"Dragon Ball GT" is a sequel to "Dragon Ball Z," set five years after the conclusion of the latter. The series begins with Emperor Pilaf, a recurring antagonist from the original "Dragon Ball," accidentally using the Black Star Dragon Balls to wish for Goku to be transformed back into a child. This wish triggers a catastrophic consequence: the Black Star Dragon Balls scatter across the universe, and if they are not collected within one year, the Earth will be destroyed. Goku, now a child again, is tasked with retrieving these Dragon Balls, accompanied by his granddaughter Pan and Trunks, the son of Vegeta and Bulma.

The trio embarks on a journey across various planets, encountering new allies and adversaries. Early arcs focus on their adventures in space, where they face challenges such as the machine planet M-2, ruled by the villainous Dr. Myuu and his creation, Baby. Baby, a parasitic Tuffle, seeks revenge against the Saiyans for the destruction of his race. After possessing several characters, including Vegeta, Baby transforms into a powerful being and nearly succeeds in his goal of eradicating the Saiyans. Goku, however, achieves a new transformation, Super Saiyan 4, and defeats Baby, restoring peace.

Following the Baby arc, the series shifts to the threat of the evil dragons, spawned from the overuse of the Dragon Balls. Each dragon represents a negative aspect of the wishes made on the Dragon Balls, such as greed, anger, or destruction. The most formidable of these is Syn Shenron, who absorbs the other dragons to become Omega Shenron. Goku, with the help of his friends and family, confronts Omega Shenron in a climactic battle. The series concludes with Goku sacrificing himself to defeat Omega Shenron, though the ending leaves his ultimate fate ambiguous, suggesting a spiritual departure rather than a physical death.

Throughout "Dragon Ball GT," the narrative explores themes of redemption, the consequences of power, and the bonds of family and friendship. Goku's transformation into a child serves as a narrative device to revisit the lighter, more adventurous tone of the original "Dragon Ball," while still incorporating the high-stakes battles and emotional depth of "Dragon Ball Z." The series introduces new characters and transformations, such as Super Saiyan 4, which became a defining element of its identity. Despite its mixed reception among fans, "Dragon Ball GT" remains a significant part of the "Dragon Ball" franchise, offering a unique continuation of the saga.