It’s extremely rare that an anime series is able to gain the level of acclaim and enthusiasm that’s surrounded Akira Toriyama’s Dragon Ball, let alone for as long as it has. For more than three decades, Dragon Ball has proven itself as a superlative shonen series that’s influenced countless imitators. Dragon Ball has slowly evolved into a bigger show with a grander scope, but its principles remain the same as Goku and friends fight against evil invading forces.
It’s become common practice for the heroes in Dragon Ball to rely on Goku to save the day, but he’s far from an infallible individual. Goku has lots of experience as the ultimate hero, yet there are occasions where his decisions actually make things worse for everyone involved.
10 His Great Ape Transformation Kills His Adoptive Grandfather
Dragon Ball has progressively filled in more details about the history of the Saiyans, as well as the incredible power that they can possess, but one of the earliest details about them was their ability to transform into an enormous Great Ape. As an infant, Goku’s unexpected transformation into a Great Ape is one of the triggering events for the original series. Goku is oblivious to the damage that he’s caused, but it results in the death of his adoptive grandfather, Gohan. Great Ape transformations continue to be an obstacle in the series, but this particular transformation causes major problems.
9 He Heals Villains With Senzu Beans
The energy attacks that are released in Dragon Ball can cause tremendous damage, even when they don’t completely annihilate an opponent. The series has slowly introduced quick fixes to immediately recover energy and heal wounds, with Senzu Beans being one of the most popular examples. Senzu Beans have helped heroes heal, but Goku has exhibited some extremely questionable judgment when he’s offered these restorative relics to major villains, like Cell. Goku is usually trying to prove a larger point about honor when he gifts out Senzu Beans, but the villains usually cause more devastation with their regained strength.
8 He Stays In The Afterlife And Refuses Resurrection
Death is always a traumatic experience in anime series, but thankfully the characters in Dragon Ball frequently get a few extra chances at life due to the wish-granting powers of the Dragon Balls. Under the right conditions, Dragon Balls can revive fallen warriors, which is something that Goku benefits from on more than one occasion.
However, following Goku’s defeat by Cell, he actually refuses the wish that his friends and family make to bring him back to life. Goku has his reasons for this decision, but it leaves the Earth more defenseless, and his rationale doesn’t pan out.
7 He Causes The Tournament Of Power
The heroes in Dragon Ball are no strangers to competitive tournaments. This principle reaches its apex during the climax of Dragon Ball Super’s anime when the Tournament of Power gets announced. This is a multiversal battle royale competition where the losers face the steep consequence of universe erasure. No one is particularly excited to have to engage in this tournament when there is so much on the line. A target gets put on Universe 7’s back because it’s Goku’s flippant nature around Zeno that results in the Tournament of Power in the first place.
6 He Keeps Super Saiyan 3 A Secret
It’s always very exciting when a new transformation makes its debut. The initial reveals for Super Saiyan and Super Saiyan 2 make up some of the series’ most celebrated moments. Goku’s first transformation into Super Saiyan 3 is equally epic, but it’s a maneuver that he holds off on until the last minute, at which point it’s not enough. Goku carries the element of surprise, but his bolstered confidence here just results in more fatalities. The smartest approach would have been for Goku to immediately resort to Super Saiyan 3 when Buu's still too weak to defend himself.
5 He Doesn't Take His Heart Condition Seriously
It’s a major turning point in Dragon Ball when a mysterious time traveler shows up with news about an impending Android invasion. Future Trunks helps lend his strength to the heroes, but his voyage to the past is vital because he delivers Goku the necessary medicine to cure his heart condition.
The logical approach here would be for Goku to immediately consume the medicine, but instead he decides to hold off on the act until he’s actually feeling pain. Goku ends up surviving, but he needlessly endangers himself and worries his family and friends during the height of conflict.
4 His Body Becomes Zamasu's Prime Vessel For Destruction
In Dragon Ball, strength can sometimes be its own disadvantage when it comes to parasitic villains who are hungry for a host. One of Dragon Ball Super’s more thrilling arcs features an evil version of Goku, who turns out to be a tool in Zamasu’s elaborate plan to eliminate all mortals. Zamasu’s efforts are so intense that he manages to gain immortality, and it requires Omni-King Zeno to resolve the situation. Part of the reason that Zamasu becomes such a danger is because Goku’s body is such a powerful vessel for him to use for his own nefarious deeds.
3 He Allows Frieza Additional Time On Planet Namek
Goku has been involved in a lot of grueling battles, but one of the most vicious is his first fight against Frieza on Planet Namek. Both Goku and Frieza experience significant transformations during their fight, which culminates in the fiery destruction of Planet Namek. Frieza triggers Namek’s undoing as an ultimatum to gain the upper hand over Goku. Goku spends a good deal of this fight studying Frieza, whereas he could have greatly accelerated his attack. A faster assault on Frieza could have avoided Namek’s destruction and avoided a lot of heartache.
2 He Opts For The Removal Of The Dragon Balls
Dragon Ball GT still receives a lot of criticism over the bold choices that it makes for a Dragon Ball series. There are a lot of worthwhile ideas that get explored in the sequel anime series. Dragon Ball GT focuses on the consequences that surround the selfish abuse of the Dragon Balls. This culminates in the release of the evil Shadow Dragons. Goku handles this problem, but his solution is to ultimately absorb the Dragon Balls, along with Shenron, and remove them from Earth. Goku’s intentions are honorable, but the disappearance of Dragon Balls causes more harm than good.
1 He Trusts Moro's Pleas At Rehabilitation
Goku is one of Earth’s very strongest fighters, but a pesky habit that he’s developed is his tendency to see the very best in others, even when it’s not there. Goku frequently airs on the side of rehabilitation versus execution, which has sometimes worked in his favor and allowed him to gain incredible allies like Piccolo and Vegeta. However, some villains, like Planet-Eater Moro, are so clearly beyond redemption that Goku should know better. Goku’s offer to Moro for a second chance is something all of the heroes lament, and it nearly results in the destruction of the planet.