Without a doubt, Dragon Ball is one of the most popular and universally recognized anime of all time. Debuting in 1986 and featuring several series filled with intense fight scenes, aliens from other planets, and a memorable cast of characters, this franchise follows the adventures of Goku and his friends as they face foes and protect their world in the process.
With a history that spans over 30 years, there are plenty of memorable moments that fans can recall as their favorites. Some episodes, however, have such profound importance to the Dragon Ball story that they need to be watched more than once.
The Secret of the Dragon Balls (Dragon Ball Episode 1)
For those who really want to get nostalgic with the series, it is a good idea to watch the episode that started it all. Viewers are introduced to the legendary character Goku as a little boy, along with the key female character Bulma. The Dragon Balls also make their first appearance, as Bulma explains their lore and wish-granting powers to Goku. The episode also introduces Emperor Pilaf, who is considered the first villain of the saga (albeit not the most intimidating).
Don't Anger the Destroyer! A Heart-Pounding Birthday Party (Dragon Ball Super Episode 6)
Newer Dragon Ball fans will consider this episode a key one to watch repeatedly. It features one of the newest and most powerful characters of the series, Beerus the God of Destruction. After defeating Goku in a previous battle, the foreboding deity arrives on Earth with his companion Whis, crashing Bulma’s birthday party. This episode puts a spotlight on Beerus’s weakness for delicious food, along with Vegeta’s character growth throughout the series; instead of trying to prove himself as a warrior, he acts compliant in order to protect his loved ones.
Final Showdown (Dragon Ball Episode 122)
This is the penultimate episode of the renowned King Piccolo arc in the original series. King Piccolo is the first alien threat to Earth at this point. Having destroyed the magical dragon, it seems that the villain has won and everything looks hopeless for the heroes.
However, the unstoppable fighting spirit that Goku possesses ends up saving the day with a powerful Kamehameha propelling him through King Piccolo. This is also the episode where the long-term character Piccolo Jr. is created.
The Final Blow (Dragon Ball Episode 28)
For long-time fans, this episode brings back the excitement that the renowned World Martial Arts Tournament has in the early days of the franchise. The final round of Goku vs. Jackie Chun (Master Roshi in disguise) has included Goku turning into a monster ape and Jackie Chun blowing up the moon in order to change him back. With such an astounding use of energy, the two fighters conclude with a drag-out physical fight to determine the winner. This story is a great callback to how powerful Master Roshi really is, despite his age.
A Miraculous Conclusion! Farewell Goku! Until We Meet Again! (Dragon Ball Super Episode 131)
The most exciting saga of the newest chapter of the Dragon Ball series is the Tournament of Power saga, which reaches its action-packed conclusion in this episode. The consequence of having your team eliminated from this tournament is to have your universe eliminated from existence. In order to save his universe from destruction, Goku fights along with a resurrected Frieza against Jiren, the last representative of Universe 11. In a twist, Goku is not the winner of the tournament; that distinction goes to the dark horse contender, Android 17.
Gohan's Rage (Dragon Ball Z Episode 5)
This episode was the first indication of how truly powerful Goku’s son Gohan could be. When Goku is being threatened by the Saiyan Raditz, Gohan surprises everyone with his strength and seriously wounds the villain. This episode also provides the shocking moment where Goku, the main protagonist, is killed.
Fortunately, he is later resurrected thanks to the wishes given by the Dragon Balls. This is also the episode where the iconic character Vegeta is introduced as an antagonist that wants to destroy the planet.
Goku vs. Vegeta (Dragon Ball Z Episode 24)
For fans who appreciate the long-time rivalry between the good-natured Goku and the arrogant prince Vegeta, this is the episode to watch in order to see how it all starts. The two Saiyans fight each other to determine the fate of Earth, with powerful strikes and energy blasts decimating the landscape around them. This battle perfectly depicts the mindset of both warriors when they first meet; Goku puts his faith in his training, while Vegeta believes his superior birth will help him win.
Another Super Saiyan? (Dragon Ball Z Episode 120)
With the appearance of a strange young man capable of achieving the same Super Saiyan power as Goku, a whole new realm of possibilities was opened up for the rest of the Saiyan characters in the series. This episode marks the first appearance of the future version of Trunks, who is soon revealed to be Bulma and Vegeta’s son. It also includes the ultimate demise of Frieza, who arrives on Earth to seek revenge on Goku for defeating him on Namek.
Awakening (Dragon Ball Z Episode 185)
Fans of Gohan have this particular episode bookmarked, for this is the moment when all of the young Saiyan’s potential is finally realized. Not being as driven to fight as Goku and Vegeta are, Gohan holds back when he goes up against Cell. It is not until Cell sends his minions after his friends and family that Gohan lets go and releases his true power. He very quickly dispatches the seven minions, leaving Cell and the other fighters in shock.
Transformed at Last (Dragon Ball Z Episode 95)
If there is one episode in Dragon Ball that has defined the overall franchise, it is this one. After seemingly defeating the iconic villain Frieza, Goku is enraged when Frieza re-emerges and blows up Krillin, Goku’s best friend. When the evil emperor threatens to do the same to Gohan, this anger erupts into transformative power as Goku’s black hair turns gold and he achieves the legendary form of a Super Saiyan. This series-defining moment is one that all fans, old and new, will want to watch over and over again.