Highlights

• The Dragon Ball franchise is known for its epic battles, showcasing talented martial artists and powerful warriors.
• Some fights, like Goku vs. Frieza, may have pacing issues but are still impactful and memorable in the series.
• Battles like Piccolo vs. Android 17 provide entertaining visuals and technique, even without emotional depth.

The Dragon Ball franchise has some great villains, strong storytelling, and engaging dialogue. However, one of the main reasons all the DB anime series are so popular is because of the fights. After all, most of the main characters in Dragon Ball are either talented martial artists or super-powered warriors, meaning much of the story revolves around spectacular battles.

They fight for a number of different reasons. Sometimes, they fight to save the universe; other times, they're participating in a tournament; and on a few occasions, it's all about proving who is the strongest. Regardless of why they happened, these are the best battles in the series.

This ranking is based on multiple factors, including the excitement of the fight, the story, the emotion, the animation, and how iconic it is.

6 Goku Vs. Frieza

The epic battle between Goku and Frieza isn't a universally beloved brawl. This is understandable, as it lasts way too long and is very slow at times. Yet, despite its flaws, there is no denying how impactful and memorable the fight is.

The noble hero and evil tyrant battle for many consecutive episodes, and the fight has plenty of different stages and moments. For example, there's a stretch where Frieza doesn't use his hands, a part where Goku attempts to build up his spirit bomb without the villain noticing, and there's the final stage where they continue their battle despite the planet crumbling beneath them. Those are all wonderful moments, but the best scene is when Goku finally becomes a Super Saiyan in a sequence that remains among the best in Dragon Ball history. This makes up for the pacing issues.

5 Goku Vs. Majin Vegeta

Majin Vegeta's fight with Goku had years of build-up, as Vegeta had been trying to get another bout with his rival ever since the first one. The result is an incredibly exciting duel between two of the most popular characters in the series. Both Saiyans showcase some interesting moves and techniques - which have inspired Majin Vegeta's move-set in many of the best Dragon Ball video games since.

What's really interesting about the fight, though, is the dynamic at play. This isn't a battle about saving the world, nor is it even really about hatred. Yes, a part of Vegeta hates Goku, but this battle is more about pride. Vegeta wants to prove that he is better and stronger than Goku, more for himself than anyone else. The Saiyan in the orange GI doesn't have the same desire to win but is willing to indulge the man he likely considers a friend.

4 Goku Vs. Piccolo Jr.

Fights from the original Dragon Ball series often get overlooked because they are not as spectacular as those from DBZ or Super. That said, their focus on more traditional martial arts has its own charm. The great thing about Goku's battle with Piccolo Jr. at the 23rd World Martial Arts Tournament is that it has both spectacle and a focus on martial arts.

For much of the fight, Goku and Piccolo let their hands and feet do the talking as they batter one another in a very hard-hitting brawl. Later on, they begin to implement more eye-catching and over-the-top techniques, such as Goku's feet-based Kamehameha and Piccolo turning himself into a giant. By the end of the lengthy but generally well-paced fight, both men are beaten down and exhausted.

3 Goku Vs. Beerus

Technically, there are two versions of the battle between Goku and Beerus. The one from Battle of Gods is superior to the scrap from Dragon Ball Super, as it's better animated and more streamlined. Either way, it's a notable brawl, as it features the first appearance of one of Goku's most amazing transformations: Super Saiyan God.

The premise of the fight is also unique, as Goku is attempting to save the planet from someone who isn't really pure evil. It's just in Beerus's nature to destroy planets, but he is pretty cavalier about the whole thing. In contrast, Goku is mightily determined to save the Earth even though he's up against a foe much stronger than him. It feels like a futile endeavor, but it's hard not to be pumped up by the hero's attempts to overcome the God, especially when Goku gets fired up and turns Super Saiyan in what is a heart-pumping moment.

2 Piccolo Vs. Android 17

Most of the best fights in Dragon Ball involve Goku. However, during this contest, he is at Kami's Lookout, waiting to enter the Hyperbolic Time Chamber. So, Piccolo and Android 17 take center stage in one of the most visually striking and entertaining battles in the franchise's history. There isn't a lot of emotion involved, nor does the fight mean much in the overall story. Yet, it's so enjoyable to watch as the two evenly-matched fighters go blow-for-blow.

Piccolo perhaps has the advantage in power and technique, but Android 17's unlimited energy means he's got more endurance. That said, Piccolo's energy levels are alright, too, as the two characters don't let up in this one. There isn't much talking or breaks in the fight. These two relentlessly go at one another. In the process, Piccolo showcases some excellent powers. It's a shame that Cell cuts the battle short, as it was already an all-time classic, so imagine if it got a definitive end.

1 Goku, Gohan, Krillin, And Yajirobe Vs. Vegeta

There's a lot that makes the battle between Earth's defenders and Vegeta one of the most iconic ever. For starters, it's Vegeta's first fight in the series, presenting a first look at what the Saiyan can do. More importantly, it's arguably his most important fight, as it shapes the Prince's entire arc. Goku keeps up with him despite being a "low-class warrior," according to Vegeta, and this is a fact that plagues the Saiyan Prince for many years to come. In fact, it's the moment that begins their rivalry.

This duel isn't just about the two Saiyans, though, as Gohan, Krillin, and Yajirobe all have to lend Goku a hand in this fierce battle. Their involvement adds to the already many twists and turns in this bout. At times, Goku seems to be Vegeta's equal; at other points, the Prince appears to have the upper hand. Also, there are several moments where one of the characters seems done for. Goku's friends are the reason the protagonist ultimately defeats Vegeta at the end of an epic clash, featuring some beautiful animation and one incredible beam struggle.