It's extremely rare that an anime series is able to connect on the universal level that's been experienced by Akira Toriyama's Dragon Ball, let alone for more than 35 years. Dragon Ball quickly emerged as a defining shonen series that's steadily evolved to tell increasingly grandiose and exciting stories.

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The sprawling Dragon Ball saga started with Goku's curious adventures as a child, but the series now has a robust cast of characters, many of which are powerful enough to wipe out a planet. Goku's growth as a martial artist and a hero is never over and there's always something new for him to learn or experience. Goku is Dragon Ball's biggest and strongest hero, but he still faces certain issues that complicate his life in disappointing ways.

10 Goku's Forced To Sneak Around His Wife

Chi-Chi beats up Goku in Dragon Ball Super

There are some incredibly sentimental relationships that are featured throughout Dragon Ball, yet romantic intimacy is an area where Goku seriously struggles. Goku's marriage with Chi-Chi punctuates the conclusion of the original Dragon Ball, but it seems as if he doesn't know exactly what he’s gotten himself involved in.

Chi-Chi comes from a martial arts background, but she's ready to leave that behind after she starts a family. Chi-Chi and Goku's wishes for their children's future clash. Rather than talk matters out with his wife, Goku instead deceives her and avoids her as much as possible.

9 Goku's Naivety Gets The Better Of Him

Goku shares Senzu Bean with Moro in Dragon Ball Super Manga.

There are so many anime protagonists who are aggressive stereotypes that put the pursuit of greater power beyond everything else. One of the reasons that Dragon Ball's Goku is such an evergreen anime character is that his excessive strength never comes at the expense of his innocence and empathy.

Goku's child-like naivety never fully leaves him and he's someone who's willing to give his opponent the benefit of the doubt rather than finish him off. Goku's understanding attitude has helped turn bitter rivals into valuable allies, but it's also put himself and the planet in unnecessary danger.

8 Other Universes Resent Goku

Goku curries favor with Zeno duo at Tournament of Power in Dragon Ball Super.

Dragon Ball Super's Tournament of Power is the biggest competition that's ever been featured in the franchise. The tournament consists of a battle royale between the strongest fighters from across the multiverse, but the losers must also suffer the punishment of universe erasure.

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Goku's playful attitude is what triggers the Tournament of Power in the first place, which makes him an easy target for the competing universes. Goku's special relationship with Omni-King Zeno also rubs many the wrong way. All of the attention that's placed on Goku brings his universe extra trouble during the tournament.

7 Goku's Strong Enough To Have His Body Stolen & Get Used For Evil

Krillin and Goku beat up Goku with Ginyu in his body in Dragon Ball Z

Goku is often able to take solace in the fact that he's one of the strongest fighters in the universe and can handle whatever gets thrown at him, but this confidence can become its own liability. There are plenty of evil forces in the universe that acquire power by turning others into their unwilling hosts.

Goku's extreme power makes him a very popular choice for possession. Goku is usually able to resist these attacks, but individuals like Captain Ginyu and Zamasu succeed in taking over his body and using it to cause destruction.

6 Goku's Become Accustomed To Dying

Goku dead and happy in Dragon Ball.

There are endless threats who want to eliminate Goku. He boasts advanced skills and strength, but he's still not invincible. Goku is usually able to gain the upper hand in battle, whether he's by himself or relying on support from his friends, but there are still a few occasions where success is impossible.

Goku has tragically met his end before, only for the powers of the Dragon Balls to give him another chance at life. The process of death is still jarring for Goku, but he's become more at peace with it over time, which is actually quite sad.

5 Goku's Forced To Pay For Past Saiyan Sins

Manga Dragon Ball Super Goku Versus Granolah

The glimpses of the Saiyans' past in Dragon Ball depict the warrior race as absolutely ruthless when it comes to the domination and destruction of other planets. The kind and generous ideals that Goku embraces on Earth are in many ways antithetical to the ways of the Saiyans.

However, the Saiyans have become an endangered tribe and their small numbers mean that Goku is the scapegoat for any lingering Saiyan animosity that exists in the universe. Vengeful figures like Baby and Granolah launch dedicated attacks on Goku — not because he's done anything wrong, but because he's the last of the Saiyans.

4 Goku's Comfortable Putting His Children In Harm's Way

Anime dragon-ball-super-broly-gohan-goku-goten-attack

Dragon Ball doesn’t just chronicle Goku's maturity into adulthood. It also looks at his children and how they might be even more natural fighters than their father. Gohan's latent potential is teased right from the start of Dragon Ball Z and Goku couldn't be more excited to have a powerful son.

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Goku gets a little overzealous in this regard and he's willing to trade Gohan's childhood away for rigorous martial arts training. Goku sets up his son to take on Cell and he seems completely comfortable for them to take up his combative lifestyle rather than live peaceful lives of solitude.

3 Goku Sacrifices His Body & Health For The Greater Good

Goku enters Kaio-Ken Blue state in Dragon Ball Super

A lot of martial artists in anime have their natural limits and understand when it's time to give in. Goku is someone who's so committed to victory that he'll do whatever's necessary to wipe out evil and protect his loved ones, even if that means irreparably damaging his body.

Goku learns some formidable techniques, like the Kaio-Ken Attack, that need to be used in moderation since they put such a strain on the user's body. Goku frequently throws caution to the wind and exceeds the recommended limits. Fortunately, his body hasn't been ruined, but he's still suffered serious consequences, like delayed onset ki disorder. Even fusion can be exhausting.

2 Goku's Endless Rivalry With Vegeta

Majin Vegeta tortures Goku in Dragon Ball Z

Goku and Vegeta first meet as enemies who have very opposing viewpoints on humanity, yet the two are able to grow into friends and become one of Dragon Ball's most compelling relationships. Goku and Vegeta consistently motivate each other to grow stronger and surpass each other.

It's a strategy that's worked for them and it's usually Goku who inches slightly forward to the lead. Goku respects Vegeta and his inspirational determination, but it still causes its share of conflicts, sometimes in the middle of a battle. This rivalry sometimes morphs into a genuine disadvantage.

1 Goku Understands The Earth Is Safer Without Him

Goku is in his angel form and waving goodbye in Dragon Ball Z

Goku's contributions to the safety of the planet cannot be underestimated. Goku's fighting spirit and selfless sacrifices have kept evil at bay for decades. Goku knows that his strength is needed to take on these dangerous threats, but he experiences a grim realization that he also might be a beacon for all of this evil.

One of the more poignant moments in all of Dragon Ball involves Goku refusing to be brought back to life with a Dragon Ball wish since he believes his presence on Earth will only invite greater dangers. It's a heavy burden for him to bear.

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