The biggest draw of Dragon Ball is the spectacle of its fights. Seeing these martial artists battle at high speeds and fire explosive energy blasts is enough to give anybody an adrenaline rush. However, that's not to say there isn't also an emotional aspect to the fights. There are times when the reasons for these fights are just as epic as the fighting itself. However, if there were one character who best mixes intense action with good story development, it would have to be Vegeta.
For Vegeta, more than anyone, his fights were all integral parts of his character arc. Everything about his fights told the audience a little more about him. Many of his battles were an insight into his steady development. Because of this, it's easy to see his transition from a ruthless planet conqueror to a humble protector of the Earth. All of this serves to make his fights epic as well as action-packed. To prove it, here's a look at some of his biggest fights from Dragon Ball Z, what makes them cool, how they progress the story, and what they say about his character.
Vegeta vs. Goku (and Gohan, Krillin, & Yajirobe)
Vegeta's fight with Goku is best remembered for its profound influence. The rivalry Kickstarted is one of the most famous in all of anime. Their drives to grow stronger and surpass each other are inspiring in many ways, both in and out of the story.
Beyond its legacy, the fight itself is engaging in its own right. Goku's Kaio-ken x3 assault on Vegeta, followed by one of the best-looking beam struggles of the franchise, is pure exhilaration. It's also one of the only fights in Dragon Ball where all the combatants struggle by the end of the battle because of how exhausted everyone is.
Vegeta vs. Zarbon
Zarbon was the first opponent Vegeta had to fight with more than just brute force. This is because Zarbon was also the first opponent to outclass him in power (after transforming). Even after his Zenkai boost, the Saiyan Prince relied on cheap tricks like dropping dirt in his opponent's eyes. This fight proved that Vegeta wasn't only strong, but he was also cunning.
This confrontation was also interesting because of the race for the Dragon Balls. His tactics on this front were also clever; hiding a Dragon Ball so he'd have to be taken alive, stealing the Frieza Force's Balls while Zarbon and Frieza were still on the ship, and even blocking Krillin and Bulma from escaping with their Dragon Ball while fighting Zarbon. Winning was one thing, but the Saiyan Prince also needed to end up with more Dragon Balls by the end of it all.
Vegeta vs. Recoome
Vegeta's fight with Recoome (and the rest of the Ginyu Force) would mark his first official team-up with the Z-Fighters. Before this, he only needed allies as underlings to deal with weaker fighters. This is the first time he thought of working together as the only way to win. Unfortunately, they all got wiped out anyway. Regardless, Vegeta's transition into a full-fledged Z-Fighter began with this team-up.
Later, when Goku arrived and beat Recoome, Vegeta was more than happy to deliver the killing blow in his stead. This started an argument between the two about the value of mercy and what it takes to become a Super Saiyan. Both of these things would become important in the fight with Frieza.
Vegeta vs. Frieza
Vegeta claimed he wanted to kill Frieza not to avenge the Saiyans but to make up for all the wasted time under his proverbial boot. When their fight started, the Saiyan Prince made it all about fulfilling the Super Saiyan legend of his people. He passed the responsibility to Goku after failing on all these fronts. His steady humiliation at Frieza's hands had revealed a more vulnerable side that did care about others, especially the Saiyans. Nobody could have expected to feel so much for this man who had been the cause of so much grief up to this point.
Besides the emotion, Vegeta's fight with Frieza provided some great visuals. His power-up, rapid-fire energy blasts, and planet-destroying blast shaking Namek from space were all spectacular. Frieza's torture was also iconic. This fight may have been a blowout, but Vegeta put on a good show while it lasted.
Vegeta vs. 19
It came a little late, but Vegeta finally realized his version of the Super Saiyan legend. Anyone keeping up with DBZ knew how important this moment was. Vegeta put a lot of time and effort into earning this transformation. Some of this was even shown shortly before the fight started. It was all part of his goal to surpass Goku and reclaim his right to be called the Prince of Saiyans.
Vwgeta's efforts were rewarded with a satisfying beatdown of Android 19. He not only trounced his enemy, but he also proved that androids can feel fear. The defeat was so thorough that the Saiyan Prince even bluffed Android 20 into running away, despite not having the energy to fight him. This was an excellent comeback for Vegeta following his humiliating losses to Frieza and, in a way, Goku.
Vegeta vs. 18
Unfortunately, Vegeta's success as a Super Saiyan was short-lived. When he battled Android 18, she had him outclassed in power and energy reserves. The fight ended with him getting his arms broken and his pride shattered.
What's interesting about this fight is what it sets up regarding power ceilings. Up to this point, Super Saiyans were supposed to be the strongest beings in the universe. This fight set the stage for more powerful warriors to enter, including Bio-Androids and Super Namekians. However, this defeat compelled Vegeta to push to new heights as well. In this sense, he began the race to find the ascended form that surpassed Super Saiyan.
Vegeta vs. Cell
Super Vegeta gave Semi-Perfect Cell a thorough thrashing, but he wasn't satisfied. He wanted a real fight, so he let the Bio-Android absorb Android 18 and achieve his Perfect Form. It was a cruel reminder that the Saiyan Prince was still technically an antagonist.
While Vegeta ultimately lost this fight, he still put on a good show. The Final Flash he used is still one of the most impressive-looking attacks in the series for how big it looks and how it fires off into deep space. Few attacks after this one looked quite as powerful, even if they were.
His assault on Super Perfect Cell was also iconic, as well as narratively significant. It showed his care for Trunks, but it also cost Gohan his arm. He may have made up for it by helping Gohan beat Cell, but his pride had once again been severely wounded.
Majin Vegeta vs. Goku
Majin Vegeta's fight with Goku was the culmination of his frustrations. He had spent years trying and failing to surpass a lower-class warrior he should have always been better than. When he died, it seemed like he would never get to settle the score with his rival. On top of all that, he felt he was growing soft and complacent from all his time on Earth; he wanted to return to being a cold-blooded warrior. All of this led him to take Babidi's Faustian bargain for power. He was finally ready to have his long-awaited decisive battle with Goku.
While most of the fight is only canon to the anime, it's still amazing to watch. These longtime rivals come off not only as powerful but also as experts in their field. It's a brilliant display of fast-paced close and long-range combat. It all looks and feels like a final battle.
Vegeta vs. Kid Buu
Vegeta came to terms with his place in the universe during the final battle with Kid Buu. He finally acknowledged Goku as better than him, both morally and physically. On top of that, he accepted his place as a protector of the Earth. All of his frustrations from the start of the Buu Saga were dealt with.
He also came to understand his place in the fight with Kid Buu. He had no delusions about winning this fight. His role was to support Goku and help him secure the win. To this end, he stalled the Majin long enough for Goku to transform into a Super Saiyan 3 and, when that plan fell through, launch the Super Spirit Bomb. The thumbs up Goku and Vegeta give to each other signifies not only the defeat of Kid Buu but also the positive change in their relationship.