7 Most Underrated Goku Moments in Dragon Ball Z

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Over forty years ago, Akira Toriyama’s Dragon Ball manga first appeared in Weekly Shonen Jump, and it quickly changed the landscape of Shonen manga. Starting as a hit in Japan, it soon became popular worldwide thanks to the anime adaptation. Dragon Ball has had a huge impact on the Shonen genre, shaping it into what it is today. It’s remembered not just for its thrilling battles and exciting moments, but also for establishing many common themes and ideas that continue to inspire manga artists and popular shows.

The Dragon Ball series has given fans many exciting moments with its main character, Goku. After a jump forward in time, Dragon Ball Z explored Goku’s backstory and showed him becoming an even stronger fighter. While moments like his first transformation into a Super Saiyan and achieving Super Saiyan 3 are always remembered, many of Goku’s other amazing feats often don’t get the attention they deserve.

7) Goku vs. Nappa Is an Incredible Display of His Growth

Man, when Nappa showed up, he really pushed the Z Fighters to their limits while Vegeta and he were waiting for Goku! But as soon as Goku arrived, it was a whole different story. All that training with King Kai really paid off – he got this incredible power boost that just completely overwhelmed Nappa. It’s crazy to think that just a year earlier, Goku struggled against Raditz, but King Kai turned him into a powerhouse and he totally dominated this proud Saiyan warrior!

6) Goku Effortlessly Killed Yakon

Yakon is a rare opponent Goku defeated on his own, and the fight was over incredibly quickly. During the battle to prevent Majin Buu’s revival, Goku faced Yakon, one of Babidi’s most powerful minions. Yakon had the ability to absorb energy, but he underestimated Goku’s Super Saiyan power. When Yakon tried to absorb too much, he overloaded and destroyed himself, without Goku needing to exert much effort at all.

5) Goku Gives Kid Buu a Second Chance At Life

I’ve always noticed that Goku’s need to battle strong fighters is surprisingly connected to his good heart. He faced Kid Buu, who was the strongest opponent he ever encountered, but couldn’t really enjoy the fight because the world was on the line. That’s why he actually wished for Kid Buu to be reborn – he wanted a rematch! He even asked King Yama to make it happen. When he finally found Buu’s reincarnation, Uub, he dedicated himself to training him, wanting to help him grow strong enough for a real fight.

4) Goku’s Sacrifice Is Often Overlooked

Goku consistently puts others before himself, and the fight with Cell was a prime example. He died protecting his loved ones, specifically after sending Cell to King Kai’s planet, which deeply affected Gohan. Surprisingly, when given the chance to return to life, Goku chose to remain dead. He felt responsible for all the dangers Earth faced – from Dr. Gero and the Saiyans to the Androids and Cell – and believed the planet would be safer if he stayed gone. His sacrifice brought seven years of peace, but he was eventually drawn back into fighting during the World Tournament.

3) Goku’s Underwater Kamehameha Isn’t Appreciated Enough

Honestly, it’s amazing to watch Goku! He’s just so good at turning things around, even when things look completely hopeless. Remember his fight with Frieza? Before he went Super Saiyan, Frieza was totally dominating him. But Goku never gave up. I mean, even after Frieza tossed him into the ocean, he didn’t just sit there! He used that as a chance to attack, totally surprising Frieza and getting a little advantage. It was a brilliant move, and that’s what makes watching him so exciting!

2) Goku vs. Majin Vegeta Is Still One of The Best Fights in Dragon Ball Z

Vegeta made a reckless choice when he let Babidi control him, becoming a Majin in exchange for more power. This led him to terrorize people and force a fight with Goku, who didn’t want to battle. Their fight as Super Saiyans 2 lasted a surprisingly long time. Vegeta won with a sneaky move, but Goku had actually been holding back his even stronger Super Saiyan 3 transformation, which likely would have turned the tide.

1) Goku vs. Recoome Will Always Be Iconic

Goku has a habit of showing up just when things look their worst, but he always manages to save the day. Recoome was a particularly strong and feared member of Frieza’s elite Ginyu Force. After seeing Recoome brutally attack Gohan and Krillin, Goku quickly defeated him with a single, powerful strike. While Goku single-handedly beat the entire Ginyu Force, taking down Recoome was a uniquely satisfying moment.

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2026-01-12 07:10