10 Dragon Ball Fights That Changed Shonen Forever

Dragon Ball might be the single most influential anime series of all time. It’s a franchise that has shaped every shōnen series that has come after it, and the art form at large wouldn’t be the same without Goku, Vegeta, and the rest of the Z Fighters.

Dragon Ball is known for transformations, amazing Energy Wave attacks, and some of the most glorious fights in entertainment. While the franchise has plenty of great fights, there are a handful that are so great they’ve shaped shōnen forever.

Gogeta vs Broly

Gogeta’s fight against Broly is a visual masterpiece. It’s one of the best-looking fights in anime and easily one of the best within the Dragon Ball franchise. Broly’s reintroduction to Dragon Ball is a series highlight and one of the best decisions that could’ve been made.

Broly proved to be too much for both Goku and Vegeta, and he doesn’t have any divine power like they do. He forced the pair of Saiyans to bring Gogeta back into the canon, reintroducing fans to easily the best fusion combination around.

Goku and Piccolo vs Raditz

Goku and Piccolo’s fight against Raditz was the perfect introduction to Dragon Ball Z. While Dragon Ball was a light-hearted adventure, Dragon Ball Z wanted to take a more serious tone, and what’s more serious than killing off the main protagonist during the first major battle?

Raditz proved to be a threat far greater than Goku had ever faced. He’s one of the many opponents Goku couldn’t beat on his own, and if it wasn’t for Piccolo, Goku’s long lost brother might’ve destroyed the entire planet.

Piccolo vs Android 17

Piccolo has one of the best character arcs in Dragon Ball. He started as a powerful antagonist before becoming an even more powerful ally. During Dragon Ball Z, however, he wasn’t nearly as important as he once was, but that changed during the Cell Saga.

Piccolo hadn’t been one of the strongest characters in Dragon Ball in years, but his fight against Android 17 proved that the Namekian was far from reaching his limits. This battle is a slobberknocker. It’s gritty, brutal, and tenacious in a way that feels almost foreign to the series in the best way possible.

Goku vs Piccolo

Goku’s fight against Piccolo in the original Dragon Ball franchise is one for the books. It saw the two characters bring everything out of one another, and if it wasn’t for Goku’s extreme tenacity and creativity, Piccolo would’ve won.

It’s a great fight that perfectly encapsulates the original Dragon Ball series. While Dragon Ball Z took on a much more serious tone, Dragon Ball had a lot more fun, especially during fights. Goku’s flying headbutt is a great example.

Goku vs Beerus

Goku’s fight against Beerus put Dragon Ball back on the map when Dragon Ball Super was first introduced to the world. Nobody expected the Dragon Ball franchise to return after the relative failure that is Dragon Ball GT, but Dragon Ball Super hit the ground running, and this fight is a big reason why.

Goku has lost more than his fair share of fights. In fact, it’s rare to see Goku win a fight, as he has way more losses than victories. His loss against Beerus was different, however, as it was such a gulf in power between the two that the scale of the franchise felt entirely different.

Goku vs Jackie Chun

Goku’s fight against “Jackie Chun” is the best fight in the original Dragon Ball series. Jackie Chun was Master Roshi in disguise, adding an element of humor to the otherwise serious bout.

Dragon Ball was a funny series at its core. Watching Goku attack Jackie Chun with a Rock, Paper, Scissors attack or watching him wake up from a hypnosis technique when Bulma yells “Dinner!” will always be memorable, defining aspects of the original series.

Goku vs Vegeta

There’s a strong argument to be had that Goku’s first fight against Vegeta is the best in the franchise. Vegeta is the main antagonist of the Saiyan Saga, and this fight shows why. Without his friends’ help, Goku would’ve lost to Vegeta and the entire planet might’ve been destroyed.

There are few moments in the series more memorable than Goku’s Kamehameha against Vegeta’s Galick Gun. It’s the most iconic Energy Clash in Dragon Ball, and the fight itself perfectly prepares the audience for the series that Dragon Ball Z wants to be.

Gohan vs Cell

Gohan’s fight against Cell was both a turning point for the series and an ending. Akira Toriyama wanted to end Dragon Ball Z with the Cell Saga, and it’s easy to see in hindsight. The Cell Saga saw a major shift in the franchise, and it was perfectly poised to send Dragon Ball Z off once and for all.

Goku died in the Cell Saga and didn’t plan on coming back. He wanted to leave the Earth in Gohan’s hands, and Gohan proved that he was more than capable. Gohan was able to overcome both his cowardice and his arrogance, killing Cell once and for all with one of the most memorable Kamehamehas in the franchise.

Goku vs Jiren

After Dragon Ball Z, fans rightfully thought the Dragon Ball franchise was done. Dragon Ball wasn’t even supposed to reach the Buu Saga as many have reported that creator Akira Toriyama wanted to end the franchise with the Cell Saga.

When Dragon Ball Super was announced, fans were excited, but worried and confused. How could Dragon Ball Super ever reach the heights of Dragon Ball Z?

The Tournament of Power isn’t just the best arc in Dragon Ball Super, it’s one of the best arcs in the entire franchise. Goku unlocking the Ultra Instinct transformation felt a lot like the first time he went Super Saiyan, and it brough life back into the franchise in a way nobody could have predicted.

Goku vs Frieza

Goku’s fight against Frieza isn’t just the most influential fight in Dragon Ball, it’s one of the most influential fights in all anime, period. It’s one of the best fights of all time and defines Dragon Ball as a series, cementing it as one of the greatest ever made.

Goku’s first fight against Frieza is when we first saw the legendary Super Saiyan transformation. After Frieza’s cruel killing of Krillin, Goku gave into his rage and became the icon of anime we all know him as today. Their fight leveled a planet, forced Goku to transcend his limits, and made Dragon Ball a stand-out shōnen sensation.

Cast

Sean Schemmel, Laura Bailey, Brian Drummond, Christopher Sabat, Scott McNeil

Created by

Akira Toriyama

Latest Film

Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero