Resurrection F Arc

The worst wish in history brings the tyrant back for revenge.

Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection 'F' is a 2015 Japanese animated science fantasy martial arts film serving as the sequel to Battle of Gods. It marks the nineteenth animated feature based on the original Dragon Ball manga and the second personally supervised by creator Akira Toriyama, who wrote the screenplay himself for the first time in the franchise's history. The story depicts the return of Frieza, resurrected via the Dragon Balls after being chopped into pieces by Future Trunks, only to be reassembled by advanced technology. Driven by revenge against Goku, Frieza undergoes extensive training to master a new form before invading Earth.

Quick Facts

Arc name: Resurrection F
Series: Dragon Ball Super
Primary villain: Frieza
Key location: Earth and Beerus' Planet
Transformation debut: Golden Frieza
Outcome: Frieza Defeated

Lore & Background

Sorbet, commander of Frieza's remnants, forces the Pilaf Gang to use the Dragon Balls to summon Shenron and revive their fallen leader. Due to his previous dismemberment, Frieza is revived in pieces but reassembled by Sorbet's minions using advanced technology. Once restored, Frieza learns that Goku has grown significantly more powerful, prompting him to postpone his invasion to train for the first time. Jaco the Galactic Patrolman arrives on Earth to warn Bulma of the approaching threat while Goku and Vegeta are away training with Whis on Beerus' planet. In their absence, Gohan, Piccolo, Krillin, Master Roshi, Tien Shinhan, and Jaco assemble to resist Frieza's army, successfully defeating thousands of his soldiers before being overwhelmed by Frieza's newly increased power.

Reader's Guide

The film was released theatrically on April 18, 2015, becoming the first Japanese film screened in IMAX 3D and at 4DX theaters. It received a limited North American release between August 4–13, 2015, followed by releases in Australia/New Zealand (August 6–19) and the UK/Ireland (September 30). The plot was adapted into the second story arc of Dragon Ball Super with added scenes set before the film's events. Akira Toriyama conceived the idea while watching Maximum the Hormone perform their 2008 song "F" at a concert. The theme song, "Z no Chikai" by Momoiro Clover Z, was released on April 29, 2015, and includes a cover of "Cha-La Head-Cha-La." Critics praised the animation quality and fast-paced action but noted some shortcomings in the dramatic plot.