The Ultimate DragonBall Z Movie Ranking: From Legendary Battles to Iconic Moments

My Personal Breakdown of the Best DBZ Films, Ranked from #1 to #10

Having watched Dragon Ball Z movies countless times, I’ve developed a deep attachment to each one. While not everyone will agree with my ranking, these movies hold special moments for me, whether through emotional storytelling, epic transformations, or iconic battles. Here’s my personal ranking of the DBZ movies, starting from the ones I still enjoy but don’t revisit as often, and working our way up to the very best. And of course, I’ll give a special mention to Dragonball Evolution for... reasons.

10. Lord Slug (1991)

While Lord Slug isn’t the most groundbreaking DBZ movie, it still has its memorable moments. The highlight for me is when Goku taps into his false Super Saiyan form during his battle with Slug. This transformation gave us a glimpse of Goku’s incredible power, even before he officially became a Super Saiyan later in the series. The battle itself is intense, and seeing Goku push past his limits in this pseudo-Super Saiyan state is thrilling. While the movie doesn’t have the same emotional depth as others, this moment alone makes it worth the watch.

9. Broly – Second Coming (2003)

Although Broly – Second Coming doesn’t reach the heights of Broly’s first appearance, it still delivers some great moments. The highlight for me is the family Kamehameha—the moment where Goku, Goten, and Gohan combine their powers to finally take down Broly. There’s something incredibly emotional about seeing the three Saiyans come together, especially with Goku’s presence being more spiritual than physical. The father-son bond between Goku and his sons is one of the most touching aspects of the movie, reminding us of the importance of family in the Dragon Ball universe.

8. Bojack Unbound (1993)

Bojack Unbound gives Gohan a chance to shine, and I love seeing him unleash his full power. The standout moment for me is when Gohan taps into his Super Saiyan 2 form to defeat Bojack. It’s a callback to Gohan’s legendary transformation during the Cell Games, and watching him obliterate Bojack with ease is incredibly satisfying. The animation during this sequence is fantastic, and Gohan’s heroism reminds us why he’s one of the most powerful characters in the series. Though Bojack himself may not be the most memorable villain, the action more than makes up for it.

7. Broly – The Legendary Super Saiyan (1993)

When Broly was introduced, he instantly became one of the most iconic villains in the franchise. His sheer power and the way he toys with the Z Fighters is terrifying to watch. The moment when Broly fully transforms into the Legendary Super Saiyan is jaw-dropping—he becomes an unstoppable force, completely overwhelming Goku, Vegeta, and the others. The animation and scale of the battles are some of the best we’ve seen in any DBZ movie. While the story takes a backseat to the action, Broly’s raw power and presence make this movie a standout in terms of intensity.

6. The World's Strongest (1990)

Nostalgia hits hard with The World’s Strongest. It might not be the most complex DBZ movie, but it nails the classic elements that make early Dragon Ball Z so exciting. Dr. Wheelo’s plot to find the strongest warrior leads to some fantastic battles, but the best part is when Goku charges up his massive Spirit Bomb to take down Wheelo’s gigantic robotic form. Watching Goku channel the energy of the world to create a devastating Spirit Bomb is classic DBZ, and it’s a moment that never gets old. Goku’s relentless determination makes this movie a blast to watch.

5. Cooler's Revenge (1991)

I’ve always had a soft spot for Cooler as a villain, and Cooler's Revenge delivers one of the most epic showdowns between him and Goku. Cooler’s transformation into his final form is one of the movie’s highlights, giving him an edge over Frieza in terms of design and power. The best moment, by far, is when Goku transforms into a Super Saiyan and unleashes his full power against Cooler. The climactic Kamehameha that sends Cooler crashing into the sun is visually spectacular, making it a moment I love rewatching. Cooler’s revenge might not have the emotional depth of other films, but the action is undeniably top-tier.

4. The Tree of Might (1990)

The Tree of Might is one of those nostalgic DBZ movies I always find myself going back to. The concept of Turles, a Saiyan who looks just like Goku but represents everything Goku opposes, makes for an interesting villain. The best part of the movie is the final showdown, where Goku taps into the Kaio-ken to defeat Turles and destroy the Tree of Might. Goku’s struggle to gather enough energy for a massive Spirit Bomb is an unforgettable moment, showcasing his determination to protect Earth. It’s classic DBZ, and it’s what makes this movie stand out in my memory.

3. Wrath of the Dragon (1995)

Wrath of the Dragon ranks high for its unique mix of action and emotional storytelling. The bond between Tapion and Trunks adds a layer of depth that you don’t often see in DBZ films. The moment that stands out is when Tapion gifts his sword to Trunks, a nod to the future Trunks we all know and love. This touching gesture always hits hard, as it’s one of the few instances where we see a more meaningful connection between characters. The battle against Hirudegarn is intense, with some of the most stunning action scenes in the entire franchise.

2. Bardock – The Father of Goku (1990)

I’m a huge fan of character-driven stories, and Bardock – The Father of Goku is as emotional as they come in DBZ. Bardock’s journey, as he foresees the destruction of the Saiyan race, gives us a deeply personal look at Goku’s father. Bardock’s final stand against Frieza is one of the most powerful scenes in any DBZ movie. Even though Bardock knows he’s going to die, he charges head-on into battle with nothing but pride and defiance. This moment is emotionally devastating but also heroic, giving Bardock a legacy that resonates deeply with fans.

1. Fusion Reborn (1995)

Topping my list is Fusion Reborn—a movie that’s pure fun and non-stop action. The introduction of Janemba, with his reality-warping powers, gave us some of the most creative fight scenes in DBZ history. But the highlight of the movie, and the reason it’s my number one, is when Goku and Vegeta fuse into Gogeta for the first time. This moment is nothing short of iconic, as Gogeta makes quick work of Janemba with his unmatched strength. It’s the perfect blend of humor, action, and jaw-dropping moments that make Fusion Reborn a movie I never get tired of watching.

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Special Shout Out: Dragonball Evolution (2009) – The Worst of Them All

No DBZ ranking is complete without mentioning the train wreck that is Dragonball Evolution. While it doesn’t fit into the animated universe, it’s impossible to ignore how infamously bad it is. For me, the best moment in Dragonball Evolution? Honestly, when the credits rolled. This movie failed to capture what makes Dragon Ball special, and most fans, including myself, would prefer to pretend it doesn’t exist. Still, it serves as a reminder of how far we’ve come in appreciating Dragon Ball.

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And that’s my personal ranking of the Dragon Ball Z movies. Each one has its own unique charm, but these films are the ones that left the biggest impression on me. Whether it’s the emotional depth of Bardock’s story or the unforgettable action of Gogeta’s first fusion, these movies hold a special place in my heart. What’s your favorite DBZ movie moment?

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