Story
A retelling of Goku's initial meeting with Bulma, Oolong, and Yamucha, this movie summarizes the beginning of the Dragon Ball series. Basically, they all go out looking for the dragon balls for various reasons, but a monster with an insatiable hunger is also searching for the dragon balls.
Thoughts
This movie has great humor and an original storyline, though boring and predictable in spots.

DB Movie 2: Sleeping Princess in Devil's Castle
Original Release Date: July 18,1987
Rating: 6 of 7

Story
Learning who Roshi is, Goku seeks him out to receive training. However, when he arrives he runs into Kuririn, who has also sought Roshi for a similar request. To earn the right to train, Roshi sends the two boys to a castle called Devil's Hand, where a sleeping princess lives. Whoever brings the princess back to Roshi will receive his training. But, there is more in the castle than just a princess.
Thoughts
Though lacking in the humor that most Dragon Ball series and movies display, this film is extremely entertaining. It's also vital for it's retelling of how the friendship between Goku and Kuririn came to be.

DB Movie 3: Mystical Adventure
Original Release Date: July 9,1988
American Release Date: 2000/2001
Rating: 5 1/2 of 7

Story
Now that Goku and Kuririn have completed their training under Roshi, they join the Tenkaichi Budoukai to test their new skills. The young Emperor Chaozu is sponsoring the Budoukai. Unfortunately, Chaozu's wife has been kidnapped and Chaozu's evil advisor suggests that the only way to get her back is to find the dragon balls. While Goku and Kuririn compete, Bulma is also searching for the dragon balls herself.
Thoughts
This movie presents more action than the previous two films and has great fight scenes. The music and story could have been a little better, but they don't significantly lower the overall quality of the movie.

DB 10th Anniversary Special: The Way to Become the Strongest
Original Release Date: March 4,1996
Rating: 6 of 7

Story
This movie starts with a retelling of Goku's first meeting with Bulma, Oolong, and Yamucha, up to the point where Goku fights and destroys the Red Ribbon Army.
Thoughts
With the animation of the GT artists, the movie was incredibly drawn when compared to the original Dragon Ball series. The music and story are great, and the action is above the norm for Dragon Ball - yet not at the standard for DBZ.