Can You Name These Dragon Ball Villains?
- by Nick Crispino
- – on
- in Movies and TV
Created as a manga by Akira Toriyama in 1984, the “Dragon Ball” series is one of the most popular animations in the history of the industry. By the 1990s, this tale would reach the shores of the United States. It instantly became a hit and we wouldn’t have it any other way.
Over three decades later, the show is still going strong with Goku as the lead protagonist. With a rich history and loveable, as well as intolerable, characters, the story of Goku and the Z Fighters have transcended into pop culture. There are countless spin-offs, fan fiction, video games, and other content related to this series. The one thing left, and it will happen, is a successful live-action film.
Until then, fans of Goku and the others will just have to keep on watching the anime. For this quiz, we included villains from “Dragon Ball,” “Dragon Ball Z,” and “Dragon Ball Super.” We have also included villains from the 19 theatrical films released by Toei Animation. We will warn you, if you haven’t seen “Dragon Ball Super” yet, you may be in for a spoiler or two.We also decided to make it a bit harder and crop out some faces.
Good luck.
Can You Be A Villain And Still Wear Pink?
This assassin-for-hire is the younger brother of Master Shen and would provide his services to Commander Red and the Red Ribbon Army. Although lean, this character is very strong for his size. He is easily recognizable when he wears a pink chang pao (Chinese men’s long coat). He loves hurting people and views his hit jobs as a sport. Tien would be the one to put away this bad guy in “Dragon Ball” but he would return in “Dragon Ball Z,” with body modifications.
Who's The Pink Guy With The Cape?
This villain is the oldest being in the series. Not only can this character transform, each transformation has its own personality and goals. This image shows one of the more evil transformations. As a sociopath, this character doesn’t listen to anyone when it comes to being reasoned with. When it was all said and done, Goku destroys this character with a Spirit Bomb. He would be reincarnated into a human named Ubb and was last seen flying off with Goku to train.
That's A Great Pose.
"The purpose of striking a pose is not to become like a wallpaper. That's why we chant loudly when we pose, to draw attention to our magnificence. I know. I'll just have to raise the stakes a little bit. The best poser gets a candy!" said this character. One of the more outrageous characters on the show, this villain would be the leader of a mercenary force that worked for Frieza. This character would hilarious transfer his mind accidentally into a frog and has been looking for a new host ever since.
He's Cold As Ice.
You can argue this villain is the most significant of all the characters on here. He would be the one to push Goku to such extremes, Goku would finally transform into a Super Saiyan. As the emperor of a Universe, you don’t think much about the little guy. This character ruled with an iron fist and struck fear into everyone across the galaxy. He would finally get a dose of his own medicine when he met Goku on Namek. Recently, he had become the tenth member of Team Universe 7 in the “Dragon Ball Super” series.
Somebody Is In Trouble.
"That's the problem with the human race. No respect...for the superior species," said this character of the “Dragon Ball” series. This character is known as the counterpart to the Guardian of the Earth, Kami. Where Kami is kind, humble, and gracious, this character is cruel, demonic, and terrorizes his enemies. He would become the main antagonist to fight a young Goku and would eventually lose when our mighty hero used the Penetrate! technique. Before dying, this character would spit out an egg, which eventually became one of Goku’s best friends.
He's Raging Out.
This character became so popular they made several movies involving him although he was never used in the sagas for television. Considered one of the Legendary Super Saiyans who appears every thousand years, this character has an unlimited amount of power. When this character turns Super Saiyan, his uncontrollable rage would get the best of him. A huge influence on his upbringing and personality is his father Paragus. Goku would eventually defeat him but there is always a threat of Broly returning for some more action.
The First Encounter Of Another Saiyan.
This character is the brother of Goku and the first villain seen in the “Dragon Ball Z,” series. When he lands on Earth, he tells Goku he was supposed to subjugate Earth. Raditz tries to recruit his brother but to no avail and kidnaps Gohan as a response. A battle would ensue between this character, Goku, and Piccolo. The Namek would kill this character but Goku would get caught in the crossfire, dying as well. As his dying breath, this character would laud over the fact that two more Saiyans will be coming to Earth.
Face Palm If You Get This Wrong.
If you want to get this question right, just check out the gear this character is wearing. The trademark blue and white suit has been one of the most recognizable outfits in the Dragon Ball tale. If you still need help, this character would land on Earth one year after Goku’s brother was defeated. He would be shocked that Goku was just as strong, if not stronger, than him. This epiphany has driven him to become the strongest fighter in the universe ever since.
Is That Krillin On Steroids?
One of the last surviving Saiyan’s from Planet Vegeta, this character had a short but memorable time in the “Dragon Ball Z” series. One of the larger Saiyans fans have come across, this character would play second fiddle to someone shorter but more powerful than him. His personality is that of a typical goon, he loves destruction but never thinks ahead. Goku would have an unbelievable battle with him but it was someone else who finished him off when it was all said and done.
Never Trust A Frieza Look-A-Like.
When this character debuted, most fans did not think he would have a significant impact on the Tournament of Power in the “Dragon Ball Super” series. Fans have seen Frieza’s family but never a character from the same species until this villain came along. As a member of Universe 6, he represents them in the Tournament of Power. He uses dirty tactics such as poison and isn’t afraid to kill. Not surprisingly, Frieza and this character are looking to play by their own rules together.
Going Back Down Memory Lane.
For the old school fan, this character brings back those lovely memories of your childhood. He is the leader of the evil and militaristic crime organization, the Red Ribbon Army. This crime syndicate would be Goku’s biggest problem in “Dragon Ball.” He hates that fact that a mere child thwarts his nefarious plans. The egotistical leader would be killed by his own man, Black, who then renames the army the Black Ribbon Army. As one of the original villains of Goku, we just had to include him in this quiz.
Anyone Want To Play Some Games?
Future Trunks would warn the Z Fighters of a threat more powerful than they ever faced before. This threat would be designed by a scientist that spliced the genetics of our favorite heroes and villains into one being. Fully grown, this character would transform several times and had the ability to absorb beings and their power through its tail. Goku wouldn’t be the one to slay this monster, that privilege went to Goku’s son, Gohan. This character would also pop up in the “Dragon Ball Super” series.
Is He The Deadliest Assassin Ever?
One of the newest additions to the show, if you haven’t watched “Dragon Ball Super,” then this question may be a difficult one for you. This ruthless assassin of Universe 6 is currently involved in the Tournament of Power saga, which involves all the universes. Considered the strongest fighter from Universe 6, he has the ability to manipulate time. Calm, cool, and collected, this character actually respects Goku’s power when they two battled it out. His lone wolf mentality makes him a fan favorite in the series.
Ancient Cat Or God Of Destruction?
This character may be friends with Goku and the Z Fighters now, but he once was the biggest threat facing Earth. Known as the God of Destruction of Universe 7, this character is always accompanied by Whis. He would get his own movie and is heavily involved in the “Dragon Ball Super” series. Extremely powerful, this character cares more about eating and sleeping than working out. You can say his best friend is Bulma because she keeps bringing him exotic foods from Earth.
Say It Ain't So Goku.
"I'm from a much higher place than you… and I've seen the truth of this world, the Universe, and all things in it. I noticed the results and decided mortal beings should be destroyed. Mortals are the one and only failed creation of the gods,” said this character. This character looks awfully like someone everyone loves, because it is. Our hero’s body would be stolen, but do you remember what he called himself? As one of the main antagonists of the Future Trunks Saga, it doesn’t end up well for this fellow.
Who Are These Kids?
This group’s sole purpose in life is to capture dragon balls. They would make their debut during the “Dragon Ball” series and have been supporting cast members ever since. Although they look adorable, don’t be confused, they have nefarious intentions most of the time. Their purpose in the storyline is more for comedic relief than being a serious threat. Why do they look like children? This group actually retrieved all the dragon balls and asked to have their youth back.
Who Says Old People Can't Fight.
This villain would be the creator of Cell and also turned himself into Android 20. He would appear in both “Dragon Ball” and “Dragon Ball Z,” as a supporting antagonist. Before turning into an android, he used his intellectual superiority to get what he wanted. The inventor of the Red Ribbon Androids, this character arguably has the biggest grudge against Goku. After all, Goku was the one who destroyed this character’s organization, the Red Ribbon Army. He would eventually be defeated by not Goku but his own invention.
Have No Fear, An Evil Wizard Is Here.
"Their lives will become a cesspool in which foul things breed; darkness will be their light,” said this character. This evil alien wizard would be one of Bibidi’s doppelgangers. Bibidi would split himself when he needed help but the one time he died, this character remained and inherited his powers. He would be the major catalyst for the resurrection of Majin Buu. His plan for ultimate destruction would almost come to be, but thankfully Goku was there to stop it.
Beauty And A Beast.
This pontificating reptilian believes he’s the hottest and greatest warrior around. He would find out quickly that just isn’t the case. Debuting in the episode “Brood of Evil,” during the Namek Saga, he would have a huge feud with Vegeta. In their first encounter, this character would easily handle Vegeta but wouldn’t kill him. Vegeta would become stronger due to his Saiyan blood and eventually defeat him in an epic battle. His last dying breath was to convince Vegeta into forming a team to defeat Frieza, it didn’t happen.
Which Android Is This?
As one of Dr. Gero’s creations, this character was supposed to be a wicked and evil villain. At first, she was, but if you followed the “Dragon Ball Z” series, you would know she would become a Z Fighter and married Krillin. Before turning good, she and her brother would be hell-bent on destroying anything Dr. Gero told them to. Trying to find her place in the world, she would eventually come around to the good side and think for herself. Recently, she is one of the team members of Universe 7 in the Tournament of Power.
Angel Or A Demon?
Once his own man, this character fall victim to one of Babidi’s mind control spells. Known as the king of the Demon Realm, this character is one of the oldest beings in the show. He wouldn’t appear until the first episode of the Babidi Saga called “The Wizard’s Curse.” As the king of the demon realm, you can imagine his personality. Sadistic, sadist, and terrorizer, this character was a perfect fit as a henchman for Babidi. He famously became a chocolate chip cookie but do you remember his name?
Which Android Is This?
We mentioned Android 18 had a brother and you’re looking at him now. When Dr. Gero creates you, you better be ready to do some evil things. This character showed no emotion and rather than carrying out his creator's orders, he would show a strong trait of disloyalty. Just like Android 18, this character would begin to think for himself. Besides Cell, this character is arguably the strongest fighter Dr. Gero ever created. Dr. Gero would regret this creation when it would be the one to kill him in the end.
Like Father, Like Son.
The father of Frieza would be all talk when he arrived on Earth with his son. Although elegant, this character’s ego would lead to his destruction. Future Trunks would destroy Frieza and his father in the blink of an eye. He may have had a small role in the show but that doesn’t mean we can’t show him some love on this quiz.
Which Android Is This?
How many androids does Dr. Gero have? The answer is many. The evil scientist was really busy plotting his vengeance against Goku. This character would make his first appearance in the episode “ The Androids Appear.” While other androids created by Dr. Gero took on human appearances, that just isn’t the case for this villain. Known as being loyal, this character would use data to defeat his opponents. This ability would also be his downfall because he didn’t data didn’t include Vegeta’s new strengths.
Now That's A Big Boy.
That’s basically this villain's personality in a nutshell. His jejune characteristics make him one of the dumbest characters the fans ever came across. Although slow minded, this character had some power packed in his punch. As a member of the Ginyu Force, he would be overwhelmed by how strong Goku was when our hero defeated him with just one blow to the stomach.
That's A Sweet Set Of Hair.
As second in command of the mercenary organization the Ginyu Force, this character had to fight in style. With his red skin and white hair, he easily stood out compared to other characters on the show. Exuberant and animated, he would team up with another villain on this list to battle the Z Fighters on Namek. As all the other Ginyu Force members found out, Goku and Vegeta were not the people to mess with. Vegeta would kill this character, sending him to King Kai’s planet.
All In The Family.
This character would not have a huge role in the television show but movies were made just for him. As the brother of Frieza and the son of King Cold, this villain was just as evil as the rest of his family. He was so evil, he once admitted he would have killed his brother if Goku didn’t. Like Frieza, he could transform and become more powerful with each transition. He would surpass his brother’s power when he transformed a fourth time facing our heroes.
He's Looking A Little Pink.
"If those little twerps think they can outrun me, they've got another thing coming! And when I get my hands on them, they're gonna lose a lot more than their eyes. Do you hear me?! I'm gonna tear you apart,” said this character. This villain is considered one of the highest ranking members under Frieza’s army. Very audacious and brazen, this character would have to learn the hard way when it comes to the strongest fighters in the universe. Like many of Frieza’s henchmen who went to Namek, this character would be killed by Vegeta.
Villains Come In All Shapes And Sizes.
"I knew I should've joined that Ginyu fitness club last year, but no... I had to go on that stupid chili burger diet," said this character. Although a villain and a member of the Ginyu Force, this character was the less threatening out of all of Frieza’s henchmen. The one ability he did have was the manipulation of time. Of course, he had other energy-based abilities, but his Time Freeze was the icing on the cake. His life, like the other Ginyu Force members, would end at the hands of Vegeta.
Now That's A Might Sword.
This villain would have his own movie called “Dragon Ball Z: Fusion Reborn.” Originally a giant yellow monster, the image you see here is of his stronger form. He has powerful magical abilities and can alter the reality around him. Sadistic, evil and a sociopath are just a few words to describe him. This character was so strong, Vegeta and Goku had to fuse into Gogeta to beat him. Although he was in a movie, this character has been involved in other “Dragon Ball” stories as well.
Someone Needs A Breath Mint.
Maybe the largest villain to ever face Goku, this character would make his debut in the movie “Dragon Ball Z: Wrath of the Dragon.” Once existing thousands of years ago, this character was considered a phantom of mist and shadow and consumed his opponent’s life-force. He would be stopped and turned into a statue but sorcerers would eventually bring the monster back to life. The villain would take on several forms when battling the Z Fighters. In the end, a Super Saiyan 3 Goku would use his Dragon Fist to pierce through him.
Sometimes The Smallest Is The Strongest.
"That little pimple of a shield is going to pop and the three of you are going to ooze into the Dead Zone like the pus that you are,” said this character. This villain would make his debut in the “Dragon Ball Z: Dead Zone.” The pint-sized villain would also appear in the television show but didn’t have a major impact on the storyline. He would have a deep hatred for Kami when the Namek put his father in the realm of darkness. Although small, he can transform into a monster of a man.
If You Recognize The orange Hair, You'll Know The Answer.
As the leader of the Galaxy Soldiers, this villain would make his debut in a DBZ film. We can’t tell you the name because the answer would be in it. Truly a servant of Frieza, this character has the same traits as his dear leader. If you show any fear, even if you’re on his team, he will kill you in an instant. It wouldn’t be Goku that defeats this hardcore warrior but rather his son Gohan. This villain would also make a quick appearance in “Dragon Ball Z: Fusion Reborn.”
Another Saiyan Beating Up Gohan.
This show has everything you can think of: monsters, demons, and even space pirates. Once a member of Frieza’s army, this character would be like Han Solo and map his own path in the universe. With his henchmen, he would be the main villain in the movie “Dragon Ball Z: The Tree of Might.” He would gain his power by eating the fruits of the Tree of Might. Knowing Goku was on Earth, he decided to swing on by, it would be the worst mistake he ever made.
Now That's A Fancy Outfit.
Spoiler alert, if you haven’t seen “Dragon Ball Super,” you may want to just skip past this description. This character would pull off one of the most intricate plots in the show. As the apprentice of the Supreme Kai of Universe 10, this character wielded a lot of power. This villain would notice Goku’s godly Ki and became very angered by the fact that a mortal could hold so much power. He would use time travel to get what he wanted, which was God-like power. Teaming with Goku Black, the two would wreak havoc on the future and present.