To mark Dragon Ball’s 40th anniversary, a global poll was held starting in late November, allowing fans to vote once a day for their favorite character from a selection of over 200. The character with the most votes was then named the most popular in Dragon Ball history.
Voting for the Dragon Ball popularity poll is now over. We won’t know the final results until late January, but current rankings show which characters have been most popular with fans for years – particularly those in the top 10.
10) Frieza
Frieza is a major villain in the Dragon Ball series. He used to lead the alien army that Vegeta was once a part of, which is ironic considering Frieza destroyed Vegeta’s people, the Saiyans, years before. When he first appeared, Frieza was searching for the Namekian Dragon Balls so he could become immortal and rule the universe.
Frieza has always been a standout villain in Dragon Ball because of his cruelty, immense strength, and the satisfying feeling of his defeat. His return in Dragon Ball Super amplified these qualities, making him even more compelling. With the Black Frieza Saga still in the works, he’s poised to become an even greater threat than before.
9) Cell
Cell is the main villain in the Android Saga of Dragon Ball. He’s a bio-android created in another timeline with a goal: to absorb Androids 17 and 18, becoming incredibly powerful. Since the androids in his original timeline were destroyed, he came to the main timeline to absorb them and eliminate anyone who tries to stop him.
Cell is one of the most memorable villains in Dragon Ball, whether he’s depicted as a terrifying insect-like creature or a surprisingly friendly but powerful man. Interestingly, despite not being central to the overall story, he remains incredibly popular and recognizable among fans.
8) Android 18
Android 18 first appeared as a villain during the Android Saga in Dragon Ball. Initially, Trunks believed she would destroy the world, but she wasn’t purely evil like the androids from his future. Eventually, she became an ally, joining the Z Warriors and later marrying Krillin, with whom she started a family.
Android 18 quickly became a fan favorite thanks to her striking look and the ease with which she beat Vegeta. Her appearances in Dragon Ball Super and her sweet romance with Krillin have only increased her popularity. While Dragon Ball isn’t always known for strong female characters, Android 18 is a clear success story.
7) Bardock
Bardock is Goku’s father and the reason Goku was sent to Earth as a baby. While he first appeared in a non-official movie called Bardock: The Father of Goku, the series Dragon Ball Super later presented an official version of his story, adding a lot more depth to his character and his relationship with Goku, even when Goku is grown up.
Bardock has always been a fan favorite in the Dragon Ball series. Though the official version of his story in Dragon Ball Super is quite different from the original, it still nicely honors the character we first knew and loved. While Akira Toriyama didn’t initially create Bardock, he’s become such an important part of the Dragon Ball universe that it’s hard to picture the series without him.
6) Future Trunks
I remember learning about Future Trunks – he’s basically what Vegeta and Bulma’s son would look like if he’d grown up in a really tough future. In his timeline, things were terrible; a pair of powerful androids built by the Red Ribbon Army had completely destroyed the world. So, using Bulma’s time machine, he traveled back in time hoping to warn Goku and the others and prevent that future from happening.
Future Trunks has been a fan favorite for years because of his compelling story and cool personality. His appearance in the Android Saga is legendary, which helped make him one of the most recognizable characters in the entire Dragon Ball series. While his story arc in Dragon Ball Super wasn’t his strongest, it’s clear why so many people still love him.
5) Vegito
Vegito is a powerful character in Dragon Ball created when Goku and Vegeta fuse using the Potara earrings. During the fight with Super Buu, after Buu became incredibly strong by absorbing Gohan, Goku sought out Vegeta and they fused to become Vegito. This new, combined warrior was easily able to overpower and defeat Super Buu.
Vegito is incredibly powerful in Dragon Ball, but it’s his amazing personality that really makes his fights so exciting to watch. Even though he doesn’t appear often, the quality of his battles explains why he’s such a fan favorite.
4) Piccolo
Piccolo is a long-time rival of Goku in the Dragon Ball series. Originally, he aimed to follow in his father, King Piccolo’s, evil footsteps. However, when the Saiyans appeared, Piccolo teamed up with Earth’s heroes. Through his connection with Gohan, he eventually changed his ways and became a powerful protector of Earth.
Piccolo is consistently entertaining to watch, thanks to his touching bond with Gohan, his unexpected growth as a character, and his frequent role in powering up others. It’s no surprise he’s so beloved, especially considering reports that Akira Toriyama himself was a fan.
3) Son Gohan
Son Gohan, Goku’s oldest son, first appears in Dragon Ball Z. At the start, he’s a shy and somewhat spoiled kid, but as he gets involved in saving the world, he gains confidence and discovers incredible power. He quickly becomes one of the most powerful heroes, possibly even the strongest.
Gohan’s growth as a character hasn’t always been smooth, but his consistent desire to get stronger to protect his family is always a great part of the story, particularly in recent episodes. Despite past rumors that he wasn’t popular in Japan, this poll suggests those claims were never true.
2) Vegeta
Vegeta is a major character in Dragon Ball, initially appearing as one of the series’ primary antagonists. He began as a proud and self-centered fighter who only teamed up with Goku out of necessity. However, as the original series progressed, Vegeta developed a genuine fondness for Earth and became a reliable friend, even while maintaining his competitive spirit and intense rivalry with Goku.
Vegeta is one of the most recognizable characters in the entire Dragon Ball series, largely thanks to his confident attitude and compelling character development. He’s become the model for rivals in shonen anime and manga. In fact, his popularity was so strong that the creators decided not to kill him off when he first appeared, and his fanbase has only grown since then.
1) Son Goku
Son Goku is the main character in Dragon Ball and all its follow-up series. We first meet him as a strange young boy with a monkey tail who loves to fight. As he matures, Goku discovers he’s actually an alien warrior from a race called the Saiyans, and his challenges have become bigger and more epic ever since.
Honestly, ‘popular’ doesn’t even begin to describe Goku! He’s become the face of anime and manga, and I think he’s inspired so many heroes across all kinds of media. What I love about Goku is how fun and genuinely kind he is, even with all the incredible power he has. It just makes perfect sense that he’s the most popular character in Dragon Ball – he’s amazing!
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2025-12-29 22:13