Dragon Ball remains one of the biggest franchises of all time and is still considered a landmark shonen series, having a major influence on the genre. Dragon Ball Z excels with its lovable characters that selflessly defend the planet from evil and Goku is among the most popular shonen protagonists for a good reason.

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Goku’s growth through Dragon Ball is satisfying, but the same transformative process begins with his son, Gohan, only for it to be ultimately cut short. Gohan doesn’t get to fully embrace his role as Dragon Ball Z’s main character, but he still has many moments where he’s the center of attention.

10 The Cell Games Is When Gohan First Realizes His True Potential

gohan punch cell

Everything before Dragon Ball Z’s Cell arc points towards Gohan’s growing strength is growing and the inevitability that he'll surpass his father’s strength. A lot of the Cell arc focuses on Goku training Gohan, even if he doesn’t explicitly get to fight until the dangerous Cell Games.

Gohan’s metamorphosis by the Cell Games is staggering. He finally feels like he’s Dragon Ball's main character and completely eclipsed Goku, which culminates in him defeating Cell when his father is unable to finish the job.

9 His Patrolling As The Great Saiyaman

Anime Dragon Ball Gohan Great Saiyaman Pose

The Buu arc creatively explores the idea of Gohan using his abilities to actually become a superhero for the community. The Great Saiyaman is certainly broad territory for Dragon Ball that doesn’t work for everyone, but there’s no denying that it marks a new direction for both the series and Gohan. Goku didn’t necessarily flaunt his power or try to fight petty crime on a daily basis, but Gohan commits to using his strength to keep the public safe.

8 The Battle Against The Saiyans

Gohan fights Raditz

Gohan is only a child when Dragon Ball Z starts, with the anime trying to frame the series as Gohan's story. The original Dragon Ball chronicles Goku’s growth from child to adult and his story is far from over in Dragon Ball Z, but audiences see a similar trend where Gohan possesses incredible strength as a toddler.

RELATED: Dragon Ball: 5 Fights Gohan Should've Won (& 5 He Deserved To Lose)

The fight against Raditz introduces Gohan’s latent powers and they become even more pronounced during the battle against Nappa and Vegeta. 

7 His Showdown With Super Buu

Ultimate Gohan vs Evil Buu

Dragon Ball Z’s concluding Buu arc gets messy at times, especially with its plan on whether Gohan or Goku should be the one to claim the major victory. Goku is ultimately the one who kills Buu, but Gohan’s encounter with Super Buu feels momentous in many ways.

Gohan isn’t successful, but Dragon Ball Z really creates the impression that this is supposed to be his crowning moment – especially in the anime. Gohan is treated like the main character and the framing of shots even intentionally replicates scenes from the Saiyan arc to emphasize how the story has come full circle.

6 His Training With Piccolo

Gohan Training with Piccolo

Gohan’s training with Piccolo during the Saiyan arc frames itself as a learning experience for the young character while Goku is deceased and training with Kaio in the afterlife. Goku eventually returns and gets to save the day, but while he’s out of the picture, it’s Gohan who's treated like Earth’s best plan for success. Gohan often gets more screen time than Goku and his training & journey alongside Piccolo nicely parallels Goku’s own development back in the original Dragon Ball.

5 The Battle On Namek

Anime Dragon Ball Frieza Second Form Holds Gohan

Dragon Ball Z’s time on Planet Namek is a tense period in the series where Goku is out of the picture and there’s concern over whether he’ll be able to arrive before it’s too late. Goku’s return is thrilling, but for a while it’s unclear if it will happen or not. 

RELATED: Dragon Ball Super: 5 Reasons Why Gohan Should've Been The Main Character (& 5 Where It Should've Been Vegeta)

Before Goku is able to regain his dominance, Gohan is frequently an important player on Namek. Vegeta is stronger, but Gohan fearlessly attacks Dodoria, the Ginyu Force, and Frieza’s earlier forms in a way that’s representative of a true hero. He’s more courageous at this young age than Goku was.

4 He Survives And Trains Future Trunks In His Apocalyptic Timeline

Future Gohan Down Burst

Future Trunks is one of Dragon Ball Z’s most popular characters and it’s extremely satisfying that the anime finds opportunities to feature more of him – whether it’s in Dragon Ball Super or the History of Trunks Special. In Future Trunks’ ruined timeline, Goku is dead and it’s Gohan who tutored Trunks to become the competent warrior that he is today. Future Gohan ultimately dies too, but his death is the catalyst for Trunks’ Super Saiyan transformation. It’s an arc that’s fitting of a main character and serves a greater purpose than Goku’s role.

3 His Ultimate Upgrade With Old Kai

Anime Gohan Dragon Ball Z Old Kai

The Dragon Ball franchise is full of powerful Super Saiyan transformations, which are typically first triggered by Goku. Dragon Ball Z’s Buu arc tries to take a different route with a new upgrade that’s specifically for Gohan. The threat of Buu seems impossible to defeat, but Gohan undergoes selective training with the Z Sword to free Old Kai and get his potential unlocked in the process. At this point, it truly feels like Gohan’s Ultimate upgrade will be the necessary tool to save the day. It’s disappointing that this moment becomes less essential in retrospect.

2 His Training Of Videl And Goten

Anime Gohan Dragon Ball Z Goten Videl Fly

A main character is someone who saves the day and defeats the big villain, but also an individual who can act as a mentor to others and help the next generation prepare for the future. Dragon Ball Z’s Buu arc positions Gohan as one of Earth’s strongest fighters, especially since Goku is then dead.

Gohan shares this wealth and helps others improve their strength, whether it’s his younger brother Goten, or his new girlfriend Videl. Videl can’t even fly before she meets Gohan. This teacherly role that he adopts is not unlike Goku’s attitude during Gohan’s youth.

1 His Role As Universe 7’s Leader In The Tournament Of Power

Anime Dragon Ball Super Tournament Of Power Gohan Vegeta Goku

Technically this moment occurs in Dragon Ball Super and not Dragon Ball Z, but the sequel anime series attempts to seamlessly continue the narrative. Gohan’s arc continues in Super and even though he’s largely neutered as a fighter, he’s still given a few opportunities to be the anime’s centerpiece.

The Tournament of Power requires Universe 7 to assemble the very strongest fighters and develop a clever strategy to survive the battle royale. Gohan is appointed as Universe 7’s team leader, which is an honor that he doesn't’ take lightly. Gohan’s concern and focus on Universe 7’s performance shows true dedication.

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