In February 2025, Hulu removed the Toei Animation film. Dragon Ball animates the site’s vast catalog of content. However, the entire show is set to return to the popular streaming service next month.
By Hulu Press, the English dubbed version of Dragon Ball is expected to return to the platform on November 18, 2025. After purchasing the streaming rights from Toei, Hulu is restoring access to the 153 episodes of the original series, which was removed with Dragon Ball GT And Dragon Ball Super earlier this year. Originally published in 1986, the Dragon Ball the anime chronicles the early adventures of franchise protagonist Son Goku, laying the foundation for the prolific animated canon that would follow in the following decades.
Hulu returns first Dragon Ball anime to streaming catalog after losing Toei license
Dragon BallIt is the upcoming return to Hulu will mark the virtual completion of the streaming service Dragon Ball TV Anime Catalog. Currently, the site offers access to both Dragon Ball Super And Dragon Ball Daima. While the original Dragon Ball Z the anime is not included on Hulu, the dubbed version of Dragon Ball Kai — a recut version of DBZ that features less filler and shorter fight scenes — is currently available on the platform. Among Dragon BallHulu’s theatrical releases also stream Dragon Ball Z: Battle of the Gods (2013) and Dragon Ball Super: Broly (2018).
Although Hulu is one of the most popular premium content services in North America, expiring licenses is an inevitability that all streaming sites must face. When Dragon Ball and its sequels listed expiration dates on Hulu earlier this year, with many subscribers expressing their dismay on X (formerly Twitter). Hulu addressed the situation via its @Hulu_Support page on X: “Sorry for any disappointment! Our rights to offer multiple Dragon Ball Shows in our streaming library are currently expiring. That said, we will let our team know that you would like to see them stay if possible…” The vocal outcry from fans may be what pushed the Hulu staff to renew. Dragon Ballso quickly, restoring the series’ availability in just under a year.
Notably, Toei Animation’s other shonen titan, One piecewill also receive several major updates on Hulu next month. Based on the bestselling manga series by Eiichiro Oda, One piece revolves around Monkey D. Luffy, an energetic youth with the power to stretch his body like a living piece of rubber. As captain of the “Straw Hats,” Luffy leads a ragtag crew of misfit pirates on an epic quest to locate the mythical treasure “One Piece” and realize his dream of becoming the Pirate King. From November 6, subscribers will have access to the dubbed versions of One pieceThe “Silver Mine” arc, the “Zou” arc, and the “Whole Cake Island” arc. Together, these seasons comprise episodes 747 to 812 of the internationally acclaimed animated series.
Waiting Dragon BallIt is Back on Hulu, fans can also stream the series on Crunchyroll. Additionally, Akira Toriyama Dragon Ball the manga series is available in English from VIZ Media.