How to Watch Dragon Ball Z on Netflix in 2024

Dragon Ball Z holds a special place in the hearts of anime fans around the world. Ever since it first aired in 1989, this action-packed series has captivated viewers with its epic battles, charismatic characters, and captivating storylines. Even decades after its original run, Dragon Ball Z remains one of the most popular and influential anime franchises of all time.

For diehard fans, getting to rewatch and relive the adventures of Goku, Vegeta, Piccolo, and the rest of the Z Warriors is akin to reuniting with old friends. Streaming platforms like Netflix provide a convenient way to revisit this classic series from the comfort of your home. However, Dragon Ball Z is not currently available on Netflix in every region.

So how can you watch Dragon Ball Z on Netflix in 2024? This comprehensive guide will walk you through the best methods, including using a VPN service, to access and stream Dragon Ball Z on Netflix across different regions worldwide.

Is Dragon Ball Z on Netflix? A Look at Availability

Before figuring out how to watch Dragon Ball Z on Netflix, it‘s important to understand where the series is actually available on the streaming platform.

Unfortunately, unlike many other popular anime titles, Dragon Ball Z is not part of Netflix‘s global catalog. Its availability differs depending on which country you are trying to access Netflix from.

Here is a breakdown of Dragon Ball Z‘s status on Netflix across major regions:

• United States – Not available
• Canada – Not available
• United Kingdom – Not available
• Australia – Not available
• Japan – Available

As you can see, Dragon Ball Z is only accessible on Netflix in Japan. Everywhere else, including the US, Canada, UK, and Australia, the series is geo-restricted and unavailable for streaming.

This regional exclusivity is due to licensing agreements and rights issues. Different entities own the distribution rights to Dragon Ball Z in different parts of the world. For most countries outside of Japan, Netflix simply does not have permission to host and stream the show.

Using a VPN to Watch Dragon Ball Z on Netflix

Given Dragon Ball Z‘s limited availability, using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) is the best way to unlock the series on Netflix, regardless of where you are located.

Here‘s a quick overview of how a VPN can help:

• A VPN allows you to change your virtual location by connecting through a server in another country. So even if you are physically in the US, you can connect to a server in Japan and appear as if you are accessing the internet from there.
• By doing so, you can bypass the geo-restrictions imposed by Netflix and gain access to region-exclusive content like Dragon Ball Z. The streaming service will think you are located in Japan based on your IP address.
• VPNs also encrypt your internet traffic, which adds an important layer of security and privacy while streaming on public Wi-Fi networks.

Let‘s go through the step-by-step process of using a VPN to watch Dragon Ball Z on Netflix:

1. Choose a suitable VPN service

The first step is selecting a reliable VPN service that can successfully bypass Netflix‘s geo-blocks. Not every VPN is capable of doing this. Keep the following criteria in mind while choosing a VPN:

• Servers in Japan – Make sure your VPN has servers located in Japan, which will allow you to appear as if you are accessing Netflix from there.
• Fast speeds – Look for a VPN that offers fast connection speeds to avoid lags and buffering issues while streaming high-quality video content.
• Security features – Your VPN should have standard security features like AES-256 encryption, a no-logs policy, and a kill switch.
• Ease of use – Pick a VPN that has an intuitive interface and apps that make it simple to connect to servers and get started.
• Unblocks Netflix – Select a VPN that is known to reliably work with Netflix and bypass geo-restrictions.

Based on these criteria, some of the best VPNs for watching Dragon Ball Z on Netflix include ExpressVPN, NordVPN, Surfshark, CyberGhost, and Private Internet Access.

2. Install and connect to a Japanese VPN server

Once you have subscribed to a suitable VPN service, install and open their VPN application on the device you want to stream Netflix on. This can be a smart TV, media device like Firestick or Roku, gaming console, computer, or mobile device.

Next, connect to a VPN server located in Japan. The VPN app makes finding and selecting the right server very easy. Simply pick one from the list of Japan servers shown.

Connecting to the Japan server will route your internet traffic through that location and assign you a Japanese IP address.

3. Launch Netflix and enjoy Dragon Ball Z!

Now open the Netflix app or website, and you should immediately notice the content library change to reflect Japan‘s availability. Head over to the anime section, search for Dragon Ball Z, and you can start streaming!

The entire series and movies should now be accessible in up to 1080p full HD quality. You can also change the audio language to English or Japanese as per your preference.

And remember, only disconnect from the VPN once you are done streaming. Otherwise, Netflix will detect your real location and block access again.

Using Smart DNS as an Alternative

Besides VPNs, Smart DNS services provide another effective way to bypass the Netflix geo-block and watch Dragon Ball Z.

Here‘s a quick rundown of how Smart DNS works for this purpose:

• It changes your device‘s DNS settings to connect you to region-specific Netflix servers. So your device contacts the Japanese Netflix server instead of the US one.
• Only the traffic needed to fool Netflix‘s geolocation check is rerouted, not all of your traffic like with VPNs. This results in faster streaming speeds.
• However, Smart DNS does not encrypt your data or fully mask your IP address. VPNs are more secure.
• Leading Smart DNS providers include UnoTelly, ExpressVPN MediaStreamer, and OverPlay SmartDNS.

The steps for setting up Smart DNS to watch Dragon Ball Z on Netflix are very similar:

1. Choose a Smart DNS service with Japanese server connections.
2. Configure your device to use their DNS servers by entering the provided IP addresses.
3. Load Netflix and search for Dragon Ball Z to start streaming instantly.

While Smart DNS services work quite well, VPNs are generally the safer and more reliable option. But Smart DNS can be an alternative if you are facing speed or connectivity issues with VPN streaming.

Tips for Smooth Dragon Ball Z Streaming on Netflix

Using a VPN or Smart DNS opens up Dragon Ball Z on Netflix for you regardless of where you are located. However, here are some useful tips to ensure the best streaming experience:

• Choose wired connections – Always use an Ethernet cable on devices that support it like smart TVs or media players. This avoids Wi-Fi interference and signal drops.
• Find fastest servers – Connect to VPN servers that deliver the fastest speeds to your location. Switch servers if you face lag or buffering problems.
• Adjust video quality – Start with lower resolutions like 480p or 720p, and scale up to 1080p once streaming is smooth and stable.
• Update apps and firmware – Keep apps like Netflix and your VPN updated, and also update firmware for streaming devices when possible. This improves compatibility.
• Change CDN region – Media is streamed from Netflix CDN nodes. If one region‘s node is congested, switch to a different country‘s node inside the VPN app.

By applying these tips, you can troubleshoot most streaming problems and enjoy Dragon Ball Z on Netflix without disruptions.

The Best VPNs for Unblocking Dragon Ball Z on Netflix

As discussed above, you need a VPN service that can reliably bypass Netflix geo-restrictions to stream Dragon Ball Z. Out of the many options in the market, these VPN providers consistently deliver the best results:

1. ExpressVPN

With 3,000+ fast servers across 94 countries, industry-leading encryption, and proven ability to unblock major streaming platforms, ExpressVPN is the top choice for watching Dragon Ball Z on Netflix.

Some key features that make ExpressVPN ideal include:

• Works seamlessly with Netflix across devices like laptops, mobiles, media players, and gaming consoles.
• Offers ultra-fast servers in Japan that deliver smooth Dragon Ball Z streaming at up to 1080p resolution.
• Features MediaStreamer Smart DNS as a built-in option on some apps for added convenience.
• Robust privacy protections like a strict no-logs policy, Private DNS on mobile, and AES-256 encryption.
• User-friendly apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Linux, with 24/7 live chat support.

Overall, ExpressVPN makes accessing Dragon Ball Z on Netflix from anywhere in the world a quick and hassle-free process.

2. NordVPN

Boasting 5,500+ servers worldwide and next-gen security protections, NordVPN is a market leader known for working with major streaming services like Netflix.

Key advantages of using NordVPN include:

• Specialty obfuscated servers that can bypass VPN blocks by sites like Netflix.
• High-speed Japan servers optimized for streaming in HD quality with minimal buffering.
• Features like Double VPN and Onion Over VPN for enhanced privacy and anonymity while streaming.
• Built-in SmartPlay feature that acts as a Smart DNS alternative when required.
• Strict no-logs policy, 256-bit AES encryption, and automatic kill switch for security.
• Apps for all major platforms and 24/7 live chat assistance.

With NordVPN, you can comfortably stream Dragon Ball Z on Netflix and enjoy their vast server network to unblock other geo-restricted platforms too.

3. Surfshark

Known for its affordability and well-rounded feature set, Surfshark is another excellent VPN for streaming Dragon Ball Z on Netflix.

Some notable benefits offered by Surfshark include:

• Japan-based servers that offer low latency connections for stable Netflix streams in up to 4K.
• CleanWeb feature blocks ads, trackers, malware and phishing sites for improved streaming experience.
• Unlimited device support allows using one account on as many devices as you want.
• 256-bit AES encryption, private DNS, and MultiHop functionality for privacy.
• Pocket-friendly pricing starting at just $2.49 per month makes it very budget-friendly.

With its fast connections and focus on usability, Surfshark is great for new VPN users who want to easily unblock Netflix‘s library across regions.

Why Dragon Ball Z Isn‘t Available on Netflix Worldwide

Given its immense popularity across generations of anime fans, it may seem surprising that Dragon Ball Z isn‘t part of the global Netflix library. The reasons behind its absence on the platform outside of Japan are:

Fragmented licensing – Different companies own Dragon Ball Z‘s international distribution rights based on regions. Making it globally available would require Netflix negotiating separate licenses with all of these rights holders.

Exclusive agreements – In some countries like the US and UK, other services like Funimation secured exclusive licenses to stream Dragon Ball Z before Netflix. This prohibited Netflix from acquiring streaming rights.

First-party streaming – In Japan, Dragon Ball Z is owned by Toei Animation which directly streams the series on its own platforms. They have little incentive to license it to third-party services.

Older series – As a decades-old franchise, Dragon Ball Z‘s deals were struck in an era before global streaming. This has led to more fractured international rights today. Newer anime have more unified global licenses.

Unless the licensing landscape changes significantly, Dragon Ball Z‘s absence from mainstream platforms like Netflix will persist in most countries. VPNs and Smart DNS offer straightforward workarounds for fans.

Risks of Using Free/Unreliable VPNs for Netflix

Given that reliable paid VPNs are required to stream geo-restricted content on Netflix, some users may be tempted to use free or sketchy VPN services to save money. However, this carries a few significant risks:

• Exposure of IP address – Unreliable VPNs often fail to hide your true IP address from streaming platforms like Netflix, resulting in geo-blocks still applying.
• Leakage of personal data – Many free VPNs log user data, or even sell it to third parties, compromising privacy while streaming.
• Malware infections – Bottom-tier VPN apps are prone to security flaws, bugs, and malware that can infect devices used for streaming.
• Slow speeds – Free VPN tiers impose harsh bandwidth limits which lead to constant buffering issues when streaming large media files.
• No customer support – With no way to get assistance resolving streaming problems, users are left stranded if something doesn‘t work.
• Bans from Netflix – Using prohibited VPNs and proxies can get your Netflix account flagged, which may lead to regional blocks or even bans.

Paying for a reputable premium VPN like ExpressVPN or NordVPN alleviates all these concerns with their reliable privacy protections, high-speed connections, and dedicated customer support.

Why Some VPNs Don‘t Work With Netflix

Due to Netflix‘s VPN ban, many VPN providers are unable to bypass its geo-restrictions now. There are a few technical reasons why these VPNs fail:

• Blocked IP ranges – Netflix blacklists the IP ranges of known VPN servers, instantly blocking access when users connect to them.
• No dedicated streaming servers – VPNs need specialty streaming-optimized servers to have a chance of avoiding detection. Without these, connections are easily flagged.
• No obfuscation – VPN traffic needs to be masked from deep packet inspection systems. VPNs without obscuring features like SOCKS5 get blocked.
• Insufficient IP pool – Having a large, frequently rotated pool of IP addresses is key to avoiding blacklists. VPNs with small pools struggle.
• No custom apps – Desktop and mobile VPN apps need special tweaks and network setting configurations to avoid exposing the traffic source. Generic apps don‘t cut it.
• Slow server speeds – Underpowered VPN servers already deliver subpar speeds. Netflix‘s own throttling exacerbates this, leading to frustrating buffering.

The top VPNs recommended above do everything right to circumvent Netflix‘s stringent blocks. But most other VPN providers lack the resources and technology to reliably bypass geo-restrictions.

Why Netflix‘s VPN Ban Makes Dragon Ball Z Unavailable

Netflix started cracking down on the use of VPNs and proxies to access out-of-region content back in 2016. This VPN ban is the primary reason why Dragon Ball Z remains unavailable in most countries.

Here‘s a deeper look at why Netflix imposed this ban originally:

• Enforce licensing deals – Netflix‘s rights to stream titles are often limited to select regions. Unblocking shows violates these distribution agreements.
• Appease studios – Media studios pushed Netflix to disable VPN access so geo-restrictions on their content are enforced properly.
• Control catalogs – Preventing VPN access allows Netflix to maintain tighter control over what content is shown in each country‘s library.
• Curb piracy – Studios hoped blocking VPNs would limit piracy of geo-restricted shows. However, the ban had little effect in reality.

Although using VPNs to stream exclusive titles like Dragon Ball Z violates Netflix‘s ToS, the streaming service rarely bans user accounts just for VPN usage alone as long as payments are not bypassed. The main aim of their blocks is to appease rightsholders.

Circumventing the VPN ban requires using advanced VPNs that can bypass the platform‘s sophisticated detection systems. For regular commercial VPN services, Netflix‘s blocks have effectively shut them out.

In Summary: How to Watch Dragon Ball Z on Netflix

To recap this comprehensive guide, here are the key pointers on how to stream Dragon Ball Z on Netflix:

• Dragon Ball Z is only officially available on Netflix in Japan. Everywhere else requires bypassing geo-blocks.
• Use a premium VPN service like ExpressVPN or NordVPN to access the Japanese Netflix library by connecting to Japan-based servers.
• Smart DNS services like UnoTelly provide an alternate (but less secure) method to achieve the same goal.
• For the best streaming experience, choose wired connections, start at lower resolutions, and switch VPN server locations if needed.
• Avoid free or sketchy VPNs as they seldom work reliably and pose privacy risks when accessing forbidden content.
• Top VPNs use various obscuring and evasion tactics to avoid Netflix‘s sophisticated VPN bans and unblock geo-restricted titles.

With the simple yet effective tips covered here, Dragon Ball Z fans in any country can finally watch the beloved series on Netflix in 2024!

Conclusion

Dragon Ball Z‘s massive worldwide following makes it one of the most sought-after anime titles among Netflix users. Unfortunately, licensing hurdles and geo-blocking stand in the way of fans getting to enjoy this classic series on their favorite streaming platform.

But as this guide has outlined, solutions like VPNs and Smart DNS gracefully overcome these obstacles in a secure and efficient manner. All it takes is selecting the right VPN service, connecting to a Japanese server, and you can instantly access Dragon Ball Z within Netflix from anywhere on your devices.

With companies like NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark offering reliable and high-performing VPN services at affordable rates, unblocking restricted content is now in the hands of the users. So whether it‘s to revisit the epic Cell Saga from your childhood or introduce new fans to Super Saiyan Goku‘s adventures, VPNs empower Dragon Ball Z lovers to stream this anime treasure on Netflix regardless of where they live.