The 10 Most Badass Dragon Ball Fights of All Time, Ranked

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Widely considered the best martial arts manga ever, *Dragon Ball* (especially *DBZ*) is famous for its incredible fight scenes. What really makes it stand out is how those battles aren’t just exciting – they also show characters growing and changing in powerful, satisfying ways. Before over-the-top power-ups became common, *Dragon Ball Z*’s heroes like Goku, Vegeta, and Gohan had truly epic and memorable moments.

It’s not simply about impressive visuals. What truly makes a great *Dragon Ball* fight memorable is the emotional weight behind it – a hard-fought victory feels more rewarding. Battles like Vegeta versus Recoome and Tien versus Yamcha are compelling not just for the action, but because they showcase the characters’ strength and determination, which is inspiring to watch.

Goku vs the Ginyu Force Was the First Hint of Quasi-Super Saiyan Aura in DBZ

Man, I still get hyped thinking about when Goku first landed on Namek and faced the Ginyu Force! It was such a turning point. He was already way stronger after almost being killed by Vegeta – that near-death experience gave him this incredible Zenkai boost. But it didn’t stop there! He spent the whole trip in the spaceship training in super high gravity, and that pushed him to a whole new level. Seriously, he got *two* massive power-ups before even fighting Frieza – it was amazing!

When Goku reached Namek and battled Jeice, Burter, and Recoome, he had become incredibly powerful – so much so that Vegeta was amazed. The beginning of that fight is one of the most impressive sequences in *DBZ* (and in many action-packed manga), showing Goku easily avoiding his opponents as if they weren’t even a challenge.

Ultra Ego Vegeta vs Granolah Hasn’t Been Surpassed By Any Fight in the DBS Manga

Fans may never see one of the most impressive fights from *Dragon Ball* animated, but the manga version still delivers. In *Dragon Ball Super*, Vegeta’s first transformation into Ultra Ego while fighting Granolah is a standout moment for the Saiyan Prince. It’s the point where Vegeta finally breaks through his own barriers and reaches a level equal to Goku, achieving a unique form unlike any other Z Fighter.

Vegeta consistently faces tough battles in *Dragon Ball*, making the Ultra Instinct transformation ideal for his character. Seeing him become increasingly powerful as he endures more damage – even frightening opponents like Granolah – is a rewarding moment for longtime fans who’ve watched him strive to surpass Kakarot. Vegeta enjoys a challenge and performs best when pushed to his limits, and achieving Ultra Ego against Granolah perfectly embodies this, turning his resilience into his greatest strength.

Broly vs the Z Fighters Introduced The World to DBZ’s Best Non-Canon Villain

Broly, the Legendary Super Saiyan, is arguably the most intimidating villain in all of *DBZ*. His first appearance in *Dragon Ball Z: Broly, The Legendary Super Saiyan* perfectly demonstrates this. The movie is essentially a non-stop showcase of Broly’s incredible rage, as the Z Fighters struggle just to stay alive. He immediately establishes himself as a terrifying threat by casually destroying an entire planet with a single energy blast, showing just how powerful he is.

The battle delivered unforgettable scenes of Broly’s power, like when he smashed Vegeta into a wall, effortlessly dodged attacks from both Piccolo and Goku simultaneously, and withstood Goku’s Kamehameha blast without flinching. His overwhelming victory against four Super Saiyans – Gohan, Trunks, Vegeta, and Goku – plus a Namekian fused with Kami, cemented his place in Dragon Ball history. The fight was so impressive that it inspired Akira Toriyama to officially make Broly a hero in the 2019 film, *Dragon Ball Super: Broly*.

Tien vs Yamcha Shattered Perceptions of Martial Arts Shonen Action Can Do

Everyone remembers Tien’s fight with Yamcha at the World Tournament for how badly Yamcha lost, but the fight itself was incredibly impressive. The way the fight was put together – the choreography – was top-notch, with two of the strongest fighters at the time going head-to-head in a balanced battle. What really makes it stand out isn’t just the cool fighting moves, but the overall visual experience.

The constant use of wolf imagery during Yamcha’s fight emphasizes just how powerful he’d become and how skilled he was with the Wolf Fang Fist. It’s unfortunate this was one of his last great moments as a fighter in *Dragon Ball*, as his defeat was devastating and he never quite bounced back. Still, Yamcha will always be remembered for his strong performance against Tien.

Vegeta vs Recoome Highlighted What Makes the Saiyan Prince Unique as a Hero

Yamcha isn’t the only *Dragon Ball* character who gets injured. Vegeta takes a lot of damage in *DBZ*, but his fight against Recoome is particularly memorable. He performs some of the series’ most famous attack combinations during this battle, enduring a brutal beating that would likely defeat a weaker fighter.

Beyond the exciting fight itself, the story surrounding Vegeta’s battle with Recoome makes it even more significant. It marked the first time Vegeta officially teamed up with the Z Fighters, though he wasn’t thrilled about it. Vegeta’s brutal and unforgiving fighting style was unlike anything Krillin and Gohan had seen from their previous allies, and it was immediately clear when he unexpectedly sliced Guldo in half with a surprise attack.

Mini Goku vs Demon King Gomah’s Fight Choreography Rose The Bar For Future Dragon Ball Battles

Viewers have mixed feelings about *Dragon Ball DAIMA*’s lighter tone and some of its choices, but it’s undeniable that the series delivered some incredible fight scenes. The standout fight, both in terms of quality and excitement, was easily the first battle between SSJ4 Mini Goku and Demon King Gomah at the end of the show. It features some of the best fight choreography and animation the entire *Dragon Ball* franchise has ever produced.

Mini Goku’s fighting style is a great blend of his early techniques from the original *Dragon Ball* series and the incredible power he gains in *Dragon Ball Super*. He really embraces his “monkey king” roots, often fighting on all fours with a fierce, animalistic energy. But his most impressive move is a clever Kamehameha: even after taking a punch to the face during the attack, he powers through and delivers a devastating blast right into the Demon King’s face.

Goku vs Piccolo Jr Showed The Toughness and Tenacity it Takes to Become World Martial Arts Champion

The final fight between Goku and Piccolo Jr. in the World Tournament is widely considered the best in the original *Dragon Ball* series, and one of the most memorable battles overall. It’s a deeply personal clash fueled by a long-standing rivalry, making it a fitting conclusion to the original series. Plus, it marks Goku’s first and only victory in the World Martial Arts Tournament, providing a perfect ending to *Dragon Ball* before the story continues in *DBZ*.

What truly makes the Goku vs. Piccolo Jr. fight so incredible isn’t just what it means for the story. It’s the best-choreographed battle in the original Dragon Ball series. The fight takes you through every phase, even when Piccolo transforms into a massive monster. It feels like Goku is battling a physical representation of his own inner struggles, mirroring the giant ape form that took his grandfather’s life – a form he’d seemingly overcome. Goku suffers every possible injury, having all his limbs broken, but still finds a way to win. That’s the definition of resilience and sheer determination.

Ultra Instinct Goku vs Jiren Remains the Pinnacle of the Dragon Ball Super Anime

Goku’s initial use of Ultra Instinct during his battle with Jiren in the Tournament of Power is widely considered the point where *Dragon Ball* truly entered a new era of anime. Though *Dragon Ball Super* featured several exciting fights before this, Ultra Instinct was the first to become a massive online sensation and solidify the series as a distinct continuation of *DBZ*.

As a long-time anime fan, I still get chills thinking about the moment Goku dodged Jiren! It looked like he hadn’t even moved, but then Jiren was suddenly getting *hit* with a flurry of punches so fast it seemed like his reaction was delayed. Honestly, after years of Super Saiyan transformations, Ultra Instinct felt like a truly fresh and exciting direction for the series. And let’s be real, that fight against Jiren? It’s cemented itself as one of the most legendary moments in all of shonen anime, and it always will be!

Gohan vs the Cell Jrs Signified Gohan’s Personal Growth on Multiple Layers

Many fans consider Gohan’s Super Saiyan 2 transformation during the fight against Perfect Cell to be the most impressive in *Dragon Ball Z*. This led to an incredibly intense battle, as Gohan systematically defeated Cell’s Jr. forms. Struggling with the emotional weight of the situation, Gohan realized he had to fight with everything he had to protect his friends, even if it meant having to kill his enemies.

What really made this fight so powerful wasn’t just the action itself, but everything leading up to it. Seeing Android 16 go, and what that meant to Gohan, just completely changed the mood. It felt like Gohan’s innocence was shattered, and he finally realized he couldn’t hold back anymore. That, combined with his completely blank expression, made every single one of his punches *mean* something. He just tore through Cell’s helpers, one after another, and it was brutal to watch.

Future Trunks vs Mecha Frieza is The Most Badass Dragon Ball Fight – and It’s Not a Debate

Few anime fights are as iconic and powerful as Future Trunks’ first battle against Mecha Frieza. This fight perfectly shows what fans mean when they talk about a character’s “aura” or presence. Becoming a Super Saiyan when everyone believed Goku was the only one capable of reaching that level was already amazing, but it was only the beginning of what made this fight so memorable.

Future Trunks made a stunning first impression for several reasons. He effortlessly defeated Frieza, who was, at the time, the strongest villain in the entire series. He did so decisively and without mercy – a stark contrast to Goku’s habit of offering compassion and second chances. That moment remains the coolest the *Dragon Ball* series has ever been, and it’s unlikely to be surpassed.

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2025-10-17 19:43