Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2022

58%

WISE Score

7.1

IMDb

More Dragon Ball punching and power-ups—this time the Red Ribbon Army wants revenge with shiny new androids.

7.1/10

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Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero

movie

PG-13, 2022

58%

WISE Score

7.1

IMDb

More Dragon Ball punching and power-ups—this time the Red Ribbon Army wants revenge with shiny new androids.

7.1

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Screenwise Verdict

Look, if your kid is deep in the Dragon Ball universe, they're going to want to see this regardless of what I say. It's competent, the animation looks good, and fans seem to enjoy it (IMDb 7.1 isn't bad).

But let's be real: this is a movie where the entire plot is 'bad guys make androids, good guys punch androids, everyone powers up, good guys win.' The Metacritic 65 tells you what critics think—it's middling. There's minimal character growth, the story retreads the Red Ribbon Army from the original series, and it offers basically zero enrichment beyond 'fighting is cool and protecting your family matters.'

It's not unwatchable, but it's also not doing anything new or particularly interesting. If your kid isn't already a fan, there are way better entry points to anime. If they are a fan? Sure, they'll have fun watching Gohan and Piccolo beat people up for 90 minutes. Just don't expect any profound life lessons beyond 'train harder, punch better.'

Age Fit

Best for ages 10-14 who are already Dragon Ball fans. Younger kids might find the constant fighting intense, while older teens will likely see it for what it is: a formulaic anime action movie that's fine but not particularly memorable.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Dragon Ball has always been about friendship, protecting loved ones, and heroism, which are positive themes. However, the franchise also revolves heavily around combat and power-ups, with characters constantly fighting. The tone is generally upbeat and the heroes model courage and teamwork, but the relentless fighting and occasional taunting/trash-talk between characters keeps this from being deeply wholesome. Pacing is typical anime action—fast, intense battles with some slower character moments.

Imaginative

The Dragon Ball universe is wildly imaginative with its alien races, superpowers, transformations, and creative combat techniques. This film introduces new Androids (Gamma 1 and 2) and continues the franchise's tradition of inventive power systems and world-building. However, it's not particularly original—it's retreading the Red Ribbon Army storyline from decades ago. It invites kids to imagine epic battles and superhuman abilities, but doesn't encourage creative expression or building beyond inspiring playground re-enactments.

Safe

Common Sense Media rates this at age 10, which suggests moderate action violence. Dragon Ball movies typically feature extended fight sequences with punches, energy blasts, and characters getting hurt, but it's stylized anime violence without gore or blood. No sexual content or nudity expected. The main safety concern is the intensity and volume of combat—it's essentially 90+ minutes of fighting with some comedic relief. Not shocking for anyone familiar with the franchise, but younger or sensitive kids might find the constant battles overwhelming. No unmoderated social features since it's a theatrical film.

Enriching

Dragon Ball movies are primarily about entertainment through action spectacle. There are themes of standing up to evil, protecting family, and perseverance, but they're surface-level. The plot is formulaic: bad guys appear, heroes fight, heroes win through determination and power-ups. Limited character development, minimal ethical complexity, and no real skill-building or cognitive growth. The IMDb 7.1 and Letterboxd 3.5/5 suggest fans find it entertaining enough, but Metacritic's 65 indicates critics see it as middling. It's fun popcorn entertainment for existing fans, but doesn't offer much beyond that.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

If your kid is already a Dragon Ball fan, they'll enjoy seeing Gohan and Piccolo get the spotlight instead of Goku for once
The animation quality is solid with impressive fight choreography that makes for exciting visual spectacle
Themes of heroism, protecting family, and standing up to evil organizations are front and center
Lighter tone than some Dragon Ball content with comic relief moments sprinkled throughout the battles

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What to Watch For

It's basically 90 minutes of fighting—if your kid gets overstimulated by constant action or finds combat boring, this will be a slog
Common Sense Media says age 10+, which tracks with the intensity level and extended battle sequences
Zero context for newcomers—if your kid hasn't watched Dragon Ball before, they'll have no idea who anyone is or why they should care
The plot is paper-thin: bad guys show up, heroes punch them a lot, roll credits

Conversation Starters

"The androids think they're the heroes and Goku's family are the villains—have you ever been totally wrong about a situation?"
"Gohan has to balance being a scholar with being a fighter. What would you do if you had superpowers but also homework?"
"The Red Ribbon Army rebuilt itself after being destroyed. Why do you think some people can't let go of revenge?"

Stills