Dragon Ball, the legendary anime that introduced us to iconic characters and thrilling battles, is filled with fighters who possess extraordinary strength and skills. From Goku’s unmatched determination to Piccolo Jr.’s calculated power, these warriors have shaped the world of martial arts in the series.This article will rank the Top 10 most powerful character in Dragon Ball, based solely on their feats and power levels in the original series.

Get ready to dive into the incredible strength of characters like Tien Shinhan, Master Roshi, Krillin, and more, as we explore the pinnacle of power in the Dragon Ball universe.

10. Chichi

Info: Chi-Chi is Goku’s wife (by the end of Dragon Ball) and the daughter of the Ox King. She was introduced as a strong and skilled young martial artist, having learned from her father, who was a student of Master Roshi and Grandpa Gohan. She competed in the 23rd World Martial Arts Tournament.

How She Became Powerful: Trained in martial arts by her father from a young age.

Power Level: ~ 73

Strengths: Skilled in basic martial arts techniques, determined, and not afraid to stand up to powerful individuals (though often outmatched).

Weaknesses: Her power level is significantly lower than most of the other characters on this list by the end of Dragon Ball.

09. Yamcha

Info: Initially a desert bandit who antagonized Goku, Yamcha eventually became a friend and ally. He trained under Master Roshi alongside Goku and Krillin, participating in the World Martial Arts Tournaments and developing techniques like the Wolf Fang Fist and the Kamehameha.

How He Became Powerful: Trained under Master Roshi, learning fundamental Ki control and martial arts.

Power Level: ~ 85

Strengths: Proficient in basic Ki techniques like the Kamehameha and his unique Wolf Fang Fist. He showed dedication to training.

Weaknesses: Often outmatched by stronger opponents, his confidence sometimes wavered, and he didn’t possess the same level of innate talent or drive as Goku.

08. Mercenary Tao

Info: A highly skilled and ruthless assassin hired by the Red Ribbon Army. He initially proved to be a significant threat to Goku, possessing deadly techniques and the ability to fly. He later returned as a cyborg but was surpassed by the Z Fighters’ growth.

How He Became Powerful: Through natural talent, rigorous self-training as a professional assassin, and later, cybernetic enhancements.

Power Level: ~ 100

Strengths: Highly skilled in combat and assassination techniques, possessed the Dodonpa (a focused Ki blast), and could fly using a pillar. As a cyborg, he had increased durability and power (though not enough to match the evolved Z Fighters).

Weaknesses: Arrogant and underestimated his opponents after his initial success. His cyborg enhancements were ultimately not enough to keep up with the Saiyans and their allies.

07. Mr popo

Info: Kami’s ancient and powerful assistant and caretaker of the Lookout. While seemingly peaceful, Mr. Popo was incredibly strong and had trained many fighters, including Goku. His true power was subtly displayed during Goku’s training.

How He Became Powerful: Implied to have gained his immense strength through centuries of existence and training under Kami and his predecessors.

Power Level: ~ 120

Strengths: Vastly experienced in combat, incredibly fast and agile (as seen during Goku’s training where Goku couldn’t touch him for days), and possesses a deep understanding of the Lookout.

Weaknesses: Rarely participates in direct combat against major threats, suggesting his power, while high, might not be on par with the primary fighting characters.

06. Krillin

Info: Introduced as Goku’s rival under Master Roshi, Krillin became one of his closest friends. Despite lacking Saiyan biology, Krillin trained diligently and significantly improved his fighting abilities throughout Dragon Ball.

How He Became Powerful: Through intense training under Master Roshi, Korin, and his own dedication. He learned to harness his Ki effectively and developed unique techniques.

Power Level: ~ 125

Strengths: Skilled in Ki manipulation, developed techniques like the Destructo Disc (a razor-sharp Ki blade), and possesses tactical awareness in battle. His determination to keep up with Goku is a constant driving force.

Weaknesses: Lacks the innate power of Saiyans and often relies on his techniques and wit to overcome stronger opponents.

05. Master Roshi

Info: The creator of the legendary Kamehameha, Master Roshi (also known as the Turtle Hermit) is Goku and Krillin’s martial arts master. Despite his elderly appearance, he is a highly skilled and surprisingly powerful martial artist with centuries of experience.

How He Became Powerful: Over 300 years of dedicated martial arts training and the mastery of Ki manipulation, including the Kamehameha and the Evil Containment Wave.

Power Level: ~ 139

Strengths: Master of numerous martial arts styles and Ki techniques, including the iconic Kamehameha and the sealing Evil Containment Wave. Possesses surprising speed and strength when serious.

Weaknesses: His power has limits due to his age, and he often relies on trickery or his vast knowledge rather than brute force in later parts of the series.

04. Tien Shinhan

Info: A highly skilled martial artist who initially appeared as an antagonist under the Crane Hermit (Master Roshi’s rival) but later became a steadfast ally of Goku. Tien is known for his intense training and unique techniques.

How He Became Powerful: Through rigorous and self-imposed training, pushing his physical and mental limits. He developed unique multi-limbed techniques and powerful Ki attacks.

Power Level: ~ 180

Strengths: Possesses unique techniques like the Tri-Beam Cannon (Kikoho), Solar Flare (Taiyoken), and the ability to sprout extra arms (Shishin no Ken). He is incredibly dedicated to training and self-improvement.

Weaknesses: His most powerful attack, the Tri-Beam, often drains a significant amount of his energy. He sometimes lacks the raw power of Saiyans or Namekians.

03. Kami

Info: The Guardian of Earth and the good counterpart to King Piccolo. While primarily a wise and benevolent being, Kami possessed considerable power and even participated in the 23rd World Martial Arts Tournament using a human host (Shen) to confront Piccolo Jr.

How He Became Powerful: As one half of the original Namekian who came to Earth, Kami possessed inherent power. His role as Guardian likely also contributed to his strength.

Power Level: ~ 220

Strengths: Possesses significant spiritual power and some fighting ability, as demonstrated in his fight against Piccolo Jr. (albeit in a weaker human body). His wisdom and knowledge are also invaluable.

Weaknesses: His combat abilities in his natural form were not explicitly showcased to be on par with the top fighters. When using Shen’s body, his physical capabilities were limited by the host.

02. Junior Piccolo

Info: The reincarnation and offspring of King Piccolo, born with the sole purpose of avenging his father’s death. He was a highly skilled, cunning, and immensely strong Namekian, rivaling Goku by the end of Dragon Ball.

How He Became Powerful: Inherited the immense power of King Piccolo and underwent his own training and development, showcasing rapid growth in a short period.

Power Level: ~ 260

Strengths: Possesses incredible strength, speed, and regeneration. He is a skilled strategist and martial artist with techniques like the Special Beam Cannon (Makankosappo) and the ability to stretch his limbs.

Weaknesses: Initially driven by revenge, which sometimes clouded his judgment. Like other Namekians, he can be vulnerable if his head is destroyed (though he can regenerate from other parts).

01. Goku

Info: A Saiyan raised on Earth, Goku possesses incredible natural talent and an insatiable desire to become stronger. Throughout his adventures in Dragon Ball, he consistently pushes his limits, learning from various masters and overcoming numerous powerful foes. He won the 23rd World Martial Arts Tournament by defeating Piccolo Jr.

How He Became Powerful: Through rigorous training under Grandpa Gohan, Master Roshi, Korin, and Mr. Popo, coupled with his Saiyan biology that allows him to grow stronger after near-death experiences. His pure-hearted nature also drives him to protect his friends and the Earth.

Power Level: ~ 260

Strengths: Innate Saiyan potential for growth, incredible determination, mastery of the Kamehameha and other Ki techniques, and exceptional fighting instincts. He consistently surpasses his limits.

Weaknesses: Can be naive and overly trusting. His desire for a good fight sometimes leads him to prolong battles.

Conclusion

The original Dragon Ball saga showcased a remarkable journey of growth and power, with each of these ten characters leaving their mark on the series’ martial arts landscape. From the early displays of strength by Chi-Chi and Yamcha to the earth-shattering potential of Goku and Piccolo Jr., the dedication to training and the unique abilities of each fighter made this era unforgettable.

While power levels are a fun metric, it’s the individual journeys and the spirit of competition that truly defined these powerful figures. They laid the foundation for the even more cosmic battles to come in Dragon Ball Z.

Who among this list was your favorite powerful character from the original Dragon Ball? Did any of these power levels surprise you? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!