Over forty years ago, Akira Toriyama’s Dragon Ball manga first appeared in Weekly Shonen Jump, dramatically changing the landscape of Shonen manga. It quickly became popular in Japan and then a worldwide hit with the release of the anime. Dragon Ball fundamentally shaped the Shonen genre as we know it today. The series is remembered for its exciting battles and has left a lasting impact by establishing many of the common themes and ideas still used by manga artists and in popular shows. Through numerous series, movies, and spin-offs over the years, the franchise has consistently delivered memorable moments and characters.
First airing in 1989, Dragon Ball Z picks up the story a few years after the original Dragon Ball anime. Goku is now settled down with his wife, Chi-Chi, and their young son, Gohan, hoping for a quiet life. However, his peace doesn’t last long when powerful warriors called Saiyans arrive on Earth, revealing the truth about why Goku was originally sent there. From then on, Goku and his fellow Z Warriors constantly face new and dangerous enemies. While battles like Goku versus Frieza and Gohan versus Cell are legendary, DBZ actually featured many other thrilling fights that didn’t receive as much recognition.
7) Trunks vs. Goten
Battles in Dragon Ball Z aren’t always about life or death. Many of the Z Warriors enjoy fighting and participate in tournaments like the World Tournament simply because they love martial arts. Trunks and Goten were naturally gifted fighters, inheriting their skills and Saiyan heritage from their fathers, making them incredibly strong for their age. During the Junior Division finals, they showcased their power in an intense match. Though Trunks ultimately won, it was due to a momentary distraction on Goten’s part.
6) Vegeta vs. Zarbon
Despite being a prominent member of Frieza’s army, Vegeta wasn’t as strong as many other fighters, like Zarbon and the members of the Ginyu Force. Vegeta had already planned to turn against Frieza, but his fight with Zarbon proved surprisingly difficult. Zarbon was concealing his true, monstrous form and immense power. He easily defeated Vegeta in their first encounter, but the rematch was different. Because Saiyans grow stronger with each battle, Vegeta was able to defeat and kill Zarbon the second time around.
5) Goku vs. Nappa
Okay, so everyone remembers Vegeta as the big bad in the Saiyan Saga, but honestly, Nappa was seriously powerful too! He really pushed the Z Fighters to their limits while they were all waiting for Goku to show up. And then Goku finally arrived and, wow, he was so much stronger! It was incredible seeing how much he’d improved after training with King Kai – just a year before, Raditz had given him a huge challenge! Goku beat Nappa pretty badly, leaving him unable to move, but then Vegeta, surprisingly, finished Nappa off himself because he was disappointed in how easily Nappa lost. It was a shocking moment, for sure!
4) Vegeta vs. Android 19
After Future Trunks warned them about the Androids, the Z Warriors spent three years preparing for a fight. When the Androids finally arrived, it became clear that Androids 19 and 20 were incredibly strong – stronger than any of the Z Warriors except for those who could transform into Super Saiyans. Vegeta pushed himself through intense training and finally unlocked this powerful transformation. He easily defeated Android 19, but it soon became apparent that even more dangerous enemies were on their way.
3) Goku vs. Majin Vegeta
Driven by his desire for more power, Vegeta impulsively allowed Babidi to transform him into a Majin, granting him a significant boost. This led him to terrorize people and challenge Goku to a fight, despite Goku’s hesitation. Their battle was surprisingly long, with both fighters clashing intensely as Super Saiyans 2. While Vegeta ultimately won with a sneaky tactic, Goku had been deliberately holding back his even more powerful Super Saiyan 3 transformation, which likely would have changed the outcome.
2) Tien Shinhan vs. Cell
The Saiyans are usually the focus because their strength keeps increasing, often overshadowing the other Z Warriors. However, Tien really impressed everyone during the fight with Cell. Even after Cell absorbed Android 17 and became much stronger than the rest of the Z Warriors, Tien managed to briefly hold him back. He pushed himself to the limit, firing multiple Tri-Beams to prevent Cell from advancing.
1) Piccolo vs. Android 17
Piccolo consistently steps up in tough situations, and the battle against Cell was no exception. Recognizing the immense danger, he traveled to the Lookout and merged with Kami, who willingly sacrificed himself to protect Earth. This fusion created a much more powerful being, allowing Piccolo to fight effectively against Android 17. He even managed to trap Android 17 with his Hellzone Grenade, though briefly. Sadly, the fight couldn’t finish, as Cell interrupted and absorbed Android 17.
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2025-12-19 04:11