10 Perfect Episodes of Dragon Ball That Are Flawless (2025)

Akira Toriyama’s Dragon Ball is a classic and the original 153-episode anime really hits the ground running and establishes itself as a groundbreaking shonen touchstone. Many Dragon Ball fans are most familiar with Goku’s adult adventures, where he reckons with his Saiyan status and takes on apocalyptic threats and ancient evils. However, there’s still a ton to appreciate in the original Dragon Ball that depicts Goku’s earliest adventures, his growing skills as a martial artist, and how he meets many of his closest friends that have become indispensable parts of the franchise.

The original Dragon Ball switches between broad gag comedy, playful adventure, and gripping action sequences, yet all these different genres and vibes work together to tell a truly special story. Dragon Ball has more hits than misses, and it doesn’t suffer from copious filler episodes, like Dragon Ball Z. However, there are a collection of installments that are without compromise and genuinely perfect.

10 "The Biggest Crisis" Intensifies Goku’s Brutal Brawl Against King Piccolo

Dragon Ball, Episode 121

Demon King Piccolo is a groundbreaking Dragon Ball villain who introduces a whole new tier of tyranny to the occasion. Goku's entire fight against King Piccolo is captivating action storytelling, but "The Biggest Crisis" distills the battle to some of its best moments. Goku gets particularly creative with his combat through the use of a Bending Kamehameha and turning to the Power Pole as a literal crutch after King Piccolo disables Goku's right leg. King Piccolo also destroys the entirety of Central City with his Explosive Demon Wave, which is a level of destruction that's never been seen before.

It's also extremely satisfying that Tien comes to Goku's rescue and saves his former rival's life as they work together against this phenomenal evil. Outside the immediate conflict, "The Biggest Crisis" also features some great moments with its supporting players — Yamcha, Bulma, and Launch — as they travel by airplane to Central City. The episode even briefly checks in with Android 8 and Suno, which is an appreciated detail that helps expand the episode's scope and properly reflects the significance of Goku and King Piccolo's fight.

9 “The Victor” Crowns Goku With His First & Only World Tournament Win

Dragon Ball, Episode 148

There's tremendous suspense that's generated over Goku's fight against Piccolo, both as a World Tournament final and an opportunity for Piccolo to get revenge on Goku for his father's death. "The Victor" focuses on their fight's endgame. It's the first time that Goku shows that he's learned how to fly, which saves his life from Piccolo's Explosive Demon Wave and helps him finally win a World Martial Arts Tournament. Goku's victory over Piccolo is well-handled and one of the anime's greatest triumphs, but it's also interesting to see some of Goku's most entrenched character traits emerge during his post-fight behavior.

Everyone is aghast when Goku gives Piccolo a Senzu Bean and heals him of his wounds, but this simple act of empathy speaks to Goku's heroic nature, and it forever changes the franchise's trajectory. Dragon Ball's anime still has five more filler episodes that celebrate Goku and Chi-Chi's chemistry and how they work as a team — and a couple — but the 23rd World Tournament's conclusion is ostensibly where the Dragon Ball manga ends. It's a standout finish that feels complete and satisfying, even if the franchise were to never jump ahead and get into Dragon Ball Z. That level of catharsis is absolutely present in "The Victor."

8 “Roshi’s Gambit” Features A Crushing Casualty & An All-Time Low For The Heroes

Dragon Ball, Episode 111

Dragon Ball's King Piccolo Saga really keeps its audience guessing when it comes to some of its melancholy developments. It's perhaps no surprise that Goku is destined to take on King Piccolo, but Master Roshi actually has history with the villain, who is responsible for the death of Roshi's past mentor, Master Mutaito. "Roshi's Gambit" really puts Roshi in the spotlight and reminds the audience that he's one of the world's strongest individuals. Roshi engages in a risky plan where he tells King Piccolo the location of the remaining Dragon Balls because he's confident that he'll be able to extinguish this threat before he can use them.

Roshi pulls off his master plan — the Evil Containment Wave — which is what previously sealed King Piccolo away for centuries. The Evil Containment Wave is fatal to the user if it's improperly performed and, unfortunately, Roshi misses his mark with this dangerous technique. "Roshi's Gambit" ends on a genuinely foreboding note where Master Roshi passes away and King Piccolo summons Shenron and prepares to bring his evil scheme into motion. It's a stark reminder of how dark things can get in Dragon Ball before the day is finally saved.

7 “Enter King Piccolo” Introduces One Of Dragon Ball’s Most Devious Villains

Dragon Ball, Episode 102

"Enter King Piccolo" kicks off Dragon Ball's King Piccolo Saga and this introductory episode perfectly sets the stage for what's to come and why this Demon is someone who everyone needs to worry over. The previous episode, "The Fallen," reveals that Krillin has been killed, but it's "Enter King Piccolo" that really lets this tragedy sink in. A furious side of Goku that's never been seen before reveals itself as he seeks out satisfaction against the monsters who are responsible for his friend's death.

This episode actually spends a lot of time in the past, as Master Roshi catches everyone up on his previous altercation with Demon King Piccolo and the debilitating King Piccolo Wars that he triggered. "Enter King Piccolo" makes this new villain seem truly terrifying and the fact that he's already dispatched assassins to take out the World Tournament's strongest fighters lights a fire under everyone. No time can be wasted, otherwise more allies will become casualties.

6 “The Spirit Cannon” Brings Goku & Tien’s World Tournament Feud To Its Apex

Dragon Ball, Episode 100

Dragon Ball's 21st World Tournament sets a strong precedent for this recurring martial arts competition and the anime is very careful to make its subsequent installment even better. Goku once again makes it to the tournament's finals. He truly meets his match against Tien, a physically powerful opponent who possesses incredible ki abilities like flight, and the Tri-Beam, the latter of which fuels the episode's final act. "The Spirit Cannon" is non-stop martial arts excellence.

Goku begins the episode by effectively countering Tien's two extra arms through his own Eight-Arm Fist, which is a decidedly silly approach to extra limbs. Goku even uses his tail to land some blows against Tien. "The Spirit Cannon" concludes with an intimidating display of strength where Tien powers up his Tri-Beam Cannon, which is significantly stronger than the Kamehameha and Dodon Wave combined. Tien demolishes the World Tournament arena with his attack and Goku's fate is left as a mystery.

5 “True Colors Of The Masked Man” Leads To A Rewarding Reunion

Dragon Ball, Episode 76

The Fortuneteller Baba Tournament is an entertaining stopgap before the greater heights of the 22nd World Tournament. Goku and friends are subjected to a wide range of supernatural opponents that include a vampire, a mummy, and an invisible man. However, Goku's final fight against a masked ghost turns into an extremely heartwarming reunion between Goku and his deceased guardian, Grandpa Gohan. Grandpa Gohan's fight with Goku is satisfying and results in the young boy losing his tail once again.

That being said, the episode's real highlight is just the pure joy that Goku experiences when he realizes the Masked Fighter's true identity. The tournament's outcome suddenly pales in comparison to this emotional experience. The rest of the episode's material with the Pilaf Gang, which includes the introduction of a Dragon Radar-proof box, is also quite strong and teases the greater challenges to come before the 22nd World Tournament begins.

4 “Goku Strikes Back” Lets A Newly-Empowered Goku Loose On King Piccolo

Dragon Ball, Episode 120

King Piccolo was already an incredibly powerful villain before he used the Dragon Balls to regain his youth and tap into even greater strength. Goku is initially outmatched, but he's able to unlock his potential with the Ultra Divine Water, which leads to a stunning showdown that properly begins in "Goku Strikes Back." Much of this episode focuses on Goku's improved power level and how he's able to both withstand King Piccolo's blows, but also dish out significant damage. There's even a ridiculous moment where Goku strikes with such intensity that his punch to King Piccolo causes him to collide into his Dark Vassal minion, Piano, and kills him in the process.

Tien witnesses all of Goku's work and is genuinely impressed over the determined fighter's progress. King Piccolo and Goku both reach an impasse, which leads to King Piccolo unleashing his full power, which is something that he's previously avoided because it shortens his lifespan. After this decision, the real battle can properly begin, but "Goku Strikes Back" doesn't have a single dull moment, and it's an excellent start to one of the anime's best battles.

3 “The Notorious Mercenary” Unleashes The Malevolent Mercenary Tao On The World

Dragon Ball, Episode 59

Dragon Ball's Red Ribbon Army unleashes a wide array of accomplished enemies on Goku as Commander Red does whatever it takes to acquire the Dragon Balls. Colonel Silver and General Blue both give Goku a hard time, but they're nothing in comparison to Mercenary Tao, the Red Ribbon Army's top assassin. "The Notorious Mercenary" introduces Tao under such exciting circumstances. He immediately proves that he’s stronger than Red Ribbon’s past soldiers through the effortless ease at which he kills General Blue.

Mercenary Tao performs this assassination with just his tongue, which is one of the craziest things to happen in Dragon Ball up to this point. Tao sets his sights on Goku, which leads him to Korin Tower. Bora, Upa’s father, intervenes Tao’s attack. This costs Bora his life and further increases the assassin’s impressive body count. Goku and Mercenary Tao’s true showdown has yet to begin, but “The Notorious Mercenary” demonstrates why Tao is not just some ordinary enemy who can be neutralized with a swift punch or a Kamehameha.

2 “Final Showdown” Marks The End Of King Piccolo’s Ruthless Reign Of Terror

Dragon Ball, Episode 122

Goku is really put through the wringer during his battle against King Piccolo and "The Final Showdown" literally puts the young hero on his last legs. King Piccolo brutally breaks Goku's limbs, and it seems like his death is all but guaranteed. Goku, in a surprising burst of creativity, illustrates why he should never be underestimated. Goku uses his one remaining arm to fire off a Reverse Kamehameha that propels him into the air.

Goku channels all of his strength into a momentous punch that tears through King Piccolo's abdomen. It's a vicious victory for Goku, yet King Piccolo still uses his remaining energy to produce a wicked offspring, Piccolo Jr., that sets into motion the anime's final story arc. "The Final Showdown" is pure Dragon Ball excellence that's as unpredictable as it is thrilling.

1 “The Fallen” Concludes The 22nd World Tournament & Closes With A Crushing Cliffhanger

Dragon Ball, Episode 101

Dragon Ball's World Martial Arts Tournaments make up some of the anime's most exciting content and the 22nd World Tournament shines with the conflict that's created between Goku and the Crane School's Tien. "The Fallen" features the very conclusion of their fight and there's not much actual martial arts on display here, but it still keeps the audience on the edge of their seats until its final moments. "The Fallen" has Goku and Tien both free-falling and whoever hits the ground first will be the loser. It looks to be anyone's match before Goku's falling body is hit by a car, which accelerates his downfall, and he hits the ground first. Tien is declared the winner, but he graciously shares half of the prize money with Goku because he considers him to be the real champion.

The conclusion of Goku and Tien's fight is unforgettable and Dragon Ball's martial arts at its finest. That being said, "The Fallen" barely gives Goku and company any time to celebrate the competition's end. Dragon Ball teases the upcoming horrors of the King Piccolo Saga with the shocking revelation that Krillin has been assassinated. This is the first death of a major character in Dragon Ball, which really pushes the anime out of its comfort zone and prompts radical change in Goku as he searches for answers and vengeance. "The Fallen," between the clever martial arts theatrics and suspenseful plotting, efficiently represents everything that makes Dragon Ball such a success.

Dragon Ball

TV-14

Anime

Action

Adventure

Fantasy

Comedy

Martial Arts

Son Gokû, a fighter with a monkey tail, goes on a quest with an assortment of odd characters in search of the Dragon Balls, a set of crystals that can give its bearer anything they desire.

Release Date

February 26, 1986

Creator(s)

Akira Toriyama

Cast

Masako Nozawa , Jôji Yanami , Tôru Furuya , Mayumi Tanaka , Hiromi Tsuru , Naoko Watanabe , Kôhei Miyauchi

Main Genre

Anime

Seasons

1

Studio

Creator

Writers

Akira Toriyama

Streaming Service(s)

Crunchyroll , Hulu

Franchise(s)

Dragon Ball

Directors

Minoru Okazaki , Daisuke Nishio