We Highly Doubt Anyone Can Name More Than 80% Of These Dragon Ball Z Characters
- by Andrew Dominguez
- – on
- in Movies and TV
Dragon Ball Z has introduced us with many, many, many characters over the years; so many that it’s hard to keep track of all of them.
There're the classics like Bulma, Yamcha, and Krillin, all of which have been next to Goku since his very first quest to gather all seven dragon balls. Then there are the various villains he’s encountered; from the harmless yet relentless Emperor Pilar to seemingly unbeatable adversaries like King Piccolo and later on in the series, Frieza and Majin Buu. We love and remember all those characters due to their many schemes, their machinations, their desire to rule the universe and above all, defeat Goku.
Anyone that has followed Goku during his journey knows that he’s not one to stay put on earth; from traveling to King Kai’s planet to traveling across the universe to train, Goku is always on the go. Sometimes the other Z-Warriors have to pick up the slack while Goku is away for months or years at a time, battling warriors that Goku never gets to meet. Sometimes, there are just too many characters coming Goku’s way for him to remember all their names.
What's this character's name?
This girl is the granddaughter of a character Goku helped during his childhood. She has a tendency to lie but is still a good-natured girl at heart. When Gohan meets her during his preparation for the Cell Games, he discovers that she and her grandpa live under the control of their village's richest businessman, a schemer who's created a protective dome to lure in townspeople with the promise that it'll keep them safe from Cell's onslaught. What’s this character’s name?
What's this character's name?
These six creatures are summoned by Vegeta and Nappa while they’re waiting for Goku to arrive at the fighting field. While short lived, they manage to cause considerable chaos during their time on earth, especially when Yamcha steps up as their first opponent. When Yamcha springs at them, they calmly await his attack: the result is him being caught in a blast upon touching them. Though Yamcha is eventually wished back by the dragon balls, it was a rather painful way to go. What are these characters names?
What's this character's name?
This character is seen in one of the very first Dragon Ball Z movies and is best known as the father of Goku. He is low-ranking, and goes from planet to planet following Frieza’s orders and conquering them. During one of his attacks on a defenseless group of aliens, one manages to survive and takes a quick jab on this character. From that point forward, he begins having visions of the future that involves the Saiyans end at the hands of Frieza. What’s this character’s name?
What's this character's name?
This character is not one to take any bad-mouthing from anyone. But at the same time, she can get really sweet depending on the seasons, allergies, or any dust in the air. One sneeze and she’s into full tough girl mode or vice versa. Though Goku did spend time with during his childhood, the chances of him recognizing her as an adult as very unlikely given his carefree mentality and the multitude of people he’s met during the years. What’s this character’s name?
What's this character's name?
This character is first seen in a filler episode leading up to The Cell Games. He is a skilled Martial Arts Trainer and when his family meets their end at the hands of Cell, he becomes very protective of his granddaughter. When he meets Gohan, he shows him hospitality due to his gratitude for having saved the girl. At one point, Gohan also saves his life when he's outmatched by a former member of the Red Ribbon Army. What's this character's name?
What's this character's name?
This character is one of Frieza's right-hand men who has caused chaos throughout the Universe for ages. He takes special joy in causing pain to the people of Namek. But no bad deed goes unpunished and when he goes a little too far with his victims, Gohan springs out from hiding to serve some justice. This character meets his end at the hands of Vegeta when they face off on Namek, being no match for the Saiyan's newfound abilities. What's this character's name?
What's this character's name?
This character is another one of Frieza's most trustworthy men and he doesn't just enjoy fighting and being bad, he likes looking good while doing it too. Ironically, this character's strongest form isn't quite the looker, with fangs and a brutish-looking face. When he first battles Vegeta, he delivers him a painful defeat and spares him only due to Frieza's orders. This decision quickly backfires when Vegeta challenges him to a rematch and ends with him. What's this character's name?
What's this character's name?
This character is the leader of the village Dende lives in on Namek. He's caring, wise, and above all, extremely brave. He risks his life in order to protect his fellow Namekians and though he puts up a valiant battle, quickly loses at the hands of Frieza's henchmen. When he's resurrected by Shenron, he assumes the role as the next elder of New Namek. He continues to help the Z-Warriors for years, including during the fights against Cell and Majin Buu. What's this character's name?
What's this character's name?
This character is introduced during Gohan and Krillin’s search for the dragon balls on Namek. Gohan is surprised by his resemblance to Piccolo, but he soon realizes that their personalities are very different. When Frieza is on the hunt for Gohan, Krillin, and Vegeta after they take the dragon balls, he fends the villain off long enough for them to make their wish. Ultimately he and Piccolo decide to fuse to form a warrior strong enough to defeat Frieza. What’s this character’s name?
What's this character's name?
This character is the guardian of planet Namek when Frieza and his henchmen invade it. He is wise and loves his Namekian children dearly, to the point that he begins to perish slowly as Frieza does away with each of them. Despite never actually stepping onto the battlefield, he has amazing abilities, including being able to awaken a warrior’s hidden potential. He’s temporarily resurrected by Sheron long enough for Dende to make one last wish to Porunga during Goku battle against Frieza. What’s this character’s name?
What's this character's name?
This character is seen in flashbacks during Vegeta’s fight against Frieza. He is a strong warrior who wanted to free his people from Frieza but he also wasn't a good guy. Just like Frieza, he took joy in going across the Universe and subjecting people to his control, ending with their lives for sheer enjoyment. Frieza enjoys seeing this character hold back his pride, and forces him to let him train a young Vegeta into one of his elite warriors. What's this character's name?
What's this character's name?
This character is first introduced during Good Buu's reign over planet earth. As Buu's going around turning people into candy, the world champ pretends to step up to the plate to stop Buu: in reality, he's hoping he'll get lucky and end with Buu using one of his traps. They surprisingly end up getting along and that's when this pup comes into the picture, showing up outside their home hurt. Buu then uses his powers to heal it and adopts it as his very first pet. What's this character's name?
What's this character's name?
This character is first introduced in Dragon Ball when Goku is battling against the Red Ribbon Army. Though he first defeats Goku in battle, the young Saiyan retaliates after briefly training with Korin and wins. As a result, this character creates a robotic body for himself and continues his criminal ways. When Goku sees him again years later, he has no idea he's the same warrior he battled during his childhood; but he immediately recognizes Goku and runs away in a split second. What's this character's name?
What's this character's name?
This character is introduced during Gohan's first day in high school and is considered one of the cool kids in school (or at least he thinks he is). He doesn't seem to like Gohan at first, especially when he notices all the attention Videl and Erasa give him (though Videl is initially just suspicious of Gohan because he randomly disappears from class). He's last seen as one of the people giving Goku energy to complete his final attack against Buu. What's this character's name?
What's this character's name?
This character is one of the five members of The Ginyu Force. He's considered by his team to be the weakest and is constantly mocked for it. When Gohan, Krillin, and Vegeta face-off against the Ginyu Force to protect the dragon balls, this character uses a time-freezing technique to gain the upper hand. As he's about to deliver the final blow to Gohan and Krillin, Vegeta surprises everyone by stepping in and ending with him in one move. What's this character's name?
What's this character's name?
This character is introduced in the World Tournament Saga shortly before Goku, Vegeta, and Gohan head off to try to stop Majin Buu’s resurrection. She is bossy, loud, and has no problem letting people know that her two sons are the best fighters in the tournament. Her disbelief at their loss by Goten and Trunks is so great that she goes into complete hysterics amongst the spectators. She proceeds to tell Babidi where Trunks lives as revenge. What’s this character’s name?
What's this character's name?
This character is first seen during the Babidi Saga when the remaining contestants at The World Tournament participate in a Battle Royale to determine a winner. In reality, this fighter is really Goten and Trunks in disguise as an attempt to continue on in the tournament past the junior division. They knock out the rest of the competition until only they and Android 18 remain. Unfortunately for them, 18 sees past their disguise and unmasks them through one of her attacks. What’s this character’s name?
What's this character's name?
This character is married to Mr. Brief and is Bulma’s mother. Though she’s not a fighter or inventor of any sorts, she contributes to the Z-Fighters through moral support and her excellent cooking skills. She always has a smile on her face, even when impending threats are on their way to her very home. She’s also one of the first people to imply a future marriage between Bulma and Vegeta when she meets the Saiyan Prince after their time on Namek. What’s this character’s name?
What's this character's name?
This character is first introduced during the Cell Games as the main telecaster covering the event. At first, he and his cameramen completely focus on Hercule and his students, all of which promise to defeat Cell once and for all. But after Hercule's quick defeat and as the fight between Cell and Goku gives way, he begins to see Hercule's weakness--especially when Gohan finally transcends into a Super Saiyan 2 and saves them all from Cell's blasts. What's this character's name?
What's this character's name?
This character is first introduced in the Dragon Ball Z Movie, "The Tree of Might" and is one of Gohan's closest childhood friends. He isn't seen often in the series with the exception of filler episodes such as when Garlic Jr's releases the Black Water Mist and during Goku and Piccolo's driving lessons. However, he plays an important role in earlier Dragon Ball Z, in one instance helping stop Gohan's rampage while he's in his Oozaru form. What's this character's name?
What's this character's name?
This character is introduced in one of the later Dragon Ball Z movies. He is one of the first villains Gohan faces alone (in the movies at least) and he has no restraints, whether it's betraying his own comrades or taking joy in slowing ending with Gohan. Similar to Frieza and Cell, this villain's muscles and height change drastically through each of his transformations. He meets his end when he pushes Gohan to transform into a Super Saiyan 2. What's this character's name?
What's this character's name?
This character is Babidi's father and the mastermind behind first awakening Majin Buu from his slumber. Together, they travel the universe ending with countless planets and populations, including several of the Supreme Kais. Though he nearly accomplishes his goal of total domination, he soon realizes Majin Buu is too powerful to be controlled and seals him away again. Supreme Kai then faces this villain and ends with him to prevent any further chaos throughout the universe. What's this character's name?
What's this character's name?
This character is seen in flashbacks when Kibito Kai tells the Elder Supreme Kai about Majin Buu's origins. Just like Buu’s form when he’s released by Babidi, this character is always smiling, he’s innocent, and has a huge love for sweets. But he’s not to be underestimated, as he steps up to the battlefield when Majin Buu begins taking down the Kai’s. The battle ends with Majin Buu absorbing him and developing his large, pink form. What’s this character’s name?
What's this character's name?
This character is introduced as a filler character between the Garlic Jr. saga and arrival of Future Trunks. He serves as Gohan’s temporary tutor who is less than patient with Gohan. Though Gohan tries his best to be a good student to appease his mother, his patience runs thin after this character makes yet another bad comment about Goku. But to everyone’s surprise, it’s actually Gohan’s mom who gets rid of this character by throwing him out a window and chasing him away. What’s this character’s name?
What's this character's name?
This character is first referenced when Future Trunks warns Goku about the arrival of the Androids. When he first appears, the Z-Warriors confuse him with one of the two Androids Trunks warns them about, but the moment Bulma sets eyes on him, she realizes that he’s really the mastermind behind their creation! When he’s outmatched by Piccolo, he races back to his lab to release Androids 17 and 18, a plan that backfires when 17 ends his life. What’s this character’s name?
What's this character's name?
This character is also introduced shortly before the Cell Games and he’s the henchmen to a ruthless businessman. Though he’s not a tough looking guy, he can be a handful when following his boss’s orders. His main list of duties is going around his village taking food and supplies from business owners by force. He meets his match when he takes the granddaughter of a local businessman and Gohan hostage, leading the man to take him down. What’s this character’s name?
What's this character's name?
This character is one Frieza's loyal henchmen whose been by his side long before the tyrant got rid of Planet Vegeta. Just like all of Frieza's other henchmen, he views the Saiyans as weak warriors. In a flashback, he's shown getting rid of a whole population's adults, leaving its kids to travel alone across the universe in a spacecraft. Nevertheless, he's not a very strong warrior when compared to Vegeta or most of Frieza's other minions. What's this character's name?
What's this character's name?
This is the first form of a well-known villain and he’s made of the genetic code of every Z-Warrior. He wakes up from his test tube home to find his Android family and creator gone. In an attempt to reach his final form, he ends with Future Trunks to use his time capsule to travel to the past. When he arrives in that timeline, he begins a frantic search for Androids 17 and 18 to absorb them. What’s this character’s name?
What's this character's name?
This character is introduced during Gohan's first days as the Great Saiyaman. He operates a circus that generates thousands of dollars through his acts, half of them including animals that are overworked and treated poorly. One day, he takes one of Gohan and Goten's dinosaur friends from the wilderness to use in his circus. Thankfully Gohan comes to the rescue as the Great Saiyaman and reunites the dinosaur with his family, putting an end to this character's heartless practices. What's this character's name?
What's this character's name?
This character is introduced during Gohan, Krillin, and Bulma's voyage across space to reach planet Namek. His spaceship uses a magnetic field to draw in their ship and his fleet proceeds to attack them, believing them friends of Frieza. He then shares the fate that befell the crew's parents, all of which were defeated by Frieza's men. He eventually trusts the Z-Warriors after Bulma saves their ship from crashing and he allows them to continue on their journey. What's this character's name?
What's this character's name?
This character is one of Gohan's classmates at Orange Star High School. She takes a liking to Gohan, constantly smiling at him and trying to start conversations. One day, she approaches him and presents him with a trade-off: he goes on a date with her and she won't tell the school his secret. Thinking that she's discovered his secret identity as Great Saiyaman, Gohan agrees to the meetup, only to ruin it by constantly walking out on her to fight crime. What's this character's name?
What's this character's name?
This character is first introduced in Dragon Ball and makes sporadic appearances throughout the series. Unlike many earthlings that either doesn't understand Goku's heroic nature or rather believe Hercule's World Champ charade, this character knows Goku is the strongest warrior around. He first meets Goku when King Piccolo takes over his position and attempts to end his life, being rescued by the young Goku. When Goku confronts Cell, he manages to recognize him past his Super Saiyan form. What's this character's name?
What's this character's name?
This character's been part of the Dragon Ball Universe since its very beginning, taking part in every single Martial Arts World Tournament. He roots for Goku and the rest of the Z-Warriors during each of their participation and even though he doesn't know what a Super Saiyan is, he's never surprised to see Goku transform into one in the arena. He's aware that Goku is perhaps the strongest fighter on the planet, joking with him at one point that he's to thank for Cell's defeat. What's this character's name?
What's this character's name?
This character is one of the Supreme Kais that Majin Buu battles when he’s unleashed by Bibidi. He’s best known for his physical strength, which puts him at equal standing with Frieza at one point. He gives Buu a decent challenge during their fight on Supreme World of Kai, but the latter manages to gain the upper hand and absorbs him. This transforms Buu into a huge, muscular form of his former self, and he proceeds to battle West Supreme Kai after. What's this character's name?
What’s this character’s name?
This character is introduced shortly before the Cell Games. He is the richest man in his village and when Cell unleashes his onslaught on the planet, he decides to reap benefit from the chaos. In turn, he builds a protective dome and charges a steep for the townspeople to take shelter inside it. Additionally, he has his two henchmen go into the city and steal supplies from local business owners. He meets his match when Gohan confronts him and tears down the dome. What’s this character’s name?