Dragon Ball, this anime series that captured hearts around the world, is known for being a milestone in the shonen genre. It not only popularized anime in the West, but also laid the foundation for many elements that would become common in other series. Over the past 40 years, the franchise has introduced a number of incredibly powerful characters. These Dragon Ball characters aren’t just strong, they’re on a whole different level.
The most powerful characters in the series have abilities that can match any hero or villain from other anime, and this has elevated Dragon Ball to a special status. These characters bring fans spectacular scenes that are difficult to forget. And of course, Goku is among the strongest, alongside several others who have appeared since the beginning of Dragon Ball Super.
When considering who is the strongest character in Dragon Ball, we take into account the events and transformations of Dragon Ball Super, but only characters introduced in the anime version of the series are included in this list.
Top 7 Most Powerful Dragon Ball Characters
1. Gohan in his Beast Transformation
Gohan’s “Beast” transformation was revealed in Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero, showing Gohan reaching his potential. Initially, many thought that Beast Gohan was stronger or at least equal to Goku with Ultra Instinct and Vegeta with Ultra Ego. However, the Dragon Ball Super manga suggests something different. During the Galactic Patrol Prisoner saga, Gohan, Piccolo and the Androids face difficulties against Saganbo, an opponent that Goku, in his Super Saiyan Blue form, manages to defeat with relative ease. After Saganbo’s death, Goku and Vegeta become even more powerful, while Gohan, despite his Beast form, does not show a significant increase in his power.
6. Vegeta
Vegeta, the Prince of the Saiyans, has one of the most captivating development arcs in Dragon Ball. Over the years, he’s gone from a cold antagonist to one of the series’ most admired and relatable characters. His pride and determination to surpass Goku always place him among the strongest. Constantly following Goku’s achievements, Vegeta not only masters new techniques and transformations, but also develops his own unique abilities, such as Ultra Ego. Although there is debate among fans as to whether Vegeta’s Ultra Ego is superior to Goku’s Ultra Instinct, Goku’s advanced fighting skills often balance the scales.
5. Goku
The competition between Perfected Ultra Instinct Goku and Ultra Ego Vegeta is fierce, but Goku may have an edge due to Ultra Instinct’s exceptional defensive capabilities. Recognized as the strongest Saiyan for a long time, Goku has the ability to constantly overcome new challenges. His resilience and love of battle, combined with his body’s unique ability to strengthen itself after defeat, maintain his prominent position.
4. Frieza
Frieza stands out among Dragon Ball villains, being one of the most memorable and formidable. His appearance on Planet Namek was a milestone in the series, starting the events that led to the Super Saiyan transformation. Years later, Frieza remains one of the greatest threats in the universe. Unlike Goku and Vegeta, who rely on intense training and recovery from serious damage to increase their strength, Frieza is able to significantly improve his powers with relatively little effort. His recent Golden and Black transformations place him as one of the most powerful mortals in the Dragon Ball universe, capable of defeating Goku and Vegeta with a single blow.
3. Beerus
Beerus, the God of Destruction, holds a special place in Dragon Ball’s power hierarchy. Even though Vegeta surpassed Toppo, a budding God of Destruction, during the Tournament of Power, many fans still believe that the Saiyans are a step below Beerus and other Gods of Destruction in terms of raw strength. The true extent of Beerus’ power remains a mystery, as we’ve never seen him fight at his full strength. Furthermore, his presence still intimidates characters like Frieza, even after he reaches new levels of power.
2. Whis
Whis may technically be an attendant, but as a Guiding Angel, he possesses remarkable supernatural abilities. He surpasses Goku and Vegeta in speed and strength during training and has the ability to reverse time, a power at the level of the Omni-King. Although the Grand Minister may be stronger and other Guiding Angels also possess similar or superior abilities, Whis is the only one whose power has been explored in detail in the series.
1. Zen-Oh
At the top of the list is Zen-Oh, the Omni-King. Although Dragon Ball Super has introduced many mortal characters with god-like powers, none compare to Zen-Oh. His innocent and calm appearance hides immense power, capable of erasing entire universes with a single gesture. Zen-Oh is arguably the most powerful character in Dragon Ball, although we’re unlikely to see him in battle. He is mostly used for comic relief, as seen in his interactions with Beerus and Shin at the end of the Galactic Patrol Prisoner saga arc.
This selection of Dragon Ball characters highlights the incredible variety of powers and abilities found in the series. Of determined warriors and Gods of Destruction to beings with near-omnipotent powers, Dragon Ball continues to expand the limits of what is possible in its fictional universe. Each character brings a unique dynamic and contributes to the rich mythology of the series, keeping fans eager for what comes next.
