DragonBall Z is without a doubt one of the largest and most influential anime/manga of all time. It is not just because of the over-the-top action, the memorable signature attacks, or the great one liners (It’s over 9000).  No.  It is because of the large variety of interesting characters that the anime features.

Everyone from the weak to the strong, the good and the bad, the ‘normal’ to the straight up bizarre. In this post, we’re counting down the top ten most badass characters in the DragonBall Z series.  This list will include characters from the filler arcs but will not include characters from the films, DragonBall, DragonBall Super, Super DragonBall Heroes, and DragonBall GT series.  Those will be their own separate lists.

10. Recoome

The lumbering, hulking flamboyant member of the Ginyu force.  One of the most prominent features is just how goofy Recoome is.  It’s the way he toys with his opponents while he’s beating the crap out of him.  Vegeta took on Recoome at full power and still the Recoome was toying with him.  He’s easily a character that probably would’ve been a decent good guy.

Quote: “Oh…wait a second. Remember what our fearless leader said? When on a new planet, make sure that you test your powers first, because the climate might affect your ability to fight.”

9. Frieza

The galactic tyrant who deserves a spot on this list.  Frieza is a badass and the overarching antagonist of the series.  What makes him awesome is that he is quite polite to be such a ruthless, genocidal maniac.

Quote: “I spy with my little eye, one pitiable Namek who got away!”

8. Kid Gohan

Before he grew up into a punk, Gohan was awesome. Particularly in his kid phase and early teens.  What makes kid Gohan the best is no matter how strong the opponent, he was ready and willing to take the fight to them.  Hell, he fought Vegeta, Guldo, Recoome, Captain Ginyu (in Goku’s body), even Frieza and Cell. Always looking to prove himself to his father, Piccolo, and himself, Gohan is a source of inspiration among the Z fighters.

Quote: “I’ll do my best, Dad.”

7. Imperfect Cell

The ultimate creation of Dr. Gero, who traveled back from a future timeline, Cell is the embodiment of all the best traits and special abilities of all the greatest fighters from Earth or who have visited it.  His greatest desire is to become the “perfect warrior” by absorbing Androids 17 and 18.

Cell is an all around great villain but his imperfect form is the most standout.  He looks like a mutant cockroach and his voice he has this raspy voice.

Quote: “Once I have absorbed the other androids, I will be the most powerful being who has ever lived.”

6. Piccolo

Piccolo is a namekian warrior who’s the “son” of the evil King Piccolo. Initially Goku’s rival, the former villain turns hero after training his rival’s son in preparation for an impending attack from saiyan warriors Nappa and Vegeta. Piccolo discovers that he originates from the far away planet called Namek.

He’s a good character with a lot of cool techniques, who’s quite knowledgeable, and probably the only Z fighter who can somewhat stick with the saiyan characters.

Quote: “It’s ironic, isn’t it? After all my years of training to defeat your father, I go out like this trying to save you; his son.”

5. Krillin

A supporting protagonist and best friend of Goku, Krillin is one of the most powerful and talented humans on the planet.  Despite being overpowered by other opponents, he is courageous and good natured.  His short statue and baldness often aid with his comic relief. He gets married to Android 18.

Krillin is the most beast human character of the show.  No matter the odds he takes on the bad guys regardless.  Sure, he gets kicked around but his contributions do help the Z fighters.  And he married 18.

Quote: “Tell me something, is it just my imagination, or is that freak staring right at me? I always get singled out. Well, that’s what I get, for being so good at this!”

4. Vegeta

The prince of the fallen Saiyan race he was once a ruthless, cold-blooded warrior but develops over the course of the series from villain, to anti-hero, to protagonist.  His greatest goal in life is become the universe’s most powerful warrior to defeat and surpass his friend and rival, Goku.

If there was ever a character that talked trash and was too proud, it was Vegeta.  But these qualities do help with revelations that help to develop his character.

Quote: “What’s the matter? You look a bit ruffled.”

3. Goku / Kakarot

Main protagonist of DragonBall Z, a Saiyan sent to Earth to Earth as an infant with the mission to destroy it, but after an accident alters his memory, he becomes the Earth’s greatest defender.  He is best known for using his abilities for the protection of others, constantly training to be the best warrior possible, and eating tones of food with minutes.

Who doesn’t like Goku.  He’s fun, he’s loyal, he’s clueless.  The champion of Earth shows a deep sense of compassion that makes him instantly likable.

Quote: “Sorry, I saw an opening that just screamed ‘ATTACK,’ so I did, ha!”

2. Kid Buu

The original and purest form of the Majin called Buu.  Because of his unpredictability and evil nature he is easily the most dangerous of the Buu forms.  His irrationality, spontaneous, and rather childish personality along with his abilities make him a surprisingly challenging opponent.

The ultimate evil.  Buu is as silly as he is dangerous and has the most diverse of fighting styles.  Also, he can learn any ability by seeing it once.

Quote: “Me Buu, not you!”

1. Android 18

The twin sister of Android 17 and Dr. Gero’s eighteenth android creation. Android 18 later becomes the wife of Krillin and the mother to their daughter, Marron.  Initially cool and confident, she displays a sarcastic humor which becomes her most prominent trait.

What makes 18 so awesome is the fact that she is strong and powerful woman but she is still feminine.  She’s cold, she’s serious, she’s sarcastic and she can kick all kinds of booty.  Not to mention she is super hot. Krillin is a lucky man.

Quote: “Spare me!”

Thanks for checking out our favorite DragonBall Z characters and in the comment section below, let us know who your favorite characters are.