During the 1980s, Akira Toriyama’s anime series “Dragon Ball” gained immense popularity. However, when its sequel, titled “Dragon Ball Z,” debuted in 1989, it significantly elevated Toriyama’s franchise. This continuation followed the adventures of Goku and his comrades, a band of potent martial artists who battled villains and sought out the Dragon Balls, seven mystical orbs capable of summoning a dragon that grants wishes.
As a devoted fan, I’m thrilled to share my perspective on why Dragon Ball Z surpassed its predecessor, establishing itself as one of the world’s largest media franchises and arguably the most iconic anime. Toriyama’s franchise took an exciting new turn with Dragon Ball Z, focusing more on captivating sci-fi elements and intense life-and-death battles. The original series, filled with every bit of action, adventure, and humor it had, spanned a remarkable 291 episodes. Narrowing this list down to just 10 episodes was no small feat, given the sheer number of incredible episodes throughout its run. However, if I were to choose, these are the top 10 episodes of Dragon Ball Z that left an indelible mark on me.
10
“Another Super Saiyan?”
Episode 120
In the Dragon Ball Z series, both its characters and fans were taken aback when an unidentified teenager with a sword unexpectedly appeared to confront Mecca Frieza and his father, King Cold. The shock was even greater when the spiky-haired character, Trunks, underwent a Super Saiyan transformation. “Wait a minute! There’s another Super Saiyan besides Goku?
In an astonishing turn of events, Trunks swiftly defeats Mecca Frieza and King Cold, bringing a decisive end to their existence (at least in the Dragon Ball Z timeline). This shocking incident catches everyone off guard. The arrival of Trunks marks the beginning of the Android and Cell sagas, filled with enigmatic new characters and surprising plot developments.
9
“Goku’s Unusual Journey”
Episode 5
The anime series, Dragon Ball Z, got off with quite a spectacle. A powerful extraterrestrial named Raditz plummeted onto Earth on a mission to find someone called Kakarot. Unbeknownst to everyone, Goku, who was the one being sought, was none other than Kakarot – an alien warrior sent to Earth as an infant. Joining forces with his longtime adversary Piccolo, Goku embarks on a fierce battle against Raditz, reaching its climax in “Goku’s Unexpected Voyage.” In the end, Goku selflessly gives up his life to defeat Raditz, clutching onto him while Piccolo unleashes his destructive Special Beam Cannon. The sight of this devastating attack passing through both Raditz and Goku is a surprising one, as it results in their untimely demise. With only 5 episodes under our belt, the indomitable protagonist, Goku, has already met his end.
Goku’s demise marked a shift in the Dragon Ball storyline: now, the risks are greater, and even characters like Goku could potentially meet their end at any given moment. Moreover, it broadened the realm of Dragon Ball, introducing Other World and its divine inhabitants, which opened up opportunities for characters such as Goku to significantly amplify their power levels.
8
“Upgrade to Super Saiyan”
Episode 129
The standout scenes from “Dragon Ball Z” occur when a Saiyan warrior attains a higher form of Super Saiyan. By episode 129, only two characters had managed this feat: Goku and Trunks. Vegeta, the Saiyan royalty, was yet to unlock this power, a fact that gnawed at his overblown pride. “Super Saiyan Upgrade” begins with Goku fighting Android 19. However, the illness that Trunks had alerted Goku about, an affliction that claims his life in Trunks’ time, suddenly emerges, severely debilitating Goku during the fight.
In an unexpected turn of events, it was my arch-nemesis, Vegeta, who swooped in to save me from a fate worse than death. Before leaping onto the battlefield to take my place, he posed a question to Android 19, “Now tell me, do machines like you ever feel fear?” Then, leaving us all in awe, Vegeta revealed his Super Saiyan form for the very first time. As the chilling theme of Bruce Faulconer filled the air, Vegeta flashed a wicked grin and declared, “The slumbering warrior has risen once more. I am the prince of all Saiyans again.” Truly epic.
7
“Awakening”
Episode 185
In the epic tale known as “The Cell Saga,” a pinnacle for numerous “Dragon Ball Z” enthusiasts, hints at a Super Saiyan level surpassing anything imagined before. Characters like Goku, Vegeta, and Trunks approach this new realm but ultimately fail to attain it. It’s Gohan, fueled by intense anger following Android 16’s emotional demise, who achieves this height first.
Gohan’s transformation into Super Saiyan 2 is nothing short of awe-inspiring, and it’s even more thrilling when accompanied by Bruce Faulconer’s theme music. His menacing, stylish appearance exudes energy, quite literally – his new form is charged with electricity. The golden-haired warrior showcases his enhanced might by reducing the Cell Juniors to dust, paving the way for an intense duel between him and Cell.
6
“Goku vs. Vegeta… a Saiyan Duel!”
Episode 30
Translation: “Goku vs. Vegeta… a Saiyan Duel!” refers to the initial confrontation between these two Saiyan warriors. The tension leading up to their clash is as grandiose as the battle itself. From opposite sides of a chasm, they lock eyes, with the camera circling around them. Both combatants take up their fighting stances. As if in slow motion, Goku charges at his adversary, marking the start of the fight.
The initial viewing of this episode leaves you in awe, but it’s only later that you grasp the magnitude of this event within the Dragon Ball universe. Unlike fights such as Goku vs. Raditz or Goku vs. Nappa, which are standalone encounters, this marks the start of one of the most epic and renowned fictional rivalries ever created.
5
“Final Atonement”
Episode 237
The Buu arc has its share of less compelling scenes. Characters who initially seem exciting, such as Gotenks, end up being underwhelming. The combat techniques are excessively zany, and the development of non-Saiyan characters takes a backseat. The villain’s ultimate attack transforming people into chocolate seems unusual, to say the least. However, one standout aspect of the Buu arc is Majin Vegeta. After being struck by a spell, Vegeta succumbs to his darker personality traits, resulting in a cold, ruthless version of himself.
Following the liberation of Majin Buu, Vegeta breaks free from his mind-controlled state and confronts Buu in combat. In a touching moment, he also shares a heartfelt hug with his son, Trunks – though this is partly a ruse to catch him off guard. As it becomes evident that Vegeta cannot prevail, he discharges an immense amount of energy, choosing self-sacrifice to vanquish Buu in a poignant display of atonement and redemption.
4
“The Long Awaited Fight”
Episode 230
With a firm resolve to finally outdo his adversary, Majin Vegeta proposes a no-holds-barred duel against Goku, setting the stage for their long-awaited confrontation. This episode marks the second time these two formidable warriors face off, and after more than 200 episodes of shared history, simmering rivalry, and escalating power levels, the excitement for this rematch was palpable.
Indeed, “Goku versus Vegeta… a Saiyan Duel!” is extraordinary, but this confrontation takes it to an entirely new dimension. Physically, that is. In their Super Saiyan forms, Goku and Vegeta engage in an intense clash that leaves very little unscathed around them. The animation and action sequences here are more dynamic, and with Buu looming on the horizon, the tension has never been greater.
3
“Goku’s Arrival”
Episode 28
Throughout Dragon Ball Z, there are numerous instances where enemies transform into allies and friends of Goku. However, it could be argued that the most impressive transition from foe to friend is Piccolo’s. Initially, Piccolo was Goku’s arch-nemesis in Dragon Ball. But following training and forming a close bond with Goku’s son, Gohan, Piccolo experiences a change of heart. In episode 28, Vegeta’s Saiyan associate, Nappa, fires a deadly energy blast at Gohan, prompting Piccolo to step in and save him.
In the heat of battle, it seemed like hope was fading for the young warrior, Gohan. But then, Piccolo, a sworn enemy’s son, stepped in, taking the brunt of Nappa’s attack, shielding Gohan with his own body. This selfless act was both heart-wrenchingly beautiful and deeply emotional – a moment that will forever linger in my mind from the Dragon Ball series. I challenge anyone not to feel tears well up while witnessing this poignant scene.
2
“Transformed At Last”
Episode 95
The most memorable episode of Dragon Ball Z is a toss-up between two legendary episodes. One of them is titled “Transformed At Last”. By the 95th episode, there had been countless mentions of a Super Saiyan, a form that only the strongest Saiyans could achieve. However, it was always presented as a myth, an ancient Saiyan folk tale, or a scary bedtime story that scared Frieza. But in this episode, we finally witness this legendary transformation right before our eyes.
In the story “Transformed At Last”, Frieza brutally takes the life of Goku’s lifelong friend Krillin. This is Krillin’s second death, making it impossible for him to be resurrected using Earth’s Dragon Balls. The loss of Krillin causes Goku to explode with anger. Bolts of lightning fill the sky and the earth trembles. After an intense outburst, Goku undergoes a dramatic transformation – for the first time ever, he becomes a Super Saiyan, revealing his iconic golden hair. This transformative event has since been followed by numerous Super Saiyan forms within the Dragon Ball franchise. Some might argue that there are too many, but this particular moment serves as the foundation for every form that came after. It’s a significant milestone in anime history, influencing countless anime creators and series, as well as millions of viewers worldwide.
1
“Save the World”
Episode 191
As a die-hard film enthusiast of Dragon Ball, let me tell you that the final chapter of the Cell saga took me by complete surprise! In an instant, Goku transports the self-destructing Imperfect Cell off the battlefield, giving his own life in the process. But here’s where it gets really interesting: Cell regenerates, reappears, and voila – he’s back to his perfect form, stronger than ever before! The ensuing sequence of events is undeniably the most thrilling, action-packed, and epic in the entire Dragon Ball series.
In a dire situation, Cell menaces the planet with a colossal Kamehameha wave. The sole defense is a handicapped Gohan, who is missing an arm. Inspired by his late father’s wisdom, Gohan responds to Cell’s attack with a single-handed Kamehameha wave. However, Cell’s attack overwhelms Gohan’s, leaving everyone else to intervene and fire energy blasts at Cell as a desperate measure to weaken him. Regrettably, their efforts fall short until, just when all hope seems lost, an unanticipated energy blast from Vegeta catches Cell off guard. With a shout of encouragement from Goku in Other World, “NOW’S YOUR CHANCE!”
The villain Cell threatens to destroy the planet with a massive wave. Only one-armed Gohan can stop him. Guided by his father’s advice, Gohan tries to counter the attack with a single-handed wave. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work. The others try to help but fail. Just when all seems lost, an unexpected blast from Vegeta surprises Cell. “Now’s your chance!” shouts Goku from another world.
In this pivotal scene from Dragon Ball, Gohan taps into his father’s power and releases a colossal burst of energy, completely eradicating Cell at a cellular level – ensuring there’s no recovery for him this time. This episode marked a significant turning point in the series, as it symbolized when Gohan surpassed his father and emerged as the hero who saved the world.
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2025-03-29 23:33