Top 10 DBZ Fights That Shattered Earth: Controversial Ranking!

There’s no question that the most significant installment within the Dragon Ball series is undeniably Dragon Ball Z. This continuation series took longtime anime fans by surprise as it showcased an adult Goku engaging in battles against demon lords, ordinary martial artists, alien rulers, and biological weapons. Compiling a list of the top ten fights from this shonen series was already challenging; ranking them made the task even more daunting. Fortunately, we managed to accomplish both tasks and are excited to reveal our selections, which may surprise you but trust us, there’s solid reasoning behind each one.

To begin, remember that the battles listed here are exclusive to the “Dragon Ball Z” series, so fights from the original “Dragon Ball,” “Dragon Ball Super,” and “Dragon Ball Daimaou” will not be included. When evaluating these fights, we considered factors such as their influence on the storyline, visual appeal, and the inclusion of thrilling action sequences. We also took into account battles from the “Dragon Ball Z” movies, even though most aren’t canon to the story. If a fight falls under the “Dragon Ball Z” umbrella, it was eligible for our ranking. Ready to dive into a potentially contentious list? Let’s get started!

10.) Goku Vs. Frieza – The Frieza Saga

Though many might consider this one of our most debated choices due to its inclusion in the top ten, some argue it’s the best battle that Dragon Ball Z produced. However, the length of the fight may be a drawback for some, as it diminishes some of the impact compared to other battles on our list. For instance, Frieza is an exceptional antagonist, and his performance in the Tournament of Power is legendary. Yet, his fighting abilities are not as impressive. Frieza’s strength lies primarily in overpowering opponents with his power level rather than engaging in hand-to-hand combat. It’s questionable whether Frieza could defeat Goku if their power levels were equal. This battle will always be remembered for its significance within the shonen genre, but Dragon Ball Z has much more to offer.

9.) Goku & Piccolo Vs. Raditz – The Saiyan Saga

Wow, what an electrifying kickoff to this series! Introducing Goku’s brother, Raditz, as a formidable villain truly set the stage for the “Z Fights.” While the original Dragon Ball delved deeper into martial arts, the sequel brought us an entirely new dimension with extraterrestrial beings and demigods possessing powers that could annihilate entire planets. The destruction left behind in their wake made for some pulse-pounding battles!

What made this fight particularly gripping was witnessing former adversaries turn into tentative allies as they united to take down a foe who dwarfed them in strength. This battle wasn’t just about power; it was about survival, camaraderie, and pushing the limits of what they thought possible.

The intensity of this encounter didn’t shy away from showing some truly brutal moments – holes torn through combatants, Piccolo losing an arm in the heat of battle. It was a testament to their determination and resilience that they kept fighting, even when faced with such adversity. This epic clash left an indelible mark on the series, setting the tone for the action-packed adventures that followed.

8.) Gohan Vs. Cell – The Cell Saga

As I watch this epic confrontation unfold, it’s hard not to draw parallels with the iconic Goku vs. Frieza battle, a fight that could easily top any chart. However, for me, it falls slightly short of that lofty position. Much like the legendary battle on Planet Namek, this fight is primarily one-sided, with each combatant dominating the other until they receive a power-up. The final Kamehameha struggle at the end is undeniably legendary, but the preceding exchanges were mostly Cell or Gohan overpowering their opponent. Yet, this battle certainly had its share of thrilling moments, and it’s the scene where we witnessed the breathtaking Super Saiyan 2 transformation – a moment that arguably stands as the greatest transformation in the annals of Dragon Ball Z.

7.) Goku Vs. Kid Buu – Majin Buu Saga

Without a doubt, the climactic battle in Dragon Ball Z is particularly noteworthy for showcasing the series’ true potential for over-the-top action. In his Super Saiyan 3 form, Goku squared off against the unhinged chaos that was Kid Buu. This battle served as a fitting conclusion to the prolonged battle against the demonic pink entity. Although Buu wasn’t a master of martial arts in the traditional sense, his unpredictable nature on the battlefield made him a formidable opponent. The humor and tension in this fight were masterfully blended, with the comic relief evident when Buu and Goku playfully took bites at each other. This battle felt like an ideal representation of Akira Toriyama’s creative spirit as he brought Dragon Ball Z to its end.

6.) Goku Vs. Turles’ Henchmen – Dragon Ball Z:Tree Of Might

In an unexpected twist, the third installment of the Dragon Ball Z series introduced a sinister counterpart to Goku, known as Turles. While his minions kept the other Z-Fighters engaged, it was Goku who took on the entire squad of adversaries simultaneously. This battle showcased Goku’s exceptional martial arts skills, but its extended duration left some viewers yearning for a movie dedicated solely to Goku battling these secondary villains, as their defeat could have been the focus of an entire film.

5.) Broly Vs. Everyone – Dragon Ball Z: Broly The Legendary Super Saiyan

In contrast to their battle against the Tree of Worlds, the fight with Broly was a stark reversal where all Z-Fighters were defeated by the Legendary Super Saiyan in a fierce and violent display. Though Dragon Ball Super introduced a new origin and character for Broly, the original villain was purely evil and eager to destroy any adversary in his path. A notable criticism lies in how Goku manages to defeat Broly with a single blow, yet this fight remains one of the franchise’s toughest encounters, regardless of its status as canon or not.

4.) Goku Vs. Cell – The Cell Saga

Without a doubt, this battle surpasses “Gohan vs. Cell” in numerous aspects. While it lacks the Super Saiyan 2 transformation, the balanced confrontation between Goku and Dr. Gero’s ultimate creation in their hand-to-hand combat is captivating. The fight resembles a strategic game of chess, with Goku employing a teleporting Kamehameha, only to encounter an unexpected regeneration from Cell. Furthermore, the animation during this battle showcased the sheer speed and impactful nature of fights within Dragon Ball Z on the whole.

3.) Goku Vs. Vegeta – The Saiyan Saga

In a manner similar to their initial battle with Raditz, the first encounter between Goku and Vegeta revolutionized their world. Their fierce battle escalated things to uncharted territories, with their back-and-forth not only causing seismic waves across Earth but also delving into themes of class and upbringing. Goku, a low-rank warrior who rose through the ranks to his current position, contrasted starkly with Vegeta, the Prince of the Saiyans who seemingly coasted on his privileged status. This dynamic made for an engaging spectacle.

As their battle progressed, it incorporated various aspects like Vegeta resorting to his Oozaru transformation. The energetic exchange between these two Saiyans continues to be a breathtaking sight in anime.

2.) Goku Vs. Majin Vegeta – Majin Buu Saga

In this battle, the physical aspects were brilliantly executed, demonstrating the potential of Dragon Ball Z’s fights at their best. The choreography between Goku and Vegeta was particularly impressive, reflecting the series’ capability when it comes to action sequences. This fight also stood out as one of the most emotional battles in the franchise, as the animosity between Goku and Vegeta, and Vegeta’s pride, were palpable. It had been years since their last confrontation following the Saiyan Saga, so Vegeta’s transformation into Majin and his challenge to his eternal rival was definitely worth the wait. Interestingly, there was only one fight that could surpass this one in terms of greatness, but let’s discuss that later.

Honorable Mention: Vegeta Vs. Recoome – Frieza Saga

I managed to fit this battle into my list somewhere, as Vegeta versus Recoome was what initially drew me to Dragon Ball Z when I was young. Even when the series was edited, the censors couldn’t suppress the raw intensity and power displayed in this confrontation. This is another short-lived fight that didn’t reach its full potential, with Recoome taking most of the blows. However, this battle had so many incredible moments, such as watching Vegeta relentlessly attack a member of the Ginyu Force, only to realize that he wasn’t making much progress. In a peculiar way, it’s somewhat sad that there wasn’t more depth to this part of the top ten list.

1.) Piccolo Vs. 17 – The Cell Saga

Among all battles from Dragon Ball Z, Piccolo’s fight against Android 17 remains my favorite. Unlike other fights that involve dramatic transformations or significant universe-altering events, this one has an enduring appeal. It encapsulates the essence of combat in the shonen genre perfectly.

Piccolo is a master tactician who employs various strategies and techniques to outmaneuver Android 17, who is less battle-hardened but boasts an energy source that never depletes. This gives 17 the freedom to act more recklessly during the fight. However, despite these differences, the fight remains a timeless classic.

There’s a playful excitement that an anime enthusiast might feel when the characters are exchanging powerful blows, mirroring each other closely without either retreating. Re-watching this battle often leads to a feeling of frustration as First Form Cell intervenes, disrupting such an engaging fight. Despite the absence of Saiyans, this battle stands out as the best in Dragon Ball Z history, making it an obvious choice for number one on the list.

2025-01-30 23:40