Dragon Ballis known for the incredible potential and power of its characters, but none stand out as much as Goku’s eldest son, Gohan. From the very beginning, Gohan has been recognized for his hidden strength and moments of immense growth. His latent power consistently surfaces under pressure, and he has the ability to turn the tide in battles.
His moments of greatness are impressive and hint at something more significant. Gohan is a fighter capable of surpassing everyone around him, including his own father. Most importantly, Gohan’s power stems from a purpose: to protect those he loves, even when the odds are against him, making him a worthy contender for the warrior with the greatest potential.
8Dealing Damage to Raditz
Dragon Ball Z, Episode 5
When Gohan was only four years old, his hidden power quickly became evident. During Raditz’s arrival on Earth, no one could have anticipated how strong the young boy truly was. Motivated by fear and anger, Gohan unleashed a surge of strength that surprised everyone, both on and off screen.
While Goku and Piccolo struggled to fight Raditz and caused minimal damage, Gohan managed to land a single attack that resulted in real injury. Despite his youth, he demonstrated enough strength to keep everyone alert and showed the potential to develop into one of the series’ most formidable fighters.
This marked thefirst real moment inDragon Ballwhere Gohan provedthat he could someday surpass all the Z-Fighters. At just four, he had more power than Goku did at that age, and he only continued to grow from there. The confrontation with Raditz set the foundation for his future as a half-Saiyan warrior.
7Surviving in the Wilderness on His Own
Dragon Ball Z, Episode 6
After the battle with Raditz, Gohan’s journey took a drastic turn when Piccolo decided to train him for the Saiyans’ arrival. His method was less than ideal for a young boy; however, Gohan proved he could adapt to the environment. He endured isolation and wild beasts, demonstrating that his resilience was far beyond what anyone could have expected from him.
This period in Gohan’s life was crucial in his growth moving forward. He trained his body and mind as he taught himself to survive without constant guidance or support. Gohan sharpened his natural instincts, and his Saiyan durability became clear as each obstacle marked another step toward becoming the warrior fans recognize today.
Gohan’s experience of learning to survive and fend for himself may be an unconventional rite of passage, but it helped him accept his hidden potential and boosted his courage. Piccolo’s approach might have been tough for a four-year-old, but in theDragon Balluniverse, this chapter was key in shaping Gohan’s identity as a member of the Z-Fighters.
6Gohan Holding His Own Against Vegeta
Dragon Ball Z, Episode 33
When Vegeta and Nappa arrived on Earth, it quickly became clear that the battle would be brutal and intense. By the time Goku arrived on the scene, many of their allies had already fallen. What followed was a climactic fight between Goku and Vegeta that ended with both Saiyans injured after Vegeta resorted to using his Great Ape form.
In a critical moment during the battle, Goku entrusted Gohan to face Vegeta while he transferred the energy of the Spirit Bomb to Krillin. Despite Vegeta already sustaining damage, he remained a formidable opponent for Gohan, and yet, the young half-Saiyan proved he could keep pace in a fight that would have overwhelmed many others.
Gohan stepped up when his allies needed him, showing bravery and control in combat. It was a moment that proved he was learning to wield his power and how much he had improved in a short amount of time. At five years old,Gohan was far more powerful than Gokucould have ever imagined at that age.
5Standing Against Captain Ginyu
Dragon Ball Z, Episode 73
When Captain Ginyu took over Goku’s body on Namek, the balance of power unexpectedly shifted. Even though Ginyu couldn’t fully harness Goku’s strength, he remained an experienced and formidable fighter. Gohan and Krillin found themselves faced with a tough battle, both physically and mentally, as they confronted an enemy inhabiting Goku’s body.
While Ginyu didn’t have even half the power he expected, his raw strength and combat experience still posed a challenge. Gohan had to push through intense pressure and rely on everything he had learned so far tofight against Captain Ginyu. Along with Krillin, Gohan demonstrated just how far he had come.
This encounter showed off Gohan’s increasing ability to adapt in battle. Even when the odds seemed uncertain, he was largely able to maintain his composure during the fight. Against Ginyu, Gohan demonstrated that he could rise to any challenge without relying on an emotional trigger or Great Ape transformation.
4Achieving Super Saiyan
Dragon Ball Z, Episode 160
Gohan’s transformation into a Super Saiyanwas a significant milestone in his growth as a warrior. Unlike Vegeta and Trunks, Gohan, with his father’s guidance, learned to maintain his Super Saiyan form consistently and was, at the time, the youngest Super Saiyan. This was one of the most defining moments that revealed his increasing potential as a fighter.
His time training with Goku in the Hyperbolic Time Chamber was intense and disciplined, making his transformation into Super Saiyan driven more by determination and mental focus than by intense emotion. Reaching that form during training proved his ability to access his latent power at will, through dedication.
Learning to sustain the form outside of battle was even more impressive. As he adapted to and lived with it, he and Goku showed ease, normalizing its power and proving himself a prodigy. The level of control seemed unprecedented at the time, yet Gohan seemed to handle it effortlessly.
3Defeating Cell
Dragon Ball Z, Episode 191
Gohan’s battle againstCell is one of the most iconic moments inDragon Ballhistoryand easily stands as Gohan’s crown achievement. Faced with an enemy that pushed every Z-Fighter, including Goku, to the limit, Gohan’s hidden power finally erupted into full force. His transformation into Super Saiyan 2 revealed a level of strength that exceeded all expectations.
It was the moment Gohan realized his long-hinted potential, and it was unlike anything viewers had seen before. With pure yet controlled fury, Gohan managed to surpass every warrior present and completely turned the tide in his favor. The boy who once hesitated to fight stood as the strongest being on Earth, fully aware of his own power.
What made the victory unforgettable was more than just the transformation, but the emotional depth behind it. Gohan never fought for glory or pride; he fought because no one else could, making him the only barrier between Cell and total destruction. Even when wounded and grieving, he rose to the challenge with unwavering resolve.
2Ultimate Gohan
Dragon Ball Z, Episode 263
Ultimate Gohan’s debut during the battle against Buu revealed a new level of power and control that didn’t depend on Super Saiyan transformations. After unlocking more of his hidden potential through training with Elder Kai, Gohan returned to the battlefield stronger than ever, proving that he had always been a threat to any enemy who threatened those he cares about.
When he confronted Super Buu, the results were immediate and overwhelming. He effortlessly dominated the battle, and for the first time since the start of the Buu Saga, the Z-Fighters had a clear upper hand. If he truly wanted to, it’s possible that Ultimate Gohan could have defeated Buu; however, if he had, the saga would have been significantly shorter.
Buu eventually gained the upper hand through the absorption of Gotenks and Piccolo. However, that doesn’t change what Gohan had achieved. During his battle, he was once again Earth’s strongest warrior, delivering on years of potential. It may not have resulted in victory, but it was a moment that proved Gohan still had the potential to eclipse nearly everyone else.
1Gohan Beast
Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero
Gohan Beast represents the latest evolutionin Gohan’s journey, a form that elevates his power to new heights. After Cell Max gains the advantage over Orange Piccolo, something within Gohan is triggered, allowing him to access an entirely new level of strength that reminds viewers he is still capable of so much more.
Gohan Beast is easily his most eye-catching and overwhelming transformation yet. With just one blast from Piccolo’s Special Beam Cannon, Gohan defeated Cell Max with a decisive and devastating strike, ending the threat once and for all. Despite choosing a scholar’s life, Gohan proved in this film that his potential is still hidden just beneath the surface.
When the series eventually continues, fans can expect to see more of Gohan as he takes on the role he was always meant to have. With his new form and renewed presence, he’s finally positioned to reclaim the role he was destined for. Gohan has always had the most potential, and it’s high time the series reflected that.
