Goku is the main hero of the Dragon Ball series and is known for being incredibly strong. Even though he is a powerful warrior he has actually died several times throughout the story. My opinion is that Gokus deaths are some of the most important moments in the show. They usually happen because he is trying to save his friends or the entire Earth from a dangerous villain.
I believe that these moments show how brave Goku really is. He is not afraid to lose his life if it means keeping his family safe. In this guide I will explain exactly how many times Goku has died in the main story and how he managed to return each time. I think that understanding these moments helps you appreciate why Goku is such a legendary character in the world of anime.
The Main Deaths of Goku
In the official Dragon Ball story Goku has died two times. While this might sound like a small number it had a huge impact on the characters and the plot. I believe that both deaths were very sad but also very inspiring. My opinion is that Goku always chooses the right time to make a sacrifice so that others have a chance to win the fight.
I think it is helpful to look at each event to see what happened. In the first case he was fighting a family member and in the second he was stopping a monster from blowing up the planet. I believe that these sacrifices are what make him a true hero rather than just a strong fighter.
| Villain Involved | How Goku Died | How He Came Back |
| Raditz | Hit by a Special Beam Cannon | Brought back by the Dragon Balls |
| Cell | Exploded on King Kais planet | Gifted life by Old Kai |
| Total Deaths | 2 Main Deaths | Always returns to save the day |
The First Death Fighting Raditz
I believe that Gokus first death was the biggest surprise for fans. It happened at the very beginning of Dragon Ball Z when his evil brother Raditz arrived on Earth. Raditz was too strong for Goku to beat alone so Goku had to hold him still while Piccolo used a powerful energy beam.
In my opinion this was a very brave move because the beam went through both Raditz and Goku. I think this moment showed that the show was going to be much more serious than the original Dragon Ball. I believe that even in death Goku was still training hard in the afterlife to get ready for the next big threat.
- He died to stop his brother from hurting Gohan
- He spent his time in the afterlife running on Snake Way
- He learned the Kaio ken and Spirit Bomb while dead
- His friends used the Dragon Balls to bring him back after one year
The Second Death During the Cell Games
The second time Goku died was during the fight against a monster named Cell. Cell was about to blow himself up which would have destroyed the entire Earth. I believe that Goku was the only one who could stop it. He used his Instant Transmission to take Cell to a safe place far away in space.
In my opinion this was Gokus most selfless act. He knew he would not survive the blast but he did it anyway to save his son and his friends. I think it was very touching to see him say goodbye to everyone before disappearing. I believe that this death felt more permanent because he stayed in the afterlife for seven years to help keep the Earth safe from villains who were looking for him.
- He sacrificed himself to stop Cell from exploding
- He stayed dead for seven years to train in the Other World
- He returned to Earth for one day to see his family again
- He was eventually given a new life by the Old Kai to fight Buu
Other Times Goku Almost Died
I believe it is also important to talk about the times Goku died in other ways. In a different timeline a version of Goku died from a heart virus. This was very sad because he did not get to go out in a big fight. My opinion is that this shows even the strongest heroes have weaknesses that they cannot fight with their fists.
I think that seeing how the world fell apart without Goku in that future shows how much everyone relies on him. I believe that the version of Goku we follow is lucky because he got the medicine he needed to stay alive and keep fighting. There are also moments in movies or newer shows where he might seem to die but these are usually not part of the main story timeline.
- Future Goku died from a heart illness
- He almost died fighting Frieza when Namek exploded
- Hit once stopped Gokus heart but he restarted it with energy
- Most movie deaths do not count toward the main story total
Why Goku Keeps Coming Back
I believe that the Dragon Balls are the main reason death is not the end for Goku. In many other stories when a character dies they are gone forever. In my opinion having a way to bring people back makes the show feel more like a fun adventure. I think it allows the creators to show big dramatic sacrifices without losing the main star of the show.
I also believe that Gokus spirit is too strong to stay away for long. He loves fighting and protecting people so much that he always finds a way to return to the action. I think that the fans would be very sad if Goku stayed dead because he is the heart of the entire series.
- The Dragon Balls can wish people back to life
- Other characters can give their life energy to him
- The afterlife in Dragon Ball is a place where heroes can still train
- He is often needed to stop new villains that no one else can beat
My Final Thoughts
In my opinion the fact that Goku has died twice shows that he is a hero who truly cares about the world. He does not think about himself when people are in danger. I believe that his deaths made him stronger because they gave him time to learn new moves in the Other World.
I think that every time Goku comes back to life it is a moment for fans to cheer. It reminds us that no matter how bad things get there is always hope for a comeback. I hope this guide helped you understand the history of Gokus sacrifices. He is a character that teaches us to never give up and to always protect the people we love.
- Goku died twice in the main Dragon Ball Z story
- Each death was a choice he made to save others
- He used his time in the afterlife to become even more powerful
- He is currently alive and training for even bigger challenges
I truly believe that the story of Goku is about more than just winning fights. It is about being a good person and doing the right thing even when it is hard. Do not be afraid of the tough moments in life. Just like Goku you can always find a way to come back stronger and keep moving forward. Happy watching and enjoy the rest of the Dragon Ball adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Goku die in Dragon Ball Super
I believe he has some very close calls but he does not stay dead in the main story of Super. There was a moment where Hit stopped his heart but Goku saved himself with a blast of energy he threw into the air earlier. My opinion is that he is getting much better at staying alive during his fights.
How many times has Krillin died compared to Goku
I think Krillin has died much more often than Goku. Krillin has died four times in the main story which is double the number for Goku. I believe this has become a bit of a joke among fans but it shows how dangerous the world is for everyone.
What happens to Gokus body when he dies
In my opinion it depends on how he dies. Sometimes his body stays on Earth and sometimes he is allowed to keep his body in the afterlife so he can train with King Kai. I believe that being allowed to keep your body is a special reward for being a great hero.
Is Goku immortal now
No I believe that Goku can still be hurt and can still die from old age or in a fight. Even though he has the power of a god he is still a mortal man. I think this is what makes his fights so exciting because we know there is still a risk that he could lose.