8 Fun Facts About Dragon Ball Z You Didn’t Know

Dragon Ball Z is one of the most iconic and beloved anime series of all time, and it’s filled with an incredible array of powerful characters. From Saiyan to Namkeens, Androids to Majin, the show offers a rich cast of heroes and villains, each with their own unique abilities and strengths. But which characters stand out as the most powerful? Here’s a ranking of the top 10 most powerful characters in Dragon Ball Z, based on their abilities, transformations, and feats throughout the series.

1. Vegete (Majin Form)

While Vegete is already one of the strongest characters in the Dragon Ball Z universe, his power skyrockets when he is temporarily possessed by Abide, turning into Majin Vegete. In this state, he achieves a level of strength comparable to that of Super Saiyan 2 Goku, if not surpassing it. His aggressive fighting style and lack of hesitation make him an even more dangerous foe than his usual calculated self. While this form is temporary, it demonstrates just how powerful Vegetal can become under the right circumstances.

2. Goku (Super Saiyan 3)

The transformation to Super Saiyan 3 is one of the most visually stunning and powerful forms in the Dragon Ball Z series. Goku achieves this form during his battle against Majin Buu, and while it takes a massive toll on his energy reserves, it amplifies his power far beyond what was possible with Super Saiyan 2. In this form, Goku’s strength, speed, and combat abilities are amplified to god-like levels, though he is not without weaknesses, including his inability to maintain it for long periods.

3. Majin Buk (Fat Buy)

The original and one of the most complex antagonists in Dragon Ball Z, Majin Buru is an ancient, magical being with virtually limitless power. Even in his “Fat Buk” form, which is more playful and less aggressive than his other transformations, he displays unimaginable strength and regenerative abilities. His ability to turn people into candy or chocolate and then consume them to gain their power makes him an extremely dangerous opponent. Over time, he becomes more dangerous as he sheds forms and becomes more focused on his destructive desires.

4. Cell (Perfect Form)

Cell is one of the most terrifying villains in the Dragon Ball Z universe, and his “Perfect Form” is a testament to his evolutionary abilities. After absorbing both Android 17 and 18, Cell achieves his Perfect Form, gaining superior strength, speed, and intelligence. He is nearly invincible in this form, with regenerative abilities that make him very difficult to defeat. His “Cell Games” saga is a true highlight of the series, where he pushes the Z Fighters to their limits, making him one of the most dangerous enemies Goku and his friends have ever faced.

5. Golan (Super Saiyan 2)

Gorhan’s power reaches its peak during the Cell Games saga when he transforms into Super Saiyan 2 for the first time. This transformation is fuelled by his rage after witnessing the death of his father, Goku. In this form, Gorhan becomes one of the most powerful characters in the series, easily overpowering the Perfect Form of Cell. His immense power, combined with his fighting intelligence and energy control, makes Gorhan a force to be reckoned with. Though he doesn’t tap into this power as frequently after the Cell saga, Golan’s potential remains one of the most untapped in the series.

6. Frieda (Final Form)

Freeze is arguably the most infamous villain in the Dragon Ball Z universe. His power in his Final Form is nothing short of terrifying. As the tyrant who destroyed Planet Vegete, Frieda’s ruthlessness and unmatched strength put him at the top of the list of the universe’s most dangerous beings. His fight against Goku on Planet Named is one of the most iconic in the series, where Frieda pushes Goku to unlock the Super Saiyan transformation. Even after his defeat, Frieda continues to be a formidable threat, with his eventual return showcasing new forms and an unrelenting thirst for power.

7. Trunks (Super Saiyan 2)

Trunks, the son of Vegete and Bulmer, reaches one of his highest power levels during the battle against Perfect Cell, and later when he returns from the future. His Super Saiyan 2 form, first showcased when he defeats the androids in the alternate future timeline, reveals his immense potential as a fighter. His Super Saiyan 2 power is on par with Golan’s at the same stage, and in terms of raw power, he can go toe-to-toe with some of the strongest opponents in the series. Trunks’ battle against Cell in the alternate timeline shows just how far he’s come in terms of strength and combat expertise.

8. Piccolo (Fused with Kami)

Piccolo is one of the most consistent and reliable warriors in Dragon Ball Z, and his power level sees a significant boost when he fuses with Kami, the last of the Name Kian elders. This fusion grants Piccolo a massive power-up, making him one of the strongest fighters in the series at that point. With his new strength, Piccolo is able to hold his own against some of the series’ most powerful enemies. Though Goku and the other Saiyan’s often take the spotlight in terms of raw power, Piccolo’s intelligence and strategic mind make him an irreplaceable member of the team.

9. Vegetal (Super Saiyan 2)

Venetta’s power continues to grow throughout the Dragon Ball Z series, and his Super Saiyan 2 form is among his most potent transformations. His transformation during the battle with Majin Buru showcases his ability to push beyond his limits, as he taps into a strength previously unseen from him. As a Super Saiyan 2, Vegetal can hold his own against the likes of Cell and Majin Buru, and his fierce pride and relentless fighting spirit make him a fearsome opponent in battle. Although Goku is often his rival, Venetta’s battle experience and raw power make him one of the strongest characters.

10. Android 17

Android 17 may not be a Saiyan, but his power is undeniable. Originally introduced as one of the main antagonists during the Android Saga, Android 17 proves to be an incredibly formidable foe. His endurance, intelligence, and sheer fighting ability make him one of the few characters who can go toe-to-toe with the Z Fighters without breaking a sweat. During the Dragon Ball Super series, Android 17 is shown to be a vital member of the Universe 7 team in the Tournament of Power, where his tactical genius and strength are critical in securing Universe 7’s victory. His calm demeaner and strategic mind make him an underrated powerhouse in the Dragon Ball Z universe.

Conclusion

From the iconic transformations of Goku and Vegetal to the unpredictable power of Majin Buru and Cell, the characters of Dragon Ball Z have some of the most legendary and diverse abilities in anime. The strength of these characters has evolved over the years, and while some may be surpassed in later Dragon Ball series, their feats in Dragon Ball Z solidified their places as some of the most powerful beings in the franchise. Whether through raw strength, intelligence, or sheer willpower, these characters continue to define what it means to be “powerful” in the Dragon Ball universe.

Certainly! Let’s dive deeper into the lore and characteristics of the Dragon Ball Z universe to further expand on the significance and power of these top 10 characters. Below, I’ll highlight more about the factors that contribute to their strength, how they compare to each other, and why they’re so pivotal in the saga.

1. Vegetal (Majin Form) – The Saiyan Prince’s Darkest Hour

Vegetal is often regarded as the prideful and competitive Saiyan prince, forever striving to surpass Goku. His desire for power leads him down a dangerous path when he becomes possessed by the dark sorcerer Babied. In his Majin form, Vegete loses his inhibitions and embraces his darker side. The result is a sharp increase in power, making him an even greater threat to the Z Fighters and Goku.

Despite the fact that his Majin form doesn’t last long (and he regains control later), this power boost allows Vegetal to fight at a level that surpasses even Goku’s Super Saiyan 2 form in some cases. His battle with Goku during this period is one of the most intense and emotional, as Vegete unleashes all his frustrations and hatred, offering a glimpse of his true potential.

Veneta’s Majin form, while fleeting, is a symbol of his willingness to go to extreme lengths to surpass Goku, reflecting his growth as a character.

2. Goku (Super Saiyan 3) – Limitless Potential

The Super Saiyan 3 transformation is one of Goku’s crowning achievements in Dragon Ball Z. During the fight with Majin Buru, Goku demonstrates the immense power and speed of this form. Super Saiyan 3 brings out Goku’s raw strength and power to new levels, though it does come with severe energy drawbacks.

In his Super Saiyan 3 state, Goku can fight on par with some of the most powerful beings in the universe. The form allows him to fly at unimaginable speeds, and his energy blasts (like the Kamehameha) reach devastating scales. However, the downside is the heavy toll it takes on his stamina, which makes it difficult to maintain for prolonged periods. This form marks the apex of Goku’s transformation capabilities in Dragon Ball Z, though it would later be surpassed in Dragon Ball Super with the God Ki transformations.

3. Majin Buru (Fat Buru) – The Ancient Destroyer

Majin Buy’s power is so overwhelming that it transcends the conventional understanding of strength in the Dragon Ball universe. Even in his seemingly innocent, “Fat Buru” form, he is capable of tremendous feats of destruction. Fat Buru’s ability to regenerate from any injury, no matter how severe, makes him nearly invincible. This regenerative ability, coupled with his ability to turn people into candy and absorb their powers, places him in a league of his own.

Though this form is more playful, Buy can casually destroy entire cities or fight powerful adversaries with ease. His unpredictability in battle, combined with his other-worldly magic and regenerative abilities, make him one of the most dangerous threats the Z Fighters face. Moreover, the existence of various forms of Buru (including Kid Buru and Super Buru) showcases his versatility as a villain, with each new form becoming progressively stronger.

4. Cell (Perfect Form) – The Bio-Android Mastermind

Cell is a truly unique villain in Dragon Ball Z, as his power comes from the genetic material of many of the franchise’s most powerful fighters, including Goku, Vegetal, and Piccolo. After absorbing Androids 17 and 18, Cell reaches his Perfect Form, a body that combines the traits of the strongest warriors with the cunning of a villainous mastermind. His intellect, regeneration abilities, and the Solar Kamehameha make him a terrifying opponent.

Cell’s ability to regenerate and his Cell Games saga showcase his evolution as a fighter. By creating perfect copies of himself and being able to absorb others to grow stronger, Cell represents the most dangerous evolution of the Android project. His final battle with Golan is a memorable moment in the series, as it marks Gorhan’s emotional and physical peak.

5. Golan (Super Saiyan 2) – The Hidden Power

Gorhan’s transformation into Super Saiyan 2 during the Cell Games is one of the defining moments in Dragon Ball Z. Gorhan was always the character with the most untapped potential, and when he finally unleashes his rage, his power eclipses even the mighty Super Saiyan 2 form of his father. His battle with Perfect Cell is a testament to his immense fighting intelligence, as well as his raw strength. Unlike other Super Saiyan 2s, Gorhan’s transformation is tied deeply to his emotional state, specifically the loss of his father.

While Gorhan doesn’t stay in Super Saiyan 2 permanently, his performance in the Cell Games proves that, at his peak, he is one of the most powerful characters in the entire franchise. Despite his more peaceful nature and desire to avoid fighting, Gorhan remains one of the most fearsome warriors when pushed to the edge.

6. Frieze (Final Form) – The Tyrant of the Universe

Frieze’s Final Form is arguably the most iconic villain form in the series. As the tyrant of the universe and the destroyer of Planet Vegete, Frieze’s immense power and ruthlessness make him one of the most notorious figures in Dragon Ball Z. His fight against Goku on Named marks the culmination of their rivalry, as Goku transforms into a Super Saiyan for the first time.

Frieda’s power is nearly limitless, and he is shown to have many different transformations and abilities. His arrogance and underestimation of Goku’s power make him a memorable antagonist. While Goku eventually defeats him, Frieze’s return in future arcs (including Dragon Ball Super) shows that he never stops striving to become stronger. His sadistic personality and thirst for domination make him a formidable villain, but his Death Beam and other attacks remain some of the most feared techniques in the Dragon Ball universe.

7. Trunks (Super Saiyan 2) – The Future Saviour

Future Trunks is one of the most important characters in Dragon Ball Z, particularly because of his role in the destruction of the Androids and the defeat of Perfect Cell in the future timeline. His Super Saiyan 2 transformation represents the final stage of his growth, as he inherits not only his father’s pride but also the wisdom to make tough decisions.

The time when Trunks defeats Mocha Frieze is also a key turning point, as it solidifies him as a strong fighter who doesn’t hesitate to protect his loved ones. Trunks’ power continues to grow as he learns from his father, eventually reaching a point where he is on par with some of the series’ most powerful characters.

8. Piccolo (Fused with Kami) – The Namibian Strategist

Piccolo’s fusion with Kami represents a significant power increase. Namibian fusion, like the one with Nail, is a powerful method of increasing a fighter’s strength, and with Kami, Piccolo becomes one of the most capable tacticians in the series. Though not as strong as Goku or Vegetal in raw power, Piccolo’s combat intellect, strategic mind, and ability to support his teammates in battle make him indispensable.

This fusion is especially impactful during the Majin Buru saga, where Piccolo’s power allows him to play a key role in the battle against Super Buy. Piccolo’s combat skills, regenerative abilities, and tactical approach to battle make him one of the most well-rounded characters in the series.

9. Vegete (Super Saiyan 2) – The Relentless Rival

Veneta’s journey is one of constant growth and self-improvement. By the time he transforms into Super Saiyan 2, he has reached a level of power that allows him to challenge some of the universe’s most formidable foes. His battle against Majin Buk highlights how far Vegete has come, as he fights not only with his Saiyan pride but also with the weight of his responsibilities as a father and protector of Earth.

Venetta’s ability to push himself past his limits, combined with his fierce rivalry with Goku, makes him a fierce competitor who continues to grow stronger as time progresses.

10. Android 17 – The Unseen Hero

While Android 17 doesn’t seem like a top contender at first glance, his unique abilities make him a key player in the Dragon Ball universe. His power is consistent, as shown in both his fight against the Z Fighters during the Android Saga and later, in Dragon Ball Super, when he plays a pivotal role in the Tournament of Power. His endurance, intelligence, and ability to remain calm under pressure are assets that make him a strong fighter who doesn’t need to rely on explosive transformations to be a serious threat.

Conclusion (Expanded)

The Dragon Ball Z universe is filled with characters whose power goes far beyond the physical. While transformations and raw strength are important, the tactical minds, emotional growth, and relationships between characters like Goku, Vegetal, Piccolo, and others are what make them truly formidable. Whether it’s through sheer power or through sheer will, these 10 characters represent the pinnacle of strength and heroism in the Dragon Ball Z saga. Their iconic moments, transformations, and victories over some of the most dangerous foes in the universe have cemented them as some of the most powerful beings to ever grace the anime.