Dragon Ball has always been a series known for its big moments. Despite its length and the number of different entries throughout the years, its story is relatively straightforward. A new villain approaches stronger than the last, and the series’ main heroes are forced to power up and overcome the latest threat.

That simple structure has not only kept Dragon Ball afloat for four decades and counting, but has allowed it to thrive in a number of different cultural landscapes. Within that structure, major emotional or hype moments and happenings line otherwise somewhat predictable battles, and everyone has a favorite.

However, only one episode has so perfectly captured everything that makes Dragon Ball so special, and it isn’t one that fans might expect. The Buu Saga has always been the original series’ most divisive section, but within it is arguably the franchise’s best moment, and it places Vegeta front and center.

30 Years Ago, Vegeta Stole the Spotlight in Dragon Ball’s Best Moment

The Prince Admitted Goku Was the Best, and It Changed Dragon Ball Forever

In a series like Dragon Ball, where iconic characters are capable of dishing out some of the most recognizable attacks in anime, fans are likely to point to key action-packed moments as their favorite. Scenes like Goku’s first Super Saiyan transformation, the Father-Son Kamehameha, or even Vegeta’s sacrifice are usually held in very high regard.

However, one Buu Saga scene both captured the spirit of Dragon Ball and changed it forever, and action wasn’t exactly its focus. By the time Kid Buu appeared, and the final battle had begun, much of the drama of the Buu Saga was in the rearview mirror. Majin Vegeta came and went, and Goku’s life was restored. But the prince’s development wasn’t done there.

Goku’s unmastered Super Saiyan 3 form drained him quickly, and Vegeta was forced to step in and survive while his greatest rival rested. When pushed to the brink, Goku stepped back in and rescued Vegeta, and continued his chaotic battle with the highly dangerous Kid Buu.

It was at that moment, during Dragon Ball Z episode #280, that Vegeta began to reflect on the events of his life since arriving on Earth, including his battle with Goku, the time spent on Namek, and the Cell Games. Watching on as the Saiyan he claimed to resent frantically fought Buu, he claimed to finally understand Goku.

Vegeta’s inner monologue as his rival excitedly fought in the background was arguably the prince’s greatest moment ever, not only bringing his character arc to its final destination, but also changing what Dragon Ball would become in the years that followed.

Vegeta Declared Goku Number One, Changing Dragon Ball Forever

Vegeta and Goku Now Lead Modern Dragon Ball Together

The scene includes one of the prettiest, most emotional tracks on the original Dragon Ball Z soundtrack, and in both English and Japanese, Vegeta’s words have weight behind them. After all he and his greatest rival had been through, the prince finally admitted that Goku was number one.

It’s a moment that is not only fantastic standing on its own, but one that reshaped the franchise going forward. When Dragon Ball returned in 2015 with Dragon Ball Super, no longer was Goku solely in the driver’s seat. Instead, the series placed equal focus on both Goku and Vegeta during their battles with new and terrifyingly strong villains.

The dynamic between both characters has made them some of the most popular in anime and manga history, and it takes center stage throughout much of the events of the series. Vegeta is able to show off just how drastically he’s changed since his arrival, while Goku’s unchanging innocence bounces right off of him.

The two are practically exact opposites of one another, yet share a love for fighting that makes their clashing personalities so entertaining on-screen. It seems modern Dragon Ball intends to keep that dynamic a major focus in any future installments, as it was very present during 2024’s Dragon Ball Daima.

The Buu Saga Is Dragon Ball’s Most Underrated Arc

The Original Manga’s Final Section Is Better Than Fans Give It Credit For

The Majin Buu Saga has always been Dragon Ball‘s most divisive arc, with fans pushing back against its goofier elements and departure from the previous arc’s developments. While it certainly isn’t the series’ best section, it’s far from its worst, having introduced some key concepts into the franchise, like fusion.

It’s also home to a couple of truly great moments, including the reveal of Super Saiyan 3, the birth of Vegito, Vegeta’s sacrifice, and most importantly, Vegeta’s monologue. The scene, with all its built-in emotion, also features Goku fighting Kid Buu in a very unserious manner, capturing the seriousness of the series as well as its lighthearted nature perfectly.

There are countless iconic moments throughout Goku and company’s endless efforts to save the Earth and fight stronger foes, but it’s Vegeta that takes center stage in what might be its most important. Dragon Ball was forever changed in all of about 10 minutes, and the series is better off with Vegeta in his new elevated role alongside his rival.

Created by

Akira Toriyama

First Episode Air Date

April 26, 1989

Latest Episode

2019-10-05

From the creative mind of Akira Toriyama, Dragon Ball is a mega multimedia franchise that spans back to the 1980s. Dragon Ball expanded quickly, starting as a serialized manga for Weekly Shonen Jump in Japan. It made its way overseas via manga and an anime adaptation that is enjoyed worldwide. Dragon Ball was the initial starting animated series that followed the adventures of the young Son Goku as he sought after the Dragon Balls. These mystical orbs would grant the wish of any who gathered them together. Then, the series would branch off into the immensely popular Dragon Ball Z, which followed Goku as an adult and featured high-intensity battles and Goku’s never-ending search to be the strongest. The series has also enjoyed several popular video game adaptations and continues to release several new animated series and theatrical films up to the recent popular Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero.