Dragon Ball Still Hasn't Found a Better Villain than Frieza, and Here Is Why

Summary Frieza's terrifying power and ability to transform sets him apart as the best Dragon Ball villain.

Frieza's deliberate transformations showcase his control and reveal new layers of his power.

Frieza's lack of regenerative ability raises the stakes and adds depth to his character, making him formidable.

Frieza stands as one of the most iconic villains in the Dragon Ball series, ruling with an iron fist and embodying pure evil. During his reign, Frieza’s name alone struck fear into the hearts of even the strongest warriors across the universe, forcing many to submit out of fear of his power. In many ways, the first battle with Frieza was a turning point for the Dragon Ball series, pushing Goku to his breaking point and causing his legendary transformation into a Super Saiyan, pushing the franchise to explore more powerful villains and higher stakes.

However, unlike many other villains that had come and gone, Frieza remained a constant in the series, setting the standard for what a true Dragon Ball antagonist should be. Frieza returns in the franchise a grand total of six times, appearing in several movies, in Dragon Ball GT, and during the Universe Survival saga of Dragon Ball Super.

The combination of Frieza’s power and ability to transform, as well as the fact that, unlike other major villains, Frieza can’t rely on regeneration to save himself from defeat makes him the best villain the series has seen so far.

Related 10 Best Frieza Moments in Dragon Ball That Prove Why He's Anime's Most Iconic Villain Frieza is the original main villain of the Dragon Ball universe, and he just reclaimed that title in Super. Here are his 10 most villainous moments!

Frieza’s Transformations Rival Saiyan Power Boosts

Frieza and the Saiyans Transform Through Sheer Power Alone

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One of Frieza’s most memorable aspects is his ability to transform, increasing his power level and changing his appearance, much like the Saiyans can. Frieza’s forms showcase his mastery over his power, with each transformation revealing a new layer of his terrifying potential. His final forms are minimalistic and sleek, which is a stark contrast to his initial monstrous appearances and emphasizes the idea that true power doesn’t need to be flaunted, it simply is. This concept was so good, it became a recurring trend in the manga and anime medium.

While other major villains, such as Cell and Buu, also have transformations, Frieza’s stand out because his were more deliberate. Cell needed Android Seventeen and Eighteen to turn into his perfect form, and Buu’s transformations depended on who he chose to consume, whereas Frieza’s transformations were the result of his impressive control and concealment of his true strength. His most recent transformations, Golden Frieza and Black Frieza, cemented his place as a villain who is always one step ahead with power that can continuously reach new heights.

Related Frieza’s Latest Transformation Hints That Dragon Ball’s Biggest Villain Could Be Reforming Frieza's training to obtain his Black form, as well as his willingness to let his bitter enemies live, may prove he is redeeming himself.

Frieza’s Lack of Regenerative Ability Makes Him Far More Formidable

Both Cell and Buu Have the Chance to Regenerate from Near Death

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When Frieza sustains injuries, he can’t restore himself, which creates higher stakes and adds a layer of admiration for his character.

Unlike Cell and Buu, who heavily relied on their ability to regenerate and recover from what should have been fatal attacks, Frieza doesn’t have the same safety net. Instead, when Frieza sustains injuries, he can’t restore himself, which creates higher stakes and adds a layer of admiration for his character. The villain’s survival relies solely on his cunning and raw power, making his constant resurgences throughout Dragon Ball all the more impressive.

Frieza is forced to fight smarter and more ruthlessly than other major antagonists. He can’t afford to make mistakes because if he does, the consequences become dire. This makes his subsequent returns to the series not only a throwback to a popular character, but a testament to his sheer willpower and desire for revenge, cementing Frieza's position as Dragon Ball’s greatest villain thus far.