10 Best Episodes of ‘Dragon Ball’

The original run of ‘Dragon Ball’ introduced viewers to Son Goku as a child, the seven Dragon Balls, and the world of martial arts and ki techniques across 153 episodes. It set the foundation for characters like Bulma, Master Roshi, Krillin, Tien Shinhan, and Piccolo, while mapping out adventures that move from small village errands to globe spanning conflicts.

This list focuses on pivotal episodes that shape the story, unveil signature techniques, and trigger lasting consequences for the characters. You will find early discoveries, tournament finals, and climactic battles against the Red Ribbon Army and King Piccolo, along with moments that explain how Goku grows stronger and why certain rivalries endure through later arcs in ‘Dragon Ball’.

Bulma meets Goku and the Four Star Ball

Young Goku lives alone in the mountains with his grandfather’s Four Star Ball when Bulma arrives searching for the Dragon Balls with her radar. Their meeting begins the quest, sets up how the Dragon Balls work, and introduces the idea that collecting all seven summons the dragon for a wish.

This episode establishes the Power Pole and the Nimbus Cloud as key tools for travel and combat in early ‘Dragon Ball’. It also shows how Bulma’s inventions like the Dragon Radar drive the journey from one location to another and pull Goku into a wider world.

Master Roshi’s Kamehameha at Fry Pan Mountain

When Goku and Bulma reach Fry Pan Mountain, Master Roshi demonstrates the Kamehameha to put out the fire that traps the Ox King and Chi Chi. The blast levels the flames in a single shot and gives Goku his first look at a focused ki technique.

Goku then performs a small Kamehameha of his own after watching Roshi, revealing his unusual ability to learn by observation. The visit also ties Goku to Chi Chi and links the group to Roshi and Kame House, which becomes a training base for future tournaments in ‘Dragon Ball’.

Goku vs Jackie Chun in the 21st World Martial Arts Tournament Final

Goku reaches the final against Jackie Chun, who is Master Roshi in disguise, and the match showcases speed, strength, and ki control that surpass every earlier fight. The duel features exchanges of Kamehameha, afterimage techniques, and a test of stamina that pushes both fighters to their limits.

During the battle Goku transforms under the full moon, forcing Jackie Chun to end the threat before the tournament can be destroyed. The conclusion preserves the spirit of competition while ensuring that Goku continues training rather than settling as the strongest fighter too soon in ‘Dragon Ball’.

Goku’s assault on the Red Ribbon Army Headquarters

After defeating multiple Red Ribbon units in the field, Goku flies to the main base and infiltrates the headquarters alone. The episode tracks his route through soldiers and officers and leads to a showdown with Staff Officer Black, who deploys a battle jacket to counter Goku’s power.

The fight ends the central Red Ribbon operation and frees captives, while confirming that the Dragon Balls can draw the attention of organized forces rather than only small time thieves. This victory also clears the way for the search to resume and sets up the fallout that leads to new enemies in ‘Dragon Ball’.

Goku’s rematch with Mercenary Tao at Korin Tower

Goku first loses to Mercenary Tao, then climbs Korin Tower to train with Korin and chase the Sacred Water that tests his speed and reflexes. The rematch shows the results of this training when Goku outpaces Tao, counters the Dodon Ray, and breaks the assassin’s hidden blade with his hardened body.

This turning point demonstrates that Korin’s training, rather than a magical boost, is what elevates Goku’s abilities. The win also marks the end of Tao’s threat and opens the path to confront the remaining Red Ribbon leadership as the search for the Dragon Balls continues in ‘Dragon Ball’.

Goku meets Grandpa Gohan at Fortuneteller Baba’s palace

At Fortuneteller Baba’s palace, Goku fights a masked man who moves with familiarity and restraint. The match reveals the fighter as Grandpa Gohan, allowing Goku to reunite with his adoptive grandfather and confirm details about his childhood and the Four Star Ball he treasures.

This encounter provides information that ties Goku’s past to his present journey and gives him closure before the next stage of battles. It also introduces Fortuneteller Baba’s services, which help locate Dragon Balls and offer insights that influence later choices in ‘Dragon Ball’.

Krillin’s murder after the 22nd World Martial Arts Tournament

Right after the tournament concludes, Krillin is found dead in the arena area and a list of competitors is stolen. The killing is carried out by Tambourine, who targets martial artists as part of King Piccolo’s plan to remove threats before reclaiming power.

This event raises the stakes for every character connected to the tournament. It propels Goku into a pursuit that leads directly into the King Piccolo conflict and signals a shift from lighthearted matches to life and death confrontations in ‘Dragon Ball’.

Goku vs Tien Shinhan in the 22nd World Martial Arts Tournament Final

Goku and Tien Shinhan meet in the final after facing Chiaotzu and other challengers through the bracket. The fight displays Tien’s multi armed and levitation techniques alongside Goku’s improved speed and adaptability, with the arena itself damaged by the force of their attacks.

The match ends when both fighters fall from the sky and Goku touches the ground first, which gives Tien the victory. The result establishes Tien as a continuing rival who later becomes an ally, and it emphasizes fair play between strong fighters in ‘Dragon Ball’.

Goku’s battle with King Piccolo reaches its conclusion

After setbacks and losses, Goku confronts King Piccolo in a ruined city. The episode documents Goku’s use of new tactics and a final rushing strike that pierces through King Piccolo’s defense and ends the immediate threat to the world.

Before dying, King Piccolo creates an offspring and transfers his intent to continue the feud. That action preserves the enemy line and leads to the next generation conflict that returns to the tournament stage in ‘Dragon Ball’.

Goku vs Piccolo Jr in the 23rd World Martial Arts Tournament Final

The final tournament of the series brings Goku against Piccolo Jr, who reveals techniques from regeneration to giant size transformation. The battle includes severe injuries on both sides, with Goku fighting through a hole in his shoulder and still pressing the attack.

Goku wins with a decisive airborne strike that sends Piccolo out of the ring, then gives him a Senzu Bean to ensure the rivalry continues. After the award ceremony, Goku departs with Chi Chi to honor his earlier promise, closing the original series on a note that links adventure, rivalry, and family in ‘Dragon Ball’.

Share your own picks for standout ‘Dragon Ball’ episodes in the comments so everyone can compare notes.