Best Saga Endings In the Anime

Since 1986, Goku has been going on a long, fun and arduous journey filled with epic fights, heartwarming moments, and iconic transformations. With multiple anime series and a promise of more to come, Dragon Ball‘s ending might not be anywhere in sight. However, that is not to say that the anime franchise’s many series did not have their own amazing ways of finishing their respective stories.

Not only did each anime receive its own special ending, but the epic sagas for each series were able to bring satisfying conclusions to their respective arcs. While some set up the upcoming storylines, others brought an emotionally satisfying ending to that era. Regardless, the Dragon Ball series all have amazing sagas, some that are defined by their powerful endings, showcasing some of the franchise’s best and most memorable moments.

Spoiler Warning: the endings of major story arcs throughout the Dragon Ball, Dragon Ball Z, Dragon Ball GT, and Dragon Ball Super anime will be discussed in the entries below.

10 Universe Survival Saga (Dragon Ball Super)

An Epic Fight And A Satisfying End

Unfortunately, Dragon Ball Super might not have the best saga endings despite some great moments and intense fights. However, the Tournament of Power arc not only has some incredible battles but also a satisfying finale. With 17 wishing to restore the multiverse, the arc comes to a satisfying conclusion.

This arc not only brought upon Goku’s Ultra Instinct transformation, but also an epic fight with 17, Frieza, and Goku fighting side by side in an epic ending. Yet, the saga’s true ending reflects Dragon Ball‘s core: Vegeta and Goku go back to their universe as Vegeta vows to surpass his rival, teasing more to come.

9 Red Ribbon Army Saga (Dragon Ball)

Emotional And Important Ending To A Long Saga

Even though Dragon Ball was still in its earlier days when stakes were lower and the anime more grounded, the Red Ribbon Army story arc has one of the most emotional endings. Although the saga on its own is long, exciting, and sometimes tiring, what makes this arc truly worth watching is its ending.

Not only does Goku get to see his grandfather who raised him again, the saga ends with Goku reviving Bora and showing the protagonist’s shift in motivation. While initially on the journey to recover his grandfather’s Dragon Ball, by the end, Goku wants to use it to help others, making it an emotional and pivotal ending in the series.

8 Raditz Saga (Dragon Ball Z)

A Shocking End To A Setup Saga

While the Saiyan Saga was actually the full beginning major arc of Dragon Ball Z, it also wrapped up the beginning of the series in a memorable way. In particular, the Raditz story arc ends with Goku’s first death, giving his life to defeat his older brother together with his then nemesis, Piccolo.

Not only featuring a new threat that Goku is unable to beat, it sets up the upcoming Vegeta arc, raises the stake for the whole of Dragon Ball Z, and gives a glimpse of Gohan’s hidden power. As Goku embarks on his journey in the next world, all the Z fighters prepare for the arrival of the Saiyans.

7 King Piccolo Saga (Dragon Ball)

Goku Finally Wins With An Evil Twist To Come

The King Piccolo Saga is not only one of the best in the anime, but it also manages to create a finale that leaves the audience wanting more. With the conclusion of Goku and Piccolo’s intense fight, the protagonist emerges hurt and victorious, yet the villain is not simply defeated.

Goku uses his signature move to punch a hole through King Piccolo, who uses his last life force to spit an egg with his son, begging him to avenge him. Not only does it bring the storyline to a satisfying end; it teases the next big threat that comes with the end of Dragon Ball.

6 Tenshinhan Saga (Dragon Ball)

Krillin’s First Death Makes For A Shocking Finale And A Dark Start

Starting off the Piccolo group saga, this story arc revolves around the 22nd World Martial Arts Tournament, which is not only famous for introducing Chiaotzu and Tienshinhan, but also for its shocking finale. Although the first of many, Krillin’s first death was definitely the saddest and most surprising.

The Tenshinhan arc finishes with Goku finding his best friend’s body as a new threat emerges in the shadows, launching the characters into one of the darker periods in the anime, thus making this ending the start of a crucial yet dark Dragon Ball era.

5 Frieza Saga (Dragon Ball Z)

A Happy But Mysterious Ending To A Long And Difficult Journey

The whole Frieza saga, from the introduction of Namek to its explosion, is certainly one of the best in the whole of Dragon Ball Z, with a finale to match. After one of the longest and toughest fights in all of the Dragon Ball franchise, everyone believes Goku and Frieza to have died, only to later discover the protagonist is still alive.

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The saga ends with a sweet goodbye to the Namekians and the resurrection of the Z fighters, but Goku is nowhere to be found — the ending leaves fans wanting more while also being content with the saga they got.

4 Shadow Dragon Saga (Dragon Ball GT)

An Emotional Goodbye To Goku And Dragon Ball

There are many reasons not to like Dragon Ball GT, yet, despite its less-than-perfect journey, the last saga manages to end the anime on an incredible note. While Goku defeats Omega Shenron with energy from all around the universe, this finale is actually responsible for a lot of goodbyes.

Saying goodbye to Goku really feels like an end to the Dragon Ball franchise, but the fight between Goku Jr. and Vegeta Jr. is able to give everyone hope for the future, especially as Goku appears in the crowd as a last nod to the beloved anime franchise.

3 Piccolo Jr. Saga (Dragon Ball)

A Happy Ending To Begin Anew

The saga starts with a huge change, as Goku comes back older (and taller), ushering in a more mature shift on the way toward Dragon Ball Z’s overall tone. The ending of this arc also symbolizes great change. Goku beats Piccolo in an incredible fight and wins the tournament, yet he also goes on a brand-new adventure with Chi-Chi, ending the arc with their wedding.

This is not only the end of one of the best sagas in the franchise, but it is also the ending to the Dragon Ball series, saying goodbye to a lot of the series’ staples while also making space to welcome Dragon Ball Z.

2 Buu Saga (Dragon Ball Z)

An Epic Ending To Start The End Of Dragon Ball Z

The Buu saga was criticized for many reasons, including having some of the longest arcs in all the anime. Yet, there is no denying that its ending makes up for a lot of the saga’s mistakes, wrapping up the era in a beautiful way as an epic fight finishes with a Spirit Bomb — and with Spirit Bomb finally being useful!

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Although there is a short saga that follows it — Peaceful World Saga, consisting of four episodes — as the Z fighters join the World Martial Arts tournament, the Buu saga’s ending also serves as the end of the entire Dragon Ball Z series, establishing a long period of peace in the anime’s ending.

1 Cell Saga (Dragon Ball Z)

A Finale That Has The Best Of Dragon Ball

The ending of the Cell saga wraps up all the arcs in an epic battle that determines Earth’s future. Watching Goku die once again, coaching Gohan through one of the most iconic Kamehameha waves, and then making the decision not to be revived — it’s a roller coaster of emotions, to say the least.

With Gohan taking over his father’s legacy, Trunks returning to his reality, and the Z fighters finally at peace, the saga ends with the defeat of one of the best villains in the franchise. Even though the Buu Saga kind of ruins a lot of the setup this ending provided, the Cell Saga finale has it all: emotional moments, tough goodbyes, thrilling final blows, and a bittersweet ending — true to Dragon Ball fashion.

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