Dragon Ball is one of the most influential anime in history, paving the way for Shounen and action series with its timeless legacy. Created by the legendary Akira Toriyama, Dragon Ball has lasted over forty years, as millions of fans all over the world have watched Goku's journey from a fledgling fighter to reaching the level of the gods.
While there have been monumental victories throughout the series, there have been just as many defeats. Not every fight is an easy win, and not every defeat can be walked off with a senzu bean. Here are some of the most crushing defeats in the Dragon Ball anime.
Yamcha Vs Saibaman
A Classic Moment In Dragon Ball History
The Saiyan Saga may go down as one of the best anime arcs in history, which had palpable tension and incredible action. The impending arrival of the Saiyans lit a fire within the remaining Z fighters. Unfortunately, their training would seem for naught, as they were utterly outclassed at the very beginning of the battle.
In a surprising turn of events, the Saiyans Vegeta and Nappa decided to play with their food and subject the fighters to battle Saibamen - artificially grown combatants - instead of manhandling them themselves. It was Yamcha who took the most brutal hit as he was blindsided by a Saibaman self-destructing, leading to one of the most meme-able instances in anime history.
Android 16 Vs. Cell
Proof That Even A Machine Can Have A Heart
In the final moments of the Cell Saga, Cell had reached his perfect form, and the heart of his tournament to decide the fate of the Earth was at its peak. The responsibility to put an end to Cell and his plans had fallen on Gohan's shoulders, and while he had become strong, he lacked the love of battle to push past his limits.
It wasn't until the remains of Android 16 made an urgent plea that he would find the motivation to rise to another level of power. Unfortunately, this would come at the cost of Android 16's life, which would be crushed by Cell's foot. This cruel act would trigger one of Gohan's best transformations and turn the tide of battle for the survival of the Earth.
Piccolo Vs Nappa
Piccolo Proves Why He's the Best Dad
After Goku died in the battle with Raditz, Piccolo began training his son to prepare him for the two Saiyans who would arrive to complete Raditz's mission. Piccolo put Gohan through rigorous regimens to try to make a warrior out of the child; unfortunately, he fell short when judgment day arrived. Both Nappa and Vegeta were leagues above each Z Fighter who showed up to protect the Earth.
While Piccolo tried to keep his callous persona toward Gohan, he had bonded with the boy, and when he came under attack by Nappa, Piccolo put himself in the line of fire to protect him. Taking a blast head-on, leading to his death.
Gohan Vs. The Androids
Gohan Gives It His All To Save Trunks
A fan favorite saga in Dragon Ball Z was the Cell saga, a product of the story that came with the Legacy of Trunks film, which peered into the alternate timeline that Future Trunks sought to prevent. The story focused on the post-apocalyptic world where the Androids nearly wiped out all of humanity, and an adult Gohan and young Trunks were the only protectors left alive.
In Gohan's final battle with the Androids, he was no match for their combined might. He met a tragic end and was left in the middle of the street for Trunks to find in what's become one of the most iconic non-manga moments in the series.
Android 18 Vs Vegeta
Vegeta Gets Humbled
In the early moments of the Android Saga, Vegeta had reached a new level of power, having finally caught up to Goku and become a Super Saiyan. His newfound power made quick work of Android 19, which inflated his ego more than it already was.
Shockingly, the Androids that the Z Fighters had encountered were not the prophesied destroyers Trunks had warned them about. Upon meeting the new pair, Vegeta let his hubris get the better of him and was cut down by a single kick from Android 18.
Yamcha Vs Doctor Gero
Yamcha Barely Escapes With His Life
Of all the Z fighters, Yamcha has had the hardest time keeping up with the rapid growth of his human comrades, not to mention the godly evolution of Goku and Vegeta. While Yamcha's love for combat waned over the years, his nature to protect never faltered, even in the face of certain death.
Yamcha was put to the test during the Android Saga when confronting Doctor Gero. Yamcha was caught unawares during his initial encounter with Gero, which resulted in him being drained of his life force and brought to the brink of death. This was one of Yamcha's final fights, and ended his time as a Z Fighter.
Ultimate Gohan Vs. Super Buu
Gohan Places The World In Jeopardy After Toying With Super Buu
During the Buu Saga, Gohan was able to unlock his full potential thanks to Old Kai. This led to Gohan meeting Buu one-on-one on the battlefield as one of the Earth's last hopes against the alien monster.
At first, Gohan was making light work of Buu, having obtained his "Ultimate" form. Unfortunately, Gohan's arrogance led to Buu getting the better of him after absorbing Gotenks and Piccolo. Gohan was then overpowered, suffering the same fate as his brother and mentor.
Dragon Ball
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- 1986 - 1989
- Network
- Fuji TV
Cast
-
Masako NozawaSon Goku (voice) -
Mayumi TanakaKrillin (voice)
WHERE TO WATCH
- Based On
- Manga
- Streaming Service(s)
- Crunchyroll, Hulu
- MyAnimeList Score
- 7.97
- Creator(s)
- Akira Toriyama
