The Ultimate Ranking: Unveiling Dragon Ball Z's Most Iconic Characters!

Dragon Ball Z's best characters are renowned not only for their exhilarating fights, legendary transformations, and captivating plot, but also for their exceptional development and characterization. The series boasts an impressive array of characters in both anime and manga, with even the lesser-known individuals becoming iconic and instantly recognizable. While the appeal of Dragon Ball Z's characters can be attributed to their immense power and coolness, a significant part of it lies in their gradual growth and evolving personalities. Despite not being hailed as the deepest anime, the series has always captivated audiences by showcasing the genuine development and transformation of its heroes and villains. This is why almost all of Dragon Ball Z's top characters are highly esteemed among fans, as their personal growth and intriguing characterization set them apart.

10 Krillin

9 Android 18

Krillin, the Brave Heart of Dragon Ball Z

Krillin, the valiant human, stands out as possibly the most courageous character in the realm of Dragon Ball Z. Despite his mortal limitations, he fearlessly joins forces with the mighty Z-Fighters to embark on perilous journeys against formidable adversaries. Among the ranks of Dragon Ball Z's mightiest humans, Krillin's standing is unrivaled. Having trained side by side with Goku and even acting as his rival at one point, his dedication and strength are undeniable.

Krillin's captivating character design exudes an undeniable charm, brimming with personality. Despite his eventual position as one of the Z-Fighters' less formidable members, his impact remains immeasurable. Krillin's unwavering commitment drives him to make selfless sacrifices whenever the situation calls for it. Not only a remarkable warrior, he is also a devoted family man, a trait that has deeply resonated with countless fans.

Android 18, a former villain, underwent a significant transformation and became a hero. Alongside her brother, Android 17, she played a pivotal role as the primary antagonist in Dragon Ball Z's beloved Android Saga. Crafted by Dr. Gero, her immense power even posed a formidable challenge for battle-tested warriors such as Vegeta. However, her significance goes beyond her fighting prowess, as described by Future Trunks. Despite their original design as villains, Android 18 and her brother defied expectations. Following her redemption, she tied the knot with Krillin and embraced motherhood, dedicating herself to raising their child. While she wholeheartedly supported the Z-Fighters and offered assistance whenever required, she predominantly resided in Kame House, nurturing her family.

8 Future Trunks

Although the current rendition of Trunks is endearing, adorable, and impressive, Future Trunks unequivocally surpasses him in terms of sheer coolness. He is a valuable addition to the ensemble and played a pivotal role in the Cell Saga and the battle against the Androids. Had he not traveled back in time to avert Goku's demise, humanity would have faced near extinction. Among his numerous noteworthy appearances, fans particularly recall his effortless annihilation of Frieza, whom Goku and Vegeta notoriously struggled against. Future Trunks left such an indelible mark that Akira Toriyama, the creator of Dragon Ball, chose to reincorporate him into the narrative in Dragon Ball Super. Beyond his undeniable coolness, Future Trunks' tale revolves around triumphing over tragedy in an attempt to mend a shattered world.

7 Perfect Cell

Cell, both in his imperfect and perfect forms, proved to be a formidable villain in Dragon Ball Z. However, it was his perfect form that solidified him as one of the greatest characters in the series. Dr. Gero's ultimate creation, Cell possessed unparalleled power derived from the cells of Goku, Vegeta, Piccolo, and Frieza. His purpose was to exact vengeance upon Goku, and he showcased his superiority through his overwhelming strength. Even the combined force of four Super Saiyans and other renowned warriors proved futile against him. However, Cell ultimately met his demise when Gohan tapped into his Super Saiyan 2 state. Undeniably, Cell is regarded as one of the most iconic antagonists in anime history, making it all the more surprising that he is not ranked as the top villain in Dragon Ball Z.

6 Picollo

Like numerous other characters in Dragon Ball Z, the initially villainous Namekian, known for his quiet and reserved nature, transformed his wicked inclinations. The anime owes much to his presence as he fought alongside Goku in the battle against the invading Raditz, and without Piccolo's guidance, Gohan would never have attained the remarkable strength that he possesses. Piccolo never hesitated to step in whenever the world faced grave peril, and it was thanks to his mentorship that Goten and Trunks were capable of mastering the art of fusion. Although he plays a crucial role as a member of the esteemed Z-Fighters, it is in the realm of teaching where Piccolo truly flourishes. It comes as no surprise that Dragon Ball creator Akira Toriyama holds Piccolo as his favorite character.

5 Frieza

Frieza's reputation strikes fear into the hearts of countless beings throughout the galaxy. As a conqueror, he ruthlessly obliterates planet after planet. Goku's home world was one of his victims, nearly wiping out the Saiyans entirely. What truly sets Frieza apart as a captivating character and an exceptional antagonist is his unapologetic arrogance. While he grew up as the feared and revered strongest being, encountering Goku and the formidable Z-Fighters exposed him to a greater power. This drove Frieza to become even stronger, treating fans to epic battles. Despite his repulsive nature, Frieza remains one of the most engrossing personalities in Dragon Ball Z, thanks to his unwavering dedication to unabashed malevolence.

4 Bulma

Bulma, along with Goku, stands as one of the original characters in the Dragon Ball series. Despite not possessing combat abilities, she holds great significance throughout the entire franchise. Admittedly, her impact could have been more pronounced if the focus of the anime had not predominantly revolved around action and extraterrestrial beings. Bulma's inventive capabilities have proven invaluable to the Z-fighters on numerous occasions, most notably with her creation of the legendary Dragon Radar. This innovative device allows her to locate the mystical Dragon Balls and summon forth their power, granting wishes such as reincarnation. Notably, this came into play when both Goku and Vegeta met their demise. Furthermore, Bulma eventually tied the knot with Vegeta, which has since become a beloved and cherished relationship among fans worldwide.

3 Gohan

Gohan stands out as arguably the most exceptional character in the series. This fact became crystal clear when he became the first Dragon Ball Z character ever to reach the immensely powerful Super Saiyan 2 form. Without a doubt, his character development is among the finest in the entire series. He started off as a shy and unsure young boy during the Saiyan Saga, but gradually transformed into a reliable and formidable warrior by the time of the Cell Saga. Even aside from his incredible power, Gohan is defined by an extraordinary level of compassion that extended even to the androids, who were viewed as irredeemably evil by most. In fact, it was the tragic demise of Android 16 that served as the catalyst for Gohan's attainment of the Super Saiyan 2 transformation. Despite possessing limitless potential, Gohan made the conscious choice to shift his focus away from combat and towards his personal life. He attended school, got married, and became a father. It was undeniably heart-wrenching to witness the beloved fan favorite retire from battle, but this decision added a sense of normalcy to an otherwise outlandish show.

2 Vegeta

1 Goku

: Renowned as the Prince of Saiyans, Vegeta began his journey in Dragon Ball Z as a ruthless antagonist. However, he underwent a remarkable transformation, evolving into a benevolent member of the Z-Fighters who consistently defended planet Earth whenever it faced peril. Vegeta's redemption arc revolutionized character development, as he transitioned from a malevolent and arrogant warrior to a devoted family man, willing to do anything to safeguard his loved ones. What distinguishes Vegeta as an exceptional character is his unwavering determination to never be surpassed by Goku or anyone else. Upon encountering a formidable opponent, he strives to surpass their strength. Undoubtedly, one of Vegeta's most noteworthy moments occurred during the Majin Buu saga when he selflessly sacrificed his life, further elevating his already immense popularity.

The main character of the franchise claims the top position as Dragon Ball's finest character. He stands out as one of the most exceptional characters in the history of anime, with his playful persona effortlessly shifting to a serious demeanor in the blink of an eye. Despite being the protagonist, he generously allows others to have their moments to shine, particularly highlighted in the intense battle between Gohan and Cell. Undoubtedly, he finds himself among the elite ranks of the most powerful anime characters. Although not without flaws like any other character, these imperfections only enhance his charm. His insatiable hunger for a good fight may be considered a valid character drawback, yet it ultimately adds depth and complexity to his role as a hero.

Dragon Ball Z boasts an abundance of captivating characters. Whether it be the multi-personalities of Majin Buu or the reserved yet effortlessly cool Android 17, the anime has solidified its place as a series with an array of exceptional supporting characters. Its enduring legacy ensures that future generations will continue to appreciate and revel in its richness, as it transcends beyond a typical battle-themed anime. The series intricately weaves complex characters into its narrative, evoking profound emotions through their distinct personalities and compelling backstories. Choosing the ultimate best character from Dragon Ball Z is a subjective endeavor, further contributing to the unwavering adoration this franchise receives.