Many fans around the world are still devastated by the recent news of Akira Toriyama’s death. This famous and beloved mangaka will forever be remembered for his phenomenal work of art called Dragon Ball. The story of the mystical warrior Son Goku and his friends undoubtedly shaped many childhoods around the world. For almost 40 years, Dragon Ball has been re-telling the story about the importance of persistence and friendship, but also the brave belief in one’s own ability when facing a seemingly invincible opponent.
In memory of the recently deceased Toriyama, here is a list of top 10 most iconic moments from one of the biggest and arguably the best anime series of all time. If you are, however, more interested in games than the anime, be sure to check out KeenGamer’s list of 10 Best Dragon Ball Z games to play in 2023.
Father-Son Kamehameha (Dragon Ball Z)
Even after his incredible transformation and the foolish mistake that led to Goku’s sacrifice, young Gohan still did not have enough strength to beat the terrifying creature Cell. At the moment of Gohan’s greatest despair, Goku unexpectedly comes to the rescue and together they send a world-shattering Father-Son Kamehameha right in the Cell’s face.
Top 10 Iconic Dragon Ball Moments – Last thing Cell ever saw
Although the flash of the deadly explosion in Cell’s eyes clearly marked the end of his terror on Earth, the importance of this iconic scene lies in the simple yet powerful depiction of sheer love between a father and a son.
Goku and Frieza Fighting Together (Dragon Ball Super)
Everyone knows that the evil Emperor Frieza is one of Goku’s greatest and most dangerous opponents. If there’s one scenario in the often crazy world of Dragon Ball that no one could have predicted, it’s certainly the scene where Goku and Frieza join forces, and that’s exactly what happened in the finale of the Tournament of Power.
Top 10 Iconic Dragon Ball Moments – Enemies turned allies
Beautiful animation and tense fight choreography are accompanied by an unforgettable soundtrack, and apart from the frantic fight, it is hard to forget Vegeta’s expression of utter shock as he observes the bizarre union of the two biggest enemies in the universe.
Ultra Instinct Goku (Dragon Ball Super)
One of the most iconic things in Dragon Ball is the screaming transformations that our characters go through. Just when it seemed Goku had reached his peak, he unveiled a new level of power in his fight against the mighty Jiren. Aside from the unusual aura, the new form was accompanied by a complete lack of the iconic roar, which only emphasized Goku’s determination and seriousness.
Top 10 Iconic Dragon Ball Moments – Float like a butterfly, sting like a Saiyan
Dragon Ball Super may not be well received by all fans, but it’s hard to find an anime connoisseur who didn’t get goosebumps watching Goku thrash everyone around him with icy calmness and a merciless gaze.
Trunks Versus Frieza and King Cold (Dragon Ball Z)
The merciless fight between Goku and Frieza established Frieza as a planetary threat that only a Super Saiyan could defeat. Weakened by Goku’s absence, the Z Warriors were terrified by the fact that Frieza and his father King Cold were coming to Earth. Fortunately, they are rescued from the jaws of certain defeat by the mystical warrior Trunks.
Top 10 Iconic Dragon Ball Moments – Trunks killing in cold blood
Armed with a sword and a cool pose, Trunks reveals his true power and shocks the audience with his Super Saiyan aura. Moreover, the way he toyed with Frieza, his soldiers, and King Cold at the same time was so epic that it simply deserves to be on this list.
Vegito Against Super Buu (Dragon Ball Z)
At the very end of Dragon Ball Z, Goku, and his friends encountered an intergalactic threat in the form of an evil pink bubblegum-like creature called Buu. Buu was an opponent with many different appearances, but each of them presented an insurmountable obstacle for even the strongest Z warriors.
Top 10 Iconic Dragon Ball Moments – Double the fun
Realizing Buu’s strength, Goku and Vegeta decided to merge into one being using the magical Potara earrings. The result was the creation of Vegito, a beloved and iconic Dragon Ball character so strong that he effortlessly beat and humiliated once powerful Super Buu.
Goku Defeating King Piccolo (Dragon Ball)
This list wouldn’t be complete without this iconic showdown between young Goku and King Piccolo. Unlike Z and Super where they are close friends and allies, the original Dragon Ball paired Goku and Piccolo as archenemies. Against all odds, Goku managed to beat his enemy in a brutal yet pretty spectacular way.
Top 10 Iconic Dragon Ball Moments – Hole in one
Of course, every fan knows that reincarnated Piccolo eventually got his revenge years later with a similar killing blow that took both Goku and his deranged brother Raditz.
Gohan Goes Super Saiyan 2 for the First Time (Dragon Ball Z)
Ever since he was introduced as a toddler, Gohan has been showing signs that he could be the strongest fighter in the universe. His immense potential will finally be unleashed against Cell. The unforgettable soundtrack is perfectly complemented by the epic moment in which everyone realizes how Gohan finally overcame his father and officially became the strongest creature in the galaxy.
Top 10 Iconic Dragon Ball Moments – Super punch
According to Toriyama’s original plans, Gohan was supposed to be the main character in the series from that moment on, but due to Goku’s popularity, that never happened. Despite that, Gohan’s transformations will forever be remembered as one of the best in the series.
Goku vs Vegeta (Dragon Ball Z)
Every great rivalry has its flashy beginning, and Goku’s and Vegeta’s started with a spectacular duel full of twists and turns. Goku, of course, had a lot of help from other warriors like Krillin, Gohan, and surprisingly, even Yajirobe, which ultimately led to hard-earned victory. This fight was so massive that it is difficult to single out just one great iconic moment.
Top 10 Iconic Dragon Ball Moments – Monkey business
Whether it was the epic beam clash, the first use of the Spirit Bomb or the struggle against the Great Ape, this bout put Dragon Ball on top of the global anime stage and cemented the eternal rivalry between the two Saiyans.
Vegeta’s Sacrifice (Dragon Ball Z)
Vegeta has had a great character arc since his first appearance fighting Goku on Earth. From an evil and merciless warrior who only cares about himself, Vegeta has become a friend, husband, and father who cherishes the people around him. No matter how hard he tried to hide it, his feelings surfaced in his ultimate sacrifice against Majin Buu.
Top 10 Iconic Dragon Ball Moments – Vegeta at his finest
As if it wasn’t incredible enough that Vegeta, of all people, would give his life for Earth, his monologue was incredibly touching since it was the first time he ever acknowledged his feelings for the Z warriors, and especially Kakarot.
Goku Going Super Saiyan for the First Time (Dragon Ball Z)
Throughout its history, Dragon Ball has had several iconic scenes, although nothing can surpass the moment in which Goku fulfilled the prophecy and finally became the legendary Super Saiyan. Everything leading up to this historic moment was perfectly planned and executed, culminating in a climax that was both unexpected and profoundly impactful.
Top 10 Iconic Dragon Ball Moments – Goodbye Frieza
From his mischievous adventures at the beginning of Dragon Ball to the epic hours-long battle with the mighty Frieza, Goku’s transformation marks the pinnacle of the entire series and as such sends a beautiful message about the importance of courage and perseverance that will never go without merit.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=DKYfJdfEWv8
