Since its debut in the 1980s, Dragon Ball has introduced audiences to a wide range of powerful villains. The evolution of its villains is proof of the series’ talent for creating new and compelling stakes, even over its long run. Each new threat pushes the heroes beyond their limits, opening doors to unexpected territories and fresh adventures.
Dragon Ball’s narrative has been elevated by these villains and their ability to generate high-stakes showdowns, resulting in legendary battles and some of the franchise’s most memorable transformations. While many of Dragon Ball’s villains are iconic, there are some whose power stands out compared to the rest.
Cell
First Appears in Dragon Ball Z
Cell was introduced to the series as the ultimate culmination of Dragon Ball’s strongest warriors. Dr. Gero designed him to combine skill, intelligence, and adaptability in a way that no other villain in the series could match at the time of his introduction, making him one of the series’ most terrifying forces.
Unlike many villains, Cell thrived on the challenge and growth of his own power. His Cell Games were a way to test his own abilities as well as those of the Z-Fighters, and his preparation leading up to the games revealed a side of the villain that was dangerously cunning and both strategically and psychologically manipulative.
Majin Buu
First Appears in Dragon Ball Z
Majin Buu stands out as the final villain in Dragon Ball Z, known for being the most unpredictable and dangerous. His various forms each posed unique threats, with every new form becoming more powerful and more terrifying in nature. Initially, his introduction made him seem childlike and innocent, but the heroes quickly realized he was capable of causing massive destruction.
Throughout the saga, he transformed into Evil Buu, Super Buu, and ultimately Kid Buu, the most dangerous form of all. Buu’s presence kept both the heroes and viewers on edge, earning him the reputation as Dragon Ball Z’s most destructive villain, who even managed to wipe out the people of Earth before his defeat.
Aside from his transformations and personality, Majin Buu’s raw power and regenerative skills made him almost impossible to defeat. Buu alone pushed Goku beyond his limits, culminating in the unforgettable Super Saiyan 3 transformation. In many ways, he was Dragon Ball’s ultimate wildcard, solidifying his role as one of the franchise’s most powerful and legendary villains.
Cell Max
First Appears in Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero
Cell Max appeared as a formidable bio-android in Super Hero, created by Dr. Hedo, Dr. Gero’s grandson, for the revived Red Ribbon Army. He drew inspiration from the original Cell’s design but exceeded him in size and destructive power. Unlike his predecessor, Cell Max lacked regenerative abilities and intelligence, making him a mindless force of nature.
Although he had no consciousness, Cell Max’s power was a serious threat, forcing Gohan and Piccolo to achieve new forms, Gohan Beast and Orange Piccolo. His initial activation was premature, which prevented him from reaching his full potential and could have made him one of the most unstoppable villains the series has ever seen.
Broly
First Appears in Dragon Ball Z: The Legendary Super Saiyan
Broly first appeared in the non-canon Dragon Ball Z films as the Legendary Super Saiyan. With three movies, he was a fan favorite and a source of unimaginable power. In 2018, his character was reimagined and canonized in Dragon Ball Super: Broly, which added depth to his character while retaining his overwhelming strength.
This version of Broly experienced a harsh upbringing on Planet Vampa and was long manipulated by his father, Paragus, turning him into a sympathetic character. His latent power made him a unique threat in the series, capable of overpowering Goku and Vegeta in raw combat. Broly’s base form alone was capable of standing as a formidable opponent.
His battle in Super proved his destructive potential was nearly unmatched and was enhanced by his emotional complexity as a character. Broly quickly learned and adapted, with his stamina and power making him a significant threat to the heroes. Had he not become the Z-Fighter’s ally, he would have been a dangerous adversary in Dragon Ball.
Moro
First Appears in Dragon Ball Super
Moro, also known as the “Planet-Eater,” is one of the most formidable threats in the Dragon Ball Super manga. As the central antagonist of the Galactic Patrol Prisoner Saga, Moro possesses the power to drain life energy from planets and living beings. He is a dark wizard who was imprisoned for 10 million years by the Grand Supreme Kai.
His abilities make him both unique and incredibly dangerous. Unlike many enemies, Moro utilizes magic, cunning, and overwhelming force against his opponents, leaving the heroes constantly on defense after escaping his confinement. Unleashing chaos across the galaxy, Moro only grew in power, restoring himself to his jaw-dropping strength.
Fused Zamasu
First Appears in Dragon Ball Super
Fused Zamasu is the result of Goku Black and Future Zamasu merging into a single being, combining their immortality, divine power, and cunning minds. The fusion amplified their abilities, creating a villain whose strength greatly surpasses that of any single fighter. Fused Zamasu was driven by a twisted sense of justice, leading him to seek the complete eradication of all mortals.
His belief that mortals are inherently flawed and evil caused him to take unpredictable and heartless actions that culminated in the destruction of Future Trunks’ timeline. Future Zamasu had the power to wipe out the entire universe, including every god within it. It wasn’t until Future Zeno appeared that Zamasu was defeated.
Granolah
First Appears in Dragon Ball Super
Granolah is the last surviving member of the Cerealian race and holds a deep-seated grudge against the Saiyans and Frieza for destroying his planet, Cereal. As the central character in the Granolah the Survivor Arc, he is a skilled warrior who has spent years honing his talents.
Granolah lives as a bounty hunter, often taking jobs from the Heeters, a group that manipulates him into seeking power beyond his limits. Using his planet’s set of Dragon Balls, he wishes to become the strongest being in the universe and sacrifices a majority of his lifespan to do so.
In his hunt for Frieza, he confronts Goku and Vegeta, proving that his wish was granted after a fight that pushed the Saiyans to their limits. He forces them to rethink their approach to battle and quickly adapt in ways they haven’t before.
Gas
First Appears in Dragon Ball Super
Gas is a formidable warrior from the Heeter family and becomes the most fearsome antagonist in the Granolah the Survivor Arc. He loyally serves his brother, Elec, and is the strongest member of their family. His power increases after his brother makes the same wish as Granolah, effectively making Gas the universe’s most powerful warrior.
Despite his rapid ascension, he experiences drawbacks far more significant than Granolah. The strain from his immense power limits him with rapid deterioration. However, before the wish’s effects can catch up to him, he uses his newfound power to push Goku and Vegeta beyond their limits, leading to an intense and grueling battle.
Black Frieza
First Appears in Dragon Ball Super
Black Frieza is the latest evolution of Dragon Ball’s most iconic villain. After intense training in a time-altered space, similar to the Hyperbolic Time Chamber on Kami’s Lookout, Frieza emerged significantly more powerful. This new form allowed him to challenge Goku and Vegeta on a completely different level, capable of defeating them with a single blow.
Frieza’s already formidable power was enhanced with increased speed, strength, and durability, making him the biggest threat in the series when the manga resumes. After defeating Gas, Black Frieza proves that he remains just as strategic and clever as he was when first introduced, leaving an unmatched legacy in Dragon Ball.
Beerus
First Appears in Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods
Beerus, the God of Destruction in Universe 7, introduced brand-new scales of power to the Dragon Ball Z universe. Unlike traditional villains, his power was entirely unmatched by any of the Z-Fighters. He was capable of destroying entire planets on a whim and effortlessly taking down Super Saiyan 3 Goku.
In Battle of Gods, Beerus was a figure deeply feared by the Saiyan prince, who went to great lengths to keep his mood from souring. By the end of the arc, even after gaining the power of the Super Saiyan God, Beerus revealed that he wasn’t using his full power in battle, showing he could have easily defeated the heroes.
Though capable of extreme destruction, he exhibits humor, laziness, and occasional compassion after growing a soft spot for the Saiyan warriors, making him unpredictable. Despite shifting from a villain who threatens the safety of Earth to someone who respects the Z-Fighters, he remains a pinnacle of power that neither Goku nor Vegeta has yet reached.
- Created by
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Akira Toriyama
- Latest TV Show
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Super Dragon Ball Heroes
- First Episode Air Date
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April 26, 1989
