10 Perfect Episodes of Dragon Ball GT That Are Flawless From Beginning to End (2024)

Dragon Ball GT was the original successor to Dragon Ball Z, but was met with a mixed reception upon its release in 1996. GT picks up five years after DBZ and kicks things off with a Dragon Ball wish gone wrong that transforms Goku back into a child. Dragon Ball GT’s Black Star Dragon Ball Saga was a polarizing start to the anime, to say the least.

Long-time fans were taken aback by the more kid-friendly tone more akin to the original Dragon Ball’s playfulness over Dragon Ball Z’s mature, action-oriented storytelling. Dragon Ball GT takes some time to find its rhythm, but when it does, it’s really wonderful. This rough start has fed into a grander narrative that none of Dragon Ball GT is worthwhile. This is far from the case, as Dragon Ball GT is home to some of the best episodes in the entire franchise.

10 “Super Saiyan 4 Vegeta” Ushers In Dragon Ball GT’s Endgame

Dragon Ball GT, Episode 59

"Super Saiyan 4 Vegeta" is a landmark Dragon Ball GT episode for several reasons. Episode 59 begins with Syn Shenron transforming into Omega Shenron, who may not look that different, but possesses all the powers of the previous Shadow Dragons. Super Saiyan 4 Goku struggles to defeat Omega and even prepares to self-destruct in a desperate attempt to take this evil out with him. Goku's selfless act is interrupted by Vegeta, who's undergone the process to also become a Super Saiyan 4 for the first time.

Vegeta's Super Saiyan 4 transformation is long overdue, and it's extremely rewarding to see both him & Goku fighting in tandem with each other. There's even a really playful moment where Bulma and Chi-Chi argue over which of their husbands is superior. "Super Saiyan 4 Vegeta" is rich in well-orchestrated action – the use of Goku's Dragon Hammer is particularly inspired – as well as a celebratory return of one of Dragon Ball GT's best characters. Vegeta finally receives the showcase that he deserves and it's glorious.

9 “17 Times 2” Brings Plot Points To A Harrowing Head As A New Evil Emerges

Dragon Ball GT, Episode 44

Dragon Ball GT's Super 17 Saga gets its share of criticism, as there are many reductive ideas in play during this small stretch of episodes. There are valid complaints to be made here, like how this story saga cribs from Fusion Reborn and has some alarming pacing problems. That said, "17 Times 2" is a brief bright spot in these dark times that does everything right. This is the episode where Android 17 and Hell Fighter 17 actually fuse together to make Super 17, which ushers in a whole new tier of power. However, this transformation is preceded by Krillin's cruel death at 17's hands.

Krillin is no stranger to death, but this casualty is particularly effective since it's in front of his wife and daughter. It becomes a crucial catalyst in Android 18's eventual assault on Super 17. Vegeta holds his own against Super 17 in Goku's stead, who is still stuck in Hell. The previous episode reintroduces Cell and Frieza, but Episode 44 is where they're properly defeated, which is another highlight. Finally, Piccolo stands out in some important ways when he causes commotion in Heaven, so that King Yemma is forced to banish him to Hell so he can help Goku escape. This is a very busy episode where a lot happens, but it's all captivating material.

8 “Universal Allies” Marks The End To Omega Shenron’s Reign Of Terror

Dragon Ball GT, Episode 63

Dragon Ball fans are quite used to Spirit Bombs taking out major villains. Dragon Ball GT indulges in this trope for its penultimate episode, but it finds a creative enough angle to make this powerful conclusion subvert expectations and feel fresh. Omega Shenron fires off his Negative Karma Ball, only for Goku to intercept the blast as he asserts his endless love for Earth. Goku is presumed to be dead, but undergoes a cryptic change that leaves him more resolute than ever to take out Omega Shenron, once and for all. Goku summons a Spirit Bomb, but this time it's a Super Ultra Spirit Bomb, which dwarfs all his previous efforts.

This heroic act has a significant impact, but it's even more effective through Dragon Ball GT's decision to feature the many people who Goku has helped throughout the entire Dragon Ball franchise. Gratuitous cameos can come across as hollow fan service, but Dragon Ball GT uses this display to properly reiterate all the lives that Goku has touched since his childhood. It's a powerful way to turn Goku's victory into a shared success for the entire planet that's finally enough to destroy Omega Shenron.

7 "The One-Star Dragon" Is Full Of Shadow Dragon Surprises

Dragon Ball GT, Episode 57

The seven evil Shadow Dragons are worthy enemies that keep Goku busy during Dragon Ball GT's final story arc, but the final few really push the Saiyan out of his comfort zone. Even at Super Saiyan 4, Eis Shenron and his extreme ice powers are a lot for Goku to handle. Goku's situation becomes even more dire when Eis Shenron forms Ice Claws and uses them to blind Goku. Goku can't see, but he proves his skills as a martial artist when he trusts his other senses and takes out Eis Shenron with his Dragon Fist attack.

There's a temporary moment of calm that follows and Nuova Shenron attempts to cure Goku's blindness. In doing so, Nuova Shenron stands out from his Shadow Dragon peers and it's clear that he has a sense of honor and properly respects a fair fight. Unfortunately, this act of "betrayal" rubs Syn Shenron the wrong way. Syn Shenron executes Nuova Shenron and Dragon Ball GT's final battle begins as Syn Shenron prepares to go all out against Super Saiyan 4 Goku.

6 "The Attack On Vegeta" Lets Two Neglected Saiyans Shine

Dragon Ball GT, Episode 27

The Black Star Dragon Ball Saga leaves a lot to be desired, but it naturally segues into the Baby Saga and the titular parasitic Neo Machine Mutant's systematic takedown of the planet. Baby ultimately chooses Vegeta to be his final host vessel, but tests out a few other heroes before he's able to take over Vegeta. Baby gains access to Vegeta in "The Attack on Vegeta," which is triggered through an excellent battle against Baby Gohan and Baby Goten.

Gohan and Goten both get very little to do in Dragon Ball GT and Episode 27 arguably contains their strongest material. Additionally, it's exciting to see Vegeta take on Goku's children while they go all out on him. Vegeta can't just arbitrarily kill his aggressors because he knows that they're not themselves. It's a creative conflict for a battle and a chilling episode where Goku is barely even present.

5 “Goku’s Ascension” Shows Off Super Saiyan 4 In All Its Glory

Dragon Ball GT, Episode 35

Dragon Ball GT does its best to recapture the energy of Goku and Vegeta's Saiyan Saga fight through Baby Vegeta and Goku. Dragon Ball GT Episode 34, "Back in the Game," concludes with a thrilling transformation, but "Goku's Ascension" properly shows off Super Saiyan 4 for the first time and what Goku can do in this transformed state.

Episode 35 distills many of the greatest moments from Goku and Baby Vegeta's fight, not to mention the Super Saiyan 4 transformation's most memorable scenes. Baby Vegeta, not to be outdone by Super Saiyan 4 Goku, triggers his own transformation into a Golden Great Ape, which once again calls back to Dragon Ball Z's Saiyan Saga, albeit with extra intensity.

4 "The Resurrection Of Cell And Frieza" Brings Back Two Classic Villains With A New Twist

Dragon Ball GT, Episode 43

Dragon Ball GT's Super 17 Saga sends Goku into Hell, which leads to the return of Frieza and Cell, who have teamed up together in the afterlife. The prospect of a two-on-one battle between two past villains and Goku is valuable in and of itself, but Dragon Ball GT gets a lot of mileage by expanding on Hell's lore through the introduction of Hell Enma and her Terrible Torture Tour.

Goku's Other World detour is entertaining and keeps the story moving along, but there's also plenty to appreciate on Earth in Episode 43. Gohan gets to show his strength to General Rilldo, while Vegeta gets to humble a revived Nappa, as Goten and Trunks take on errant Saibamen. It's a particularly fun way to highlight how far the franchise has come by reflecting on its past.

3 "Super Saiyan 4 Fusion" Brings Back Gogeta In A Very Big Way

Dragon Ball GT, Episode 60

It would have been easy for Gogeta to just be a one-time character, but Dragon Ball GT brings him back, as a Super Saiyan 4 no less, for the final battle. Super Saiyan 4 Gogeta exudes pure power and is the perfect way to ramp up Goku & Vegeta's lengthy battle against Omega Shenron.

Gogeta trolls Omega Shenron in the most entertaining ways through insulting techniques like his Bluff Kamehameha. Gogeta is even so powerful that the fusion prematurely ends before he can kill Omega. Episode 60 is packed with strong action and suspense. There's also some really sweet material from Gohan, Goten, and Trunks all do their part to support their fathers and take on Omega Shenron while Goku and Vegeta work the kinks out of their fusion.

2 “Piccolo’s Decision” Is A Touching Tribute To A Beloved Character

Dragon Ball GT, Episode 40

Piccolo has always been an important character, but he struggles to stay relevant when faced with the growing roster of Super Saiyans. Dragon Ball GT gives Piccolo a truly touching "goodbye" that solidifies his status as a hero and proves how much he's grown since his villainous origins. "Piccolo's Decision" chronicles Goku's strenuous efforts to get everyone off of Earth before it explodes from the Black Star Dragon Balls' negative energy.

Piccolo donates energy to Goku so he's able to safely get off the planet, but not before he helps save a random child, Danny, who was accidentally left behind by his parents. Piccolo putting an arbitrary boy's interests over his own is genuinely inspirational. Piccolo opts to stay behind on Earth and perish with the planet so that the Black Star Dragon Balls will be taken out of commission and they won't be able to hurt anyone else. This selfless decision is amplified by Piccolo's emotional goodbye to Gohan, which puts a bow on their longstanding friendship and is genuinely sad.

1 “Until We Meet Again…” Ends The Original Dragon Ball Franchise On A Nostalgic Note

Dragon Ball GT, Episode 64

Endings are never easy. Dragon Ball Z and Dragon Ball Super both have abrupt conclusions that feel insufficient as series finales. Dragon Ball GT breaks this trend and it's kind of special "Until We Meet Again...," is also the anime's best episode. Episode 64 begins with Goku's triumphant victory over Omega Shenron, but the rest of the finale is an extended farewell tour as Goku's friends – and the audience – prepare to say goodbye. Shenron explains that the Dragon Balls will be out of commission for a while, due to years of being overused, and that Goku is coming with him.

The end of the Dragon Balls is a very final way to conclude the franchise, rather than the series just settling into another period of peace. Goku's goodbyes to his closest friends, like Vegeta, Piccolo, Krillin, and Master Roshi are all incredibly sweet. There's even an extended section that reflects upon Goku and Bulma's friendship and how they were the first two characters to start all of this. "Until We Meet Again..." achieves a perfect level of poignancy and ends Dragon Ball GT on a beautiful high.

Dragon Ball GT

TV-PG

Adventure

After Goku is made a kid again by the Black Star Dragon Balls, he goes on a journey to get back to his old self.

Release Date

March 26, 1997

Cast

Masako Nozawa , Yûko Minaguchi

Seasons

1

Creator

Production Company

Network

Fuji TV

Streaming Service(s)

Hulu

Franchise(s)

Dragon Ball

YouTube Trailer

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lCCqurmsWHw