Although following episodes had lower ratings, Kai was among the top 10 anime in viewer ratings every week in Japan for most of its run.
In 2000, sponsored a toy promotion to distribute 20 million Dragon Ball Z figurines across North America.
Dragon Ball is widely referenced in , from television and music to celebrities and athletes, and the show has been celebrated with Goku making an appearance at the 2018, 2019, and 2021 , and with Dragon Ball appearing in cities such as , , and.