10. Nappa (Saiyan Saga)
The fight between Vegeta and Nappa in the Saiyan Saga barely counts as a battle, but it’s definitely a win for the Saiyan Prince. When Nappa realizes he’s losing to Kakarot one-on-one, Vegeta sees his bald comrade is no longer useful.
Without even needing to use the Galick Gun, Vegeta simply bends over and unleashes an energy blast that melts his fellow Saiyan. Interestingly, Nappa returns during the Super 17 Saga in Dragon Ball GT, only to be defeated by Vegeta once again.
9. Frieza’s Forces on Namek (Frieza Saga)
It might be a bit of a stretch, but watching Vegeta tear through Frieza’s forces counts as one of his greatest campaigns.
After defeating foes like Cui, Dodoria, and Zarbon, Vegeta made up for his earlier loss on Earth by taking down many of the comrades who once mocked him. Starting his reign of terror within Frieza’s army, he initially lost to Zarbon but later defeated him just as decisively as he did Dodoria and Cui. This campaign was not just revenge but a brutal experience that revealed Vegeta’s ruthless side.
8. Second-Form Cell (Cell Saga)
The Saiyan Prince won in record time against Dr. Gero’s creation but threw it all away when he allowed Cell to reach his perfect form. As Cell tore through the Androids, Piccolo, and Tenshinhan, Vegeta had the perfect chance to become Earth’s savior, even surpassing Goku. Like many times before, his pride ruined the victory when he let Cell evolve.
7. Frost (Universe 6 Saga)
The Universe 6 Saga might feel out of place amid arcs like Goku Black and the Tournament of Power, but it stands out in its own right.
While introducing characters like Cabba and Hit, Frost’s appearance caught attention as a heroic version of Frieza. Of course, that was a ruse when he used dirty tricks to defeat Piccolo. In a decisive victory, Vegeta knocked Frost out of the ring. In a way, he achieved a win over a Frieza-like foe that he never managed during the Frieza Saga.
6. Number 2 Tamigami (Dragon Ball Daima)
In Dragon Ball Daima, the spotlight mainly focused on Goku and his Super Saiyan 4 debut, wrapping up the spin-off series. Luckily, the anime gave Vegeta a moment fans had waited decades for.
In the battle against the Dragon Ball Guardian of the Demon Realm, the Saiyan Prince finally transformed into Super Saiyan 3. Though Vegeta dominated Number 2 Tamigami, the puzzle to obtain the Dragon Balls proved far tougher than the fight itself.
5. Toppo (Tournament of Power)
Toppo emerged as a natural powerhouse during the Tournament of Power. The Universe 11 warriors have always been formidable foes against fighters like Goku and Frieza. When the Pride Trooper revealed himself as a God of Destruction in training, he easily defeated Frieza and faced Vegeta one-on-one.
Instead of losing like Frieza, Vegeta unleashed a new version of Super Saiyan Blue, using a self-sacrificing move to take down Toppo. Fortunately, this time Vegeta didn’t kill himself while releasing this power, unlike his fight with Majin Buu.
4. Pui Pui (Majin Buu Saga)
When Babidi used his magic to drain energy from the Z fighters to awaken Majin Buu, even the Supreme Kai underestimated the Saiyan’s power. While Goku bravely fought Yakon, Vegeta utterly crushed Pui Pui in a way that almost makes you feel sorry for the alien henchman.
Pui Pui’s defeat might be the most humiliating in the series, as he thought simply increasing gravity tenfold would secure victory. With just a few strikes and a powerful energy blast, Vegeta wiped him out. This win was a major moment of soul-cleansing for him.
3. Goku (Saiyan Saga)
This might be a controversial take, but Vegeta actually won his first fight against Son Goku. If he hadn’t been overconfident, the Saiyan Prince could have destroyed Earth and killed the other Z fighters.
You might argue Vegeta’s use of the Oozaru transformation was cheating, but how is that different from Goku’s Kaioken or Spirit Bomb? If a warrior can use a transformation or technique, it’s fair game. Vegeta clearly defeated Goku, and without outside help, it’s hard to imagine any outcome other than Vegeta’s total victory.
2. Android 19 (Android Saga)
Vegeta’s battle against Android 19 is perhaps his most soul-purifying victory in Dragon Ball Z. He appeared right after Goku’s defeat, revealing he had achieved Super Saiyan status.
Android 19 trembled in fear as Vegeta overwhelmed him. Bathed in the glow of victory, Vegeta unleashed a powerful Big Bang Attack that completely destroyed his enemy. This win is considered one of Vegeta’s greatest, if not the greatest, in Dragon Ball Z.
1. Babidi and Majin Buu (Majin Buu Saga)
Though he couldn’t destroy Majin Buu, Vegeta’s victory over Babidi’s magic and his own inner demons stands as his greatest triumph. It wasn’t just a display of power but a crucial win over the darkness inside him, allowing him to let go of his grudge against Goku and his destructive past. Vegeta’s speech about “pride” is often hailed as one of his most iconic moments.