Ranking Dragon Ball Z Sagas by Their Endings: From Worst to Best

Exploring the Endings of Every Dragon Ball Z Saga

Akira Toriyama's Dragon Ball Z is celebrated as a cornerstone of shonen anime, recognized for its action-packed narrative and exploration of Goku's journey into adulthood. It's not just the battles or transformations that make each arc memorable but the way each saga concludes its story. Here's a look at each Dragon Ball Z saga ranked by their endings.

10. The Garlic Jr. Saga

A Familiar Yet Uninspired Conclusion

Episodes 108-117

The Garlic Jr. Saga serves as a filler arc, recycling elements from DBZ's first movie, Dead Zone, but shifts focus to Gohan, Krillin, and Piccolo in Goku's absence. Despite its unique attempt, the saga concludes in a repetitive fashion, lacking excitement for fans familiar with Dead Zone. Its ending, while hinting at Gohan's future potential, feels largely anticlimactic.

9. The Majin Buu Saga

A Chaos-Ridden Ending

The Majin Buu Saga is packed with pivotal moments, such as Vegeta's sacrifice and Goku's Super Saiyan 3 debut. Yet, its closure is overshadowed by the transition into the next storyline with the emergence of Evil Buu, leaving its ending feeling somewhat unresolved. The emotional weight of Bee the dog’s death adds to the interim chaos rather than closing the saga on a strong note.

8. The World Tournament Saga

A Prelude to Greater Darkness

The World Tournament Saga blends several sub-arcs, culminating with Majin Vegeta's disturbing "victory" over Goku. The dark conclusion sets the stage for even more chaos with Majin Buu's imminent arrival, but the saga itself ends in a moment of despair rather than triumph or closure.

7. The Fusion Saga

An Overextended Farewell

The Fusion Saga introduces Vegito and explores fusion's potential. However, its ending involving Vegito's transformation fails to fully engage the audience, feeling like a step along the journey rather than a climax. The narrative momentum stalls, waiting for the more definitive Kid Buu showdown.

6. The Androids Saga

Allies versus Imperfection

The Androids Saga presents thrilling team dynamics between the Z-Fighters and androids against Cell. The saga's conclusion is marked by a desperate struggle against Imperfect Cell as he transcends to Semi-Perfect Cell, a turning point that shatters the heroes' momentum and leaves them in peril.

5. The Namek and Captain Ginyu Sagas

Goku's Triumphant Return

The Namek and Captain Ginyu Sagas build to the intense arrival of Goku, who swiftly dismantles the Ginyu Force, establishing a high bar for the ensuing conflicts. Ginyu's failed body swap leaves the mercenary leader in a hopeless situation, demonstrating the clever, layered storytelling at play.

4. The Kid Buu Saga

A Universe United

The Kid Buu Saga wraps up Majin Buu’s long threat with a decisive, collaborative victory through Goku's Super Spirit Bomb. Seeing Earth’s population contribute energy encapsulates the series’ recurrent themes of unity and perseverance. The saga also includes a heartfelt epilogue highlighting Goku’s mentorship of Uub, signaling the dawn of a new era.

3. The Frieza Saga

An Explosive Resolution

Arguably one of Dragon Ball Z's most recognized arcs, the Frieza Saga features an epic battle against a nearly immortal foe. Despite filler-abundant episodes, the saga's conclusion with Goku on a crumbling Namek embodies heroism and sacrifice. This moment perfectly combines tension and closure, with Goku making a tough but merciful choice, leaving an air of mystery about his fate.

2. The Saiyan Saga

A Cornerstone of Teamwork

The Saiyan Saga sets the stage for Dragon Ball Z's evolution, featuring high stakes and crucial character developments. Goku's struggle and unexpected assistance from allies such as Yajirobe forge an unconventional victory. Goku's decision to spare Vegeta reflects the series' deeper narrative of redemption and rivalry.

1. The Cell Saga

An Ending of Legacy and Transition

The peak of Dragon Ball Z culminates in a legacy that intertwines character development, sacrifice, and the passing of the torch. The Cell Saga not only showcases Gohan's growth but also leaves viewers with a profound sense of conclusion and anticipation for what lies ahead.

Photo Credit by CBR