Top 10 Best Dragon Ball Z Fights

The Top Ten
Goku vs. Frieza

This fight is definitely number one. 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, and the killing of Krillin, 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 four hours long, it's tough to ever stop watching.

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.

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. 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.

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.

Goku vs. Kid Buu

Even though, story-wise, this fight didn't match 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. 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.

I've literally watched this fight countless times, and I still find it amazing.

Kid Buu, the most powerful villain in all of Dragon Ball 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.

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.

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 techniques both fighters use are awesome.

It can't be compared to anything you may see in other seasons or fights.

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.

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.

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.

The Newcomers

? Goku, Vegeta & Emperor Frieza vs. Broly (Dragon Ball Super: Broly)

Definitely one of the best fights in Dragon Ball history.

The stakes may not be as high as the Tournament of Power, but it's a much more gripping battle than UI Goku vs. Jiren.

? Future Trunks vs. Frieza & King Cold
The Contenders
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)!

Future Gohan vs. Android 17 and Android 18

This fight was the best Dragon Ball filler and special has 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 two, he could certainly take on at least 18 in a one-on-one. 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.

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

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

Gotenks vs. Broly

The background, music, and moves were perfect. This fight is the best in terms of quality.

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.

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.

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.

Gohan vs. Bojack
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.

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. 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 fought together.

Piccolo vs. Imperfect Cell
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.

He incapacitated Krillin with a kick. He 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!

Piccolo, Krillin, Gohan and Tien vs. Nappa

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

Good times for Dragon Ball!

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!

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