Completed
“Bardock, Goku's father, receives visions that shatter Saiyan beliefs as their empire faces rebellion.”
Dragon Ball Z: Bardock, The Father of Goku
DRAGON BALL Z スペシャル たったひとりの最終決戦~フリーザに挑んだZ戦士孫悟空の父~
7.59
1,786 rank · 116,779 viewers · 174 favorites
Adventure
Comedy
Fantasy
Sci-Fi
Shounen
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Based on your preference for character-driven stories with layered emotional arcs, this title's exploration of identity and belonging would deeply resonate. The pacing mirrors series you've rated highly, and its thematic depth aligns with your appreciation for nuanced storytelling...
However, the slow initial episodes might test your patience given your history of dropping shows that don't hook you early. The art style shift in the middle arc could also be a concern...
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Synopsis
Bardock, Goku's father, receives visions that shatter Saiyan beliefs as their empire faces rebellion.
Bardock, a low-ranking Saiyan warrior and father of Son Goku, struggles to survive in a brutal galactic empire. After a fateful encounter on a conquered world, he begins to experience mysterious visions that challenge everything he believes about his people and their place in the universe. As tensions rise between the Saiyans and their overlords, Bardock must confront harsh truths about power, loyalty, and the fate of his race. (Source: ANN)
What people say
Community consensus
Derived from 12 sampled reviews
6.5
/10
What 12 viewers settled on.
80%
recommend
Score distribution
median 7
mode 7
σ 1.61
Agreement
Mostly aligned
σ 1.61 · some divergence
The polarity gap
3.4 pts
Recommenders 7.4 · others 4.0
Yes
No
Score over time
↓ 1.50
Running avg · Nov 2011 → Nov 2025
Snap verdicts
· shortest highly-rated reviews
- 8 “This special serves as an excellent prequel that is highly enjoyable for both longtime fans and newcomers, featuring a compelling emotional plot and a wealth of easter eggs. There are no notable...”
- 10 “This special is an epic addition to the franchise, featuring a compelling backstory for Goku’s arrival on Earth and a top-notch, emotionally resonant performance for Bardock. While the art and...”
- 7 “Bardock stands out as one of the most complex and "real" characters in the Dragon Ball franchise, making this 40-minute special a highly worthwhile watch. While the absence of Raditz is noted, it...”
Verbosity
Short · 17%
Medium · 33%
Long · 50%
Watch Order & Related
Explore the Dragon Ball Z: Bardock, The Father of Goku universe
Cast
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See all credits →Production slate
A Tv special Production
Toei Animation.- Format 1 × 47′ eps × min
- Total runtime 0h 47m all episodes
- Aired Oct 1990 – ongoing
- Source Tv special media type
- Rated PG 13 - Teens 13 or older
- Ref. BS-0892 catalog
Licensed by
- Funimation Licensor