Dragon Ball is one of the most popular anime ever made, having captivated fans for over 40 years. Shaping multiple generations of fans, thousands have accompanied Goku on his journey from a child to Earth's protector.

Goku is arguably one of the most powerful anime protagonists in history, continually striving for more with every victory and every defeat. Goku's accomplishments are in abundance in Dragon Ball, but there are quite a few moments that stand out that speak to just how overpowered Goku can be. Here are some of Goku's most overpowered moments in the anime, ranked.

Overpowering Hit's Time Skip

Goku Overwhelms Hit With Raw Power

The brief but intense rivalry between Goku and Hit during the Tournament of Power arc was a fresh clash that recalled the early days of Dragon Ball Z. Their clash would be a memorable moment in the Dragon Ball Super series as Goku hit a wall against an assassin who could manipulate time.

Barely able to leave a scratch against Hit, Goku reached inside his bag of tricks and erupted with the combined power of Super Saiyan Blue and KaioKen, allowing him to dominate Hit's power Level. This new technique was a highly celebrated moment for new and veteran fans with a perfect payoff.

Using Kamehameha On His First Try

A Young Goku Takes Inspiration From His Master

Dragon Ball is a classic series that birthed the mass franchise that has dominated the anime community for multiple decades. A young Goku sets out on his first adventure to gather the dragon balls and takes the first step into becoming the strongest.

In episode eight of the series, after witnessing Master Roshi use the legendary Kamehameha to quench the flames of the Ox King's castle, Goku gets inspired. In a shocking display, Goku attempts to replicate the technique and succeeds to the surprise of Master Roshi and Krillin. A technique that took Master Roshi many years to learn, Goku picks up in an instant.

Using Instant Transmission While Charging A Kamehameha

An Impossible Technique That Defies Space, Time, And Concentration

The Cell Saga is highly thought of as one of the best arcs in Dragon Ball history, with Cell being thought of as one of the most frightening villains in the series. As the Arc neared a close and Perfect Cell's martial arts tournament kicked off, he and Goku would share the battlefield first. In a mighty exchange of earth-shaking blows, the vicious android and the Super Saiyan's combat could barely be kept within the ring.

While they seemed to reach a stalemate, Goku used a trump card and merged his Kamehameha with instant transmission. Goku, being able to focus on both, charged the attack and kept a clear head to teleport to a fixed location, which is one of his most remarkable feats in the series. As goofy as Goku can be, he's unmatched as a fighter.

Kaioken x3 Against Vegeta In Their First Fight

Pushing His Body To The Max And Surviving

Vegeta's arrival on Earth was a highlight of the series, serving as the perfect introduction to one of the franchise's best characters. Goku and Vegeta's clash would change the story's trajectory forever and become one of the most stunning anime battles of all time. At every turn, Vegeta seemed to always cling to his resolve, no matter what Goku and his friends threw at him.

Finally, Vegeta had turned his anger toward the planet, and, with his back against a wall, Goku pushed his body to the max and risked his life by using Kaiken x4 alongside his Kamehameha. Even King Kai was terrified at the toll this would take on Goku's body and at the possibility that he would not survive. However, Goku only cared about saving the Earth and stopping Vegeta and was willing to make the ultimate sacrifice.

Going Even Further Beyond

Goku Reveals A New Transformation Against Majin Buu

In the Buu Saga, the winding plot of Majin Buu's return finally erupted, and the demonic entity was revived. Having already defeated all who stood in his way, Buu and Goku finally met face to face on the battlefield.

Goku, seeing no other options, decided to let loose and reveal a secret transformation that he didn't even use in his fight against Vegeta. In one of the best animation sequences, Goku pushed past the barrier of Super Saiyan 2 and went further and beyond, bringing out Super Saiyan 3 for the first time.

Unlocking Ultra Instinct

Goku Forces His Way Into The Realm Of The Gods

The Tournament of Power was a thrilling and emotionally charged arc. Goku and his allies entered into a grand battle royale to decide the fate of multiple universes, with the victors receiving an ultimate wish with no limits.

Every opponent was incredibly skilled, but no other stood as such an obstacle as Jirren. Outclassing Goku in power, strength, and speed, a cataclysmic clash forced Goku to ascend and reach Ultra Instinct. Obtaining a power meant for gods by accident gave Goku the edge he needed to turn the tables on Jirren and the entire Tournament.

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Dragon Ball Z

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TV-14

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Release Date: 1989 - 1996
Network: Fuji TV
Directors: Daisuke Nishio, Shigeyasu Yamauchi, Osamu Kasai
Writers: Akira Toriyama, Neil Bligh, Hiroshi Toda, Katsuyuki Sumisawa, Aya Matsui, Keiji Terui, Reiko Yoshida, Toshiki Inoue

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Cast

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Masako Nozawa

Son Goku / Son Gohan / Son Goten (voice)
Ryo Horikawa

Vegeta (voice)

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Dragon Ball Z is a Japanese anime series produced by Toei Animation and a sequel to the 1986 Dragon Ball series. It continues the adventures of Son Goku as an adult while also paralleling the life of his son Gohan. Son Goku typically defends the Earth from villains like Vegeta, Frieza, Cell, and Majin Buu. The series is followed by Dragon Ball GT and then Dragon Ball Super.

Studio: Toei Animation
Number of Episodes: 291
Streaming Service(s): Crunchyroll
MyAnimeList Score: 8.19
Creator(s): Akira Toriyama