Dragon Ball Z is a well-known anime series that began airing in 1989. It is the sequel to Dragon Ball and is based on the manga written by Akira Toriyama. Over time, Dragon Ball Z has become one of the most popular anime series, drawing fans with its action-packed story and memorable characters. The series follows Goku, a Saiyan warrior, as he battles strong enemies to protect Earth.
The show has 9 seasons with 291 episodes, and several directors, including Daisuke Nishio, helped bring the story to life. Dragon Ball Z is famous for its intense battles, unique transformations, and characters who have become iconic in the anime world. The series also continued with Dragon Ball Super, introducing new characters and expanding the story.
In this blog post, we’ll focus on the Top 20 Strongest Dragon Ball Characters of All Time, Ranked. Whether you’re a fan of the original series or the newer Dragon Ball Super, this ranking will look at the strongest characters, highlighting their powers and significance in the series.
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#20 Zeno
The Supreme Ruler of the Dragon Ball Universe
When it comes to the most powerful Dragon Ball characters, Zeno is the strongest. Even though he looks like a child, his power is unlike anything anyone else in the Dragon Ball universe has. He can destroy entire universes with a simple flick of his wrist. Once, he wiped out six of the original eighteen Universes just because he was in a bad mood. His power goes beyond any character, and no one can defeat him. Zeno doesn’t need to fight to show his strength; his mere presence is enough.
Grand Zeno and the Tournament of Power
Zeno’s power was clear during the dragon ball tournament of power. He has the ability to remove entire universes with just a thought, which is a terrifying thing to witness. In the Future Trunks Saga, Zeno remained safe even when an entire universe was destroyed. This shows just how much control he has over everything. Zeno is the most powerful being in Dragon Ball, and his power keeps him far from any real danger.
#19 Seven-Three
The Android from Dragon Ball Super
Seven-Three, first introduced in Dragon Ball Super manga chapter #50, is an android created to follow orders without question. He has no emotions and only focuses on carrying out commands. His unique ability allows him to copy the techniques and powers of others. Seven-Three can store up to three abilities at once, which are reflected in the gems on his head. This power made him a strong ally to Moro, and he became a major challenge for the Z Fighters.
During the Dragon Ball Tournament of Power, Seven-Three’s abilities grew even more dangerous when Moro absorbed him. By copying Seven-Three’s powers, Moro became even stronger. Seven-Three’s ability to mimic the skills of the most powerful Dragon Ball characters made him a tricky enemy to fight. Even after his defeat, Seven-Three survived, proving that androids could have a big impact in the Dragon Ball world.
#18 Whis
The Silent Power Behind Dragon Ball’s Gods
Whis is a calm and quiet character in the Dragon Ball world. He trains Beerus and also looks after him. Even though he never gets serious in fights, it’s clear that he is much stronger than most people in the series. Whis has been using Ultra Instinct for a long time, while others are still learning it. Because of his power and role, many fans wonder, “Who is the strongest anime character?” Whis may not like to fight, but he has more skill than almost anyone we’ve seen.
Whis can move faster than Goku and Vegeta and even stop time for a few seconds. He once knocked Beerus out with just a light tap. He doesn’t brag or show off, but it’s clear he’s one of the top fighters. He also trained Goku and Vegeta to get better. Because of his power and control, Whis always shows up on lists like Top 20 Strongest Dragon Ball Characters of All Time.
#17 Gohan
The Hidden Power of Dragon Ball’s Strongest Hero
Gohan, the son of Goku, has always been a key figure in the Dragon Ball series, but his recent power boost in Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero has made him even stronger. In this movie, Gohan unlocks a new form called Beast Gohan, which makes him more powerful than Goku and Vegeta. Piccolo, a close friend, says that Gohan is now stronger than both of them. This new form has made Gohan one of the most powerful Dragon Ball characters, but his lack of interest in fighting keeps him from fully embracing his power.
Even so, Gohan has shown that when he needs to fight, his strength is incredible. In his battle with Cell Max, Gohan showed how powerful he had become. Although Gohan hasn’t faced many big fights since unlocking Beast Gohan, his strength is still growing. Goku’s goku ultra instinct has been a major focus, but Gohan’s power is just as impressive. Fans are excited to see how Gohan will continue to grow and where he will stand among the most powerful Dragon Ball characters in the future.
#16 Beerus
The Universe 7 God of Destruction
Beerus, the God of Destruction from Universe 7, first appeared in Dragon Ball Z: Battle of the Gods and plays an important role in Dragon Ball Super. He is known for his incredible strength and is often regarded as the strongest among all the Gods of Destruction. In his fight against Goku and Vegeta in Dragon Ball Super, it’s clear that his power is far beyond theirs. Beerus even held back during their battle, which shows just how much power he really has.
Although Beerus and Goku have fought, Beerus’ strength is still much greater. Beerus has been the God of Destruction for millions of years and has trained Goku and Vegeta to help them grow stronger. But even with their training, they are still far from matching his true power. Beerus has the ability to erase things from existence with a simple movement, a skill called Hakai. No one has yet been able to surpass his power, and he remains one of the most powerful Dragon Ball characters.
#15 Frieza
The Universe’s Most Feared Villain
Frieza is one of the most well-known characters in the Dragon Ball universe. First introduced in Chapter #247 of the Dragon Ball manga and Episode #44 of Dragon Ball Z, Frieza quickly became the main villain that fans loved to dislike. Known for his cruel actions, Frieza is responsible for the destruction of Planet Vegeta and the near-extermination of the Saiyan race. His strength is unmatched, and his recent transformation into Black Frieza has made him one of the strongest characters in the series. In Dragon Ball Super, Frieza‘s new form stunned fans when he easily defeated both Goku and Vegeta in their strongest forms.
Frieza and Goku have a long history of rivalry, with Goku always pushing himself to new limits to fight Frieza. However, after Frieza trained in a special dimension for ten years, his power grew so much that even Goku and Vegeta struggle to match him. This new form has left fans wondering if Goku and Vegeta will ever be able to surpass Frieza. Despite being one of the strongest characters in Dragon Ball, Frieza’s true goals are still unclear, and his ability to defeat opponents with ease keeps him as a major threat to everyone in the universe.
#14 Vegeta
The Saiyan Prince
Vegeta, voiced by Ryo Horikawa in Japanese and Christopher Sabat in English, is one of the most well-known characters in the Dragon Ball series. He started off as a villain, the prince of the Saiyan race, known for his cold and ruthless personality. Over time, Vegeta changed, leaving his evil ways behind and teaming up with Goku and others to protect Earth. Despite his past, Vegeta always pushes himself to be stronger, often competing with Goku to see who is the better fighter. His transformation from villain to hero is one of the most interesting in the show.
In Dragon Ball Super, Vegeta continues to grow stronger, reaching new levels of power. One of his most impressive forms is Ultra Ego, a transformation where every hit he takes makes him more powerful. Although Vegeta still has room to master Ultra Ego and match other strongest Dragon Ball characters, his strength is undeniable. In his battles with Goku and Vegeta, his pride and hard work show that he’s always a tough opponent. As he strives to surpass his rival Goku, Vegeta remains one of the most powerful and important characters in the series.
#13 Goku
The Ever-Evolving Fighter
Goku, the main character of the Dragon Ball series, is known for his incredible strength and constant growth. His power keeps increasing, and with every fight, he unlocks new abilities. One of his most recent transformations is Ultra Instinct, a state that makes him nearly unbeatable. Goku’s power now goes beyond even the Gods of Destruction, as seen in his battles against powerful opponents like Jiren from Universe 11. His determination and willpower make him a strong and reliable fighter.
The bond between Goku and Vegeta plays a big part in the Dragon Ball story. While both characters are incredibly strong, each has their own special transformation. Vegeta unlocked Ultra Ego, but Goku’s Ultra Instinct gives him an advantage, especially in defense. Although they are close in power, Goku’s ability to push past his limits keeps him at the top. As the most powerful dragon ball characters continue to grow, Goku’s journey shows that with heart and determination, there’s no limit to what he can accomplish.
#12 Broly
The Overpowered Saiyan Who Can’t Control His Strength
Broly first appeared in Dragon Ball Super: Broly, and it’s clear that he has incredible strength. As the Legendary Super Saiyan, Broly’s power is on a whole different level. Even without fully controlling his abilities, he is already one of the most powerful dragon ball characters. In his battle with Goku and Vegeta, it took their combined effort to fuse into Gogeta just to defeat him. Once Broly learns to control his power, there’s no telling how much stronger he could become.
Broly’s power is so great that even Beerus, the Destroyer God, was worried about him training on his planet. Goku and Vegeta, two of the strongest Saiyan fighters, were pushed to their limits trying to beat him. Despite his immense strength, Broly isn’t a typical villain. He has a calm nature, but when angered, his Saiyan instincts take over. With his skills and power, Broly remains one of the most interesting and unstoppable characters in the Dragon Ball world.
#11 Jiren
The Unstoppable Force of Dragon Ball Super
Jiren is one of the strongest Dragon Ball characters in the series. He first appeared in Dragon Ball Super during the Tournament of Power arc as the strongest fighter from Universe 11. Jiren’s power is so great that even Goku and Vegeta had trouble keeping up with him. Although Goku unlocked his Ultra Instinct form, Jiren was still a tough challenge. It’s believed that his strength goes beyond that of even the Gods of Destruction, which makes him one of the most powerful fighters in the universe.
Although Jiren doesn’t have the same charm or backstory as some other characters, his strength is undeniable. The battle between Jiren vs Goku in the Tournament of Power was intense, with Goku pushed to his limits to defeat him. Jiren believes in justice but chooses to fight alone, making him a solitary and driven character. His quest to be the strongest continues, and it’s clear that he’s not done seeking more power.
#10 Majin Buu
Debut in Dragon Ball and His Incredible Power
Majin Buu first appeared in Dragon Ball Chapter #460 and Episode #232 of the Dragon Ball Z anime. Known for his amazing strength, Majin Buu was a destructive villain who could easily destroy entire planets, including Earth. Over time, his abilities became even more complicated, especially after he absorbed different characters. Today, in his more relaxed form, he still holds a lot of power and remains one of the strongest dragon ball characters, known for his unpredictable strength.
Majin Buu’s Growth and Battle with Goku and Vegeta
Throughout the Dragon Ball series, Majin Buu has changed many times, each new form stronger than the last. He became even more powerful after absorbing characters like Gotenks, Piccolo, and Gohan, making him nearly unstoppable. Goku and Vegeta continued to fight him, constantly pushing themselves to match his strength. Even in Dragon Ball Super, Majin Buu’s power has continued to grow, showing why he remains one of the strongest dragon ball characters.
#9 Goku Black
The Divine Villain of Dragon Ball
Goku Black first appeared in Dragon Ball Super as a powerful villain. He was originally Zamasu, a Kai from Universe 10, who stole the body of an alternate Goku. This gave him the combined strength of Goku and the divine powers of Zamasu. With this, Goku Black became incredibly strong, even more so than Goku at the time. His transformation into Super Saiyan Rosé gave him an edge, as it was powered by his God Ki, making him a level of power that Goku and Vegeta couldn’t match.
In battle, Goku Black was a major threat. He could damage the fabric of space with his attacks, which made him incredibly dangerous. He was strong enough to defeat Super Future Trunks, and even Goku and Vegeta struggled to stop him. Goku Black could easily take on other gods in his timeline, making him nearly unstoppable. Even though Majin Buu is a powerful character, Goku Black’s abilities were far beyond what most could handle, including Goku’s Ultra Instinct form. His impact on the story is still felt today.
#8 Toppo
Currently Played by Kenji Nomura (Japanese) & Ray Hurd (English)
Toppo is a strong and respected fighter in Dragon Ball Super. He is the leader of the Pride Troopers, a group that protects Universe 11. Even though he is training to be a God of Destruction, Toppo believes in fairness and doing the right thing. In the Zeno Expo, he fights Goku and shows how tough he really is. Goku uses his Super Saiyan powers, but Toppo doesn’t back down. He stands his ground, making fans ask who is the strongest dragon ball character in the show.
Later in the Tournament of Power, Toppo unlocks his God of Destruction powers. When this happens, he stops caring about justice and focuses only on winning. He uses Hakai energy, which lets him break almost anything. Fighters like Frieza are no match for him. Even Goku and Vegeta admit Toppo is very strong in this form. Still, he’s not stronger than goku ultra instinct, but he comes very close.
#7 Cell Max
The Untamed Power of Dragon Ball’s Most Dangerous Creation
Cell Max is not clever like the older version of Cell, but he is strong. Dr. Hedo made him using parts of Dr. Gero’s old plans. Even though Cell Max can’t heal himself, he fought Gohan, Piccolo, the Gammas, Android 18, and Krillin all at once. That shows how tough he really is. It took Gohan’s Beast form to finally stop him. That means Cell Max was one of the strongest fighters seen in the movie, even though he had no control over himself.
The old Cell from Dragon Ball Z was smart and planned his moves. Cell Max, however, just fights with full power. Even Piccolo’s new Orange form didn’t work against him. His strength alone puts him close to Goku and Vegeta, making him a big threat. Even though he was beaten, Cell Max showed he is one of the most powerful Dragon Ball characters and could take on many strong heroes by himself.
#6 Vegito
One of the Most Powerful Characters in Dragon Ball
When Vegito first appeared in Dragon Ball Z, fans saw a powerful mix of Goku and Vegeta through the Potara earrings. He was created to stop Super Buu and quickly showed how strong he was. Even when he was turned into candy, he kept fighting. Later, in Dragon Ball Super, he came back to battle Fused Zamasu. Vegito has shown time and time again that he is one of the most powerful Dragon Ball characters in the series, thanks to the strength of both Goku and Vegeta combined.
Many fans still wonder who is stronger in Vegito vs Gogeta. Gogeta was able to fight Broly without much trouble, while Vegito faced off against a god-like enemy. The main difference comes from how they fuse—Gogeta uses the Fusion Dance, while Vegito uses Potara earrings. Each method has its own limits. Still, both are very strong and can take on big threats. If we ever see them again, they will be even stronger than before.
#5 Gogeta
The Ultimate Fusion Warrior
Gogeta is the fusion of Goku and Vegeta when they perform the Fusion Dance correctly. This form combines their strength, making Gogeta one of the strongest fighters in the Dragon Ball universe. He first appeared in Dragon Ball Z: Fusion Reborn, where he fought Super Janemba. Fans often wonder if Vegito or Gogeta is stronger, but both characters are incredibly powerful. Gogeta’s strength, especially in transformations like Super Saiyan Blue, shows the power that Goku and Vegeta share when they fuse.
In Dragon Ball Super: Broly, Gogeta battles Broly, one of the strongest Saiyans. This fight brings up the question: Vegito vs Gogeta, which one would win? While both fighters are strong, Gogeta’s speed and strength make him a tough opponent. Fans often debate Vegito or Gogeta, but it’s clear that both are among the most powerful Dragon Ball characters. Gogeta’s power highlights the incredible strength of the fused Goku and Vegeta.
#4 Piccolo
Continues To Pursue A Higher Level Of Strength
Piccolo has been a major part of the Dragon Ball series since his first appearance in Chapter 161. He started as a villain during the 23rd World Martial Arts Tournament but later changed sides. Over the years, Piccolo has worked hard to become a better fighter. In Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero, he unlocks a new transformation called “Orange Piccolo” after having his potential unlocked by Shenron. This change makes him even stronger, but he still faces tough opponents like Cell Max.
Piccolo has always had a unique role in the Dragon Ball story. While Goku and Vegeta are the main fighters, Piccolo is still an important figure. He has trained Gohan and has been a good friend and mentor. Even though Goku and Vegeta are training far away on Beerus’ planet, Piccolo’s new form shows how much he has improved. While he couldn’t beat Cell Max on his own, he is definitely stronger now, and fans are eager to see what more he can do in the future.
#3 Kefla
The Legendary Super Saiyan of Universe 6
Kefla, the result of Caulifla and Kale’s Potara fusion, introduced a new level of power to Dragon Ball. First seen in Dragon Ball Super Chapter 38, she quickly caught attention with her impressive abilities. By transforming into a Legendary Super Saiyan, she gained a huge power boost compared to a regular Super Saiyan. During the Tournament of Power, Kefla fought Goku and showed just how strong she was, keeping up with Goku and Vegeta, the two strongest Saiyans.
Despite Kefla‘s great strength, she was eventually defeated when Goku entered his Ultra Instinct form. However, it wasn’t an easy victory for Goku. Kefla was powerful enough that it took Goku’s new form to finally overcome her. Many believe that Kefla is one of the strongest Dragon Ball characters in Universe 6, possibly even matching fusions like Vegito and Gogeta. Her strength and abilities make her one of the most memorable characters in the series.
#2 Hit
The Deadly Assassin of Universe 6
Hit, the greatest assassin from Universe 6, first appeared in Chapter #7 of the Dragon Ball Super manga and Episode #32 of the Dragon Ball Super anime. Known for his unique “time skip” ability, Hit can move forward in time by just a tenth of a second, making it difficult for his enemies to predict his next move. This power allows him to catch opponents off guard and land surprise attacks. While he doesn’t focus on traditional martial arts like Goku, his strikes are designed to quickly defeat his targets.
Hit is one of the strongest dragon ball characters, with his time abilities making him a powerful and dangerous fighter. Over time, he learns to control his powers even more, including freezing time. Although he’s an assassin, Hit starts to respect martial arts after his fight with Goku. Hit even manages to briefly kill Goku, but Goku is saved when he uses a ki blast to revive himself. With his time manipulation skills, Hit remains a key character in the Dragon Ball series.
#1 Moro
The Planet-Consuming Villain from Dragon Ball Super
Moro is one of the most powerful villains in the Dragon Ball universe. His special ability allows him to absorb the life force of others, including Goku and Vegeta, which makes him stronger with every fight. By draining energy from his opponents, Moro becomes more powerful and harder to defeat. As Moro continues to absorb more life, his strength grows, and by the end of the Moro arc, he has taken the energy from many planets, making him much stronger than a Super Saiyan Blue.
As Moro’s power increases, Goku and Vegeta find it difficult to keep up with him. Goku has to use Ultra Instinct, while Vegeta trains on Yardrat to learn new techniques to stand a chance. The battle between Moro and the Saiyans shows just how strong he has become. Moro’s ability to take energy from others places him among the strongest Dragon Ball characters, pushing both Goku and Vegeta to their limits.
FAQs About the Strongest Dragon Ball Characters
Q1. Who is the strongest Dragon Ball character of all time?
The strongest Dragon Ball character is Zeno, also known as the Omni-King. He can erase whole universes in a second. Even powerful characters like Goku, Beerus, and Jiren cannot match his level. His power is beyond fighting—he can simply remove anything or anyone.
Q2. Who is stronger: Gohan or Goku?
In Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero, Gohan’s Beast form makes him stronger than Goku and Vegeta, at least for now. Still, Goku’s Ultra Instinct helps him react without thinking, which gives him a big advantage in some fights.
Q3. Is Frieza still one of the strongest Dragon Ball characters?
Yes. In Dragon Ball Super, Frieza’s new form, Black Frieza, shocked everyone. He beat both Goku and Vegeta while they were using their strongest powers. Frieza keeps getting stronger and is now a major threat again.
Q4. How strong is Broly compared to other Saiyans?
Broly is one of the most powerful Saiyan characters. His energy grows fast during fights. Goku and Vegeta had to fuse into Gogeta to stop him. Even without full control, Broly’s raw strength is scary and can match the top fighters.
Q5. Can Beerus be defeated?
As the God of Destruction, Beerus is one of the top fighters in the Dragon Ball world. No one has beaten him yet. Even Goku with Ultra Instinct couldn’t win. Beerus has a move called Hakai, which can erase things completely.
Q6. Who is the most feared villain in Dragon Ball?
Frieza is still the most feared villain. From destroying Planet Vegeta to coming back stronger as Black Frieza, he has always been a big danger. Even the strongest heroes worry when Frieza shows up.
Q7. What makes Whis stronger than Goku and Vegeta?
Whis is an angel and a guide to Beerus. He uses Ultra Instinct without effort and can move faster than anyone else. Even Goku and Vegeta, with all their training, are not close to Whis in power.
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For more insights and rankings on the strongest Dragon Ball characters, you can also check out this detailed list on CBR. They have a similar ranking of top Dragon Ball characters that you might enjoy reading. You can find the full article here: CBR – Top Dragon Ball Characters.