The essential episodes of Dragon Ball Z Kai

Watch these 15 in order and you've got Dragon Ball Z Kai — each pick states its reason.

1. 01

   S01E01 · Pilot · April 5, 2009 · 26m

   Prologue to Battle! The Return of Goku!8.0

   Goku is a legendary warrior and the strongest fighter on the planet, but he's about to encounter a foe from outofthisworld. What brings this new menace to Earth? And what's up with his tail?

2. 02

   S01E13 · Season 1 peak · June 28, 2009 · 26m

   The Power of the Kaio-Ken! Goku vs. Vegeta!8.8

   The stage is set for a final showdown between Vegeta and Goku. The Saiyan Prince is stronger, faster, and far more ruthless. Goku's only hope for victory is a technique that may very well destroy him!

3. 03

   S02E16 · Season 2 peak · January 31, 2010 · 26m

   Defeat Frieza, Goku! The Tears of the Proud Saiyan Prince!9.4

   Goku arrives at the battle scene only to find Vegeta battered and badly beaten. With his dying breath, the Saiyan prince reveals the truth about Frieza’s roll in the death of Goku’s father, prompting a fierce outburst of Saiyan pride!

4. 04

   S02E17 · Top rated · February 7, 2010 · 26m

   Goku vs. Frieza! The Super Showdown Begins!9.2

   Goku and Frieza go head to head in a vicious slugfest that threatens to destroy the planet of Namek. Krillin and Gohan are amazed by the brutality of the battle, but Piccolo believes two warriors are just warming up!

5. 05

   S02E21 · Top rated · March 7, 2010 · 26m

   Awaken, Legendary Warrior! Goku the Super Saiyan!9.2

   With the help of his friends, Goku succeeds in blasting Frieza with a gargantuan Spirit Bomb! Victory seems assured, but when the monster re-emerges to strike a shockingly fatal blow - Goku undergoes a powerful transformation!

6. 06

   S02E22 · Top rated · March 14, 2010 · 26m

   The Angry Super Saiyan! Goku Throws Down the Gauntlet!9.4

   While Gohan races to save Piccolo, Goku inflicts a Super-Saiyan beating on Frieza. The blonde brawler’s impressive new powers drive his opponent to a desperate counterattack that could obliterate Namek!

7. 07

   S02E26 · Top rated · April 11, 2010 · 26m

   Duel on a Vanishing Planet! The Final Showdown!9.3

   Goku and Frieza continue their epic battle as planet Namek crumbles beneath their feet. Back on Earth, Gohan eagerly awaits word of his father’s ultimate fate!

8. 08

   S03E04 · Top rated · May 9, 2010 · 26m

   I Will Defeat Frieza! Another Super Saiyan!9.2

   The bone-chilling onslaught of Frieza and King Cold is brought to a halt by a mysterious stranger with a mighty sword, but only time will tell if this new warrior is friend or foe!

9. 09

   S03E24 · Season 3 peak · October 10, 2010 · 26m

   Tien's Desperate Attack! Save Your Friends, Goku!9.5

   Desperate to help Android 18 escape, Tien places his own life at risk in an unwinnable battle with the monster Cell. When the three-eyed warrior's power quickly fades, he'll need a lift from a friend to avoid a gruesome end!

10. 10

    S03E25 · Top rated · October 17, 2010 · 26m

    Beyond Super Saiyan! Vegeta Confronts the Monster Cell!9.5

    Vegeta puts his new powers to the test in a shocking slugfest with Cell. Back in the Room of Spirit and Time, Goku attempts to teach Gohan the secret to a Super Saiyan transformation!

11. 11

    S04E16 · Season 4 peak · February 13, 2011 · 26m

    Unleash the Warrior Within! Gohan Takes the Offensive!9.5

    Having reached a new form of Super Saiyan, any hesitation to fight back has been removed, as Gohan holds nothing back to destroy the Cell Juniors.

12. 12

    S04E17 · Top rated · February 20, 2011 · 26m

    Perfection's End! A Fury, Beyond Super Saiyan!9.5

    Gohan, having absolutely no qualms over killing the Cell Juniors has moved on to Cell itself, willing to drag on the fight as long as possible if only to make Cell suffer that much more.

13. 13

    S05E28 · Season 5 peak · October 19, 2014 · 26m

    Hold Majin Buu in Check! Limit - Super Saiyan 3!!9.0

    Trunks is sent on a special mission while Goku distracts Babidi and Buu with an earth-shaking display of power.

14. 14

    S06E24 · Season 6 peak · June 14, 2015 · 26m

    You Really Are the Greatest, Goku!! The Demise of Majin Buu8.2

    With the Spirit Bomb fully formed, Goku only needs to find the power to wield the mighty weapon and save the universe.

15. 15

    S06E26 · Series finale · June 28, 2015 · 26m

    Even Stronger! Goku's Dream Is Never-Ending!8.2

    The tournament begins, and Goku faces a young boy named Uub who possesses incredible power and a shocking origin.