Dragon Ball: Goku’s Best Moments In The Series, Ranked

This piece is filled with the most memorable instances of Goku, exclusively from the original series; therefore, moments depicted in GT and Super Dragon Ball Heroes are not featured here.

In the realm of anime, there might not be a character more famous or adored than the lead of Dragon Ball, Son Goku. What began as a children’s animated show transformed into an enormously popular and identifiable media phenomenon that has influenced numerous generations, largely due to the enduring appeal of Goku himself.

In the world of Dragon Ball, Goku has been an integral part of virtually every significant event throughout the series. Consequently, his achievements span a broad spectrum, with several moments shining brighter than others due to their paramount importance – not just for Goku and Dragon Ball, but also for the broader anime industry. Here’s a rundown of Goku’s most remarkable moments that left an indelible mark on the world of anime.

Goku Defeating King Piccolo Was The Highest Point Of His Initial Journey

A Legendary Fight

• The highlight of the original Dragon Ball series.

In contrast to later series like Z and Super, the classic Dragon Ball series didn’t consistently feature global catastrophes as main plot points. However, it still had instances reminiscent of those, with Demon King Piccolo being one such example. This character was Goku’s most formidable enemy within Dragon Ball, driven by a desire to conquer the world and reign as a ruthless monarch.

His power was impressive too, seeing as he vanquished every strong warrior on Earth that tried to prevent him from reaching his objective. However, it was only Goku who remained as a significant obstacle at the end, where the young Saiyan displayed immense power and skill by overpowering the Demon King with a powerful punch that pierced the villain in one of the most memorable scenes from the original Dragon Ball series.

Goku vs. The Ginyu Force Goes Down As One Of His Greatest Battles

A Humiliating Defeat For The Ginyu Force

• This showed how strong Goku had gotten.

In a fashion reminiscent of their initial confrontation with Nappa and Vegeta during the Saiyan Saga, the heroes encountered adversaries much stronger than themselves on the planet Namek. These formidable opponents were the Ginyu Force, an elite group of Frieza’s minions who significantly outmatched Gohan, Krillin, and Vegeta in strength. As a result, the heroes found themselves swiftly overpowered by their extraordinary might.

Nevertheless, Goku’s arrival on Namek quickly shifted the balance of power in the battle. Through intensive training in 100 times Earth’s gravity during his journey to Namek, Goku significantly increased his strength and speed, even surpassing levels he had reached before. This extraordinary display of power enabled him to single-handedly defeat the entire Ginyu Force. This marked a significant transformation in the series, underscoring why Goku is indeed an unparalleled force.

Super Saiyan 3 Allowed Goku To Go Even Further Beyond Against Buu

The Ultimate Saiyan Power

• This showed how essential Goku’s training in Otherworld was.

By the end of the Cell Saga, Gohan had proven his strength as the universe’s top contender with his Super Saiyan 2 transformation. Yet, this superiority was short-lived, as both Goku and Vegeta also gained access to this form. As new villains emerged and grew stronger, the heroes were compelled to advance further in their power levels. But none could surpass the strength that Goku demonstrated when he achieved Super Saiyan 3.

This transformation is often hailed as one of the most significant in the series because it caused a massive upheaval throughout the universe, mainly due to the immense power emanating from Goku. It was unique and distinctive, becoming the Super Saiyan form that had never been seen before within the series up until then. Despite reducing Goku’s time on Earth significantly, it left an indelible mark on the franchise as one of its most memorable moments.

The Awakening Of Ultra Instinct Is One Of The Franchise’s Best Moments

Goku’s Ultimate Form

• Goku awakened the technique of the Angels.

The powerful technique known as Ultra Instinct was hinted at much earlier in the story, even before Goku had awakened his own version of it, during the very first episode of “Super”. Throughout the series, before the Tournament of Power began, various subtle clues were dropped about this form, suggesting that Goku would eventually master it without revealing too much. Later on, he managed to unlock this technique within himself, but not completely at first.

Initially, Goku’s Ultra Instinct Sign wasn’t fully effective, even though he was stronger than most others, apart from Jiren. This suggested that Goku had significant room for improvement in this state. As the arc progressed, however, Goku managed to master this remarkable transformation, making him the solitary mortal capable of wielding the Angelic technique of the multiverse. His achievement established him as the most powerful mortal in the entire Tournament of Power. Witnessing him unlock the form and being honored by all Destroyer Gods was a breathtaking spectacle.

Nothing Will Ever Top Goku’s First Time Going Super Saiyan Against Frieza

The Most Iconic Scene In Anime

• Arguably the most iconic anime moment of all time.

In virtually every series or franchise, there’s usually a defining moment that encapsulates its spirit most effectively. For the anime “Dragon Ball,” this pivotal instant would be Goku’s initial transformation into Super Saiyan. Some fans even contend that this single scene could be the most iconic and influential in the entire anime industry. It was through this transformative act that Akira Toriyama unwittingly redefined the art form, setting a new standard with transformations becoming a hallmark of the genre, and propelling its evolution forward for the better.

In the intense battle against Frieza, Goku sustained heavy injuries and tragically witnessed his childhood friend Krillin’s demise. This horrific event triggered a primal rage within Goku – an intensity unlike anything he had ever known before, reminiscent of the raw power and ferocity that characterized his ancestors. As a result, Goku transforms into the first Super Saiyan in centuries, becoming an unbearable terror for Frieza. Simultaneously, this transformation offers hope to the entire universe.

Dragon Ball can be streamed on Crunchyroll.

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2025-08-26 13:35