Dragon Ball Z is one of the original anime shows when it comes to:
- Role models.
- Inspirnig characters.
- Motivational content.
- Leadership.
And the type of anime content that pushes people to do better despite it “just being fiction” in some people’s minds.
Let’s talk about the BEST role models in ranking order from DBZ as a franchise.
Here’s a list.
Best DBZ Role Models (Ranking Order):
1. Piccolo
Piccolo is one of the OG’s of the franchise. He’s liked by too many people, and even though he technically started off on an evil path (King Piccolo, whom he was born to), he was able to change in the early stages.
His progress, character development, sacrifices, and most of all, his intellect and logic have been the reasons for keeping planet Earth safe in some aspects.
Sometimes he’s lacked the power, but his logic and reasoning have been the saviours instead.
Plus, his relationship with Gohan and how he treats others in general makes him a SOLID role model from DBZ!
2. Future Trunks
Future Trunks is a character that can be easily missed in this kind of conversation.
He’s completely different because, of course, in his future, the world has mostly been destroyed. And it seems like it happens a lot, not just with the androids or Cell, but later with GOKU BLACK.
His experience toughened him up a great deal, made him very empathetic, understanding, and compassionate, while making him have ZERO tolerance to those who cause harm and threaten to steal the peace.
He’s balanced and is exactly the kind of balance that was needed to destroy Cyborg Frieza at the time, where GOKU may have been too naive.
Future Trunks was also trained and moulded by Future Gohan, which speaks volumes.
3. Chi-Chi
Chi-Chi doesn’t get the respect she so rightly deserves. People look at the surface and see someone who appears to be nagging.
In reality, Chi-Chi not only grows up to be one of the best mothers on paper, but considering how she’s always been a devoted wife who holds down the fort, wanted the best for her kids, and has NEVER been a “lady of the night”, raises her role model profile.
She’s firm, caring, committed, and would never throw away her values, let alone family values, over the prettiest of things since her moral standards are too high.
She was raised well.
4. Bulma
Bulma started off on the naughty list, considering how she was more promiscuous compared to Chi-Chi, among many other things. She also famously shot Goku multiple times without even thinking about it in the beginning.
Over time, probably from experience, Bulma matures, gets her head more screwed on, is more practical, focused, and less distracted, especially in the world of romance.
Her father is a good role model as well, who shaped her scientific mind (aside from the fact that she grew up extremely wealthy and privileged).
Bulma is not just likeable, but sensible, very intelligent, has charm, and is a dedicated inventor.
There’s a lot to be inspired by.
5. Gohan
Gohan, the son of Goku, if ranked by how pure he is, would be at the top of this list. And of course, he’s one of anime’s greatest role models, even if it’s in a more cliche fashion.
Chi-Chi raised him well and always wanted him to focus on studying so he could become something and have a good enough career, which he achieved.
Gohan, even in the face of evil, has always been overwhelmingly compassionate, sometimes to his own demise (not literally), except the one time he faced off with Cell as a SS2.
He’s the type of person who gets along with everyone, and even though they may disagree with some of his ways (like Vegeta), he’s respected regardless.
6. Krillin
Krillin is a little bit of a deviant in the early stages as a kid, but like many, naturally, he matures, grows up, and has always been focused on something.
He has one of the biggest hearts of any character in DBZ, similar to Gohan.
He famously let Android 18 live despite the fact that he could have pushed the button and blown her to bits (or disabled her to prevent CELL absorbing her).
Fans also respect his family role and, of course, his relationship with his wife, Android 18.
7. Vegeta
Vegeta has had some of the most character development of anybody in the entire series.
He’s one of the wickedest villains of the franchise in the earlier stages.
We see this is in part because planet Vegeta and the Saiyans were colonised by Frieza, forced to do whatever they’re told, and Vegeta was also taken away from his father as a child.
This shapes Vegeta in many ways, leading him to blowing up planets without mercy, and killing without a thought, which changes drastically on his deathbed in front of Frieza and Goku, and many other events that shape his character.
He’s a realistic role model. Not perfect, but definitely respectable, admirable, and inspiring in his own ways.
8. Goku
Goku is, of course, the main character of the series, so he’s bound to have some role model aspects. I just happen to rank him lower than others would on a scale.
After famously falling on his head as a child, he became kind, innocent, gentle, calm, and compassionate. This is shocking to his adopted Granpa at the time.
Goku has consistently remained this way, even when he first turns into a Super Saiyan against Frieza, and even in the last moments of their battle, where he famously gives Frieza a chance to survive.
Or when he gives CELL a Senzu bean.
Goku thrives off challenges and difficulties, and loves to grow, evolve, develop, learn, and become better. That can make him naive sometimes, but it also is why he’s one of the most loved anime characters of the 21st century.
9. Tien
Tien is a simple character, mostly because he gets less screentime over the course of the anime.
At first, he’s sort of a villain, but in reality, like many others, his heart is in the right place, and he’s the type of person who minds his own business and tends to live in peace.
From a simplicity point of view, Tien can be considered a role model as well without the bells and whistles.
10. Android 17/18
Android 17 and 18 were only evil in Trunks’ future timeline. In the main timeline, they seemed more neutral, and that, of course, evolved with time, making both characters some of the most liked.
That also includes their role in Dragon Ball Super.
Android 18 has a family and is the wife of Krillin. She’s tough, a little Kuudere-ish, straightforward, and balanced.
Android 17, her twin brother, is cool, calm, and collected, and prefers to stay out of the limelight and doesn’t attract too much attention to himself.
11. Yamcha
Yamcha, the guy who is made fun of even when it’s not relevant. Jokes aside, he’s still a role model and not at all a bad person.
Similar to SAKURA from Naruto, his character is mismanaged if you ask me.
Besides that, he lives a relatively normal life in the current timeline and has always been independent.
He’s just a victim of “less screentime”, like other role model characters in the anime.
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