Best Dragon Ball Characters To Succeed Goku

Key Takeaways

• Characters in Dragon Ball can be powerful successors to Goku.
• Caulifla’s Super Saiyan 2 form shows potential to be Goku’s successor.
• Future Trunks’ Super Saiyan Rage form is powerful.

Goku is one of the most iconic shonen protagonists of all time. The sheer amount of power wielded by this hero makes him a tough nut to crack for any vile antagonist planning to destroy Earth or the universe itself.

If Goku ever steps down from his role, he can rest assured that some of Earth’s strongest warriors can take over his spot as the planet’s savior if needed. They may never reach his heights of power, but even coming close to Goku’s might is enough to establish any warrior as a worthy successor.

1 Son Gohan

Was In A Prime Position To Take Over As Earth’s Savior After The Cell Saga

• Strongest Form: Gohan Beast

As per canon, Gohan has already surpassed his father with the Beast form. This is a fact that may anger many fans, but the late great Toriyama himself confirmed that Gohan had become the strongest warrior in the universe after achieving this transformation against Cell Max.

This shouldn’t surprise fans, who have seen Gohan enjoy a new power boost out of nowhere that makes him strong enough to tackle the toughest foes without breaking a sweat. Hopefully, he will continue to prioritize his training if Goku retires.

2 Broly

His Legendary Super Saiyan Form Required The Appearance Of Gogeta To Quell His Rage

• Strongest Form: Legendary Super Saiyan

Reintroducing Broly as a well-written character for Dragon Ball Super was a masterstroke that helped this popular Saiyan become a canon character. His intriguing personality and power ceiling make him one of the strongest Saiyans in the series by a country mile.

His Legendary Super Saiyan form was so incredible that Goku and Vegeta had to fuse to take out this threat without any problems. If Broly gets his power under control, then there’s no telling how high his power can go. This, naturally, makes him a worthy candidate to succeed Goku.

3 Caulifla

A Saiyan From Universe 6 Who Learned The Super Saiyan Form In Record Time

• Strongest Form: Super Saiyan 2

Universe 6 has its fair share of problems, which is why it would be unfair to tell one of its strongest warriors to protect its sister universe instead. However, given the potential shown by Saiyans like Caulifla, they may be able to fend for themselves regardless.

Acquiring the Super Saiyan form in no time shows her hidden talent as a proud Saiyan warrior. She may not be a match for Goku right now, but Caulifla can train extensively to ensure that she serves as a worthy successor to Goku if such an unlikely event ever arises.

4 Kale

Can Be A Force To Be Reckoned With If She Controls Her Legendary Super Saiyan Form

• Strongest Form: Legendary Super Saiyan

Caulifla may be a strong Saiyan, but there’s no denying that her friend boasts greater power courtesy of her Legendary Super Saiyan form. Broly has shown firsthand how monstrous this form’s power can be if harnessed, meaning that Kale can reach immense heights in power if she just learns to control this form.

It will take a while to reach or even surpass Goku’s strength, but fans will agree that Kale is the only Saiyan from Universe 6 who can realistically achieve this goal. As long as she doesn’t lose her senses in her Legendary Super Saiyan form, Kale can step in to save Universe 7 if Goku isn’t in the picture anymore.

5 Piccolo

A New Form Can Help Piccolo Become Earth’s New Savior

• Strongest Form: Orange Piccolo

Ever since the end of Dragon Ball, Piccolo has always been one step behind Goku. Fusing with his brethren may have helped, but something was missing that prevented Piccolo from being considered on the same level as a man who was once his rival.

In Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero, Piccolo gains a new form with a wish that finally helps him become more relevant than ever before. It’s a great display of power and shows that Piccolo can still become Goku’s successor. His bond with Gohan makes him a great candidate for this honor.

6 Trunks

Future Trunks Is An Obvious Pick, But Trunks From The Current Timeline Can Build Himself Up To Be Strong Too

• Strongest Form: Super Saiyan Rage

Future Trunks has shown time and time again that he can reach new heights in power when required. This was seen during his battle against Goku Black and Zamasu, where an enraged Trunks unlocked a new form that helped him fight on nearly the same level as two other Saiyans who had unlocked divine ki.

It’s possible that Trunks from the main timeline can also become powerful if he decides to train, but that is unlikely. His Future counterpart has seen a ton of strife that has helped steel his nerves and stay active in fights.

7 Vegeta

The Prince Of All Saiyans Is Goku’s Closest Rival And Can Easily Succeed Him

• Strongest Form: Ultra Ego

Vegeta is one of the most beloved characters in Dragon Ball, despite debuting as a villain who had no mercy to offer his foes. As Dragon Ball Z progressed, Vegeta slowly became used to his life on Earth, barring one moment where he let himself be possessed to enhance his strength and let him fight Goku in a rematch.

After getting over this phase, Vegeta is usually portrayed as Goku’s rival who constantly finds his path to success instead of emulating his rival. The fact that he’s the only Saiyan to unlock the Ascended Super Saiyan Blue and Ultra Ego forms is proof of this.