Dragon Ball: All Frieza forms ranked from Weakest to most Powerful

Dragon Ball boasts a gallery of unforgettable characters, but the series truly excels with its antagonists.

Steadily raising the stakes with each new threat is no easy feat, and there is a reason the series continually revisits the galactic tyrant, Frieza. Initially introduced in Dragon Ball Z, Frieza has seen fortuitous development throughout the series that has opened him up to new experiences, allies, and even transformations. Powerful transformations that elevate characters to new levels of strength have become commonplace in Dragon Ball, especially for villains.

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However, it was Frieza who truly popularized this trend and pushed it to its peak during a prolonged battle where he cycle through several transformations before reaching his maximum strength. Frieza's subsequent appearances have further accentuated this trait, helping this former villain remain relevant and effectively challenge Goku, Vegeta, and the other heroes of Dragon Ball. Frieza possesses some of the most varied transformations of any Dragon Ball villain, and it's worth examining them closely, especially now that the threat of Black Frieza looms over Dragon Ball Super.

8. Frieza's First Form is Capable of Destroying Planets and Sowing Terror

Anime Debut: Dragon Ball Z, Episode 44, "Brood Of Evil"; Manga Debut: Dragon Ball Z, Chapter 53 (Dragon Ball Chapter 247), "Planet Namek, Cold And Dark"

Frieza is a feared and revered tyrant throughout the galaxy, responsible for the destruction and conquest of hundreds of planets, including Planet Vegeta, the Saiyans' home world. Aside from ancient evils like Majin Buu and Moro the Planet-Eater, Frieza is considered one of the most dangerous presences in existence. This feat is all the more impressive because Frieza accomplishes all of this in his first form, which represents only a fraction of his total power.

Frieza's first form has a power level of approximately 530,000, which is enormous, yet it is barely half of what he reaches in his second form, which exceeds one million. In this initial and suppressed state, Frieza is strong enough to produce apocalyptic energy attacks, such as his Supernova, which annihilates entire planets. It's easy to see why Frieza could still exert his power across the universe while hiding the true limits of his strength.

7. Frieza's Second Form Boasts an Intimidating Power Level of One Million

Anime Debut: Dragon Ball Z, Episode 78, "Fighting Power: One Million??"; Manga Debut: Dragon Ball Z, Chapter 102 (Dragon Ball Chapter 296), "The Transformation"

Frieza's first form causes endless destruction and presents an incredible challenge for Gohan, Krillin, and Vegeta. The heroes are discouraged when they learn that this introductory form is just a prelude to even greater power. Frieza's first transformation into his second form maintains a strong resemblance to his previous state. The difference is that Frieza's second form is significantly larger and has more pronounced horns, which prove quite dangerous themselves, as seen when he impales Krillin with them.

Frieza's second form is a true upgrade, seriously putting the Z-Fighters in a bind until Piccolo arrives on the battlefield, matching the villain's strength. Frieza's father, King Cold, closely resembles Frieza's second form—particularly in size—and it's possible this is the primary form he likes to use. In theory, King Cold could simply be much larger than his son and grow even more when using his first transformation.

6. Frieza's Third Form is His Assault State Undergoing a Monstrous Metamorphosis

Anime Debut: Dragon Ball Z, Episode 82, "Frieza's Second Transformation"; Manga Debut: Dragon Ball Z, Chapter 108 (Dragon Ball Chapter 302), "Freeza's Third Form"

Frieza's third form, resulting from his second transformation, is arguably his most frightening state, featuring a monstrous design similar to the Xenomorph from Alien. There is a somewhat royal and austere nature to Frieza's other forms, but this third state feels animalistic and ferocious, despite Frieza remaining in control. Frieza is pushed to reach this state when Piccolo surpasses him in his second form following the Namekian's advantageous fusion with Nail. Frieza's ascent to his third form restores his advantage over his enemies, and only Gohan is able to make headway against him, though only when succumbing to an incredible rage.

Frieza's third form has an exciting design and stands out more than his other transformations, but it is also present for the shortest amount of time. This form only appears for a single episode, meaning it might have other secrets and advantages Frieza never had the chance to show. Frost from Universe 6 is briefly seen in this state, referring to it as his "Assault Form," giving a better understanding of its purpose and when it should be used in combat.

5. Frieza's True Form is Intimidating After His Third Transformation

Anime Debut: Dragon Ball Z, Episode 83, "Another Transformation?"; Manga Debut: Dragon Ball Z, Chapter 110 (Dragon Ball Chapter 304), "The Final Transformation"

Frieza's third form quickly wreaks havoc on Piccolo, even after his fusion with Nail and the receipt of a substantial power gain. It is actually an enraged Gohan who pushes Frieza to transform one last time into his fourth and true form. Frieza admits that his previous transformations were all forms of camouflage and that his fourth form represents his true self. Frieza's apprehension regarding Gohan's Saiyan strength and his concerns about a potential Super Saiyan drive him to leave his third form prematurely and go all out against Piccolo, Vegeta, Gohan, and Krillin.

At this stage, Goku is the only one strong enough to hold his own against Frieza's true form, but even he struggles and wouldn't have survived their clash without his eventual transformation into a Super Saiyan. Frieza primarily remains in his true form during his subsequent appearances in Dragon Ball, and it's interesting to note that other members of Frieza's race, like Cooler and Frost from Universe 6, also treat this form as their most authentic state (though Cooler has an extra transformation). Frieza rarely had to resort to his fourth form before the Z-Fighters' attack on him, and it's a sight no one lived to tell about.

4. Frieza's 100% Full Power Offers Extreme Strength, But With Dangerous Stamina Consumption

Anime Debut: Dragon Ball Z, Episode 98, "A Final Attack"; Manga Debut: Dragon Ball Z, Chapter 127 (Dragon Ball Chapter 321), "Maximum Desperation"

The heroes' battle against Frieza finds many ways to prolong and extend this epic clash as long as possible. Frieza declares his fourth form is his final state, but he still finds a way to increase his power by revealing his 100% Full Power form. Frieza's Full Power form doesn't feature a physical change as drastic as his previous transformations. Instead, Frieza gains increased muscle mass and an intensified aura not unlike the Third Grade Super Saiyan transformation the heroes later discover during their preparation against Cell. Frieza uses his 100% Full Power form to match Goku's newly acquired Super Saiyan strength.

This form offers Frieza a major boost in strength, but it also seriously drains his stamina, and he can only use it for a short period as a last resort before dropping the state. It's certainly Frieza's least memorable transformation and never returns in Dragon Ball. It even feels like an anime-exclusive addition, but it is indeed present in the manga. Frieza's return in Dragon Ball Super features a completely new transformation resulting from intense training, but he curiously didn't seem to perfect his 100% Full Power form to maintain it longer or without such a drastic stamina drain. Frieza seems to have abandoned it completely in favor of more extreme transformations.

3. Frieza's Fifth Form is an Embarrassing Anomaly Turned Dragon Ball Footnote

Debut: Dragon Ball GT Show

Live stage shows are a popular way to celebrate hit anime in Japan, and Dragon Ball is no exception. Interestingly, Dragon Ball GT—the anime-only sequel to Dragon Ball Z—received a live stage show in 1997, Dragon Ball GT Show, which pits Goku, Trunks, and Pan against Don Kee and an army of angry aliens seeking revenge. Dragon Ball GT's obscure villain Don Kee is the main antagonist of the show, but this niche property also includes appearances by Frieza and Cell, both with new forms. Frieza and Cell work together in Hell in the Dragon Ball GT anime, but Frieza undergoes no additional transformations there. Dragon Ball GT Show features a radically new look for the villain that takes inspiration from Frieza's fourth form but with extra horns, spikes, striking red armor, and blue skin.

Cell's additional form isn't quite as ambitious, simply adding teal shoulder pads and plates to his Perfect Cell design. What's interesting about Frieza's original fifth form is that Dragon Ball GT Show takes no inspiration from Cooler's fifth form and indicates Frieza has the same capabilities. It wouldn't be difficult to lead Frieza in that direction, or even give him a metallic transformation like Meta-Cooler. This completely original design is certainly more unusual, but it's also one of Dragon Ball's deepest cuts. The full extent of its power isn't even shown in Dragon Ball GT Show, serving more as a visual reveal, though one can presume it is stronger than Frieza's previous forms.

2. Golden Frieza Returns with Apocalyptic Powers

Anime Debut: Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection 'F'; Manga Debut: Dragon Ball Super, Chapter 37, "Awaken, Super Saiyan Kale"

Frieza is one of Dragon Ball's most memorable villains, but Dragon Ball Z largely forgets him after his defeat on Planet Namek. Frieza returns in small doses in filler material, like Dragon Ball Z: Fusion Reborn or Goku's trip to Hell in Dragon Ball GT, but these appearances feel like comic relief and he isn't treated as a real threat. Furthermore, Frieza remains in his fourth form during these filler appearances. Dragon Ball Super (and the film Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection 'F') truly restores Frieza's prominence by having him escape Hell and introducing a dangerous transformation: Golden Frieza. Frieza explains he never truly needed to train before in his life and that Golden Frieza is the result of his efforts for the first time.

Golden Frieza is a flashy new form for the villain, but it still proves inferior to the strength of Goku and Vegeta's Super Saiyan Blue. Golden Frieza succeeds in blowing up the Earth, but Whis' Temporal Do-Over undoes this damage and helps secure his defeat. What's interesting about Golden Frieza is that he showed various improvements and advancements for this form during his preparation for the Tournament of Power. Fury Golden Frieza is a strength boost stemming from pure rage not unlike Frieza's previous 100% Full Power form. Additionally, True Golden Frieza is the pinnacle of this transformation, where he has total control over his energy manipulation and power output.

1. Black Frieza is the Epitome of Power and is Likely the Strongest Character in Universe 7

Anime Debut: N/A; Manga Debut: Dragon Ball Super, Chapter 87, "The Universe's Strongest Appears"

Frieza is a great proponent of effective surprise, and none of his shocking ambushes are as revealing as his sudden return at the end of the Granolah the Survivor Saga in Dragon Ball Super. Goku, Vegeta, and Granolah spent many chapters giving everything they had against Gas from the Heeter Force, never managing to defeat him. The combined efforts of Goku's Ultra Instinct, Vegeta's Ultra Ego, and Granolah's Full Power still couldn't eliminate this overwhelming threat. It is Frieza, of all people, who ends up defeating Gas with a single punch. Frieza reveals that he exploited the limits of the Hyperbolic Time Chamber to cram in a full decade of training, resulting in his latest transformation, Black Frieza.

Black Frieza, in addition to destroying Gas, also neutralizes Ultra Instinct Goku and Ultra Ego Vegeta with a single blow. The Oracle Fish's prophecy even indicates that Black Frieza is currently the strongest individual in Universe 7. Black Frieza is so confident in his strength that he turns his attention toward the Zeno twins and multiversal domination, rather than a simple duel against his Saiyan rivals. All of this signals an epic confrontation against Black Frieza that will surely require the combined strength of Ultra Instinct Goku, Ultra Ego Vegeta, Beast Gohan, Orange Piccolo, and Legendary Super Saiyan Broly. Black Frieza's power is unprecedented, and it's hard to imagine him having access to even more powerful forms. His strength is beyond divine at this point.