Dragon Ball's Redeeming Fights: Flawed Battles with Memorable Endings

Dragon Ball's Redeeming Fights: When Flaws Lead to Great Endings

The Dragon Ball series is renowned for some of the most legendary battles in anime history. Yet, not every encounter can be a masterpiece. Some fights are marred by poor animation, less-than-exciting choreography, or story complications, yet manage to leave a lasting impact thanks to a powerful finish. Here, we explore ten such battles that, despite their flaws, managed to conclude with a memorable moment.

1. Goku vs King Piccolo: Victory in Its Strongest Form

The tension was high when Goku faced King Piccolo for the second time. With the formidable villain having taken lives and wreaked havoc, expectations were understandably high. While the battle itself didn't live up to the buildup, the ending delivered in iconic fashion. Goku’s dramatic move, launching himself through King Piccolo's chest, stands out as the highlight, overshadowing the rest of the encounter.

For more on the significance of this fight, explore Dragon Ball Villains Ranked.

2. Gohan and Krillin vs Guldo: A Last-Minute Save

Featuring a one-on-two scenario, the fight against Guldo had potential given his unique ability to freeze time. Yet, Krillin and Gohan struggled against the oddball despite their power-ups. Only when Vegeta intervenes does the fight get a saving grace as he swiftly eliminates Guldo, proving once again that even seasoned fighters need a bit of help sometimes.

3. Goku vs Chi-Chi: A Proposal Amidst Battle

A different kind of battle, Goku's match with Chi-Chi at the 23rd World Martial Arts Tournament, was less about combat and more about heart. Goku's realization of Chi-Chi’s identity and his unexpected proposal adds heartfelt value to an otherwise uninspired fight, resulting in a romantic conclusion fitting for these beloved characters.

Learn more about how romance and action mix in Dragon Ball's best relationships.

4. Hirudegarn's Downfall: Spectacle over Story

In Dragon Ball Z: Wrath of the Dragon, Goku and friends step in to battle Hirudegarn, though the real focus should have been on Trunks and Tapion. While the fight shifts away from the film’s narrative strength, Goku's final Dragon Fist attack provides a visually breathtaking end, allowing audiences to forgive the storytelling lapse.

For more on Dragon Ball Z's powers and fighting moves, check out Dragon Ball Z Move List.

5. Gohan vs Perfect Cell: Elevated by Emotion

Gohan and Cell's confrontation is remembered not for intense action, but for the emotional depth and iconic moments like Gohan’s transformation into Super Saiyan 2. The battle becomes another chapter in Gohan's coming of age, and the climactic beam struggle and contributions from the Z-Warriors convert it into a memorable piece of series history.

6. Human Z-Warriors vs Ginyu Force: Victory for the Underdogs

When Tien, Chiaotzu, and Yamcha face off against the Ginyu Force on King Kai's planet, the sequence seems improbable and even unnecessary. Yet, it's cherished for letting these underused characters taste victory once more, against foes who previously outmatched them, wrapping the saga of these characters in a bittersweet victory.

7. Goku and Vegeta vs Omega Shenron: Universally Energized

As Dragon Ball GT's final fight, Goku and Vegeta battling Omega Shenron struggled with poor art and absent stakes. But its conclusion, with Goku's Spirit Bomb fueled by all of Universe 7, leaves a lasting impression that compensates for the shortcomings. It underscores Goku's essence, a character who unites strength and spirit.

Delve into more on Super Saiyan transformations here.

8. Drum's Downfall: Goku's Triumphant Entrance

Tien's ill-fated battle against Drum could have extinguished hope had it not been for Goku’s timely arrival. Goku's dramatically destructive entrance resurrects the narrative and places the young Saiyan rightfully at its center.

9. Bardock vs Frieza: An Unyielding Stand

The special featuring Bardock’s final stand against Frieza’s forces remains a dramatic epic. Bardock's courageous yet doomed attempt to face Frieza creates a thrilling atmosphere, culminating in his dignified demise, which preserves the heroism that defines this tale, even against the narrative's slight deviations.

10. Krillin vs Bacterian

Though Krillin’s fight against Bacterian may seem unremarkable, it is elevated by the humor and clever tactics employed. Krillin’s victory not only showcases his growth but also adds a lighthearted touch to the series, reminding fans that not all battles need to be serious to be enjoyable.