10 Strongest Dragon Ball Characters Ranked Revealed!

If you’ve got any exposure to anime, you’re likely acquainted with Dragon Ball. Rapidly gaining popularity due to Akira Toriyama’s creative genius, Goku’s name has resonated not only among anime enthusiasts but also those who aren’t into anime. This all began in 1986 when the initial episodes of Dragon Ball aired on Fuji TV and later on Cartoon Network. The series captivated everyone with its widespread fame and appeal, introducing Goku as a young boy who through dedicated training rose to be the strongest of them all. Throughout his journey, he encountered numerous companions and adversaries, many significantly stronger than himself.

In the Dragon Ball universe, the power system has consistently been capable of causing catastrophic destruction. However, before our beloved characters transformed into Saiyan modes, they were young warriors receiving training from powerful masters. The Dragon Ball series laid the groundwork for the iconic Dragon Ball Z series, which introduced some of the strongest characters ever seen. Despite this, the original series certainly had its share of impressive moments. In light of this, we have prepared a list ranking the strongest original Dragon Ball characters based on in-series displays of power, strength, and influence. So let’s dive in!

10) Yamcha

Originally a desert outlaw, Yamcha later transformed into a combatant following his apprenticeship under the renowned Master Roshi. Despite being reluctant to forge friendships with Goku, he would team up with him whenever danger arose. In terms of abilities, Yamcha boasts some impressive techniques: He can summon a Spirit Ball during crucial ki manipulation instances and unleash Wolf Fang Fist attacks for powerful, aggressive blows – showing that he’s much more than just a solitary bandit.

However, what truly distinguishes Yamcha is that he’s a robust Earthling who isn’t deterred by taking on opponents much more powerful than himself. Although success might not always be his outcome, his battles consistently exhibit determination and a fierce combat spirit. His encounters with Tien and Piccolo Jr. during the 21st Tournament were particularly grueling (despite his losses). From his time in Emperor Pilaf’s storyline to the World Tournaments, Yamcha demonstrated he could keep pace… until power levels became utterly insane.

9) Krillin

In the Dragon Ball series, Krillin initially appeared as Goku’s adversary. However, their time training under Master Roshi quickly transformed Krillin into Goku’s closest friend and partner. Despite his relatively small stature, Krillin is a potent Earthling who is frequently underestimated. The combination of his strategic skills and abilities makes him a formidable ally among the Z warriors.

From an onlooker’s perspective, it’s undeniable that Krillin stands out with his unique moves like Solar Flare, Kamehameha, and Destructo Disc. Time and time again, he demonstrates an impressive resilience even against seemingly insurmountable odds. His battle against Piccolo Jr. not only solidified his reputation but also highlighted his exceptional martial arts prowess. His character arc truly blossoms during the World Tournament Sagas (21st to 23rd) and the King Piccolo Saga, where he transforms from a humorous sidekick into a formidable warrior, showcasing his growth with every step.

8) Mercenary Tao

Known as a notorious and costly mercenary, General Tao embodied cold-heartedness. He had a knack for making inappropriate jokes at inopportune moments and would resort to underhanded strategies when cornered. However, in combat, Tao was all business. Engaged by the Red Ribbon Army, he executed General Blue using nothing but his tongue, and undertook the task of eliminating young Goku.

In battle, his Pressure Point technique leaves opponents temporarily immobilized effortlessly. Moreover, he has the Dodon Ray, a ki blast more destructive than a gunshot, and Super Dodon Wave for foes he intends to eliminate completely. His brutal fighting style was clearly demonstrated in his battle against Goku during the Red Ribbon Army Saga. And it’s worth mentioning his chilling return in the Tien Saga, as it seems that being destroyed merely transforms him into Cyborg Tao, an even more frightening entity.

7) Master Roshi

Master Roshi, boasting over 300 years of life, has imparted knowledge to countless students who have since exceeded the strength of Saiyan transformations. However, it’s not just his longevity or student roster that makes him a significant character in anime. In reality, this lecherous old man is the creator of the formidable Kamehameha wave, a move instrumental in defining the power dynamics within the Dragon Ball universe.

Roshi possesses an abundance of techniques: The Thunder Shock Surprise to overpower enemies, Hypnosis for strategic manipulation, and centuries of battle wisdom. He faced Goku in the finals of the 21st Tournament to demonstrate that even monsters require elegance, engaged Tien in the 22nd to illustrate that age is irrelevant, and selflessly gave his life against King Piccolo, embodying a true master. From the early tournaments to supporting the team against the Red Ribbon Army, Roshi is the patriarch of Earth’s warriors.

6) Tien Shinhan

Tián is an earthling with extraordinary abilities, inherited from his ancestry. At first, Mercenary Tao’s disciple, Tián aimed to eliminate Goku as retribution for his late master. However, it didn’t take long for him to recognize he was on the wrong path. Following this realization, he began training under Master Roshi and eventually joined forces with the Z Warriors, using his newfound skills to become a valued ally and hero among them.

In combat, Tien isn’t a Saiyan nor fully human; this distinction is evident. His Solar Flare can leave deities blinded, his Tri-Beam drains energy for raw power, and the Four Witches Technique amplifies his limbs. During the 22nd World Tournament, he tested Goku to the utmost extent in their legendary battle and even defeated Master Roshi, demonstrating that Crane School’s harshness could match Turtle’s sagacity. And when King Piccolo threatened Earth, Tien showed his determination by giving his all.

5) Mr. Popo

As an onlooker, I’ve noticed that not much is spoken about the enigmatic figure known as Mr. Popo, yet one fact remains indisputable: his unbeaten streak endures. In the observatory, Mr. Popo stands tall, a devoted servant to Kami, a role he has fulfilled not only for Kami himself but also for his predecessors. This makes him one of the oldest and most potent characters in the original Dragon Ball series. Despite seemingly taking a backseat in Earthly affairs, Mr. Popo possesses the ability to instantly transport himself anywhere when necessary.

Through his ability to summon objects from nowhere and his uncanny foresight, Mr. Popo is always one step ahead. For three years, Kami requested that Goku be trained by him at the Lookout, where he was tossed around as if he were a toy until Goku had earned his respect. Ready for battle, Goku joined the 23rd World Tournament. From his training with Kami to guiding Earth’s protectors during the Piccolo Jr. saga, Popo is the silent but powerful force who has witnessed it all. In later versions of Dragon Ball, even Super Saiyan forms of Goten and Trunks faced off against him, hinting at power level inconsistencies throughout the series, but he remains one of the strongest characters in the original Dragon Ball.

4) Kami

In a relaxed state, Earth’s Protector, Kami, might typically be enjoying the full extent of his divine powers and playing the role of a deity. However, when crucial moments called for it, he demonstrated his hidden strength and true capacity. This powerful character, who serves as a positive force against King Piccolo, boasts incredible abilities and an aura. His Eye Laser pierces through enemies, his Evil Containment Wave confines terrors, and his Sealing Magic seals threats for eternity.

Using Spirit Energy and the Divine Dragon Orb, he controls the battlefield as if he were a deity (for he is one). His Explosive Wave isn’t merely for spectacle. During the 23rd World Tournament, he effortlessly eliminated Yajirobe and Yamcha, followed by a confrontation with Piccolo Jr. that left the arena trembling. Throughout training arcs and the Piccolo Jr. Saga, Kami serves as the enigmatic guardian of the Dragon Ball universe, ever vigilant and prepared.

3) King Piccolo

Kami’s malevolent and diabolical counterpart, King Piccolo, caused nothing but destruction on the tranquil planet Earth. His goal was to annihilate every martial artist and claim the title of Earth’s Guardian. Thus making him the first villain in the Dragon Ball series who truly made the world feel powerless.

In a powerful display of destruction, his Demon Wave blast flattened entire cities, while his Makosen ability pierced through mountains as if they were mere obstacles. His Finger Beam was deadly precise, eliminating opponents much like target practice. However, nothing compared to the fury he unleashed when facing Goku, seeking vengeance for his slain son. This battle was so savage that it came close to obliterating the Dragon Team completely, potentially altering the destiny of all characters with his immense, ruthless might.

2) Piccolo Jr.

Initially, Piccolo Jr., a close companion and friend of Goku, had been as wicked as his father, the Demon King, exhibiting the same destructive tendencies. However, he outdid his father in terms of cunningness and prowess. Yet, Piccolo’s narrative wasn’t solely about power; it was a journey towards escaping one’s past and transforming beyond being mere monsters.

At the 23rd World Tournament, he decimates Krillin and pushes Goku to the brink. His Mouth Blast makes the air lethal, his Light Grenade strikes with force like a falling star, and the Dust Attack disables enemies before they can react. Even his Chasing Bullet ki blasts pursue like a relentless predator, solidifying him as one of the most powerful characters in the original Dragon Ball series.

1) Goku

It’s no secret that the lead character of the Dragon Ball series is also its most powerful – quite the opposite! However, Goku didn’t just suddenly become this great; he spent years under the tutelage of some of the universe’s mightiest beings. From Bora and Master Roshi to Kami and Mr. Popo, Goku put in a tremendous amount of effort to hone his abilities.

I’ve seen Master Roshi develop the Kamehameha technique, but it was Goku who truly mastered it. The Power Pole allowed him to stretch his physical limits in earlier battles. And then there’s Ultra Instinct, the apex of his evolution, where he moves faster than thought can follow. But what sets Goku apart is his unyielding spirit, continuing to fight even when on the brink of defeat. Time and again, he pushes himself to the utmost limit to face each villain, emerging stronger every time.

2025-06-06 20:11