100. Vinegar
Dragon Ball Z: Episode 108
A survivor at least, this guy sticks it out til near the end of the saga he appears in and has a dapper, furry hat to go with his horns. Or his horns are part of the hat, it’s actually kind of unclear. One way or another, he’s a heavy with more personality than a lot of them.
99. Spice
Dragon Ball Z: Episode 108
Did these guys rate higher than Garlic’s original crew because they’re called the Spice Boys in the dub? Yeah, mostly. But to their credit: the character designs ARE a lot more dynamic, a lot more interesting, and they get more room to breathe.
Does this guy’s name being “Spice” cancel that joke out? Only if the Ginyu Force being led by someone named Ginyu does.
98. Ledgic
Dragon Ball GT Episode 4
A decent early rival for Goku in Dragon Ball GT, Ledgic has a genuinely novel and truly alien humanoid design. He’s got a “warrior’s honor” characterization as well, and clearly has incredible dress sense. But he also has a butt on his head and there’s just no getting around that.
97. Torga
Dragon Ball GT: A Hero’s Legacy (1997)
While he’s yet another easily beaten heavy for a bigger threat, the fact that he’s some kind of weird chicken man who can turn into a candle is, I think you’ll agree, the damndest thing you’ve ever heard of in a series known for having a lot of far-out, weird concepts.
96. Mira
Dragon Ball Xenoverse (2015)
From the rival of your OC in Xenoverse to the big bad of an arc or two in Super Dragon Ball Heroes, Mira has worn quite a few hats but to me he’s always come off just a little dull. Being an artificial being created from the genes of the most prominent characters in the franchise is a riff the canon already explored, and by not even giving this guy a novel motivation or personality, he’s luck he’s got his awesome design and ties to other characters to put him this high up.
95. Nicky
Dragon Ball Z: The Dead Zone (1989)
This dude right here. This legend. Tripping balls on the clock, getting kids high, enviable fashion sense and a massive sword that comes out of his thigh? The only thing he’s missing is a more meaty story to flesh him out a bit more.
94. Garlic Jr.
Dragon Ball Z: Dead Zone (1989)
There’s not much to separate this little guy from Pilaf, including his general appearance, but I just can’t get enough of him. Look at him, eating his drug apples on his throne, just living the life. Living the life forever, as he IS immortal.
93. Chamel
Dragon Ball Heroes (2010)
A unique villain, in that he actually helps the heroes against a differing, more villainous crew. Chamel doesn’t have a ton going on, but he’s unlike a lot of other, more generic baddies and his shifting alliance makes him, at least, interesting on his face.
92. Mamba
Dragon Ball GT: A Hero’s Legacy (1997)
Once again: novelty and intrigue will do more than a look and a high power level, and Mamba’s use of deception and mystical, strangling hair, alongside her demonic scythe and human-devouring wants actually sets her well apart from a great many other, lesser villains.
91. Lord Yao
Dragon Ball GT: A Hero’s Legacy (1997)
For the longest time, this was our final look at a Dragon Ball villain, and you know what? He wasn’t half bad! Weird powerset, intimidating figure, a throwback to original Dragon Ball, he’s got a little bit of everything.
90. Chilled
Dragon Ball: Episode of Bardock (2011)
This guy’s biggest problem is the terrible movie he debuts in, a time-travel travesty about Goku being even MORE important to every single event that ever happened in the vastness of the universe as his father apparently started the super saiyan myth. Frankly: the character deserves another shot and he better bring his wrestling singlet.
89. The Dictator
Dragon Ball Z: Fusion Reborn (1995)
There’s a great deal of discussion to be had about whether or not portraying one of history’s greatest monsters can be done tastefully. Having several direct Charlie Chaplin references, having him be an obviously idiotic coward, and having him sent to literal Hell by children is one way to do this! I’d love to see him brought in as a constant punching bag and embarrassment to Hell’s forces.
88. Sarta
(Dragon Ball Z: Episode 195)
There’s something about the Other World Tournament participants that make them feel like they already should be canon, so they rank very high on this list almost by default. And without seeing any more from this guy, “default” is as good as it gets for him.
87. Olibu
Dragon Ball Z: Episode 195
It’s fun that they basically put “Hercules” in Dragon Ball, but despite all his strength and power, he’s one of the more boring characters introduced in the Other World Tournament.
86. Tapkar
Dragon Ball Z: Episode 197
An unusual look, a useful powerset, and a hilarious punchline to his only appearance in the show, what’s not to love?
85. Arqua
Dragon Ball Z: Episode 197
Guy genuinely takes Goku to the limit in a tournament, and that’s more than a lot of his opponents can say. Ia ia, hear the call of the deep and let this guy into the canon!
84. Mijorin
Dragon Ball Z: Episode 195
The cute dog man can stay! Don’t question it, it’s science.
83. Hatchiyak
Dragon Ball: Plan to Eradicate the Saiyans (1993)
A creature fueled by the hatred its creator has for the Saiyans is an evergreen concept, but Hatchiyak just feels overdesigned.
82. Dr. Lychee
Dragon Ball: Plan to Eradicate the Saiyans (1993)
A mad scientist driven by revenge is a surprisingly common trope in Dragon Ball, and while it’s one I really enjoy, the fact that this guy has the least backstory and a very redundant design means he goes no higher.
81. Dr. Myuu
Dragon Ball GT: Episode 13
Dr. Myuu is quite literally Dr. Gero with a coat of paint and new hat. He only ranks this high up because, even though he’s completely redundant: this series could use a “mastermind” or two more than they have. One of the most refreshing things about the Super Hero movie was that the Big Bad was just a guy with a ton of resources. And the series isn’t exactly above taking the broad strokes of a villain and giving him a new form anyway.
80. Fin
Dragon Ball Heroes (2010)
He looks great, but his personality and powerset just screams “we wanted another Kid Buu. But one that absorbs things like Cell and Super Buu.”
They really do go back to that well SO MUCH.
79. Janemba
Dragon Ball Z: Fusion Reborn (1995)
A reality-distorting demon that begins as a jolly, destructive rotund creature and ends a vicious, mocking, battle-crazed monster. Have I just described Buu or Janemba?
Regardless of how unnecessary he might be, I just can’t turn down that design, those battle scenes, and that still fairly unique powerset. He gets this high on pure cool factor, but the fact that he’s just not got much going for him is inescapable.
78. Majin Ozotto
Dragon Ball Heroes (2010)
Do you remember in the ‘90s when DC Comics really, REALLY wanted to kill Superman, but couldn’t find a good enough story or reason or villain so they just created a homicidal, hulking beast, slapped some horns and bone protrusions on him, and called it a day? A Doomsday?This guy is Doomsday. I don’t hate Doomsday, I don’t hate the idea of this all-consuming, all-cloning monster, but he’s can only go so high on “being unstoppable” and “looking awesome.”
77. Nezi
Dragon Ball GT: Episode 16
Ordinarily the combination of being a robot and being red would place him at the top of the heap of the Sigma Force, but unfortunately: like so many evil groups, being the leader means he’s just sort of boring. These robots are supposed to be a kind of new Ginyu Force, but this guy doesn’t have ¼ of the personality of the Good Captain.
76. Ribet
Dragon Ball GT: Episode 16
A slightly more interesting design and displayed powerset is all that places this minion slightly above its commanding officer.
75. Bizu
Dragon Ball GT: Episode 16
Displaying some cleverness, using his phasing powers to ambush and catch off-guard Goku and Trunks, Bizu might not have much more personality than the rest of the Sigma Force, it’s what keeps them from getting higher on the list, but between the design and the novel use of his organic-machine abilities, he’s actually the most interesting of the group. Save one, of course.
74. Cynthia
Dragon Ball Z: Episode 125
The greatest driving instructor the world has ever known absolutely deserves a spot in Dragon Ball canon. Not only does she barely flinch at the mysterious green stranger who seems completely ignorant on what a car is, she immediately has him stunt driving and racing within minutes of the test beginning. It’s clear she has a rich inner life, and frankly I’d watch an entire season about her.
73. Post Boy
Dragon Ball Z: Episode 125
This mysterious young man needs his driver’s license and he needs it now. That’s really all that’s known about the character, apart from starting a rivalry with Goku, but that hardly sets him apart. So why is he so high on the list? I dunno, there’s something about him that I just find intriguing. And alluring.
72. NAT
Dragon Ball GT: Episode 16
It’s a robot wearing a trenchcoat that shoots missiles out of its hands. I don’t think I need to justify him any further than that.
71. Super Mega Cannon Sigma
Dragon Ball GT: Episode 18
The go-go ‘90s-worthy name “Sigma Force Cannon” did what the Ginyu Force could only dream of: fused into a single mega-being. Plenty of strange, new moves, a bizarre new voice, and an unexpected power spike would have this guy slot in as a perfect mid-arc boss.
70. Glass Soldiers
Dragon Ball Heroes (2010)
One of the cooler minions/armies I’ve seen outside of the canon, regardless of how they get there, they’d fit right in and seem like a decent threat for any of the secondary players in the group.
69. Vegeks
(Dragon Ball Heroes)
Honestly, once you realize any fusion is possible with power level adjustments, there’s no good reason stuff like this shouldn’t just be canonized. Which doesn’t mean it wins by default, just that it scores high.
68. General Rilldo
Dragon Ball GT: Episode 15
The first real big bad of the new series, General Rilldo is the perfect stepping stone of the ACTUAL mastermind, and while his design smacks of having one too many accessories (his “larger” form having the exact opposite problem), his devotion to battle, unique motives, and sliding-scale power (it seems oddly easy to design robots that can overpower the universe’s most powerful aliens), he’s one of the few GT villains who could actually slot into the canon seamlessly.
67. Shusugoro
Dragon Ball GT: Episode 30
Introduced to us as a literal boardgame die, this shapeshifting mischief-maker should definitely be teamed with his more malicious dad and the pair of them could make a decent side story pair of villains. One that would require more tactical thought than “an even bigger Kamehameha.”
66. Sugoro
Dragon Ball GT: Episode 30
Dragon Ball’s answer to Mr. Mxylpitlk, the twist that he’s actually a somewhat hapless space lemur and was only using his shapeshifting son to continuously win a Game of Death is exactly the kind of turn this series could use. Someone who has to be outwitted, not overpowered.
65. Cumber
Dragon Ball Heroes (2010)
I know “long-lost survivor of Planet Vegeta’s destruction” is Dragon Ball OC Creation 101, but this guy being from a bygone era and having a powerset beyond energy beams moves him up a fair bit higher. His battle lust and personality push him further still, and the fact that he looks like he’s always Super Saiyan 3 seals his rank. Scientifically. Super Saiyan 3 is great, it’s scientifically been proven.64. Dr. Wheelo
Dragon Ball Z: The World’s Strongest (1990)
Dr. Wheelo is unusual for the franchise: like Dr. Gero, he’s both a mastermind and a heavy. But unfortunately also like Gero: his status as a ‘heavy’ is temporary at best, and his scheme is actually more funny than effective. He probably would’ve been higher if that pesky Super Heroes movie hadn’t done a lot of what he brings to the table even better. But still someone I’d like to see show up, even just for a shorter arc. For science.63. Baby
Dragon Ball GT Episode 22
Baby is an interesting character undone by a terrible name and an overstayed arc. The entire first chunk of Dragon Ball GT is ultimately dedicated to getting this little piece of alien vengeance onto Earth. While I’m personally a huge fan of reminding fans that the heroes of the story belong to a race of genocidal warlords, and there are people out in the galaxy who utterly loathe them, but…frankly the arc from Dragon Ball Super on New Namek covers a lot of this in a way that’s more personally tied to the main cast. Baby could still be introduced as a compelling villain, another villain that represents a greater threat than “blowing up the planet,” but at this point he wouldn’t bring anything new to the series.62. Oren
Dragon Ball Heroes (2010)
Case in-point: this guy’s got a similar demeanor, similar powerset, and a much better name. So he gets one rank higher on the list! Isn’t science fun?
61. Kamin
Dragon Ball Heroes (2010)
And she eats her brother, so she gets above him! This is how it works, don’t look at me. It’s science!
60. Kamioren
Dragon Ball Heroes (2010)
And this is what you get when one eats the other! I think replacing Baby with these two would have made the saga he appeared in better, and I think the two of them fit the actual continuity even better.
59. Gohanks
Dragon Ball Heroes (2010)
Not only does he have a genuinely odd and endearing name, sounding like America’s grandpa Tom Hanks, but he’s got a cool-ass sword and badass hair. I like this fusion more than some of the canon ones.
58. Aeos
Dragon Ball Heroes (2010)
She’s got an absolutely splendid look, but her motivation and character is very much a rehash of Zamasu. She’s less interesting than the people she surrounds herself with, but at the very least: a competent mastermind with a vile motive is always welcome!
57. Meta-Cooler Legion
Dragon Ball Z: Return of Cooler (1993)
Cooler might have only had a little bit of downtime, but bringing him back as unstoppable, self-contained legion was an interesting idea. I do personally wish they’d gone with his 5th form, but that likely would have been a bit much to ask of the animators.But the Big Gheti Star enabled him to cheat death! HOW CAN THIS BE?!
56. The Big Gheti Star Core
Dragon Ball Z: Return of Cooler (1992)
The brain behind the metallic legion, Cooler’s fleshy evil parts combined with a malicious supercomputer and hatched a scheme so good, it could only be undone by lackluster writing and an ending so contrived, there was really no other way out of the plot. But conceptually: a great idea, and get ready to hear that a lot.
55. Sonpara
Dragon Ball GT Episode 9
Confession time: I don’t hate these guys. I’ve made little secret throughout this list that what I feel this franchise often lacks is originality, if not creativity, outside of combat. These guys aren’t exactly world-beaters, but the ability to compel people, even Goku himself, to wildly dance unto exhaustion is an ability with a million uses and it’s genuinely hilarious. But even still, they’re probably good for a one-off, and then becoming a bit of a running joke.
54. Donpara
Dragon Ball GT Episode 9
The Larry of this trio of stooges, there’s just something to that angular face that makes me distrust him. Makes me think he’s up to something.
53. Bonpara
Dragon Ball GT: Episode 8
I like goofy characters who can, nevertheless, go. The leader of the group, Bonpara seems to have his hands full corralling the other two, but he genuinely succeeds more than he fails onscreen.
52. Icarus
Dragon Ball Z: Lord Slug (1991)
I’m not going to sit here and lie to you: it’s because he’s a cute little dog dragon. And is a cutie. And I want one. Scientifically speaking.
51. Android #14
Dragon Ball Z: Super Android #13! (1992).
Gets by on his design and the company he keeps. It really seems like a lot of this movie crews have two dynamic, interesting members and one that’s just kind of taking up space.
