Vegeta’s character arc throughout Dragon Ball is easily one of the greatest in the series, and his evolution earned him a large and loyal fan base. While Goku may be the face of the series, Vegeta’s character growth from a ruthless warrior to a devoted family man and protector of Earth is proof of his depth and complexity. His pride, which was once his greatest flaw, even becomes a defining trait of his character that fuels his drive to sur his limits.

The Saiyan Prince’s rivalry with Goku is legendary, but his moments of vulnerability, sacrifice, and resolve elevate him beyond just a rival. Vegeta’s struggles and his fierce loyalty are part of what makes him so compelling as a character. With a strong background and a story that’s still developing, Vegeta is a central character in Dragon Ball, and frankly, he deserves the top spot in the series.

10 Vegeta Has Beaten Goku

Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero

For years, fans have watched Goku and Vegeta battle against each other, with each fight intensifying their rivalry. However, until 2022, there had never been a clear victory in their matches. Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero may have centered on Gohan and Piccolo, but it was also the film that gave fans a winner with the scales tipping in Vegeta’s favor.

While the fight itself happens off-screen, the conclusion of the film makes it clear that Vegeta was the last one standing in a match against Goku. This victory isn’t just a win for Vegeta. Instead, it’s a representation of his growth as a fighter and a character. While Goku has always been portrayed as the stronger of the two, the sparring match between them proves that Vegeta isn’t just a rival; he’s an equal.

9 Vegeta Nearly Solos Semi-Perfect Cell

Dragon Ball Z, Episode 156

During the intense battle against Cell, Vegeta displays one of the most impressive feats. After reaching the ascended Super Saiyan form, he faced off against Semi-Perfect Cell, who had already proven to be a formidable opponent for the Z-Fighters. Yet, in an impressive show of power, Vegeta easily dominates the fight, leaving Cell on the defensive.

Despite Cell’s attempts to regenerate and counterattack, Vegeta’s relentless assault forces him to struggle for survival. While Cell ultimately survives and defeats Vegeta by exploiting his pride and ego, Vegeta’s near victory is an impressive feat on its own. When no one else could stand up to Cell, Vegeta had him on the ropes and nearly defeated him before Goku had a chance to challenge him.

8 Vegeta’s Victory Over Android 19

Dragon Ball Z, Episode 130

Vegeta’s fight with Android 19 is a defining moment in his transition from villain to hero. When the Z-fighters are struggling against the powerful androids and without Goku to save them, Vegeta is the one who steps in. He transforms into a Super Saiyan and demonstrates his overwhelming newfound strength. He makes Android 19 terrified of his power with little effort and destroys the android.

Vegeta completely outclassed Dr. Gero’s creation in power and speed, and effectively changed his role away from antagonist to antihero. He no longer fights to destroy, but still continues to fight to prove himself, and with the desire to defeat Goku. His victory over Android 19 served as an announcement that he would not fall behind and stands as one of the series’ greatest fighters in a universe filled with powerful threats.

7 Vegeta’s Rage After Trunks’ Death

Dragon Ball Z, Episode 189

Vegeta’s reaction to Future Trunks’ death at the hands of Perfect Cell is one of the most raw and emotional moments in his arc. With pure grief and fury, Vegeta’s restraint completely snaps, and he charges at Cell without a moment's hesitation. The pain of losing his son, who he had come to care for despite not openly showing it, ignites a rage within him that turns him into a force of nature.

While Vegeta’s rage isn’t enough to defeat Perfect Cell, it does signal a major shift in Vegeta’s character. Rather than considering the consequences, his overwhelming desire for revenge drives him to attack Cell head-on, even knowing that the villain has immense amounts of power. The act was a turning point for Vegeta and added to the depth of his character, with fans glued to their screens with his ferocity. The scene was one of the first of many that reveals a side of him that goes beyond pride and ego.

6 Vegeta Takes a Stand Against Toppo

Dragon Ball Super, Episode 126

In the Tournament of Power, Vegeta faces off against one of the fiercest opponents he’s ever encountered. Toppo is the God of Destruction candidate from Universe 11 and is immensely powerful. His godly abilities pose a massive challenge, but Vegeta refuses to back down. Throughout their battle, Vegeta taps into his deepest reserves of strength and proves that he has the power to rival an opponent chosen by the gods.

What makes the fight so significant is that Vegeta again displays the power behind his unwavering resolve. Unlike previous battles where his pride clouded his judgement, Vegeta fights with a purpose greater than himself. His battle against Toppo represents his growth as a protector and defender of Earth. He pushes beyond his ego for the sake of his universe and those he loves, further solidifying his place as a true hero.

5 Vegeta’s Battle Against Goku Black

Dragon Ball Super, Episode 63

Goku Black proves to be a formidable warrior for Goku and Vegeta, but upon their return to the future, Vegeta proves that Goku Black is no true threat. Vegeta faces off against him with an unmatched intensity and uses power and precision to push Goku Black to his limits. During the battle, the extent to which Vegeta has grown is evident, and he proves that he’s fully capable of stealing the spotlight.

“You want to know what your bug mistake was, Black? It’s that stolen body! Every muscle, every cell! His body was built from a lifetime of intense battles! But you took it. It’s all secondhand! You feel the power in those Saiyan cells, but you don’t truly understand it, because you didn’t build it! And you’ll never learn to think like that clown!”

Vegeta completely dismantles Goku Black’s ideology, calling out the hollowness of his stolen strength compared to what Goku had earned. The battle is about more than vengeance for his future family. It’s about conviction and identity. Vegeta has always had a strong respect for the path of warriors, and the battle against Goku Black proves it.

4 Vegeta Has His Priorities Straight

Dragon Ball Super and Dragon Ball Daima

Throughout Dragon Ball Super and in Daima, Vegeta has shown that his priorities have shifted significantly from his early days as a warrior. Vegeta consistently chooses his family over his Saiyan pride. He ensures that he makes time for them between his training and ensures that he’s present in vital moments.

Even in Daima, Vegeta continues to put his family first in humorous yet telling ways. It shows that his personal growth exceeds his ego-driven desires and how far he has advanced as a character. Recognizing his roles as a husband and father is just as significant as his strength as a fighter because it reflects the depth of his evolution.

3 Vegeta Saves Namek During the Moro Arc

Dragon Ball Super, Chapter 44

During the Moro Arc, Vegeta steps up to protect Namek, redeeming himself from his past actions as a villain. When the planet falls under threat, he faces off against Moro, putting aside his rivalry with Goku to save the innocent lives at stake. His new techniques, including his mastery of the Forced Spirit Fission, show off the growth of both his training and determination.

Vegeta’s intervention is critical in weakening Moro and prevents any further destruction of Namek. In fighting to protect those who can’t defend themselves, Vegeta solidifies his place as a hero and redeems his past mistakes. His willingness to put others before his pride is a massive step for his character and draws eyes toward him to see what he does next.

2 Vegeta Unlocks Ultra Ego

Dragon Ball Super, Chapter 74

Vegeta reaches a new height of power through the use of Ultra Ego. This transformation is a critical moment in his journey and blends his most defining trait, his pride, with an entirely new level of power. Unlike other forms, Ultra Ego is fueled by his pride as a Saiyan, embracing destruction and a more bloodthirsty fighting style.

What makes the transformation significant is that it’s the result of Vegeta’s unique path as a warrior. While Goku masters Ultra Instinct, Vegeta’s Ultra Ego allows him to tap into his Saiyan nature. The form is more than a power boost. It’s a result of him finally embracing his pride and power without hesitation.

1 Majin Vegeta's Sacrifice

Dragon Ball Z, Episode 237

Majin Vegeta is a form that reignites Vegeta’s ruthless nature, leading him to confront Goku in a brutal battle. However, as the fight progresses, Vegeta realizes that his true responsibility lies in protecting his loved ones and his new home he found on Earth. In a stunning turn, Vegeta makes the decision to sacrifice himself for the greater good.

This decision was an unforgettable moment of selflessness and Vegeta’s true redemption in the series, officially turning him into a hero. It served as a pivotal moment in his character arc and cemented him as one of Earth’s greatest heroes. Vegeta’s act of courage proved that even in his darkest moments, his love for his family and newfound sense of duty will always prevail.