Akira Toriyama’s Dragon Ball has worked hard to become one of the most prolific anime series of all time and even those that are oblivious towards the medium of animation likely still have some basic familiarity with the series. Dragon Ball’s structure isn’t remarkably unique and it follows the basic shonen formula where Goku and friends continually grow stronger while they take on increasingly dangerous threats to the universe.
One of the most significant antagonists that arrives in Dragon Ball is Frieza, a malevolent tyrant who’s responsible for countless deaths. Frieza continues to fulfill the role as Dragon Ball’s central foe, but there are also a number of opportunities where he actually lends a hand and is helpful to Dragon Ball’s heroes.
10 He Fights For Universe 7 In The Tournament Of Power
Arguably the first real moment that Dragon Ball begins to portray Frieza as an anti-hero is when Goku makes the controversial decision to recruit him to fight for Universe 7’s team in the Tournament of Power as a last-minute replacement for Buu. Goku is chastised for this decision and admittedly Frieza agrees to help on the condition of his own ulterior motives, but at the end of the arrangement, he still becomes an ally to Universe 7. There’s an extra level of tension every moment that Frieza cooperates, but he grows into a vital teammate.
9 He Pushes Goku To Turn Super Saiyan For The First Time
There are plenty of opportunities where characters can function as a catalyst or the right type of motivation to push their opponent to a new plateau of power, even if it’s not intentional. Accordingly, the battle between Goku and Frieza on Planet Namek is a bitter battle to the death, but Frieza’s actions inadvertently give Goku the advantage and irrevocably change the scope of the series. Frieza’s callous actions to toy with Goku’s emotions and torture Krillin before he kills him activates Goku’s rage and pushes him past the brink to become a Super Saiyan.
8 He Decides To Not Revive His Father, King Cold
Like the majority of the villains in Dragon Ball, Frieza eventually meets his end. However, Frieza proves to be especially resilient and receives multiple chances to reclaim his power.
Frieza doesn’t squander these opportunities and he makes serious improvements after his revivals. Perhaps initially fueled by jealousy or a desire to surpass his father, Frieza turns down the idea to revive his fallen father, King Cold, with the Dragon Balls. Cold’s resurrection would have inevitably given Earth more to worry about, so Frieza’s restraint here does them a favor.
7 He Helps Finally Take Out Dyspo, The Sonic Warrior
Dragon Ball Super’s Tournament of Power literally pits Universe 7’s best against the strongest fighters from across the multiverse. Universe 11 proves to be quite the challenge and many of the members of their Pride Troopers team turn out to be serious obstacles. Dyspo is one individual who receives a lot of attention, largely because of his nearly unparalleled speed. Gohan sets his sights on Dyspo, but still can’t keep up with him. Frieza helps level the playing field by trapping Dyspo in a cage-like construction of death beams, which allows Gohan to finish the job.
6 He Deceives God Of Destruction Sidra And Gains Intel On Universe 9
Frieza ultimately proves that he can be trusted as a representative of Universe 7 in the Tournament of Power, but during the training period before the competition begins there’s some doubt cast over where Frieza’s true allegiances lie. Universe 9 sends a team of assassins to take out Goku, which end up getting taken care of by Frieza. Frieza manipulates Universe 9’s God of Destruction, Sidra, into thinking that he wants to defect sides. In reality, Frieza just wants to gain further intel about their competition.
5 He Donates Energy To Goku's Universe 7 Spirit Bomb
Goku has a number of unbelievable techniques that he can use to overwhelm his opponents, but it’s frequently his Spirit Bomb that functions as his signature finishing move. Goku turns to this maneuver during a pivotal moment in the Tournament of Power and he turns to his entire team for support with a massive attack that he dubs the Universe 7 Spirit Bomb.
Frieza actually plays along and donates his energy to Goku’s attack. This is for the greater good, but it’s an action that has weight to it considering that Vegeta doesn’t give Goku the same courtesy.
4 He Tricks And Betrays Frost
Dragon Ball Super begins its fascination with its multiverse through Universe 6, the complimentary universe to the series’ main realm, Universe 7. Accordingly, Universe 6 is full of odd counterpoints to Universe 7 characters and customs. One of the most prominent examples of this is Frost, who’s billed as Universe 6’s optimistic take on Frieza. Frost turns out to be just as corrupt as Frieza, but it’s the Universe 7 tyrant who gains the upper hand. Frieza lures Frost into a false sense of security due to their similarities, only to betray him, prove his supremacy, and help Universe 7.
3 He Informs Goku About Ultra Instinct
Goku’s transformation and mastery over Ultra Instinct has become one of the character’s most important journeys following the Tournament of Power. Goku’s knowledge over this incredible power is largely provided by Whis and Merus, Angels, but it’s actually Frieza who first educates Goku about this shift. Goku unintentionally taps into Ultra Instinct in the Tournament of Power when he’s hit by his own Spirit Bomb. Goku doesn’t understand what’s happened, but Frieza breaks down Ultra Instinct to him, which causes him to pursue it further.
2 He Contributes To The Team Fight Against Anilaza
Fusion becomes a controversial strategy in the Tournament of Power. It’s a maneuver that’s not against the rules of the competition, but elimination comes with a steep punishment since the entire fused party faces dismissal. Universe 7 doesn’t abuse fusion as a result, but other teams, like Universe 3, make it their priority. Universe 3 fuses multiple fighters together to create the intimidating behemoth, Anilaza. Anilaza is an all-hands-on-deck effort and Frieza valiantly helps out Goku, Vegeta, Gohan, and Android 17 to effectively counter this major threat.
1 He Pushes Broly To Transcend Into A Super Saiyan
Frieza is brought back to life as a reward for his help during the Tournament of Power. The events of Dragon Ball Super: Broly once again pit Frieza against a series of Saiyans. Frieza takes advantage of both Broly and his father, Paragus, with the hopes that they’ll end up taking out Goku and Vegeta for him. Frieza’s plan backfires and his violent acts push Broly to turn into a Super Saiyan for the first time. Broly attacks Goku, but he turns into an ally who grows as strong as he does because of Frieza’s help.