Dragon Ballis known for its thrilling battles, iconic transformations, and epic storytelling. However, among the legendary moments and comedic antics, there are a few scenes that evoke a different reaction.Some scenes in the beloved series are so cringeworthy that they induce secondhand embarrassment for viewers.Moments that capture the characters in awkward, uncomfortable, or downright ridiculous situations create a strong contrast to the series’ usual intensity and humor.
These scenes remind audiences that even heroes have their less-than-heroic moments. While some of the cringeworthy instances may be easy to overlook, they add to the franchise’s charm and entertainment,often standing out due to how out of place or awkward they feel within the broader storyline.Some moments earn award-worthy laughs while others are more uncomfortable when viewed through a modern lens. That said, the vast majority of these moments contribute toDragon Ball’slasting appeal in a surprisingly memorable way.
8Goku’s Method of Discovering Gender
First Occurrence in Dragon Ball Episode 2
Goku’s approach to discovering someone’s gender quickly became a running gag inDragon Ball, starting with his innocent yet awkward pat in Episode 2 of the series. Intended to be a lighthearted moment, it immediately stood out as an unusual way to determine something so basic. While the scene was clearly played for laughs, its sheer bluntness left viewers both amused and more than a little uncomfortable whenrewatchingDragon Ball. It’s a perfect example of how Goku’s naivety often leads him into socially awkward situations, unintentionally creating moments that are as cringeworthy as they are funny and odd.
What makes this recurring gag even more embarrassing is how casually it gets repeated throughout the series. Each time Goku resorts to this “test,” it reinforces his cluelessness about social norms in an endearing yet painfully awkward way that only becomes more cringey with each instance. Especially considering how other characters react,these scenes create a heavy dose of secondhand embarrassment.
7Master Roshi’s Uncomfortable Antics
First Occurrence in Dragon Ball Episode 3
Master Roshi’s antics throughout the series havealways walked a very fine line between humor and discomfort.His pervy behavior, often played for laughs, can quickly shift into territory that feels far more uncomfortable than amusing. Whether it’s his exaggerated reactions to attractive women or his infamous attempts at peeping, these scenes feelvastly outdated and poorly conceived. While it’s meant to be comedic, it now unfolds with a much different tone, often causing significant secondhand embarrassment.
Much of Roshi’s role is defined by the combination of humor and discomfort, but at a certain point, it becomes hard to watch without wincing a little.
The clash between his wisdom as a martial arts master and his juvenile, perverted behavior creates a level of awkwardness that’s hard to ignore. What makes Roshi’s uncomfortable gags especially unsettling is how often they escalate beyond a quick joke. There are plenty of situations thatstart mildly humorous before spiraling into cringe-inducing scenarios that leave audiences grimacing.Much of Roshi’s role is defined by the combination of humor and discomfort, but at a certain point, it becomes hard to watch without wincing a little.
6Yamcha Finding Something Other Than the Dragon Balls
Dragon Ball Episode 6
In some of the earliest episodes ofDragon Ball, Yamcha attempts to stealthily steal the Dragon Balls from Goku and Bulma while he has the chance. However, it all goes sideways when, instead of grabbing the wish-granting orbs under a blanket, he accidentally gropes Bulma while she’s sleeping. The moment is brief yet wildly awkward, especially since Bulma doesn’t wake up, and Yamcha reacts with over-the-top panic and full-body embarrassment out of shock. He dashes back outside immediately, clearly horrified by the unexpected turn of events, andthe scene lasts long enough for viewers to soak in the secondhand cringe.
Yamcha’s early aversion to girls and women has always played out for laughs, but this particular scene toes a fine line between comedy and sheer discomfort. Yamcha’s exaggerated reaction only adds to the absurdity, but the scenario itself is undeniably creepy when fans revisit the series. It’s meant to be a gag, but the intense awkwardnesscreates a weird blend of humor and discomfort that ultimately leads to a powerful sense of embarrassment.
5Piccolo’s Cringeworthy Self-Motivation
Dragon Ball Z Episode 77
Piccolo’s rare moment of self-motivation on Namek has unintentionally become one of the most iconic and hilarious moments due to its sheer awkwardness. His motivational pep talk after fusing with Nail was even lovingly parodied in the popularDragon Ball Z Abridgedseries. The scene, likely intended to be an inspiring and triumphant moment in the series,instead comes across as painfully cringy to watch.Piccolo, known for being stoic and serious, suddenly becomes his own overly enthusiastic cheerleader, chanting, “This is amazing! I feel incredible! Yes, yes, yes, yes! I can win! I feel great! I. Can. Do. This!”
The scene is both funny and a bit embarrassing to watch, given how out of place it feels in relation to his character. The secondhand embarrassment stems from seeing such a fierce warrior reduced to an almost childlike, repetitive self-hype.While humor certainly shines through, it simultaneously makes viewers cringe.However, it’s scenes like this that addcharm toDragon Balland serve as proof that the series shouldn’t always be taken too seriously.
4Krillin’s Ex, Maron, Is Extremely Cringeworthy
First Appearance in Dragon Ball Z Episode 108
Krillin’s relationship with Maron is one of the more unusual and cringeworthy aspects ofDragon Ball Z. She’s introduced during the Garlic Jr. Saga and is meant to be a comedic, flirty character, buther over-the-top personality and complete lack of self-awareness make nearly every scene she’s in painfully awkward.From her baby-voiced flirting to her clueless remarks in tense moments, Maron’s presence serves as a catalyst for situations that create secondhand embarrassment.
What makes her especially embarrassing is how shallow and ditzy she appears, while Krillin is a more grounded character who is completely blinded by love and smitten. Their dynamic feels more awkward than romantic,causing every interaction to shift between humorous and downright humiliating.Although her role was brief, and she is not a canon character, the secondhand embarrassment she caused leaves a lasting impression on fans.
3The First Great Saiyaman Dance
Dragon Ball Z Episode 201
Gohan’s Great Saiyaman outfit and persona havebecome some ofDragon Ball’smost iconic and beloved elements, but their introduction likely left fans feeling a bit of secondhand embarrassment. When the costume first appeared, complete with a helmet, cape, and flashy dance moves, it felt awkward, uncool, and cringeworthy. The dance itself is an exaggerated and goofy sequence that even the characters in the world couldn’t help but comment on. It was a bold and unusual departure from what fans experienced during the Cell Games, making the moment stand out in the most awkward way possible.
However, over time,the Great Saiyaman, poses and all, became less awkward and grew on fans as a charming and memorable aspect of the series. The Great Saiyaman perfectly capturesDragon Ball’sunique humor, proving thateven the most embarrassing moments can become fan favorites with enough personality and heart behind them.Looking back, the series wouldn’t have been the same without the iconic helmeted hero.
2Vegeta’s Desperate Beerus Distraction
Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods
Vegeta’s attempt to distract Beerus in the filmDragon Ball Z: Battle of Godsis completely different from the scenes seen inSuperand far more embarrassing. Faced with the daunting task of appeasing the god of destruction’s anger,Vegeta resorts to an over-the-top song and dance performance in hopes of entertaining and diverting Beerus’ attention.The scene is equal parts hilarious and excruciatingly awkward as the proud Saiyan Prince sheds his usual fierce and serious attitude for a goofy and exaggerated display. The movie’s unabashed embrace of this ridiculous moment made it a prime example of secondhand embarrassment.
WhileDragon Ball Supertones down the cringe factor in retelling this arc,the original film’s version is a bold, unforgettable, and awkward gem.Vegeta’s bingo song and dance performance perfectly captured the lengths he was willing to go to in such a dire situation. However, when a character like Vegeta sacrifices pride for a few laughs and the chance to potentially save the world, fans understand that the stakes are immensely high. Even so, it did nothing to stave off the secondhand embarrassment.
1Goku Revealing He Didn’t Know What a Kiss Is
Dragon Ball Super Episode 60
Goku’s innocence often leads to hilarious moments, but none are quite as cringeworthy as when he reveals he doesn’t know what a kiss is. This scene captures his pure-hearted naivety, which is both endearing and odd at the same time; however, it stood out to fans for its absurdity. Watching the grown warrior so clueless about something so basic,especially when he has a wife and family of his own, gives viewers plenty of secondhand embarrassment.
This moment becomes even more embarrassing when viewed in context with the rest of the cast. Vegeta’s visible confusion and disbeliefhighlight just how bizarre Goku’s lack of understanding truly is.The fact that Goku doesn’t grasp something as universally understood as a kiss is both cringeworthy and completely absurd coming from a man who has two kids and has been married for quite some time.
