Few anime series have produced memorable antagonists as consistently as Dragon Ball. It’s true that not every villain has been used to its full potential or that they have all been appropriate. But the outcomes truly speak for themselves when the show gets things right, which is far more frequently than not. The greatest Dragon Ball villains are among the most popular characters in the franchise, and they greatly contribute to the iconic fanbase of Akira Toriyama‘s work.
1. Raditz
A large number of Dragon Ball fans most likely started watching the show from the start of Dragon Ball Z because of Toonami and Cartoon Network. Raditz was therefore probably the first major antagonist that most people were introduced to. Raditz’s arrival on Earth from space and his subsequent discovery that Goku is truly his brother are both intrinsically cool, but what really sets him apart as a great Dragon Ball villain is his combination of chilly attitude and physical might.
2. Cooler
Although receiving a lot of affection lately, Cooler is probably one of Dragon Ball’s most underrated antagonists. In addition to being a DLC fighter included in the first season pass of Dragon Ball FighterZ, he makes frequent appearances in Dragon Ball Heroes. That being said, he made his debut in Dragon Ball Z: Cooler’s Revenge.
Cooler is everything that its predecessor, the film itself, and its follow-up, were mostly not. At first appearance, he would appear to be just another Frieza clone, yet he is very much his own person despite some resemblance to his brother. Frieza will always be superior to Cooler, but Cooler has enough qualities to make him superior to many of the previous antagonists in the series.
3. Goku Black
When Dragon Ball Super came out back in 2015, expectations weren’t all that high after the incredibly disappointing Dragon Ball GT. So, when both the manga and the anime turned out to be excellent, it was a pleasant surprise for the fans. Excellent, in fact.
Even while Super hasn’t yet reached the same level as Dragon Ball Z, many of the newly introduced characters and some of the storylines have been amazing. But Goku Black, who is essentially an immortal god living in a different form of Goku’s body, has to be the most captivating. He is exceptionally well-written, presents a real and credible danger, and can even morph into a Super Saiyan.
4. Dabura
Dabura is a demon that is both dangerous and clever, and he is controlled by the evil wizard Babidi. Among his many formidable skills is the ability to turn anyone he spits on into stone. Dabura eventually succumbs to his master’s betrayal, and his loyalty to Babidi proves to be his downfall.
5. Cell
Not only is Cell one of the best villains in Dragon Ball, but he’s also one of the best in all of shonen anime history. With his formidable strength, unique appearance, and complete circle of life storyline, Cell left a lasting impression on fans worldwide.
As the apex of all the battles viewers had watched throughout the series, Cell’s power came from the cells of all the strongest warriors Dragon Ball had yet revealed. This gave Cell a sense of closure. Not only was Cell a fantastic antagonist in and of himself, but he also oversaw one of Dragon Ball’s most famous storylines, which was jam-packed with fan favorites. Perhaps the greatest Dragon Ball story is the Cell Saga, with Gohan’s sacrifice and that of his father-son Kamehameha.
6. King Piccolo
Although Piccolo is one of the most adored characters in Dragon Ball, not much can be said about his evil Demon King Piccolo form his first form. Fans of the original Dragon Ball who watched as Piccolo killed all of Goku’s buddies did not miss the intensity that Piccolo’s presence brought to DBZ.
As the first antagonist that referred to the planetary-scale threats that would make DBZ such an interesting series, Piccolo was a really cruel demon. Being the evil twin of Kami, the Earth’s overseer, King Piccolo’s backstory was also one of the most interesting. That significantly increased Dragon Ball’s history and helped it reach even higher interplanetary heights before the Dragon Ball Super.
7. General Tao
Tao Pai Pai, an infamous assassin with exceptional martial arts abilities, is a prominent foe in Goku’s early adventures. Even if he can’t match Goku’s increasing strength in the end, his merciless efficiency and sly strategies make him a fearsome opponent.
8. Frieza
He is the universe’s most terrible tyrant, having carried out many crimes and genocides in his quest to rule over everyone. In addition, he is to blame for Goku’s parent’s deaths and the almost complete eradication of the Saiyans, leaving Goku and Vegeta as the only survivors.
9. King Cold
King Cold, the father of both Frieza and Cooler, is a strong man who is said to have previously governed the entire universe. He is a fearsome presence due to his great strength and cold, calculating manner, but in the end, his arrogance proves to be his downfall.
10. Majin Buu
Akira Toriyama was always going to leave DBZ with a bang, and Majin Buu was undoubtedly the way that he did. Majin Buu is the world’s most fundamentally immoral monster, and while he lacks much of the story’s relevance that villains like Cell and Frieza hold, he more than makes up for it with his design and abilities.
Almost everything his forebears could do, and more, is possible with Buu. Like Cell, he can absorb his enemies’ power to become stronger, like King Piccolo, he can employ magic, and like Frieza, he is born with unmatched physical strength.