franchise. The plot follows Goku's urgent mission to gather the seven Dragonballs to prevent a global catastrophe, a quest that forms the backbone of the film. While…

I
Isabelle Moreau
Apr 30, 2026
1.0 / 5
1.0

Dragonball Evolution is a perplexing misfire, a live-action adaptation that seems to misunderstand the very essence of its source material. The narrative, centred on Goku's quest for the Dragonballs, feels truncated and lacks the emotional resonance that made…

M
Marcus Bellwether
Apr 30, 2026
2.0 / 5
2.0

As a live-action adaptation, Dragonball Evolution presents a visually competent, albeit narratively thin, adventure. The core concept of the wish-granting Dragonballs is present, driving a familiar hero's journey for Goku. Performances are a mixed bag; Chow Yun-Fat brings…

E
Eleanor Vance
Apr 30, 2026
1.5 / 5
1.5

Dragonball Evolution attempts to translate a beloved anime into live-action, but falters significantly. The pacing feels rushed, with plot points and character developments often sacrificed for generic action sequences. Justin Chatwin's portrayal of Goku lacks the charismatic energy…

FAQs

The Dragonballs are the MacGuffins of the story, seven mystical orbs that hold immense power. Legend states that whoever possesses all seven will have a single, perfect wish granted. Their collection is the driving force behind Goku's epic quest, as they represent both the ultimate prize and the key to saving the world.