The Dragon Ball series is famous for many things, but it really stands out thanks to its over-the-top action and incredible battles. Throughout the entire franchise, there are countless memorable fights that often introduce exciting new power-ups and help shape the characters we love.
Iconic battles like Goku versus King Piccolo and Frieza, Gohan’s Super Saiyan 2 transformation during the Cell fight, and Vegeta’s sacrifice against Buu are unforgettable moments in anime history. However, with so much fighting in Dragon Ball, it’s understandable that some great battles don’t receive the recognition they deserve. There are many amazing showdowns in the series that fans have unfairly overlooked.
Krillin Gets the First Taste of Piccolo’s Powers in the 23rd World Tournament
Piccolo’s unexpected arrival at the 23rd World Tournament shocked everyone. His final battle against Goku became a pivotal moment for both fighters. However, it’s often overlooked that his quarterfinal fight against Krillin was also significant. During that fight, Piccolo debuted many of his iconic moves, including the Demon Hand (Mystic Attack) and his powerful laser eyes.
Krillin has improved a lot since we last saw him. He can now fly, and his clever new attack almost defeats Piccolo. While it’s disappointing he lost, the fight gave him valuable insights into Piccolo’s weaknesses, which ultimately helps Goku in his own battle.
Frieza & Cell Team Up in Hell to Imprison Goku in Purgatory
Frieza and Cell are two of the most well-known villains in the Dragon Ball series, with Cell famously defeating Goku in battle. In the Super 17 Saga of Dragon Ball GT, both villains unexpectedly return, having joined forces in Hell. Their combined attack happens when Goku is tricked into going to Hell to fix a tear between dimensions.
Seeing these two villains team up and pull off a combined attack is truly thrilling. Their move, Hell’s Buster, actually sends Goku plummeting to the deepest part of Hell. For a short time, Cell even transforms into a more powerful form, called Overloaded Cell, after absorbing Goku’s energy with his tail, though Goku manages to break free.
Puar & Upa Step Up into the Spotlight Against Fangs the Vampire
As a huge Dragon Ball fan, I always appreciate how creative the series gets with its opponents, but Fortuneteller Baba’s fighters are really out there – and a fantastic test before the 22nd World Tournament! She throws everything at Goku and Krillin, from actual devils and mummies to even an invisible man! One fight that always sticks with me is against Fangs the Vampire. It’s so cool to see Puar and Upa get involved, because they don’t usually participate in battles, making it a surprisingly fun matchup!
This Dragon Ball pair gets creative with vampire weaknesses to gain an advantage. They use garlic breath and a quickly-made cross, forcing Fangs to retreat. Then, Puar cleverly transforms into a hand to knock Fangs’ bat form out of the arena, showcasing just how adaptable Puar is as both a character and a fighter.
Future Trunks Takes on Tien in Dragon Ball Z: Bojack Unbound
The movies based on Dragon Ball Z aren’t always considered official parts of the main story, but they still offer plenty to enjoy. They’re often praised for having great villains, and Dragon Ball Z: Bojack Unbound is special because it features an exciting martial arts tournament with many of the show’s key characters before the bigger conflict begins. This tournament includes a memorable fight between Tien and Future Trunks.
Honestly, this fight is short – barely over a minute – but it’s incredible! The power, the technique, and the way it’s all put together is just amazing to watch. As a Tien fan, I especially love how well Tien holds his own against Future Trunks before Trunks goes Super Saiyan. And even after Trunks wins, you can really feel the respect and sportsmanship between them – it’s a great moment!
Goten & Trunks Test Their Growing Saiyan Skills In The 25th World Tournament
Goten and Trunks haven’t played significant roles in the overall story of Dragon Ball Super. They were first presented as the heroes of the future during the start of the Buu Saga in Dragon Ball Z. Their most notable moments are when they fuse into Gotenks to fight Buu and Super Buu. The intense, world-ending battles of the Buu Saga overshadow the earlier, more lighthearted martial arts tournament that introduced them.
This fight feels like a fun, playful battle between two close friends. It’s the only match from the 25th World Tournament that truly captures the exciting spirit of the original Dragon Ball tournaments. While Goten and Trunks demonstrate incredible power, even transforming into Super Saiyans, their battle still has a lighthearted, youthful feel.
Android 16 Drops the Pacifism to End Cell’s Reign of Terror
Unlike Androids 17 and 18, Android 16 isn’t a key part of Cell becoming perfect, making him an unpredictable fighter. He’s immensely strong and equipped with powerful weapons capable of massive destruction. However, beyond his strength, Android 16 is a kind soul who cares deeply about Earth and prefers peace. Ultimately, the terrible things Imperfect Cell does are too much for Android 16 to tolerate.
Honestly, it was incredible to watch him choose a heroic death over living in a world ruled by fear. For a moment, I really thought Android 16 had Cell beat – especially when he tore off Cell’s tail! But then Android 17’s cockiness got the better of him, and it all went downhill fast. That’s when Cell absorbed him, powered up into Imperfect Cell, and things started looking really bleak for our heroes. It was the beginning of the end, for sure.
Yamcha’s Clash Against Tien Establishes The Crane Student’s Cruelty
Tien Shinhan starts out as a formidable opponent, first appearing as a rival to Goku in the 22nd World Tournament. He’s depicted as a dark reflection of Goku, trained in the Crane School style, and is initially a more powerful fighter. He’s often compared to Goku, and his strength is frequently contrasted with that of Master Roshi.
Tien’s battle with Yamcha often gets overlooked, but it’s important because it shows what’s to come. Yamcha attacks with powerful new moves like the Neo Wolf Fang Fist and Kamehameha, but Tien is too strong. He doesn’t just win – he badly injures Yamcha, even breaking his leg after Yamcha has already fallen. This harsh treatment of Yamcha motivates Goku to seek revenge for his friend.
Gohan Gets a Humbling Reality Check Against Demon King Dabura
In Dragon Ball, the heroes often have to defeat several minor enemies before facing the main villain. Babidi’s spaceship is filled with evil Majin warriors who try to stop Goku, Vegeta, and Gohan. While Goku and Vegeta easily defeat Yakon and Pui Pui, Gohan struggles more against Dabura, a powerful former Demon King, as he hasn’t been training much lately.
Dabura easily overpowered Gohan, making him realize how much his strength had declined in the last seven years. Although Gohan was able to destroy Dabura’s sword and fight back, the battle ended quickly when the villains decided Vegeta was a more important target. Gohan’s disappointing fight with Dabura led him to seriously reflect on his power while on the Sacred World of the Kai.
Vegeta Faces The Confusing Wrath Of Baby Gohan & Goten
The anime truly hits its stride when Baby, a powerful alien being, chooses Vegeta as his host. This happens after a fierce battle where Vegeta fights his already-infected sons, Gohan and Goten. While Gohan and Goten don’t have major roles in Dragon Ball GT, their desperate attack on Vegeta is a key moment.
Vegeta finds himself in a tough spot, realizing Goten and Gohan aren’t acting right. He has to protect himself without seriously hurting them, which is a tricky balance. While he tries his best to avoid a disaster, he ultimately can’t prevent himself from being affected as well.
Good Buu Gets a Brutal Taste of His Own Medicine Against Evil Buu
The quick battle between Good Buu and Evil Buu resulted in the creation of Super Buu, but it’s often overshadowed by the bigger fights that came after. This fight actually hints at the over-the-top action that defines the later part of Dragon Ball Z. It includes some bizarre moments, like when Evil Buu simply eats one of Good Buu’s attacks.
It’s surprisingly engaging to find yourself hoping Good Buu wins, even though he’s facing off against an even greater threat. Evil Buu’s Kamehameha is genuinely frightening, and the fight ends in a particularly unsettling way: Evil Buu effortlessly bounces Good Buu’s Chocolate Beam back and then happily eats the resulting damage.
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2026-02-26 06:41