Why Goku Is the Most Overrated Anime Character of All Time
By Kai “The Real Z-Fighter”
Anime fans won’t like this—but someone had to say it!
Goku has coasted on power-ups and plot armor for too long. Here's why the so-called “hero” might be the most overrated anime character of all time.
Yes, Goku is iconic. But he’s also wildly overhyped, and that praise comes at the expense of far more interesting characters. For decades, fans have treated him like the gold standard of anime heroes. But if you really break it down—story, growth, personality, and decisions—Goku ain’t even cracking top 10.
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1. Plot Armor Is His Real Superpower
Goku doesn’t win because he’s clever. He doesn’t win because he outthinks his opponents. He wins because the writers need him to, no matter how ridiculous the outcome.
Vegeta outplayed him in their first battle.
Gohan was the one who actually took out Cell.
Frieza was spared—then came back with a glow-up.
Jiren had him beaten until teamwork bailed him out.
Let’s not even pretend Ultra Instinct was earned. Goku unlocked a literal god-tier ability mid-fight like he found a glitch in the matrix. He didn’t train for it. He didn’t meditate on a mountain for months. He just got beat so hard that the universe felt bad for him.
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2. He’s a Terrible Dad
The man is legendarily bad at parenting.
He left Gohan with Piccolo, a former enemy, at the age of 4.
He stayed dead after the Cell Saga because "Earth would be safer." Bro—your son just saved the world. That was your time to clock in, not out.
Goten? Goku didn’t even know the kid existed for the first seven years of his life. This man fathered two Saiyans and raised neither. Meanwhile, Vegeta—the war criminal turned father of the year—is out here doing school pickups and family vacations. Don't forget when Chi-Chi had to train him so he would have interest in him, just in case he came back.
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3. He’s Just... Boring
Goku is the same goofy, hungry, fight-obsessed guy he’s always been.
He doesn’t grow. He doesn’t reflect. He doesn’t change.
Other shonen heroes evolve emotionally and philosophically:
Naruto dealt with trauma, loneliness, and prejudice.
Luffy turned into a leader with real moral weight.
Ichigo struggled with identity, duty, and loss.
Goku? He’s still out here yelling “I wanna fight strong guys!” like it’s 1989. He’s the tutorial character who never left the tutorial.
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4. He’s a Walking Security Risk
Every major threat in the Dragon Ball universe?
Goku either created it, spared it, or powered it up.
Spared Vegeta, who then nearly destroyed Earth.
Spared Frieza, who later wiped out half the universe.
Gave Cell a senzu bean. Like… WHY?
Let Moro power up during a life-or-death battle.
He’s not just reckless—he’s dangerous. If Batman was in Dragon Ball, he'd have a whole file on how to stop Goku just in case.
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5. His Supporting Cast Carries the Show
Piccolo. Vegeta. Trunks. Android 17.
They bring real emotional weight, growth, and sacrifice. Goku is just the logo.
He might be the face of the franchise, but the heart? That’s everyone else. Goku’s storylines are basically:
Show up late
Get beat
Power up
Win
Forget everything and go eat noodles
Put him on a lunchbox. Leave the real arcs to the characters who grow.
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Bonus: Goku in Super – Even Shinier, Still Dumb
In Dragon Ball Super, Goku reaches new levels… of irresponsibility.
Started the Tournament of Power, risking multiple universes because he wanted a challenge.
Let Zamasu spiral into timeline-ending chaos.
Triggered Broly again like it was a bonding exercise.
He’s not evolving—he’s just getting shinier. Same Goku, new color scheme.
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Final Verdict
Goku is the anime equivalent of the guy who always gets picked first in dodgeball—but never actually hits anyone.
Give me flawed, layered, emotionally-evolving characters over plot-favored power junkies any day.
Debate me. Tag your Goku-loving friend. Ruin their day.
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“Dragon Ball and Goku are owned by Toei Animation. This image is used for commentary/satire purposes only.”
Mood check: This is Goku realizing Vegeta raised his kids better.
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Enjoyed the read? Tip your local stoner philosopher:
$ZfighterKai
About the Creator
Kai the Real Z-Fighter
Just a real Z-Fighter out here telling uncomfortable anime truths. I write bold takes, unapologetic satire, and fight fandom fiction with facts. Tip with kindness or come debate me in the comments---either way, I'm ready
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