Summary
- Master Roshi taught Goku the iconic Kamehameha wave in Dragon Ball.
- Yamcha's early importance diminished, leading him to become a comical character.
- Gohan unlocked his potential in the Cell Games, but his role in Dragon Ball Super fluctuates.
Dragon Ball is a legendary shonen anime that needs no introduction. Goku's battles against evil forces as he unlocked new transformations and saved the world time and time again turned many people into anime fans who can't get enough of modern shonen anime.
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All Dragon Ball Movies, Ranked
Toei has recently had plenty of Dragon Ball anime movies over the decades, and some movies are better than others.
The legacy of this series is huge, spanning four anime series (five if fans count GT) where the Z Warriors embark on many adventures. Along with the Saiyans, there are several Earthlings and a beloved Namekian who has appeared the most times in Dragon Ball.
8 Master Roshi
Played a major role in Dragon Ball before his influence began to wane
- Debut:Roshi's Nimbus Cloud (Section 3 of Dragon Ball)
Without Master Roshi, Goku would never have learned one of the most iconic anime attacks of all time. Seeing Roshi's power when he pulled off the Kamehameha Wave forced Goku to seek him out after his adventure with Emperor Pilaf to learn martial arts.
He is a talented fighter who had many moments to shine Dragon Ball before eventually going back to a comedy role in Dragon Ball Z. Thankfully, Super gave him the respect he deserved and let him play an important role during the Tournament of Power before he was eliminated.
7 Yamcha
An early member of the adventuring group whose weakness prevented him from playing a major role later on
- Debut:Yamcha the desert bandit (Section 5 of Dragon Ball)
Before Yamcha was a female weakling who later became a joke Dragon Ball Z and Superhe was one of the first to join Goku's team during his first adventure to find the Dragon Balls. He has been a member of the Z Warriors ever since, though most of what he did was lose embarrassingly in fights.
As one would expect, his appearance slowly but surely declined as he became useless in battle. Still, Yamcha was used for a few jokes here and there to ensure fans wouldn't forget his presence in Dragon Ball.
6 Son Gohan
Goku's son makes a big impact from the moment he debuts
- Debut:The new threat (Section 1 of Dragon Ball Z)
Gohan debuted in the first episode of Dragon Ball Z and has been a major part of most story arcs since then. This Saiyan's untapped potential was finally realized in the Cell Games, where his anger overflowed and allowed him to unlock the power of an Ascended Super Saiyan.
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Dragon Ball: 8 Manga Moments That Were Censored In The Anime
These moments from the Dragon Ball manga were censored in the animation for various reasons.
It's a shame that Dragon Ball Super relegated him to the sidelines as he focused on his career and ignored his training (twice), but the advent of Gohan Beast has made it clear that this character has more to bring to the table in later Dragon Ball Super stories. Despite some frustrations fans have with his writing, there's no denying that everyone loves Gohan and can't wait to see him succeed again.
5 Piccolo
Dragon Ball's final villain becomes an ally after witnessing Gohan's compassion
- Debut:Lost and Found (Section 123 of Dragon Ball)
The son and reincarnation of the Demon King Piccolo was a tough antagonist who served as the final villain in the Dragon Balls anime. He gave Goku a tough fight but was ultimately defeated. With Raditz's arrival, he reluctantly teamed up with Goku to lay waste to this powerful Saiyan after a grueling battle.
Piccolo experienced a change of heart after spending some time with Gohan and eventually became a staunch ally of the Z Warriors. He's played a major role in nearly every arc since, and his Orange Piccolo form will continue to help him stay relevant in future stories.
4 The krill
Goku's best friend who has been with him through thick and thin
- Debut:Goku's rival (Section 14 of Dragon Ball)
Despite turning into something of a joke, Krillin is still a trusted member of the Z Warriors who has played a major role in many arcs. He was Goku's rival for the longest time when the duo joined the Turtle School, only to develop a sense of respect for this Saiyan as time went on.
Krillin may not be the most powerful fighter, but it's clear that the bonds he shares with other characters in Dragon Ball Z making him a relevant character who will continue to make appearances in Dragon Ball. His death on Namek led to an epic transformation that changed the landscape Dragon Ball Z and turned the anime into one of the most beloved shows that fans can't get enough of.
3 Vegeta
The prince of all saiyans makes a splash in Dragon Ball Z and never looks back
- Debut:Gohan's Rage (Section 5 of Dragon Ball Z)
Vegeta is a character who debuted as a villain and Goku's rival before slowly settling into life on Earth. The Saiyan grew in power as the series progressed, unlocking several transformations that made him a force to be reckoned with.
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Dragon Ball Transformations that were barely used
Transformations are one of Dragon Ball's most exciting concepts, but some of them have been underutilized and even forgotten.
He is powerful enough to share the screen with Goku over most major arcs as threats in Dragon Ball continues to boast more impressive power than ever before. With divine ki and new transformations, Vegeta will continue to enjoy big performances as his entertaining and proud character takes part in many battles.
2 Bulma
Appears from the very first episode and becomes a permanent presence in the series ever since
- Debut:The Secret of the Dragon Balls (Section 1 of Dragon Ball)
From the very first episode, Bulma established herself as one of the most important characters in the Dragon Ball which is a joy to interact with every time. Players love the many scientific inventions of this character that make life more comfortable for the Z Warriors.
From the iconic Dragon Radar to capsules containing impressive items, it's easy to see why Bulma's scientific mind makes her one of the most important and recognized Dragon Ball sign. The fact that she never takes part in a single battle makes it amazing to see how much screen time she enjoys throughout the series.
1 Son Goku
The main character of the series who has played a major role in almost every arc
- Debut:The Secret of the Dragon Balls (Section 1 of Dragon Ball)
It's just a given that the main character in Dragon Ball who was in from the very first episode would have the most screen time in the series. As the series transitioned from an adventure manga to a battle-heavy series, Goku's power continued to expand and reach new heights as he challenged greater threats and emerged victorious.
From his iconic attacks to the many transformations he's undergone throughout the series, it's easy to see why Dragon Ball would feel empty without the presence of this lovable Saiyan. He is a gentle warrior whose love of battle allowed him to unlock new levels of power and take down his toughest enemies after grueling battles time and time again.
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Dragon Ball
- Release date
- February 26, 1986
- Seasons
- 9
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- Release date
- April 26, 1989
- Seasons
- 9
-
- Release date
- July 5, 2015
- Seasons
- 1
- Streaming Service(s)
- Hulu
