The Dragon Ball universe is renowned for its ever-escalating power levels and iconic characters. From the early days of Goku’s training to the cosmic battles of Dragon Ball Super, the series has introduced a plethora of fighters, each with unique strengths and abilities. Determining the absolute strongest is a topic of constant debate among fans. This article aims to settle that debate by ranking the 20 most powerful canon characters, considering all aspects of their abilities and feats from the original Dragon Ball series through Dragon Ball Super.
Defining “Canon”
Before diving into the list, it’s important to define what “canon” means for this ranking. We will be focusing on the main Dragon Ball storyline, including Dragon Ball, Dragon Ball Z, and Dragon Ball Super. This excludes characters and events from non-canon material like the Dragon Ball GT series, video games, and promotional anime such as Super Dragon Ball Heroes.
Top 20 Strongest Canon Dragon Ball Characters
Here are the 20 strongest characters, ranked based on their demonstrated power, potential, and impact on the Dragon Ball universe.
20. Majuub
Majuub is the reincarnation of Kid Buu, trained by Goku himself. Although he is a human, his connection to Buu grants him exceptional latent power and the potential for enormous growth. His inclusion reflects the series’ focus on the ongoing development of characters.
19. Android 17
Initially a villain in Dragon Ball Z, Android 17 became a powerful ally in Dragon Ball Super. He’s proven to be a very capable fighter with immense stamina and durability, demonstrated in the Tournament of Power. He’s stronger than he was in Dragon Ball Z and is now on par with many of the Saiyans.
18. Piccolo
Piccolo has undergone immense transformations. His strategic mind and ability to fuse with Nail and Kami have made him a formidable warrior. His recent Orange Piccolo form, achieved in Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero, shows he can rival some of the strongest Saiyans.
17. Future Trunks
The alternate timeline version of Trunks, having survived through a horrific apocalyptic landscape, has shown considerable might. His Super Saiyan Rage form allowed him to contend with the likes of Goku Black and Zamasu. His willpower and determination solidify his place as one of the strongest.
16. Gohan
Goku’s son, Gohan, possesses enormous hidden potential that surfaces during times of crisis. His Beast Gohan transformation in Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero puts him at a new height, leading many to think he may now be the strongest of the Z fighters, surpassing even his father.
15. Broly
Broly is the Legendary Super Saiyan. His raw power is enormous. He is depicted as someone with a berserker strength, capable of overpowering even Super Saiyan Blue transformations. His inclusion in the canon has significantly reshaped power dynamics.
14. Hit
An assassin from Universe 6, Hit has the unique ability to manipulate time. His “Time-Skip” technique makes him extremely difficult to fight. His strategic fighting style and ability to improve rapidly make him a tough opponent to handle.
13. Vegeta
The Saiyan prince, Vegeta, is a perennial powerhouse. He continually pushes his limits, achieving new transformations like Super Saiyan Blue Evolved and Ultra Ego. His pride and rivalry with Goku have fueled his drive to become stronger.
12. Frieza
Frieza is one of the main antagonists in the series, his strength is in his tyrannical nature and his ruthless drive to be the strongest. He returns in Dragon Ball Super, achieving a new form, Black Frieza, which has been shown to easily overwhelm both Goku and Vegeta.
11. Jiren
Jiren, from Universe 11, is a powerhouse whose strength surpasses even his God of Destruction. His sheer power and combat skill made him a formidable opponent in the Tournament of Power. He was able to overpower a Super Saiyan Blue Goku, proving himself to be stronger than most.
10. Moro
Moro was a powerful magic user from the Galactic Patrol Prisoner arc. He possessed the ability to drain the life force of planets and those he fought, growing stronger with each stolen power up. His abilities made him a match for Ultra Instinct Goku and Ultra Ego Vegeta.
9. Granolah
Granolah was a Cerelian survivor who wished to become the strongest in the universe. His wish granted him incredible power. He was a force to be reckoned with, challenging both Goku and Vegeta simultaneously.
8. Toppo
Toppo, a member of the Pride Troopers, was a candidate for God of Destruction. He showed extraordinary power, and his God of Destruction form made him a very formidable opponent. His dedication to justice and order is shown in his character and how he fights.
7. Beerus
Beerus, the God of Destruction of Universe 7, is among the most powerful beings in the series. He is capable of destruction on a universal scale, and his skills and power dwarf even that of the Super Saiyan Blue characters.
6. Whis
Whis is an Angel and Beerus’ attendant. He is a master martial artist, with the ability to manipulate time. His skills as a mentor and his strength surpasses that of even Gods of Destruction. He serves as a guide for Goku and Vegeta.
5. Vados
Vados is an Angel and Champa’s attendant, and is the older sister of Whis. She is considered to be slightly stronger than Whis. Much like Whis, she possesses incredible power, mastery of martial arts, and time manipulation abilities.
4. The Grand Priest
The Grand Priest is the father of all the angels and serves directly under Zeno. His power is considered to be second only to Zeno himself. His role as an advisor and his capabilities are both unparalleled.
3. Fused Zamasu
Zamasu, in his fused form, becomes an incredibly formidable foe, boasting both divine power and the immortality of his fusion with Goku Black. He posed an enormous threat to the entire multiverse, nearly impossible to beat without the intervention of Zeno.
2. Gogeta/Vegito
The fusion of Goku and Vegeta, whether through the Potara earrings (Vegito) or the fusion dance (Gogeta), creates a being that far surpasses the sum of its parts. Their power is enough to challenge some of the strongest threats in the series, such as Fused Zamasu, Broly and Moro. Their status is consistently among the highest.
1. Zeno
Zeno, the Omni-King, is the supreme ruler of the entire multiverse. He can erase entire universes with a thought. His childlike demeanor belies his absolute power. He is the most powerful being in the Dragon Ball universe.
Conclusion
The power scaling in Dragon Ball is always evolving, with new characters and transformations continually changing the landscape of strength. However, based on current feats and established canon, these 20 characters represent the pinnacle of power in the Dragon Ball universe. From the raw strength of the Saiyans, the unique abilities of the various fighters, to the divine power of Gods and Angels, these characters have shaped the universe, and will continue to do so in the future.
