Over the years, the Dragon Ball franchise has forged some of anime history’s most unforgettable moments. The show’s profound cultural impact has been consistently reflected in news and television coverage alike.
Its memorable scenes have also been referenced globally in sports and countless other forms of media. The beloved franchise’s enduring popularity has spawned numerous movies, spinoffs, video games, and more, ingraining itself into the hearts of every generation.
5 Most Memorable Dragon Ball moments
5) Goku defeats the Great Demon King Piccolo
This event marked a turning point in the series. The climactic battle with King Piccolo saw kid Goku summon his remaining strength to deliver a devastating blow, brutally punching a hole through the villain.
Piccolo’s defeat ushered in a new era for the franchise’s future, far from the fun adventure-filled show it started as. Dragon Ball goes into a time skip after this and we get to see our protagonist in his young adult years.
This moment in Dragon Ball has become popular enough to have been referenced throughout the franchise’s history several times including several video games.
4) Majin Vegeta Sacrifices himself
Up until this point in the series Vegeta had been a villain, and later on a sort of prideful anti-hero tagging along with the Z warriors.
His moment of sacrifice in his fight against Majin Buu cemented his legacy as one of the most memorable characters in the franchise.
His monologue about his son, wife, and respect for Goku, right before he sacrificed himself touched the hearts of several fans
3) Gohan unlocks Super Saiyan 2
Gohan had always exhibited signs of surpassing his father ever since he was introduced in Dragon Ball Z. From headbutting Raditz to his adventures in Namek, he always had unlimited potential.
We see his power erupt in this impactful moment during the Cell Games Saga when Android 16 gets killed by Perfect Cell. It pulled a trigger in Gohan, and he ascended to the next stage of Super Saiyan, surpassing his father as well as Vegeta, both of whom were pure-blooded Saiyans.
Many fans believe that this is the highest peak Gohan’s character ever reached, until way later in Dragon Ball Super.
2) Android 17 makes a wish to revive everyone back
Dragon Ball has frequently introduced foes who have had a change of heart at some point in the story. The Androids were no different as both of them were introduced as mindless killing machines.
In Dragon Ball Super, Android 17 is reintroduced as a wildlife protector with a caring family. He joins the Z warriors as a representative of Universe 7 in the Tournament of Power.
In the climax of the Tournament, Android 17 is left as the only standing winner of his universe. His prize was a wish, and he selflessly used it to revive all the erased universes with a smile. This was a memorable moment that contrasted with his past.
1) Goku turns into a Super Saiyan for the first time
Arguably the single most genre-defining moment in the franchise’s history is when Goku turned into a Super Saiyan for the first time. This moment was triggered by the loss of his friend, Krillian at the hands of Frieza.
To see it all culminate into the iconic golden-haired transformation, that would make even a character like Frieza tremble in fear, shattered all expectations.
