For decades, Goku and Vegeta have been two of Dragon Ball’s main pillars of power. Their battles, transformations, and rivalry take center stage throughout a majority of the series, and their popularity and status are well-earned. However, there is still untapped potential among other Saiyans in the franchise whose stories deserve to be expanded.

Dragon Ball features many other Saiyans who either haven’t yet entered the canon storyline or remain underdeveloped. These characters hold significant potential for the series and can enrich the overall narrative. It’s long past time for the series to shift the spotlight, even if only briefly, to other Saiyans who would benefit from having their stories explored further.

10 Bardock

Dragon Ball Z: Bardock - The Father of Goku

Bardock quickly became one of the franchise’s most compelling characters, boasting a large fan following. As Goku’s father and a Saiyan who stood up against Frieza prior to the destruction of Planet Vegeta, his story adds grit to the story and offers insight into the Saiyan race. With his noble rebellion against Frieza, he stands out as one of the most memorable characters in the series.

His Dragon Ball Super: Broly only strengthened his character. Bardock carries emotional weight due to his lone stand against Frieza and as a Saiyan who didn’t fully embody the cold-hearted brutality of other Saiyans. There’s still so much of his story to explore, whether through past missions, his relationship with Gine, Goku’s mother, and possibly a future interaction with Goku, even if only temporary, such as Goku’s reunion with his Grandpa Gohan in the original Dragon Ball.

9 Turles

Dragon Ball Z: The Tree of Might

Turles may share Goku’s face, but that’s where the similarities end. Turles debuts in the third Dragon Ball Z movie, The Tree of Might, and is a rogue Saiyan whose only goal is the pursuit of power. He’s most interesting as a mirror into what Goku could have become if Earth’s influence hadn’t shaped him, evolving into an ambitious and merciless Saiyan warrior instead.

Despite being a movie villain, Turles offers abundant potential for the series. His independence from Frieza and the monarchy of Planet Vegeta presents a rich, substantial backstory. Exploring how he survived the destruction of his home world and his core philosophy would create an interesting Saiyan antagonist.

8 Kale

Dragon Ball Super

Kale shattered every expectation that fell upon her as a timid and quiet Saiyan. Beneath her meek personality hides a berserker Saiyan form with Broly-like rage and power. She is Universe 6’s Legendary Super Saiyan and has completely redefined how female Saiyan warriors could be in the franchise. Her transformation was more than a nod to Broly and to act as his counterpart; she was proof that Saiyans could have quieter personalities and still pack an Earth-shattering punch.

However, Kale stands out for far more than her strength. Her loyalty to Caulifla, fear of losing control, and eventual growth in confidence all combine to create a compelling arc that offers fans a rare look at vulnerability that Saiyans aren’t often known for. With more focus, Kale’s story could grow into an even more powerful arc that is backed by her impressive and well-deserved transformation.

7 Raditz

Dragon Ball Z

Raditz was the first glimpse into Goku’s Saiyan heritage and the Saiyan race itself, yet his impact faded out too quickly. With only one major appearance in the series, he introduced crucial lore, challenged Goku’s identity, and kickstarted the Saiyan saga with a bang, only to essentially disappear forever. Beneath his villainy, Raditz was a soldier who was shaped by Frieza’s influence like Vegeta, bound by duty to the tyrannical overlord.

His early exit left too much behind to be explored. The series could take an interesting turn by delving into his experiences serving under Frieza as one of the last surviving Saiyans, his interactions with Nappa and Vegeta, and ultimately, as Goku’s brother, he brings significant dramatic potential to Dragon Ball. With a personality that contrasts sharply with Goku's, Raditz’s return would certainly create a compelling clash within the story.

6 Tarble

Dragon Ball: The Return of Son Goku and Friends!

As Vegeta’s younger brother, Tarble offers the series immense storytelling possibilities. Tarble is unlike most Saiyans with a lack of aggression and battle-driven instincts typical of his race. He was deemed too gentle, which resulted in his exile to a distant planet. Similar to Raditz, Tarble has a personality that directly clashes with Vegeta’s, making him one of the most intriguing characters to interact with.

His introduction to the series occurred after the Buu saga and felt like a teaser for something greater; yet, Tarble disappeared as quickly as he appeared. The narrative has countless directions it could take if it chooses to delve deeper into Tarble’s character. He doesn’t have to be a challenge, but he deserves the opportunity to develop rather than quietly fade from the franchise.

5 Caulifla

Dragon Ball Super

Caulifla is a Saiyan from Universe 6 who came into the series hot, redefining what it means to be a Saiyan prodigy. She has a strong personality, is filled with confidence, and has immense raw potential. She achieved Super Saiyan with a speed that defied the franchise’s typical expectations, and she exploded onto the scene with impressive determination and ambition, making her a refreshing female character in the series.

Caulifla could easily steal the spotlight with her bold and unrestrained temperament.

What sets her apart the most is her charisma and knack for leadership, another trait not often seen by women in Dragon Ball. She commands respect through her attitude and skills in combat, and is able to rally her allies when the time calls for it. Paired with her friendship with Kale, Caulifla could easily steal the spotlight with her bold and unrestrained temperament.

4 Fasha

Dragon Ball Z: Bardock - The Father of Goku

Fasha was the only female warrior on Bardock’s team in the Dragon Ball special, Bardock – The Father of Goku. Although she has often been overlooked and written off in the grand scheme of the series, she and her role deserve far more recognition. As a fierce and capable fighter, she was able to hold her own against the most brutal Saiyan warriors, demonstrating that strength in Dragon Ball is defined by fighting spirit.

Her loyalty to Bardock and her comrades is irable and reflects the camaraderie within their team. Despite her strength, Fasha, along with the rest of Bardock’s team, meets a tragic fate at the hands of Frieza’s forces. Although her appearance in the series is brief, her character leaves behind a legacy that paves the way for future female Saiyan warriors like Caulifla and Kale.

3 Giblet

Dragon Ball Legends

Giblet is one half of the twin duo at the center of Dragon Ball Legends. As a Saiyan from the earliest era of Saiyan history, Giblet and his twin brother fought against the evil faction, and they both had the potential to become Super Saiyan Gods as they fought with righteousness. However, along their journey, he falls under the influence of Zahha, the main antagonist of Dragon Ball Legends.

Despite being protective of his brother, he turns against him and acts with disdain toward any form of weakness. Giblet boasts a complex and interesting backstory that would elevate the franchise and deserves to be animated into the main story. With his cinematic design and narrative depth, Giblet could easily become one of the most compelling Saiyans in the series.

2 Cumber

Super Dragon Ball Heroes

Cumber is known as “The God Slayer” and possesses a unique energy called Evil Aura. As an Ancient Evil Saiyan, Cumber is known for his deep-seated grudge against the Super Saiyan God and is determined to destroy him. His primal rage, aggression, and immense strength make him a formidable threat to the heroes, positioning Cumber as one of the toughest villains in the franchise.

With the ability to disrupt the minds of anyone who gets too close, Cumber isn’t easily defeated. Even Goku himself was corrupted by his evil ki and driven to attack Vegeta, then Cumber later proves to possess enough power to stand against Super Saiyan Blue Vegito. With his unique abilities, he has the potential to completely alter the power scaling of the Dragon Ball universe.

1 Shallot

Dragon Ball Legends

Shallow is a Saiyan who is a bit of an anomaly in the Dragon Ball universe. He is the other half of the twin duo and the main protagonist of Dragon Ball Legends. Shallot is short-tempered and aggressive like other Saiyans, but he is pure of heart like Goku. He starts his journey waking up in the present era with no memory of who he really is or where he came from.

As the main protagonist of Dragon Ball Legends, Shallot has a well-developed backstory and narrative depth. Paired with his relationship with Giblet and their respective histories, Shallot would easily make an intriguing addition to the canon universe. Dragon Ball has much to gain from introducing the twin Saiyans, especially considering Shallot’s purity of heart and parallels to Goku.