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VOICE OVER: Ashley Bowman WRITTEN BY: Jonathan Alexander
You don't mess with the Prince of Saiyans! Join Ashley as we count down our picks for the best of Vegeta's battles across the Dragon Ball franchise, including his brawls against "Android 19", "Jiren", "Goku", and more!

Script written by Jonathan Alexander

Every Vegeta Fight Ranked

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Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re Ranking Every Vegeta Fight.

For this list, we’ll be looking at each time the Saiyan Prince put up his dukes across “Z” and “Super.”

What’s your favorite Vegeta fight of all time? Let us know down below!

#40: Vs. Arale

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“Dragon Ball Super” (2015-18)

There’s more jokes than drama in this crossover, which is a good representation of how seriously this fight is taken. Not that we’d expect anything different from a duel with a gag character.

#39: Vs. Dr. Rota & Prum

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“Dragon Ball Super” (2015-18)

In the “Tournament of Power,” there wasn’t time to worry about small fry like these guys. So, Vegeta looked for a sale, and got two knockouts for the price of one energy blast.

#38: Vs. Cell Jr.

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“Dragon Ball Z” (1989-96)

It’s pretty impressive that Vegeta can actually hold his own against Cell’s offspring. But, that still doesn’t change the fact that this whole scuffle is more about Gohan than the Saiyan Prince.

#37: Vs. Kochiarator

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“Dragon Ball Super” (2015-18)

On paper, this should’ve been three robots, three Saiyans, and three times the action. Unfortunately, it’s over so quickly that it’s not even worth the time it took to transform.

#36: Vs. Ribrianne and Roasie

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“Dragon Ball Super” (2015-18)

It’s undeniably thrilling to see these two obnoxious combatants finally get their comeuppance. But, this isn’t Vegeta’s fight to finish, so it doesn’t get the screen time it deserves.

#35: Vs. Future Trunks

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“Dragon Ball Super” (2015-18)

Nothing says fatherly love quite like face-planting your son into the ground. Vegeta may give Trunks a low grade, but it’s still nice to see him try and impart some of his Saiyan pride to the next generation.

#34: Vs. Cui

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“Dragon Ball Z” (1989-96)

This is less of a fight and more of an execution. At least Cui’s brutal demise serves as a cautionary warning to never get on Vegeta’s bad side.

#33: Vs. Whis

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“Dragon Ball Super” (2015-18

Beerus’ attendant is in a completely different league from the Saiyans, so there really isn’t much to this spar. Though, admittedly, it is pretty sick to see Whis stop Goku and Vegeta with just his fingers.

#32: Vs. Catopesra

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“Dragon Ball Super” (2015-18)

This knockoff Super Sentai was good for a few chuckles, but unfortunately, Vegeta didn’t share the same sense of humor. Not even Catopesra’s so-called Ultimate Mode could rescue him from an embarrassing tournament showing.

#31: Vs. The Trio of Danger

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“Dragon Ball Super” (2015-18)

Universe 9 decided to target two of the strongest Saiyans in the whole cosmos, and they got what they asked for. Together with Goku, Vegeta unleashed a Final Flash that knocked out all of the canine combatants in just one blow.

#30: Vs. Magetta

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“Dragon Ball Super” (2015-18)

Universe 6’s Metal-Man may be robotic, but this fight is anything but. The confined arena combined with Magetta’s tough exterior made for a brawl where Vegeta’s head was just as important as his fists.

#29: Vs. Frost

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“Dragon Ball Super” (2015-18)

Sure, the whole fight is just a single punch. But, since Frost resembled Frieza both inside and out, that knockout blow is just plain gratifying.

#28: Vs. Cabba

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“Dragon Ball Super” (2015-18)

The power levels get plenty high in this Saiyan showdown, but what really makes it memorable is Vegeta teaching his opponent the pride of their race. It’s a surprisingly heartfelt exchange. Though, rest assured, it still ends with a killer gutpunch.

#27: Vs. Dodoria

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“Dragon Ball Z” (1989-96)

Vegeta’s sadism came out to play for this one. The only silver living is that Dodoria didn’t live long enough to suffer. From Vegeta, that’s as merciful as you can hope for.

#26: Vs. Jiren (Round 1)

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“Dragon Ball Super” (2015-18)

It’s no Ultra Instinct, but Vegeta’s evolved Super Saiyan Blue still did some serious heavy lifting in the “Tournament of Power.” Even though Jiren was less impressed with it, seeing Goku and Vegeta tag-team Universe 11’s ace is still a sight to behold.

#25: Vs. Pui Pui

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“Dragon Ball Z” (1989-96)

The amped up gravity didn’t stop Vegeta from executing his opponent in world-record time. The worst part is that this poor henchman actually thought he stood a chance.

#24: Vs. Hit

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“Dragon Ball Super” (2015-18)

Vegeta learned the hard way that no amount of pride can defeat time itself. While he’d probably prefer most people forget this clobbering, the flashy techniques make it instantly memorable.

#23: Vs. Goku Black (Round 1)

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“Dragon Ball Super” (2015-18)

This time around, Vegeta took some cues from his long-time rival and decided to rush headfirst into a fight. For his trouble, he got a bruised ego, a sword through the chest, and a front-row seat to the power of Super Saiyan Rosé.

#22: Vs. Anilaza

“Dragon Ball Super” (2015-18)

The grumpy Saiyan has always had trouble playing with others, but apparently, toppling this monstrosity is worth pitching in for. The climactic beam struggle isn’t really about Vegeta as much as it is about Universe 7 finally working together. Yes, that even includes the Saiyan Prince.

#21: Vs. Kid Buu

“Dragon Ball Z” (1989-96)

Goku gets all the glory in this brawl thanks to his iconic Spirit Bomb finisher, but Vegeta deserves major credit for stalling the bubblegum brawler. It wasn’t very pretty, but as his final battle in “Z,” it's a worthwhile curtain call for his character.

#20: Vs. Perfect Cell

“Dragon Ball Z” (1989-96)

Like all Saiyans, Vegeta’s always had an easily exploitable weakness. The only difference is that his isn’t just the tail. It’s also his pride. He’s manipulated into letting the cybernetic villain attain his perfect form. Which then lives up to its name by getting a near flawless victory over the Saiyan Prince. To be fair, Cell didn’t really win; it’s more like Vegeta lost. Sure, there’s plenty of cool moments, but it’s hard to overlook that the only thing final about Vegeta’s “Final Flash” is that it was his last chance at salvaging his reputation. It’s definitely an epic display of strength - just not Vegeta’s.

#19: Vs. Fused Zamasu

“Dragon Ball Super” (2015-18)

Thanks to some Potara earrings, Goku and Vegeta learned that it’s not so fun being on the wrong side of a fusion. Even though the whole thing is basically an extended beatdown, there’s an undeniable novelty about watching a clash between godly warriors. Especially since Vegeta isn’t just playing second fiddle here. Goku gets in a few good jabs, but it’s the Saiyan Prince who steals the show with an instantly-iconic Father-Son Galick Gun. It may not have sealed the deal, but the epic blast still reminded Zamasu that pride and ego are not the same thing.

#18: Vs. Zarbon (Round 1)

“Dragon Ball Z” (1989-96)

In all of the Frieza Force, there may not be two warriors more adept at smack-talk than these two. As a result, both of them are pretty banged up before a single blow is even thrown. That just makes it all the more satisfying when Vegeta lets loose some serious strikes bound to leave a bruise or two. But, in classic “Dragon Ball” fashion, Zarbon was more than just a pretty face. His beastly transformation is as cool as they come, and the thrashing he delivers proves it’s not just for show. The riveting back-and-forth and reversal finisher is just the kind of subversion that no show does better.

#17: Vs. Jeice

“Dragon Ball Z” (1989-96)

Even as early as Namek, one thing about the Saiyan Prince was abundantly clear: he knew how to hold a grudge. So, after the Ginyu Force embarrassed Vegeta on the battlefield, Goku’s rival decided to get some worthy payback. There’s just nothing better than a foe’s dismayed reaction when they realize Saiyan’s get stronger after each fight. Especially when, like Jeice, they strolled into the rematch blissfully overconfident. Vegeta proceeds to not just defeat him, but utterly humiliate the poor guy. That sadistic smirk as he blows off Jeice’s head is worth the price of admission alone.

#16: Vs. Krillin, Gohan, & Yajirobe

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“Dragon Ball Z” (1989-96)

This one battle has enough twists, turns, and reversals for an entire arc. With Goku seemingly beaten, it’s up to the Earth’s JV team to stop Vegeta from destroying the planet. It’s one of the franchise’s most riveting games of cat and mouse, and not just because Vegeta becomes an actual beast. The hopelessly outmatched Z-fighters utilize genuine strategy, explosive attacks, and an epic Spirit Bomb reflection to put an end to Vegeta’s iconic rampage. Even Yajirobe comes in clutch for this one - and you don’t get to say that everyday.

#15: Vs. Frieza


“Dragon Ball Z” (1989-96)

No matter what he says, Vegeta isn’t quite a Super Saiyan here. But, his distinct lack of golden locks didn’t make this showdown any less legendary. The boost in power is still no joke, and it led to some of the most dramatic displays of strength that “Z” had seen to that point. However, what really makes it go “super” is its emphasis on character over action. In the end, the flashy combat is superfluous compared to Vegeta’s impassioned plea for his rival to avenge their race. It may just be an appetizer to Goku’s main course, but it’s a damn good one nonetheless.

#14: Vs. Beerus

“Dragon Ball Super” (2015-18)

Apparently, a God of Destruction makes quite the party crasher. Vegeta’s a pretty good bouncer, and while he couldn’t totally toss Beerus out, he did as good of a job as anyone could have hoped. The Destroyer made the rookie mistake of slapping his Bulma, which caused Vegeta to unleash one of his best power-up roars to date. After Beerus dismantled most of the Z-Fighters with a few flicks, the fact Vegeta managed to stay on his feet at all is impressive. Let alone get in a few of his own blows. It didn’t end up mattering all too much, but that enraged assault is still plenty cool.

#13: Vs. Semi-Perfect Cell

“Dragon Ball Z” (1989-96)

The Saiyan Prince has always had the ego to back up his strength. But, this time, it’s safe to say his confidence was warranted. At first, there was no telling just how powerful Cell had become after absorbing Android 17. Then again, that’s exactly why it’s so epic to see Vegeta bulk up, throw a few right hooks, and crush the villain into a fine paste. Turns out, all it takes is a year in the Hyperbolic Time Chamber to turn a Saiyan into the ultimate Cell-squasher. Saiyan Pride has never been so satisfying.

#12: Vs. Goku Black (Round 2)

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“Dragon Ball Super” (2015-18)

It’s almost poetic that one of Vegeta’s coolest fights is still technically against Goku. Albeit, an evil doppelganger of him. Sure, the rose-colored lookalike won the first round, but that just meant Vegeta had a lot to prove in this sophomore showdown. So, he cut right to the chase, and reminded Goku Black just why he’s called the Saiyan Prince. That glorious monologue speaks for itself. It’s almost as triumphant as Goku Black finally getting a long-overdue punch to the face. It shouldn’t be surprising, though, since Vegeta holds his own against the real Goku, and an imitation never outdoes the original.

#11: Vs. Zarbon (Round 2)

“Dragon Ball Z” (1989-96)

Evidently, revenge is a Saiyan speciality. Especially for Vegeta, who shows his penchant for dramatics when Frieza’s Lieutenant accepts a rematch. What Zarbon failed to realize is that the only thing scarier than a power-boosted Saiyan is one with a bone to pick. Admittedly, it’s pretty awesome to see Vegeta handily dispose of the very person who nearly killed him. The fact he does it with one brutal blow is just salt in the wound. Bulma and Krillin’s reaction says it all: this is not a Vegeta you want to mess with.

#10: Vs. Jiren (Final Round)

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“Dragon Ball Super” (2015-18)

There’s nothing exciting about this beatdown. Instead, Universe 11’s unstoppable ace seemed poised to take Vegeta’s pride, tournament prospects, and universe in one fell swoop. And yet, even with next to no chance of victory, the Saiyan Prince found a way to stand up again and again. It’s riveting not because of its animation or combat, but due to how empowering it is to see Vegeta refuse to give up. Even though it ended with a brutal defeat, he can hold his head high that, this time, he didn’t just fight for pride.

#9: Vs. Android 18

“Dragon Ball Z” (1989-96)

“Fight” is a pretty generous description for what happened here. After all, it’s one thing to lose, but another entirely when it comes after some serious trash talking. Vegeta had just flown onto the scene with his new bottle-blonde look, only for 18 to prove that her natural hair color was more than enough to beat a Super Saiyan. Suffice it to say, it wasn’t just Vegeta’s body that needed to recover after this one. To this day, it stands out as one of the most one-sided thrashings in the whole franchise. It just goes to show that the bigger the power levels, the harder they fall.

#8: Vs. Recoome

“Dragon Ball Z” (1989-96)

From the moment they stepped foot on Namek, it was clear the Ginyu Force were pretty much unbeatable. Though, that’s not for a lack of trying. In fact, the prideful Saiyan put up one hell of a flashy fight against the squad’s brainless brute. It doesn’t do much, but at least Vegeta went out with style. Gohan and Krillin even join the battle, which leads to some great choreography and amazingly hype moments. The novelty of a three-on-one fight is totally enough to offset that this is basically one long thrashing. Just don’t tell Vegeta that Goku ended up saving the day.

#7: Vs. Majin Buu

“Dragon Ball Z” (1989-96)

Atonement has always been at the very heart of Vegeta’s story. It permeated his actions through Namek, the conflict with the androids, and eventually into the acceptance of his Majin form. But, after over two hundred episodes of character development, he wasn’t fighting for his race anymore - he was fighting for his family. The actual duel with Majin Buu doesn’t matter at all. The real core of the scene is Vegeta hugging his son for the first time in a visual representation of everything he’s fighting for. It culminated the Saiyan’s journey not with a period, but with an exclamation point.

#6: Vs. Golden Frieza

“Dragon Ball Super” (2015-18)

It’d been quite a while since their inaugural scuffle back on Namek, and both parties had gotten some major paint jobs in the time since. Unfortunately for Frieza, by the time “Super” rolled around, gold was already out of style. It’s gotta sting that, really, Vegeta’s whole job is just to stand there and look menacing. Though, rest assured, he gets his revenge space tyrant. Given how their initial duel ended, seeing Vegeta go blue and thrash Frieza is a worthy payoff that’d been years in the making. Even if the world did end up exploding, the final score still definitely goes to Vegeta.

#5: Vs. Android 19

“Dragon Ball Z” (1989-96)

At a time when glowing gold still meant something, Vegeta’s gilded debut practically speaks for itself. Case in point: the Big Bang attack that totally lives up to its name. Honestly, this is in contention for one of the most cathartic smackdowns in the whole series. Most of that comes from Vegeta’s badass lines, which are all the more gratifying since he doesn’t immediately eat his words like he does against a certain other android. It’s safe to say that, in his first fight as a Super Saiyan, Vegeta definitely took the gold.

#4: Vs. Top

“Dragon Ball Super” (2015-18)

Universe 11’s Pride Trooper took the idea of becoming a “weapon of destruction” a bit too literally. Since the power of Hakai made him almost completely invincible, Vegeta’s strategic shodown with the new God crackles with tension and creativity. But, in the end, the Saiyan had to bring out the big guns to finish him off. And we don’t mean the Final Flash. Sequels rarely live up to the first, but Vegeta’s second self-sacrifice comes pretty damn close. His ample character development in “Super” ensured that this familiar closer was still downright explosive.

#3: Majin Vegeta vs. Goku

“Dragon Ball Z” (1989-96)

From the moment their first fight ended, these two rivals had been destined for a rematch. It took a few arcs, but it was well worth the wait. To start, Vegeta embracing his darker impulses to keep up with Goku offered a deeper look into his psyche than we’d ever gotten before. That’s all presented through a truly sensational battle, featuring first-rate production values and outstanding vocal performances. Everything from the fight choreography to the cathartic monologues represent the best that “Z” has to offer - both for the series, and for Vegeta.

#2: Vs. Super Broly

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Over the years, Vegeta has tried on a lot of different hair colors. But, this movie makes a compelling case that red may be his best look. The transformation sequence alone is completely jaw-dropping, and yet, the film somehow makes it look even cooler with one of the best animated brawls in the franchise’s history. Even after Vegeta exchanges red for blue, and teams with Goku, the power levels continue to rise to unprecedented levels of hype. The only way to describe it is an utter assault on the senses in the best way possible.

#1: Vs. Goku

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“Dragon Ball Z” (1989-96)

There’s not much to say about this one that hasn’t been said before. Its reputation transcends “Z,” and arguably “Dragon Ball” altogether. To prove it, even something as simple as their opening stances are downright iconic. Throw in exceptional animation, breathtaking choreography, and a beam struggle to end all beam struggles, and it’s easy to see why this is more than just a great battle. No, it’s the undisputed encapsulation of anime’s greatest rivalry. Sure, Vegeta’s hung around the series in the years since, but he can rest easy knowing he already delivered an unforgettable fight on his very first try.

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