Goku’s journey from a naive kid to a battle-hardened hero is a big reason Dragon Ball remains iconic. While he’s famous for sparing foes (looking at you, Vegeta and Piccolo), there are times when Goku had to go all out. Let’s break down every villain he’s killed in the series—and why these moments matter.

Buyon: The Frozen Monster Meets an Icy End

When It Happened: Dragon Ball Episode 40, “Horrifying Buyon”
Goku’s climb up Muscle Tower was a defining moment in his early adventures. Among the mechanical foes and traps, Buyon stood out as a nightmare—a gelatinous, electricity-spewing monster that shrugged off Goku’s punches and even deflected his Kamehameha. Just when it seemed hopeless, Android 8 (Eighter) smashed a hole in the tower’s wall, letting in a blast of freezing air. Buyon, unable to handle the cold, turned into a giant ice cube. Goku, ever resourceful, delivered a swift kick that shattered the frozen beast into pieces.

Why It’s Memorable: This fight showed Goku’s ability to adapt when brute strength fails. It also highlighted his bond with Eighter, a gentle android who helped him think outside the box.

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Ninja Murasaki: A Bombastic (and Accidental) Farewell

When It Happened: Dragon Ball Episode 42, “The Secret Of Dr. Flappe”
Ninja Murasaki, with his comical antics and endless arsenal of weapons, seemed more like a nuisance than a real threat. After surviving Muscle Tower’s collapse, he vowed revenge… only to meet a hilariously abrupt end. When Goku tossed aside a bomb meant for Eighter, it landed right on Murasaki. The explosion was played for laughs, but unlike Mercenary Tao (who returned as a cyborg), Murasaki never resurfaced—strongly implying he’d been vaporized.

Why It’s Memorable: A darkly funny moment that underscores how even Goku’s unintended actions can have deadly consequences.

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Staff Officer Black: Crushing the Red Ribbon Army’s Last Stand

When It Happened: Dragon Ball Episode 68, “The Last Dragon Ball”
After dismantling the Red Ribbon Army piece by piece, Goku faced Staff Officer Black, the organization’s last leader. Black, desperate to escape in a towering mecha suit, learned the hard way that Goku doesn’t quit. Using a flagpole as a makeshift springboard, Goku launched himself like a missile through the mecha’s cockpit. The suit exploded, taking Black with it.

Why It’s Memorable: This wasn’t just a victory—it was a symbolic end to the Red Ribbon saga. Goku proved that no gadget or machine could outmatch his raw determination.

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Tambourine: Avenging Krillin’s Death

When It Happened: Dragon Ball Episode 108, “Goku’s Revenge”
Tambourine’s murder of Krillin marked one of the darkest moments in Dragon Ball. Goku, fueled by grief and rage, hunted down the demon. Their rematch was brutal. Tambourine, once smug, couldn’t keep up with Goku’s newfound speed and rage. A devastating Power Pole combo followed by a point-blank Kamehameha reduced Tambourine to ash.

Why It’s Memorable: This was the first time Goku killed out of pure vengeance, showcasing his emotional depth and loyalty to friends.

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Drum: One Kick to Save Tien

When It Happened: Dragon Ball Episode 119, “Battle Cry”
King Piccolo’s henchman Drum was seconds from killing Tien when Goku arrived, freshly empowered by the Ultra Divine Water. What followed was jaw-dropping: Goku casually kicked Drum’s head off in one motion. The sheer speed and brutality shocked fans—this wasn’t the playful Goku they knew.

Why It’s Memorable: It highlighted Goku’s growth into a warrior willing to make hard choices to protect others.

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King Piccolo: A Kamehameha Through the Gut

When It Happened: Dragon Ball Episode 122, “Final Showdown”
King Piccolo pushed Goku to his absolute limit, breaking his arms and legs. But Goku, channeling every ounce of strength, fired a Kamehameha through Piccolo’s chest. The dying demon used his last breath to spawn Piccolo Jr., setting up future conflicts.

Why It’s Memorable: This was Goku’s first true “save the world” moment. It cemented him as Earth’s greatest defender and showed his willingness to kill when there’s no other option.

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Yakon: Trolling a Light-Eating Alien

When It Happened: Dragon Ball Z Episode 223, “Next Up, Goku”
Yakon, Babidi’s light-devouring minion, thought he’d hit the jackpot when Goku turned Super Saiyan. But Goku, always a step ahead, cranked it up to Super Saiyan 2. Yakon gorged on so much energy that he literally exploded—a moment played for laughs but with deadly results.

Why It’s Memorable: It showcased Goku’s playful side, even against deadly foes.

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Kid Buu: The Universe Spirit Bomb

When It Happened: Dragon Ball Z Episode 286, “Spirit Bomb Triumphant”
Kid Buu’s pure chaos forced Goku to rely on the entire universe’s energy. The Super Spirit Bomb, fueled by millions of souls, erased Buu for good. It wasn’t just Goku’s win—it was a victory for every living being.

Why It’s Memorable: A poetic end to Dragon Ball Z, emphasizing teamwork and hope over sheer power.

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Frieza: Golden Form Meets Blue Fury

When It Happened: Dragon Ball Super Episode 27, “The Earth Explodes?!”
Frieza’s resurrection and Golden form upgrade nearly destroyed Earth. But Whis’ time rewind gave Goku a second chance. This time, Goku didn’t hold back—his Super Saiyan Blue Kamehameha vaporized Frieza, finally ending their bitter rivalry (until the Tournament of Power, anyway).

Why It’s Memorable: Closure for one of anime’s greatest rivalries, proving Goku learns from past mistakes.

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Moro: Ultra Instinct’s Final Lesson

When It Happened: Dragon Ball Super Chapter 66, “Moro, Consumer Of Worlds”
Moro, a wizard who devoured planets, pushed Goku to master Perfected Ultra Instinct. Even after Moro fused with Earth, Goku’s energy avatar—a giant version of himself—destroyed Moro’s core, ending his galactic rampage.

Why It’s Memorable: It wasn’t just about power; it was about precision and mastery, marking Goku’s evolution from brawler to martial arts sage.

Why Goku Kills Matter in Dragon Ball Lore

Goku kills are rare but impactful. They’re not about bloodlust—they’re about protecting those he loves or stopping irredeemable evil. Each death marks a turning point: avenging Krillin, saving Earth from Buu, or ending Frieza tyranny. These moments remind us that beneath his cheerful exterior, Goku is a warrior who will cross lines when necessary. Yet, his restraint (like sparing Vegeta or teaming up with Piccolo) makes his kills even more significant.

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