Throughout Dragon Ball Z, the Z-Fighters stood as Earth’s first and last line of defense against alien invasions and reality-warping androids. Members of the group, like Gotenks and Vegeta, grew stronger with every arc, often through sheer grit and relentless training. Not all Z-Fighters were created equal, however. Some rose to god-like power levels, while others offered moral support or bought time in battle.

While some members peaked early or got left behind by the rapid power growth of others, each brought something vital to the table. Courage, sacrifice, or even raw muscle in some cases. However, in an anime where the next world-ending threat is always one episode away, power is arguably the most important factor in defining a hero. Luckily for the group, the Z-Fighters are some of the most powerful warriors in the entire anime.

10

Android 18 Is Calm and Deadly With Endless Energy

This Character Is Strong and Hardly Ever Breaks a Sweat

Android 18 was not exactly a hero in the beginning, but after the Cell Saga, she joined the Z-Fighters and never looked back. Created to kill Goku, she ended up marrying Krillin and fighting to protect Earth. Android 18 is focused and extremely powerful. She has super strength, super speed, and unlimited energy, so she never runs out of stamina when fighting. She defeated Vegeta once without effort, and she held her own against powerful enemies like Super Buu’s clones.

Android 18 also took part in the Tournament of Power and witnessed Universe 7 until the end. Even though she is not the strongest here, she is certainly one of the most consistent. Her brain and brawn put her in her own class. She does not need flashy forms, just a pinpoint punch to deliver. When Android 18 steps onto the battlefield, she infuses the field with power and elegance.

9

Android 17 Went From Enemy to MVP of the Universe

The Quiet Fighter Who Became a Legend

Android 17 didn’t get much time in the spotlight during Dragon Ball Z, but what little fans saw showed he was smart and hard to beat. Like his sister, he has unlimited energy and can fight without getting tired. He beat Piccolo in a one-on-one fight and even held his own against Cell for a while. Following Dragon Ball Z, 17 trained alone, working as a wildlife ranger, and his power continued to increase.

In Dragon Ball Super, he surprised everyone by being one of the last few survivors of the Tournament of Power. He outlasted fighters from other universes and helped take down Jiren. His barrier ability and clever thinking made him a key player. Even though most of his best moments came after Z, his power and potential were already clear. Android 17 proved that sometimes the quiet ones hit the hardest.

8

Gotenks Has Super Saiyan Power Plus a Lot of Confidence

A Kid Fusion With Grown-Up Power

Gotenks is the result of Goten and Trunks doing the Fusion Dance, and he’s twice as crazy as either of them. Even though he’s a kid, Gotenks becomes a Super Saiyan 3 and one of the strongest fighters of the Buu Saga. Gotenks gets to fly at full speed and hits with amazing force. He also likes to show off and does crazy moves with totally over-the-top titles like “Super Ghost Kamikaze Attack.”

Though his antics are silly, his power is nothing to laugh at. Gotenks was able to exchange blows with Super Buu and even gained the upper hand for a while. His biggest problem is that he does not take things seriously. If he focused more and joked less, he might rank among the strongest members of the Z-Fighters. Still, Gotenks is no joke in battle. When he fuses correctly and brings out his Super Saiyan 3 form, he’s one of the strongest Z-Fighters around.

7

Majin Buu Looks Silly But Has Scary Power

A Living Marshmallow With God-Tier Power

Majin Buu may look like a giant marshmallow, but his power is no joke. When he first appeared in Dragon Ball Z, not even Super Saiyans could stop him. He destroyed cities in seconds and fought with the power of a god. Buu could heal fast, turn people into candy, and break apart his body to trap his enemies. He also had several forms, each stronger than the last. But when he became “Good Buu,” he joined the Z-Fighters and became a hero.

Even in this form, Buu is still incredibly powerful. He fought in the Tournament of Power’s early stages in Dragon Ball Super and helped out during the fight against Moro in the manga. Majin Buu may act silly and love food, but he’s stronger than almost anyone expects. He’s not just comic relief, he’s one of the toughest Z-Fighters on Earth.

6

Piccolo is Always One Step Ahead

The Smartest Z-Fighter in the Room

Piccolo used to be one of Goku’s biggest enemies, but later on, he became a main member of the Z-Fighters. His power grew quickly after his fusion with other Namekians like Nail and Kami. Piccolo was even stronger than certain Super Saiyans in the Android Saga for a short while. He was also one of the smartest fighters, often being able to turn the battle around. His moves, such as the Special Beam Cannon and regeneration, made him difficult to defeat.

Piccolo trained Gohan and protected Earth when others were gone. But after the Cell Saga, the Saiyans kept getting stronger, and Piccolo couldn’t keep up. Even so, he never stopped fighting. He played a big part in every saga and stood tall against huge threats. Piccolo may have been surpassed in power, but his brain and heart kept him near the top of the Z-Fighter team.

5

Future Trunks Came From a Dark Future to a Brighter Past

A Warrior Forged in the Apocalypse

Future Trunks announced himself with a sword and a warning, and he immediately proved that he was strong. When he first appeared, he easily killed both King Cold and Mecha Frieza, which stunned everyone. Trunks grew up in a ruined future and had to fight strong Androids with little help. He trained under Future Gohan and learned to survive in a world where most Z-Fighters were already dead. Having trained in the Hyperbolic Time Chamber, he reached insane levels of power and was able to fend off Cell.

While he wasn’t quite as strong as Goku or Vegeta by the end, he was still one of the greatest fighters of the Cell Saga. His sword techniques and Super Saiyan powers were the perfect companion skills. Future Trunks may have come from a dark future timeline, but he managed to save the world more than once.

4

Gohan Is the One Who Could’ve Been the Strongest

He Is Always Stronger Than Anyone When It Matters

Although Gohan hates fighting, when he does become serious, he is one of the strongest Dragon Ball Z characters. He is famously remembered as the first to achieve Super Saiyan 2 at the time of the Cell Games. With that power, Gohan destroyed Cell, and everyone was shocked, even Goku. Gohan has the most potential out of anyone, but he doesn’t enjoy training like the others. After beating Cell, he focused on school and stopped getting stronger.

Later, during the Buu Saga, his hidden power was unlocked again, making him Mystic Gohan. That form gave him strength without needing to transform. Gohan could possibly have been the strongest Z-Fighter, but he didn’t keep training. Even so, his moments of greatness are some of the best in the series. When Gohan steps up, he doesn’t disappoint.

3

Broly Has Raw Power That No One Can Match

The Berserker Saiyan With Unlimited Potential

Broly didn’t appear in the original Dragon Ball Z series until the movies, but once he showed up, fans couldn’t ignore him. His power was off the charts. Even without training, Broly could overpower Goku and Vegeta easily. In the Dragon Ball Z films, Broly’s rage turned him into the Legendary Super Saiyan, a special form with no limitations. His power just grew stronger the more he fought. His strength came from pure instinct, and his punches could break mountains.

Even though Broly wasn’t part of the main group at first, his later story in Dragon Ball Super showed he could be an ally when guided by kindness instead of rage. Broly may not be as smart as Goku or as focused as Vegeta, but when it comes to raw power, very few Z-Fighters can compete with him.

2

Vegeta Has Pride and the Will To Improve

Pride Turned Into Pure, Relentless Strength

Vegeta started as an enemy, but he became one of Earth’s strongest defenders. As the Prince of all Saiyans, his pride drove him to train harder than anyone. He was the second to become a Super Saiyan and kept climbing higher with forms like Super Saiyan 2 and Majin Vegeta. He nearly matched Goku in every major saga, and sometimes even surpassed him.

Vegeta doesn’t rely on luck or talent but builds his strength through pure hard work. He never gives up, even when facing enemies way above his level. During the Buu Saga, he sacrificed himself to save his family, proving his heart had grown just as strong as his fists. By the end of Dragon Ball Z, Vegeta wasn’t just a rival, he was a hero. His journey from villain to top-tier Z-Fighter made him one of the most powerful and respected warriors in the entire Dragon Ball story.

1

Goku Is Always Finding a New Level

The Hero Who Keeps Breaking His Own Limits

Goku is the center of the Z-Fighters and Earth’s primary reason for its many last-minute escapes. He was the initial Super Saiyan, and he just continued to grow. He defeated Frieza on Namek with sheer strength and willpower alone. In the Buu Saga, he achieved Super Saiyan 3, an even greater level above what he was originally capable of. Goku trained with King Kai in Other World and even in the Hyperbolic Time Chamber.

No matter how strong his enemies get, he always finds a way to catch up. He uses smart fighting tricks and stays calm under pressure. Goku loves to fight, but he also hopes to save lives. He isn’t perfect, but his power and heart make him a great leader. Goku tops the Z-Fighter ranking for every saga.