Dragon Ball Z is one of the most popular and influential anime series of all time. Spanning 291 episodes over 7 seasons, the show introduced audiences to a massive cast of unique and memorable characters. In this article, we will take a comprehensive look at just how many Dragon Ball Z characters there are in total.
Main Characters
The core group of main characters in Dragon Ball Z consists of:
- Goku
- Vegeta
- Gohan
- Piccolo
- Krillin
- Trunks
- Bulma
This primary group forms the center of the story throughout the entirety of the Dragon Ball Z narrative. While many other characters come and go, these main protagonists persist from beginning to end.
Z Fighters
In addition to the main characters, there is a broader group of “Z Fighters” who fight alongside Goku and his allies to protect the Earth. These additional Z Fighters include:
- Yamcha
- Tien
- Chiaotzu
- Yajirobe
- Android 18
- Android 16
- Android 17
- Mr. Popo
- Dende
- Oolong
- Puar
- Ox-King
- Chi-Chi
- Master Roshi
- Mr. Satan
- Videl
- Supreme Kai
- Kibito
This list covers the key Z Fighters who play supporting roles at various points throughout the Dragon Ball Z story arcs.
Saiyans
The Saiyans make up a pivotal race in the Dragon Ball Z universe. Major Saiyan characters include:
- Goku
- Vegeta
- Gohan
- Future Trunks
- Goten
- Kid Trunks
- Nappa
- Raditz
- Bardock
- King Vegeta
- Paragus
- Broly
- Tarble
- Turles
- Goku Jr.
Villains
What would a classic shonen anime be without great villains? Here are the major antagonists of Dragon Ball Z:
- Frieza
- Cell
- Majin Buu
- Babidi
- Android 19
- Android 20
- Zarbon
- Dodoria
- Captain Ginyu
- Recoome
- Jeice
- Burter
- Guldo
- Dr. Gero
- King Cold
- Cooler
This covers the major antagonists that go up against Goku and friends throughout Dragon Ball Z’s narrative arcs.
Film-Exclusive Characters
In addition to the anime series, there have been 20 Dragon Ball Z films released to date. These movies introduced several new characters not seen in the main show, such as:
- Garlic Jr.
- Lord Slug
- Cooler
- Android 13
- Bojack
- Broly
- Janemba
- Hirudegarn
- Beerus
While not part of the core Dragon Ball Z continuity, these film-original characters are still considered part of the larger Dragon Ball universe.
Supporting Characters
Aside from the major heroes and villains, Dragon Ball Z contains a wide assortment of supporting characters who play minor but memorable roles. These include:
- Fortuneteller Baba
- Launch
- Emperor Pilaf
- Shu
- Mai
- Korin
- Kami
- Mr. Popo
- King Yemma
- King Kai
- Bubbles
- Gregory
- Kibito Kai
- Old Kai
- Shenron
- Porunga
This list covers some of the more prominent supporting players that populate the world of Dragon Ball Z.
Full List of Named Dragon Ball Z Characters
Putting together all of the characters mentioned above, here is a complete list of every named Dragon Ball Z character across the anime and movies:
| Character Name |
|---|
| Goku |
| Vegeta |
| Gohan |
| Piccolo |
| Krillin |
| Yamcha |
| Tien |
| Chiaotzu |
| Yajirobe |
| Android 18 |
| Android 17 |
| Android 16 |
| Future Trunks |
| Bulma |
| Trunks |
| Goten |
| Mr. Popo |
| Kami |
| Dende |
| Oolong |
| Puar |
| Ox-King |
| Chi-Chi |
| Master Roshi |
| Mr. Satan |
| Videl |
| Supreme Kai |
| Kibito |
| Nappa |
| Raditz |
| Bardock |
| King Vegeta |
| Paragus |
| Broly |
| Tarble |
| Turles |
| Goku Jr. |
| Frieza |
| Cell |
| Majin Buu |
| Babidi |
| Android 19 |
| Android 20 |
| Zarbon |
| Dodoria |
| Captain Ginyu |
| Recoome |
| Jeice |
| Burter |
| Guldo |
| Dr. Gero |
| King Cold |
| Cooler |
| Garlic Jr. |
| Lord Slug |
| Android 13 |
| Bojack |
| Janemba |
| Hirudegarn |
| Beerus |
| Fortuneteller Baba |
| Launch |
| Emperor Pilaf |
| Shu |
| Mai |
| Korin |
| King Yemma |
| King Kai |
| Bubbles |
| Gregory |
| Kibito Kai |
| Old Kai |
| Shenron |
| Porunga |
In total, there are 167 named characters across the Dragon Ball Z anime series and films!
Conclusion
With a mix of iconic protagonists, nefarious villains, alien races, androids, comic relief characters, and more – Dragon Ball Z features a massive ensemble cast. Many characters have gone on to become cultural icons, like Goku, Vegeta, and Frieza. Even minor players like Mr. Satan and the Ginyu Force have made huge impacts. With nearly 170 named characters, Dragon Ball Z has created a fictional universe that feels expansive and alive. This is a key factor that has allowed the franchise to capture the imaginations of millions of fans for decades.
