The 10 Best Dragon Ball Characters

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Akira Toriyama’s Dragon Ball series is widely recognized as one of the most iconic shonen mangas ever created, with its animated version significantly contributing to the global recognition of Japanese animation. The series, especially Dragon Ball Z, is renowned for its thrilling fight scenes that are both vast in scale and visually captivating. Remarkably, even after many years, this manga and anime remain timeless classics that continue to be appreciated by new audiences who may not have nostalgic connections to them.

The continued release of new anime shows, movies, manga sequels, and games has kept the Dragon Ball franchise thriving over time, a longevity that can be largely credited to its memorable characters. Among all anime figures, the Z-Fighters and main antagonists from Dragon Ball Z are among the most recognizable. But, which Dragon Ball characters stand out as the best?

From an observer’s perspective, it’s important to clarify that the most beloved Dragon Ball character isn’t necessarily the same as the most well-known one. If we were simply ranking based on fame, Goku would undoubtedly take the top spot. However, this article aims to evaluate characters based on factors such as their significance across different story arcs and series, their character development within the narrative, their impactful contributions to the Dragon Ball universe, and ultimately, the sheer enjoyment they bring to fans.

Honorable Mentions

Over the course of its long run, Dragon Ball has introduced numerous outstanding characters. It’s worth mentioning a few who came very close but haven’t received as much attention:

1. Yamcha: A long-time friend of Goku, Yamcha was one of the first characters to join the Z Fighters. Though often overshadowed by his peers, he has shown remarkable growth and bravery throughout the series.

2. Krillin: Initially portrayed as a weak and cowardly character, Krillin evolved into a highly skilled martial artist and reliable ally to Goku. His development from an ordinary student to a formidable warrior is one of the most compelling stories in Dragon Ball.

3. Piccolo Daimao: The evil incarnation of Piccolo, this character showcased incredible power and skill during his battle with Goku. Despite being defeated, Piccolo Daimao left a lasting impact on the series and set the stage for future conflicts.

4. Frieza’s Soldiers: Characters like Captain Ginyu, Recoome, Jeice, and Burter were all powerful warriors in Frieza’s army. Though they served as minor antagonists, their battles against the Z Fighters were intense and memorable.

5. Android 17: Created by Dr. Gero as an assassin, Android 17 initially appeared to be nothing more than a destructive force. However, his alliance with the Z Fighters during the Cell Games arc revealed a complex character with unexpected depth.

6. Gotenks: The fusion of Goten and Trunks, this character demonstrated incredible power and creativity in combat. Though they were initially introduced as comic relief, their potential as warriors was eventually realized.

  • Android 18
  • Baby
  • Beerus
  • Broly (Dragon Ball Super)
  • Majin Buu
  • Master Roshi
  • Yamcha

10. Tien

An Early Example Of The Villain-Turned-Hero Journey

  • Debut Anime: Dragon Ball
  • Also Appears In (Main Series): Dragon Ball Z, Dragon Ball Super, Dragon Ball GT, Super Dragon Ball Heroes
  • Race: Human

If someone has mainly watched Dragon Ball Z and its sequels, they might underestimate Tien as a character with limited accomplishments, with the exception of an amazing scene where he bombards Imperfect Cell with the Neo Tri-Beam. He shows up sporadically in Dragon Ball Super, but his most significant action is eliminating Hermila during the Tournament of Power, who isn’t a particularly powerful opponent. They might overlook his appearances in Daima, and it would seem like he doesn’t even appear in DBGT at all.

Tien excels in the original “Dragon Ball”, and his adventure seems to have laid the foundation for other beloved characters like Vegeta and Piccolo. As a diligent martial artist mentored by Master Shen and Mercenary Tao, Tien’s primary objective is to avenge his masters against Goku and Roshi during the 21st World Martial Arts Tournament. He displays a ruthless, calculated, and fierce demeanor, making him the most challenging adversary yet for Goku. Despite this aggressive nature, Tien’s honorable character emerges during the fight, which eventually becomes his defining characteristic.

I’ve had the opportunity to observe Tien closely, and I must say, he exudes an admirable coolness. His dedication to his training is unparalleled, and he’s not just a skilled martial artist, but also a generous mentor to Chiaotzu. He shares a special bond with most of the Z-Fighters, yet maintains a certain distance, which I believe is a testament to his unique personality.

9. Frieza

Dragon Ball Z’s Most Iconic Villain

  • Debut Anime: Dragon Ball Z
  • Also Appears In (Main Series): Dragon Ball Super, Dragon Ball GT, Super Dragon Ball Heroes
  • Race: No Official Name

The ruthless emperor from Universe 7, Frieza, significantly impacted numerous characters in the Dragon Ball universe. His massacre of the Saiyan race and destruction of Planet Vegeta directly led to Goku’s arrival on Earth, while also serving as a driving force behind many of Vegeta’s actions during the early years of Dragon Ball Z. From a narrative perspective, the events of Dragon Ball would not unfold without Frieza’s genocidal atrocities.

In the realm of anime antagonists, Lore Frieza from Dragon Ball Z, notably his final form, stands out as one of the most iconic. His debut during the Namek saga established a benchmark for malevolent forces that few subsequent villains have been able to exceed. Known for his immense power and volatile temperament, Frieza is lethal, arrogant, and susceptible to outbursts of immature rage. Despite his intimidating presence, he embodies Dragon Ball’s unique blend of action and humor, a trait that sets him apart from many other main villains in both DBZ and Super.

In the series “Super“, Frieza made a powerful comeback, initially portraying himself as the antagonist but eventually joining forces with the Z-Fighters. Despite being entertaining, there was a risk of him becoming too prominent and potentially overwhelming.

8. Cell

The Perfect Dragon Ball Villain

  • Debut Anime: Dragon Ball Z
  • Also Appears In (Series): Dragon Ball Super (Not The Real Cell), Dragon Ball GT, Super Dragon Ball Heroes
  • Race: Bio-Android

Regarding Dragon Ball Z, the Cell Games Arc stands as one of the series’ greatest accomplishments. Cell, as a villain, is exceptionally well-crafted, proving particularly challenging for Gohan and the entire Dragon Ball universe. Although Frieza may be more memorable due to his witty lines and despicable nature, Cell offers a richer narrative. With each transformation, Cell’s character, strategies, and behavior shift, underscoring his evolution rather than just power accumulation. Notably, even in an alternate timeline, Cell emerges victorious.

When Cell transforms completely, he closely resembles Goku, both sharing an insatiable appetite for battling more powerful adversaries. However, unlike Goku, Cell is ruthless in his pursuit, ready to give up anything and anyone for this goal. His character is marked by a terrible response to the possibility of defeat. Boasting an unforgettable persona, stunning visuals, and consistently exhilarating battles, Cell truly embodies his “perfect” moniker.

7. Krillin

The Ultimate Best Friend & A Great Character In His Own Right

  • Debut Anime: Dragon Ball
  • Also Appears In (Main Series): Dragon Ball Z, Dragon Ball Daima, Dragon Ball Super, Dragon Ball GT, Super Dragon Ball Heroes
  • Race: Human

In the Dragon Ball series, Krillin stands out as a significant pillar, despite sometimes taking a back seat in later instalments. In the original anime, Krillin holds almost equal importance to Goku, their friendship-turned-rivalry often serving as the emotional core of the storyline. Although he isn’t typically the strongest among main characters, Krillin is known for his comedic wit, which has held up well over time. Moreover, Krillin demonstrates remarkable bravery throughout the series.

In the worlds of Dragon Ball Z and Super, it is Krillin who particularly fosters Goku’s human qualities more than any other characters like Chi-Chi or Gohan. Their unique bond stands out whenever they appear together, even though their shared scenes are regrettably scarce following the original series.

6. Bulma

Dragon Ball’s Best Female Character & One Of The Most Important

  • Debut Anime: Dragon Ball
  • Also Appears In (Main Series): Dragon Ball Z, Dragon Ball Daima, Dragon Ball Super, Dragon Ball GT, Super Dragon Ball Heroes
  • Race: Human

In many instances, the female characters from Dragon Ball aren’t given as much attention as they deserve. It’s a pity since these characters are typically well-developed. However, there is one notable exception – Bulma. She stands out as an iconic figure in anime, playing a crucial role in Dragon Ball that is on par with Goku in the original series. Moreover, she was quite unique for her time, particularly within shonen stories.

Among the primary characters of Dragon Ball, she stands out as one of the most intellectually astute. She boasts a multi-layered character that breaks free from conventional stereotypes. Her traits encompass a range, including being boisterous, self-assured, cunning, flirtatious, compassionate, and fiery. Despite not engaging in combat, she remains indispensable and brings unique insights to the group in an exclusive field of her own expertise.

Indeed, as the story unfolds in the subsequent films, Bulma takes on a more supporting role, yet she certainly doesn’t fade into obscurity. Her bond with Vegeta remains intriguing, and her vivacious spirit shines particularly brightly in Super and especially Daimos.

5. Future Trunks

A Dragon Ball Hero Born Out Of Hell

  • Debut Anime: Dragon Ball Z
  • Also Appears In (Main Series): Dragon Ball Super, Super Dragon Ball Heroes
  • Race: Saiyan/Human

In a universe marred by misery, tragedy, tyranny, and terror, Future Trunks, the lone surviving Saiyan, has known little else. Armed with scant knowledge, he stands alone against Android duo, 17 and 18, fully aware of his own inadequacy compared to them. Yet, he bravely ventures back in time, with dreams of altering the grim fate that befalls him, and forging a more hopeful future.

In my perspective, the versions of Trunks, particularly the one from Dragon Ball GT, are often met with less admiration. This less than favorable image is partly due to the fact that he was compelled to walk in the footsteps of his future counterpart. A quiet, resilient warrior, Trunks has endured a life primarily spent in a hellish realm. His selfless determination to alter and rescue the world sets him apart from other Saiyans within Dragon Ball, displaying a unique character trait that distinguishes him from his peers.

4. Gohan

The Best Dragon Ball Z Character (Well, For About 2/3rds Of The Anime)

  • Debut Anime: Dragon Ball Z
  • Also Appears In (Main Series): Dragon Ball Super, Dragon Ball GT, Super Dragon Ball Heroes
  • Race: Saiyan/Human

Gohan is both an outstanding Dragon Ball character and incredibly vexing. From the beginning of the Cell Saga, Goku and Chi-Chi’s son embarked on a flawless journey that transformed him from a fearful child into the most powerful warrior in the known universe (at that moment). He endured hardships and fear at the hands of Raditz, Vegeta, Frieza, and Cell, but he always rose to confront even stronger adversaries. His actions stemmed from courage and a commitment to do what was right by defending the vulnerable, rather than an enthusiasm for combat.

From an outside perspective, it’s hard to overlook the impressive skill set that Teen Gohan showcased within the series. His epic battle against Cell left a lasting impact on viewers, as we watched this young character mature and reach his peak. Regrettably, following this story arc, Gohan seemed to lose some of his momentum. He was often overshadowed by characters like Goku and Vegeta in subsequent events, such as the Majin Buu saga, Dragon Ball GT, and even Super. Interestingly, Gohan doesn’t appear to be part of Daima either.

3. Goku

The Most Iconic Anime Character Of All Time

  • Debut Anime: Dragon Ball
  • Also Appears In (Main Series): Dragon Ball Z, Dragon Ball Daima, Dragon Ball Super, Dragon Ball GT, Super Dragon Ball Heroes
  • Race: Saiyan

In essence, the anime series “Dragon Ball” revolves around the central character, Goku. He is a constant presence in each series, almost every arc, and majority of the movies, making him an integral part of the Dragon Ball universe. Essentially, the story of “Dragon Ball” is the life journey of Goku, starting from his birth, childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. Through the series, viewers get to experience all aspects of Goku’s life, witnessing his grief over the loss of his grandfather, making his first friend, getting married, experiencing devastating defeats, overcoming seemingly impossible challenges, transforming into various forms, dying on multiple occasions, and consuming food quantities that would feed an entire nation.

In my perspective as a die-hard fan, Goku stands out as an incredibly relatable character, serving almost like a mirror for the audience. Yet, he’s far from being just a stand-in hero. His vibrant personality gives him a unique identity that feels genuine and not overly contrived. Even though his character evolution isn’t drastic in Dragon Ball Z or Super, Goku remains captivating and endearing throughout.

2. Piccolo

Dragon Ball’s Best Father & A Fantastically Written Character

  • Debut Anime: Dragon Ball
  • Also Appears In (Main Series): Dragon Ball Z, Dragon Ball Daima, Dragon Ball Super, Dragon Ball GT, Super Dragon Ball Heroes
  • Race: Namekian

Originating as King Piccolo’s son and the ultimate villain in the original “Dragon Ball” series, Piccolo could have been just another repetitive antagonist. Instead, he becomes one of the standout characters in “DBZ.” Initially joining forces with the Z-Fighters due to necessity, Piccolo eventually transforms into a trusted ally and friend to Goku. Over time, they develop a mentor-student relationship similar to that between Gohan and Piccolo, which is often considered the most cherished connection in “Dragon Ball.” Interestingly, it’s Gohan who appears to have a stronger emotional tie with Piccolo compared to his own father.

Through his journey, Piccolo undergoes considerable transformation, even though he consistently remains true to himself. This change, however, unfolds gradually and subtly. As he interacts with individuals like Gohan and, to some extent, Goku, he adopts traits such as kindness, approachability, and selflessness. Initially driven by the desire for world domination, Piccolo eventually evolves into a hero, demonstrating a willingness to put his life on the line for the sake of humanity.

1. Vegeta

The Best Dragon Ball Character

  • Debut Anime: Dragon Ball Z
  • Also Appears In (Main Series): Dragon Ball Daima, Dragon Ball Super, Dragon Ball GT, Super Dragon Ball Heroes
  • Race: Saiyan

In the anime series, a Saiyan Prince’s initial iconic act involves destroying a planet. Subsequently, he enters the scene with an air of arrogance, kills his comrade callously, suffers defeat at the hands of Goku, undergoes a transformation into a colossal ape, and narrowly escapes being killed by an angry Gohan. Despite this, Vegeta is considered one of the highlights of the Saiyan Saga, despite his introduction portraying him as primarily an egotistical antagonist with a sense of inadequacy. Interestingly, these early scenes offer little hint of the character’s eventual popularity within Dragon Ball, or even in anime as a whole.

Throughout most of Dragon Ball Z, Vegeta progressively evolves into a more compassionate character, notably through his bond with Bulma and his growing affection for his offspring. His competition with Goku drives him to hit both disheartening lows and extraordinary peaks, with the latter eventually becoming commonplace. Crucially, Vegeta’s transformation persists in Dragon Ball Z’s spin-offs, notably Dragon Ball Super and Daima. By the conclusion of Dragon Ball Super, the Saiyan Prince is fully dedicated to his family, making them the purpose of his existence instead of an innate desire to be the strongest.

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2025-04-27 03:06