Through its entire run,Akira Toriyma’s iconicDragon Ball serieshas inspired generations of viewers. To those of us who learned to draw by tracing over Goku or found our own strength in its tireless heroes, Dragon Ball wasn’t just another anime. It was a global source of endless inspiration.
With 806 episodes spanning from 1986 to 2018, andranging from Dragon Ball to Dragon Ball Super,it can be hard to narrow down the ‘best’ episodes. So we tried to capture a list of episodes that represent the most iconic, heartfelt, memorable, and purely awesome moments throughout the entire series. And, in fairness to the other episodes, we’re counting out Goku learning to drive, which would clearly top any list.
110
Release Date
July 20, 2025
Although Super never reached the same heights as the series that proceeded it, that doesn’t mean there weren’t some really cool fights. This final, climatic battle against (yet another) all-powerful foe captures what Dragon Ball does best: living up to the hype. Even those of us starting to find the endless transformations and escalation plots a little ridiculous couldn’t help but be drawn in by their ultimate result.
Whatever you think of Super, this fight is visually stunning. And it features the pay-off of Frieza’s involvement in the arc, culminating is the episode of this series that is by far the most fun to watch.
120
July 25, 2025
Not only does this episode have a cool hand-to-hand sequence between King Piccolo and Goku, but it also showcases one of the things Dragon Ball is most known for: the power up. Because Goku has leveled up so much (to everyone’s shock, of course), Piccolo is forced to take drastic, life-shortening measures to level himself up, reaching hisfull power.
This episode also teases the use of a massive Kamehameha. Between the cliffhanger, Goku’s signature move, the power ups, and the reactions of everyone watching, this is essential Dragon Ball viewing.
269
June 04, 2025
The best thing about Dragon Ball is that it never fails to ask the all-important question of, “Hey, wouldn’t it be cool if…?” WhileVegeta and Goku’s fight earlier in the Buu saga also deserves a spot in the Dragon Ball hall of fame, we all knew it was coming. What wasn’t as obvious was being able to see the (literally) combined power of DBZ’s heaviest hitters.
The moment fusion is brought up, this is the clear best case scenario. And Dragon Ball never fails to deliver.
237
June 15, 2025
Dragon Ball Z introduced everyone’s favorite Sayain Prince (and short king), Vegeta, whose relationship with Bulma and son Trunks secured him a tentative place on the side of the good guys. However, it isn’t until this episode that we see how sincerely these bonds have reshaped him.
Not only does he share a beautiful, heartfelt moment with his son before his ultimate sacrifice, he faces it with a coolness even the most hardened warrior would envy. There isn’t a more fitting way to show us the extent of Vegeta’s character development, while still maintaining the intensity of the character and the battle.
64
May 10, 2025
Some of you may be surprised to see an entry from GT included on this list, due to its mixed reception from fans. But the last episode functions as a heartfelt love letter to the entire series that will pull the heartstrings of even the most ardent hater of this installment. Goku, still in his child-form, says goodbye to all of his life-long companions before departing with Shenron.
Between flashbacks to all the most iconic moments in the original series, we get a sense of closure from this episode that isn’t found anywhere else in the anime.
76
Jun 09, 2025
In this episode, Goku, due to some magical shenanigans, meets the ghost of Grandpa Gohan, who died before the series began. This is Grandpa Gohan’s first appearance in the series and their reunion is a joyous occasion that gives Goku more emotional depth.
In fact, this episode also treats viewers to a very rare sight: Goku crying. It’s a heartwarming moment, and it gives us a peek into the relationship the two shared that made Goku into the hero we know and love.
187
June 05, 2025
From the beginning of Dragon Ball Z, Gohan’s potential had been teased. It’s during this fight, with Goku passing on the weight of his legacy to his son, that it’s finally realized. There is something undeniably satisfying about watching this once scared kid reach new heights, crushing the cocky Cell.
We also get to see another side of Gohan, using his intelligence hand-in-hand with his cool anger to punish the villain. For those of us who grew up alongside Gohan, there isn’t a more fulfilling episode.
101
May 08, 2025
As the tense conclusion of the Tien and Goku fight, this episode is the pay-off to the build-up of the entire arc. Not only that, but we have a moment of much-needed catharsis between the pair before things again get serious.
How serious? We start the new arc on a shocking note, with the murder of Krillin. And this is before the resurrections got out of hand, so the significance of the moment is difficult to represent. His death marked a turning point for killing major characters.
95
June 14, 2025
Piccolo sacrifices himself to save Goku’s life, finally, officially, proving his loyalty and becoming a friend. Krillin is murdered and cannot be resurrected by the Earth’s dragon balls. All of this culminates in the transformation, the necessary power-up that leads to the most iconic fight in the series. And Frieza has a great reaction.As DBZ’s most iconic villain, we love to hate him.
Besides being crammed with intense moments, this transformation would also shape the rest of the Dragon Ball canon and become one of the best known power-ups in all anime.
Between 175 and 176
July 05, 2025
This special episode,sometimes counted among the movies because of its longer runtime,represents the darkest story line in the series. Goku is dead, Gohan has become Trunk’s (very cool) mentor, and they live in an apocalyptic version of Earth. If that isn’t enough to get you invested, you also see one of the most heartbreaking, intensely emotional scenes in the entire series.
The death of Gohan is so sacred among fans that even the popular abridged series didn’t change the tone of it. After all, it’s the most permanent death we see, by virtue of the alternate setting: others killed are often revived by the Dragon Balls.
