Highlights
- Goku suffers embarrassing losses in battles against Mugley, Sorbet, and Demon King Piccolo, leaving his audience shocked and disappointed.
- His sense of honor and hesitation in delivering the killing blow proves costly against Frieza, leading to critical injuries and life-jeopardizing situations.
- Goku’s reckless approach and failure to anticipate his opponent’s moves resulted in a devastating defeat against Mercenary Tao, leaving him severely injured.
Goku of Dragon Ball fame is one of the greatest warriors in the universe, dedicating his life to martial arts and improving himself. Because of that, he has no shortage of victories under his belt. He’s the hero, after all. That doesn’t mean he always wins, though.
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Goku has tasted defeat several times. A handful of these are particularly devastating, shocking fans with just how badly the protagonist is beaten down. On the other hand, that shock may have to do with how embarrassing the battles are. Either way, Dragon Ball devotees don’t look back fondly on these moments.
6 Mugley
Dragon Ball GT
- Episode 41
It’s dumb enough that Dragon Ball GT turns Goku back into a child, but the show forces him to compete in the Junior Division at the World Martial Arts Tournament. The final bout pits him against Mugley. This kid is a stereotypical nerd in every way–sporting a bowl cut, thick glasses, and a silly wrestling uniform. Worst of all, he’s on the verge of tears. Fans feel uncool just by looking at him. Of course, therein lies Goku’s mistake.
The hero turns away and starts talking to Vegeta. The dork seizes this opening to push his opponent out of the ring, thus winning the match. Vegeta is as shocked and shamed as the audience. Goku takes it in stride, but he really shouldn’t. His reputation might never recover.
5 Sorbet
Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection “F”
Sometimes, Goku’s sense of honor can work against him. This happens during his second big battle against Frieza. Upon defeating the galactic emperor, the hero has him at his mercy. Sadly, he hesitates and doesn’t deliver the killing blow. This allows Frieza’s lackey, Sorbet, to get him from behind with a sniper shot. The blast critically injures Goku, and Frieza proceeds to kick him while he’s down. Honestly, Goku deserves it.
Talk about tripping at the finish line. He commits a rookie mistake bordering on obliviousness. At least he gets a do-over and learns his lesson. That said, it’s a lesson he should have learned long ago. With all the sore losers he’s beaten, Goku ought to expect a dirty move like this.
4 Mercenary Tao
Dragon Ball
- Episode 60
Most of the Red Ribbon Army is no match for Goku, but Mercenary Tao gives him a run for his money. The villain’s strength, speed, and precision leave the young hero completely outmatched. He doesn’t even seem to be trying. It’s a shocking contrast to every other battle up to this point. Tao is disappointed by his opponent’s pitiful power, knowing he could kill him at any moment.
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He comes close to doing so when firing the Dodon Ray. Goku should be dead after taking this energy beam head-on. He only survives because a Dragon Ball underneath his gi absorbs some of the impact. Still, rarely has the hero been disposed of so easily. That’s what he gets for charging in recklessly.
3 Android 19
Dragon Ball Z
- Episode 60
Goku definitely starts the Android Saga on the wrong foot. After training for the impending cyborg invasion, the Saiyan launches a relentless assault against Android 19. Unfortunately, Goku is not as strong as he should be, as his blows do no lasting damage. It’s worse once he fires a Kamehameha Wave at his opponent, who absorbs its energy and powers up. The duel descends downhill until the Android finally starts siphoning Goku’s life force. It’s painful to watch, even more so when fans realize that the hero could have prevented this outcome.
The reason for Goku’s weakness is his heart virus. Trunks travels back from the future to warn him about this sickness and bestow the antidote. Because the symptoms never manifest, though, Goku never takes the cure. He doesn’t even bring it with him in case he needs it. At best, he inadvertently handicaps himself. At worst, he leaves his body open to certain death. Such an oversight is inexcusable. The lesson is simple: take your medicine.
2 Demon King Piccolo
Dragon Ball
- Episode 109
One wouldn’t think King Piccolo would pose much of a threat as a withered old man. Indeed, Goku begins the battle well enough by landing a few hits, but things change once the villain actually starts trying. He delivers a furious flurry of punches and kicks. Later, an energy blast nearly stops Goku’s heart.
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The hero tries desperately to respond, but it’s all for naught. Piccolo’s rapid-fire offensive leaves little room for reprisals. Whenever Goku does get a chance to counter, his enemy casually dodges. Such a crushing loss makes the Demon King seem truly insurmountable.
1 Great Ape Vegeta
Dragon Ball Z
- Episode 32
Goku’s first bout against his longtime rival is also their most intense. Both fighters take tremendous gambles with their energy and pull out all the stops. Ultimately, it’s the hero who loses out when Vegeta plays his trump card: the Oozaru. Transforming into a massive monkey, the villain gains overwhelming boosts in speed, strength, and ferocity. Goku has one chance to counter this new form and blows it. He tries to conjure a Spirit Bomb from Earth’s energy, but Vegeta thwarts him before he can throw it. The cost of this failure is brutal.
Vegeta retaliates by pounding his enemy to a pulp. He crushes Goku beneath his colossal weight, breaking multiple bones in the process. In the end, Goku can’t even move. The ordeal shreds his body to an extent not seen before or since.
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