Dragon Ball 10 Times Vegeta Lost Gokus Respect

Goku admires how much Vegeta dedicates himself to getting stronger, but even the Prince of All Saiyans loses Kakarot's respect sometimes.

Akira Toriyama’s Dragon Ball has worked hard to become one of the most celebrated anime series of all time. Dragon Ball was a foundation shonen series back during the 1980s and ‘90s, but decades later it remains at the forefront of the genre and one of the most popular anime series. Dragon Ball has been able to build such a dedicated audience because of its incredible action sequences as well as the unique and lovable characters who have been introduced over time.

There’s been a palpable rivalry between Vegeta and Goku ever since they first met that's gone on to become one of the series’ most satisfying dynamics. Goku typically has reverence for Vegeta’s dedication to his craft and his pride for his roots, but there are also some occasions where Goku can’t help but think less of Vegeta.

10 He Succumbs To Babidi And Becomes Majin

Ever since the climactic events of Dragon Ball Z’s Saiyan Saga, the series has been looking for opportunities to lock Goku and Vegeta into combat together. The Buu Saga creates a plausible scenario for Vegeta to return to the dark side and genuinely take on Goku in battle rather than some playful training session. There’s raw anger and emotions that are present in the fight between Majin Vegeta and Goku. Majin Vegeta’s rage has never been stronger, but Goku acts like a disappointed parent who can’t believe Vegeta has turned to this easy solution for power.

9 His Stubborn Attitude Towards Fusion

Fusion has become a mixed bag for Dragon Ball. What was initially introduced as a creative last-ditch effort for greater power has become an abused technique that’s gotten out of proportion with its rampant use. The most exciting fusion in Dragon Ball is arguably any of the unions between Vegeta and Goku. Goku first floats this strategy by Vegeta during the fight against Super Buu. Goku can’t believe how opposed Vegeta is to fusing together with him and that his petty ego could prevent them from taking this necessary step towards victory.

8 He Wants To Stay With Bulma During Her Pregnancy Rather Than Compete

Both Goku and Vegeta start families on Earth, but they exhibit wildly different approaches to relationships and family. Vegeta nearly recuses himself from the Tournament of Power because he doesn’t want to leave Bulma alone during the late stages of her pregnancy with Bulla.

Vegeta’s decision here is quite compassionate, but it completely flummoxes Goku. He can’t understand why Bulma’s pregnancy would be Vegeta’s problem and he’s disappointed in his friend for considering removing himself from the most important competition that they’ve ever faced. It’s a rare situation where Vegeta is correct, despite losing Goku’s respect on the matter.

7 Vegeta Asks Goku To Not Interrupt His Ultra Ego Demonstration Against Granolah

Dragon Ball Super’s manga has gone on to expand the anime’s story well beyond the conclusion of the Tournament of Power. Vegeta and Goku are currently contending with a bitter survivor of the Cerealian race, Granolah, which has led to new transformations and techniques from the series’ Saiyans, like Vegeta’s deadly Ultra Ego form. This still isn’t enough to defeat Granolah, but Vegeta chastises Goku when he attempts to assist him in the battle. Goku is disappointed that Vegeta’s pride would still get in the way here when Granolah’s defeat, by whatever means necessary, should be what’s most important.

6 He Resorts To Artificial Blutz Waves To Turn Super Saiyan 4

Dragon Ball GT faces some growing pains during its introductory episodes, but many consider the sequel series to truly find its footing after Baby turns Vegeta into his host and a new feud between Goku and Vegeta is able to begin. The war between Baby Vegeta and Goku pushes each character to transcend to their Golden Great Ape forms, and then Super Saiyan 4 later on in Dragon Ball GT. Goku naturally achieves this, but Vegeta relies on some clever thinking on Bulma’s part to replicate artificial Blutz Waves to force his transformation. It’s not how Vegeta typically develops.

5 His Song And Dance Routine For Lord Beerus

Dragon Ball does an impressive job with the tiers of celestial deities that it’s progressively introduced as the series’ universe expands. Dragon Ball Super brings Gods of Destruction, Angels, and more into the mix, all of which are revered figures that are capable of unbelievable things.

It’s for this reason that Vegeta is so paranoid during Lord Beerus’ initial visit. Vegeta goes above and beyond to make sure that Beerus is placated and entertained, which results in some rather embarrassing theatrics. Vegeta’s song and dance for Beerus seems like a necessary measure to him, but Goku views it as absurdity.

4 When He Betrays Nappa And Finishes Him Off

Goku’s first real interaction with Vegeta occurs once Goku finally returns to Earth after his first detour to the afterlife. Goku is ready to pick up the slack and avenge the losses of his many friends, which begins with his swift takedown of Nappa. Goku thoroughly beats Nappa, but it’s actually Vegeta who finishes off his partner after he’s disgusted by his poor performance. Goku is shocked that Vegeta would so cavalierly kill off his partner and it helps him understand how evil Vegeta is during his invasion of Earth.

3 When He Requires Goten And Trunks' Help On Planet Potaufeu

Like any long-running anime franchise, Dragon Ball is no stranger to stretches of filler. These more disposable episodes are in smaller supply in Dragon Ball Super, but they still pop up as distractions from the larger story arcs. Vegeta finds himself completely powerless after an evil copy of him is created on Planet Potaufeu. Vegeta is forced to remain on the sidelines, and recuperate with a pacifier-like object no less, while Goten, Trunks, and Goku pick up the slack. It’s not Vegeta’s finest moment, especially when children are coming to his rescue.

2 After He Gets Infected By Baby

Dragon Ball GT didn’t reach the same acclaim as Dragon Ball Super, but it’s a successor to Dragon Ball Z that makes many ambitious decisions – for both better and for worse. Dragon Ball GT returns to a lot of the franchise’s traditional ideas, including the contentious history between Saiyans and Tuffles. This gets expressed with the invasion of the parasitic predator, Baby, who decides that Vegeta would make for the most rewarding surrogate body. Vegeta has been infected in the past, so Goku is a little surprised to see his friend once again suffer from a similar fate.

1 The Beatdown That He Suffer Courtesy Of Arale Norimaki

Dragon Ball has undoubtedly become Akira Toriyama’s most successful property, but he’s also responsible for other beloved series, like the more comedic Doctor Slump. There have been crossovers between Dragon Ball and Doctor Slump in the past, but Dragon Ball Super engages in an extremely exaggerated gag episode that’s practically through Arale Norimaki’s perspective. Goku and Vegeta both struggle against this precocious robotic child, but Vegeta feels especially embarrassed and is ashamed of his defeat. Goku can’t help but judge him in this context when he sees how broken up he is over Arale’s supremacy.