Top 10 Best Dragon Ball Z Fights

The Top Ten
1 Goku vs. Frieza

This fight is definitely number 1. Out of all the DBZ fights, this is the most hate-charged. The buildup, where we learn about the history of the Saiyans and Frieza, made it so much more intense. Learning about Frieza's destruction of Planet Vegeta, his corruption of young Vegeta, the killing of Krillin and Vegeta, and the entire Saiyan race makes this fight incredibly intense. Only in two other fights do we see the same level of emotion: Gohan vs. Cell, and Goku vs. Vegeta. Gohan only got mad at the end, and Goku was just messing with Vegeta in their fight, considering he didn't even go SSJ3. The fight with Frieza is the only time, besides the fight with Raditz, that we see Goku full of hatred. Even though the fight is 4 hours long, it's tough to ever stop watching.

The fight between Goku and Frieza is the most memorable and legendary of the DBZ fights. It's a shame they overemphasized the "power" aspect in future DBZ sagas. Frieza was supposed to be one of the most feared warriors in the universe, and by the end of the DBZ series, his power was dwarfed in comparison to others. The same goes for the Super Saiyan transformation. It was overdone. I understand Gohan unlocking his potential and reaching Super Saiyan 2, but the fact that Trunks and Goten, as children, reached Super Saiyan, and Super Saiyan 3 emerged, undermined the rarity and significance of ascending to Super Saiyan in the first place.

2 Gohan vs. Cell

This is the best fight because honestly, it was between the villain who nobody stood a chance against, not even the mighty warrior Goku. But the boy, the one almost nobody thought would beat him, unleashes his full power and becomes the most powerful person in the universe at the time. It was awesome, and Gohan himself is an awesome character. It was also Gohan's kickstart. Before that, he was the kid who helped sometimes. Now he was the hero. Think of it, he then goes on to kill Bojack and become the strongest at the end of DBZ's story.

There's no comparison with this fight. When Gohan gets angry, it's just amazing. Gohan's power is unstoppable, and we feel that no one can beat him. All the dialogues and scenes are really impressive. I can't stop watching that! My favorite DBZ saga forever!

Nothing compares. Dragon Ball Z was written to prepare for this fight from the first episode when Gohan gets mad at Raditz. This fight was so important that the Android Saga literally planned forward for Gohan being the surprise hero. Awesome.

3 Goku vs. Majin Vegeta

The series is filled with great fights, and choosing the best one depends so much on mood and the kind of fight you're looking for. That being said, Goku vs. Majin Vegeta is the one I always find myself coming back to as my favorite. The tensions were already so high, waiting to inevitably see this new villain in Buu, and yet Vegeta knowingly puts his own pride ahead of everything else to gain the power so that he can fight on par with Goku (albeit we quickly come to find out Goku could have ended it very quickly with SSJ3, but that's not the point). Let's be honest, if you'd been a fan of the franchise for any length of time, you knew these two would fight again. Watching two Super Saiyan 2s go all out against each other was amazing.

Absolutely amazing fight! Both opponents and friends, the two most powerful people in the Universe going head to head! It makes the fight even better the fact that they are both equal in strength and speed, and that both have to put everything they have got to best the other! Absolutely incredible, and surely deserves to be at number 1!

4 Goku vs. Vegeta (Saiyan Saga)

Easily the greatest fight in the series run. Two evenly matched opponents face off with everything on the line. The fight is never stretched out past its welcome, yet it is not condensed either. The image of Goku and Vegeta struggling to save or destroy Earth with beams of raw power is forever burned into the minds of show watchers. Its finale, having Goku push his body to the absolute breaking point to finally overcome this threat, is incredible.

Yet it doesn't end there. Perhaps what sticks out even more in this fight is the end. With the fate of the world in his hand, assured there is no other hope left, Goku fails. He puts up an incredible fight but is left utterly broken, unable to do more than tremble in pain. But then help arrives, and Vegeta, all but spent, must contend with the remainder of Earth's warriors in a struggle that leaves him just as broken. Only one character is able to limp their way forward and raise a hand to finish the fight.

No other struggle pushed all sides so far past their limits. None drained those involved so much of their energy. And when the dust finally settles, we're not left wanting more or being thankful the fight finally stopped dragging and ended. Instead, we are left satisfied, content even, at the epic conclusion despite the bittersweet knowledge of all the sacrifice it took to make it this far and that, after this, nothing would ever remain the same.

5 Goku vs. Kid Buu

Even though, story-based, this fight didn't pair up to any of the other major fights, it may well be the best fight in not just Dragon Ball Z history, but all of anime fights in general. The amount of power that most Dragon Ball Z fans know these two fighters have makes the fight that much more intense. Each attack is flawless and cannot be replicated to a degree. I've literally watched this fight countless times and I still find it amazing.

Kid Buu, the most powerful villain in all of Dragonball Z, and not even Super Saiyan 3 Goku could defeat him. This was an epic fight because it was the first time that Goku took a fight seriously since he fought Cell during the Cell Games. Kid Buu was the ultimate universal destroyer and he was toying with SS3 Goku, SS2 Vegeta, and Fat Majin Buu, even pushing back the spirit bomb filled with the energy of every being on Earth.

6 Piccolo vs. Android 17

Tactically, this is one of the best fights in DBZ, not counting DB, where some of the fights really have this tactical component. You can clearly see that Piccolo is one of Akira Toriyama's favorite characters. The fights he takes part in are evenly matched, intense, and require more wits than brute strength.

Most of the fights in DBZ involve one character weaker than the other getting tossed around mercilessly until a power-up of some sort is given. None of that here, which is why this is one of my favorite battles.

Also, this is the last battle where a non-Saiyan main character matters and delivers. After this, they become horribly irrelevant when it comes to direct battles.

Piccolo at his best! He fought his absolute hardest in this battle and truly proved himself a worthy adversary. It took Android 17 to bring that out of him, and they both put on the greatest show.

My favorite parts of this fight were when 17 emerged from the ground to surprise attack Piccolo. That was awesome. When 17 was underwater and turned the water molecules into his own blast, that was the most badass thing I'd ever seen anyone do. When Piccolo turned himself into a hologram, that was genius. And let's not forget Piccolo's Hellzone Grenade.

7 Goku vs. Cell

The greatest "all action, no drama" fight in the entire series. The fight is fast-paced and just so appealing to the eye. To be honest, if Goku hadn't given up and called on Gohan, the battle could've been the end of the Cell Games right there. The battle was that good.

This is the best fight in DBZ. You just have to see it from the fight quality perspective. It may not have as much dramatic content as the Frieza battle, but the speed, the movements, and the technique both fighters use are awesome. It can't be compared to anything you may see in other seasons or fights.

The most balanced fight by far in the series. Goku against Frieza was too one-sided. This was the first fight of DBZ where the outcome really was surprising. Definitely way more competitive and fun to watch than Gohan vs. Cell.

8 Goku vs. Piccolo (World Tournament)

I vote for this as the best battle, for many reasons.

Reason #1: It was the first battle where Goku was a true warrior. Even though Goku VS King Piccolo was the first real battle, Goku didn't look like a true warrior. It wasn't until this battle that Goku appeared as a true warrior.

Reason #2: The battle was so evenly matched. Other MAJOR battles were never this even. Was Goku's power level only about a dozen higher than Piccolo's?

However, I do think that this battle needs some improvement. Then it would be rated much higher.

This battle was ultra brutal. Goku does a Kamehameha with his feet! Piccolo grows to the size of a mountain. Piccolo blasts a softball-sized hole THROUGH Goku's shoulder. Piccolo tears off his own arm. Piccolo sticks his elbow in said shoulder wound then breaks Goku's leg. Goku dives into Piccolo's mouth and kicks around his throat. Best battle in the whole saga.

To me, this was the most epic mano a mano match because these two fighters hated each other, and their skill levels were pretty much even. Also, Goku wasn't as invincible as he is in DBZ. In this fight, he's vulnerable and mortal but is able to deliver a win. Goku vs Piccolo was an awe-inspiring fight.

9 Zarbon vs. Vegeta

The most brutal and nonstop action in a single episode is this fight. Zarbon transforms into a monster and pounds the daylights out of Vegeta with multiple roundhouses, pinwheel kicks, a relentless headbutt combo, and a savage piledriver. Vegeta doesn't even have a chance to fight back as Zarbon annihilates him to the brink of death. By far, this is the most brutal and savage fight in the series. It's much more devastating and powerful than an entire saga of fighting. Zarbon dominates this battle most of all. It's the only time we see a villain completely butcher a hero without allowing the hero/protagonist to have a chance. Best fight, hands down.

This was the absolute most brutal fight in the entire series. It is the one instance where the antagonist doesn't even allow the protagonist a chance to fight back. Zarbon annihilates Vegeta senseless and leaves his battered body after a multiple headbutt combo, simultaneous roundhouses, a deadly piledriver, a rapid succession of knees to the gut, and numerous cyclone kicks. This was the worst beating laid down onto a character, and Vegeta was a ragdoll the entire time. Zarbon is the deadliest and best warrior in Frieza's military.

10 Vegito vs. Super Buu

Awesome because it was dads vs sons, and the two strongest warriors in the universe merged as one in the ultimate grudge match against the immortal terror of the universe and beyond. I loved the part when Buu threw his so-called planet destroyer at Vegito, and all Vegito did was kick it back at him. And when Vegito unleashed his SPIRIT SWORD!

It should have been in the top 3. I believe this because Vegito plays with Buu as if he was a child. Moreover, he makes him angry by showing that he was inferior to Super Vegito.

I love the part when Super Buu turns Vegito into a candy. Vegito (Candy form) beats the crap out of Super Buu, and candy Vegito can still talk to Buu without any mouth.

The Contenders
11 Goku vs. Broly

Great fight! Well, if you can call it that. It wasn't so much a fight as it was Goku getting severely beaten. Broly's immense power is showcased brilliantly in this fight, as he could battle three Super Saiyans and Piccolo simultaneously without breaking a sweat. The ending, although disappointing, made sense. After Super Saiyan Goku finally received Vegeta's power, he had more than enough strength to beat Broly. I was actually surprised that Broly made a joke out of him even before Vegeta gave his energy. Overall, a great fight with some epic moments from all characters (except Gohan, laugh out loud)!

Yeah, Broly just exploding from one punch... But it makes you think, was Vegeta's power that strong? Like, maybe Vegeta can't channel his power. Maybe he's insanely strong but can't use his energy, you know?

Instead of a normal punch, it should have been a Dragon Fist, but it was a good fight.

12 Future Gohan vs. Android 17 and Android 18

This fight was the best Dragonball filler and specials have ever offered. It's just shelved in our minds because poor Son Gohan dies. It was an epic battle, and though he stood no chance against 2, he could certainly take on at least 18 in a 1 on 1. Animation values were on target with Goku vs Frieza, and the fight kept you on the edge of your seat. The only downside, besides Gohan's death, was how short it was. Still, an amazing fight that belongs a little higher on this list.

13 Goku and Vegeta vs. Android 19
14 Uub vs. Buu (Hyperbolic Time Chamber)

Uub's first real battle. Buu, being his counterpart, was a harder battle than Uub thought.

15 Gotenks vs. Broly

The background, music, and moves - so perfect. This fight is the best, quality-wise.

16 Kid Trunks vs. Goten

At the World Tournament? Actually, a really enjoyable fight, despite no SSJ or epic circumstances.

Awesome fight between the greatest of friends. It tested the strength of both of them.

They did go Super Saiyan once each.

17 Ultimate Gohan vs. Super Buu

After having his "mystic" qualities awoken by Supreme Kai, Gohan was the most powerful Z Fighter in Dragon Ball Z. Supreme Kai even tells him NOT to go Super Saiyan because it is just a waste of his energy! While fighting Super Buu, the way the artist drew his predictive skills was amazing. The blocks were there days before the punches and kicks hit.

18 Mystic Gohan vs. Super Buu/Buutenks

My second favorite fight. How is this not in the top 5? It was the strongest hero vs villain. Yes, Gohan is stronger than the rest because he's better than Goku and Gotenks, and Vegito is two people. Super Buu is the most powerful, but some think it is Kid Buu. I know they said he's the most dangerous, but he is that because he's unpredictable and crazy.

This fight was great. Gohan was so epic in this fight.

This fight just goes to show how strong Gohan would be if he kept training.

19 Gohan vs. Bojack
20 Goku vs. Ginyu Force

Goku's fight against the four members of the Ginyu Force was great. It showed that after a week of training, Goku's power had increased significantly. This was evident as he defeated the Ginyus and endured a severe beating when Ginyu was in his body. This gave him a chance to defeat Frieza.

Even though Goku defeated Recoome and Burter easily, it was still impressive to see Recoome's power against Vegeta, Krillin, and Gohan, and Jeice and Burter trying their hardest against Goku. This demonstrated that no one really had a chance against the Ginyu Force. In fact, I would say, besides Goku vs. Frieza, the whole Ginyu Force saga was the best part of Dragon Ball Z.

This battle shows how powerful Goku actually was after training in 100 times gravity. Goku worked very hard, and it was finally time to see what he was made of. Also, the only member of the Ginyu Force who had fought was Recoome, and he dominated Vegeta, Krillin, and Young Gohan, whose power level was over 50,000. Goku came and dominated everyone without breaking a sweat.

21 Goku and Vegeta vs. Meta Cooler

Meta Cooler is so underrated. The use of Instant Transmission made this one of the coolest movie fights, and indeed DBZ fights, ever, and he pushed two Super Saiyans to their limits AT THE SAME TIME, easily matching both. The end of the fight with the army was fantastic too. Sad to see the guy go so easily later on in the film. Also, shout-out to Janemba, whose fight was also superb.

The only time before Vegito, Gogeta, and Resurrection of F where Goku and Vegeta truly put their differences aside and fight together.

22 Piccolo vs. Imperfect Cell
23 Vegeta, Krillin & Gohan vs. Recoome

Recoome was a powerhouse and decked Vegeta with his Recoome Kick, Recoome Death Driver, Recoome Elbow, and Recoome Eraser Gun. Incapacitated Krillin with a kick. Thrashed Gohan with his Recoome Bomber and busted his neck after smashing him around before being halted by Goku's thunderous strike.

Yes, a lost battle. But hey, they were Team Three Star!

24 Piccolo, Krillin, Gohan and Tien vs. Nappa

Great and dramatic battle! Piccolo's redemption, Krillin's first Destructor Disc, Gohan's first important battle, good team battle against a very good character (Nappa)... Good times for Dragon Ball!

25 Android 17 and Piccolo vs. Imperfect Cell

I loved this fight! Well, I liked the awesomeness, but absorbing Android 17 was just plain wrong. You want to absorb the androids? Go to the year 9000!

8Load More
PSearch List