Dragon Ball is a franchise that has captivated fans for decades, introducing a wide array of unforgettable characters. The series’ main story has its iconic moments, but some of its most interesting and powerful Saiyan characters come from non-canon sources like games, movies, and spin-offs. Although these Saiyans may not be part of the official timeline, they remain fan favorites. Below is a ranking of the 10 best non-canon Saiyans from the Dragon Ball universe.

1. Scarface & Shorty: The Phantom Saiyans

Debut: Dragon Ball Z, Episode 17, “Pendulum Room Peril”

These two low-level Saiyans, called Phantom Saiyans, appear briefly in an anime-only filler arc of Dragon Ball Z. In a simulation in the Pendulum Room, Krillin, Tien, Yamcha, and Chiaotzu face Scarface and Shorty. Despite their relatively low power level—only half the strength of full-fledged Saiyan warriors—they manage to “kill” several beloved Z-Fighters in this simulated battle. While their power pales in comparison to the likes of Vegeta or Goku, their brutal tactics make them a terrifying duo.

2. Skwash: A Powerful Ancient Saiyan

Debut: Dragon Ball Fusions

Skwash is an ancient Saiyan from Universe 7, first introduced in the Dragon Ball Fusions Nintendo 3DS game. He is a unique fighter, using both Kaioken and Super Saiyan, which is an unusual combo even by Dragon Ball standards. Skwash’s tough design and skills earned him a spot in the fan-favorite Timespace Tournament. Though he remains a relatively obscure figure, his A-Rank status and potential to grow make him an exciting character for fans of the Fusions universe.

3. Goku Jr.: The Heir to Goku’s Legacy

Debut: Dragon Ball GT, Episode 64, “Until We Meet Again…”

Goku Jr. appears in the final episode of Dragon Ball GT as the great-great-grandson of the legendary Goku. Goku Jr. is 1/64th Saiyan, but he has great potential. He becomes a Super Saiyan in his fight with Vegeta Jr. His character gets some depth from the GT TV special, A Hero’s Legacy. Fans have often speculated how a series focused on this future timeline could further explore his untapped potential.

4. Beat & Note: The Saiyan Avatars

Debut: Dragon Ball Heroes

Beat and Note are the main characters in Dragon Ball Heroes. They are players who transform into Saiyan avatars using advanced technology. Players can customize these characters and access almost every Super Saiyan form, including the rare Ultra Instinct. Beat and Note stand out by battling the strongest foes in the franchise, adding a unique twist that allows fans to step into the Dragon Ball world.

5. Bio-Broly: The Unstoppable Clone

Debut: Dragon Ball Z: Bio-Broly

Bio-Broly, a clone of the legendary Super Saiyan, stands out as one of Dragon Ball’s most bizarre creations. Though Broly has been officially added to the canon in Dragon Ball Super: Broly, this version remains infamous for his horrific look and immense power. Despite his lack of popularity among fans, Bio-Broly poses a significant challenge, especially for Goten and Trunks, who face him in the DBZ movie.

6. Shallot & Giblet: Super Saiyan God Descendants

Debut: Dragon Ball Legends

Shallot and his twin brother Giblet, original characters from the mobile game Dragon Ball Legends, bring new depth to the lore of the Super Saiyan God. Descendants of the original Super Saiyan God, these two ancient Saiyans aim to unlock their full potential. Their compelling backstories and emotional arcs make them fan favorites, and their transformations into Super Saiyan Blue are some of the most satisfying moments in the game.

7. Team Bardock: Bardock’s Elite Warriors

Debut: Dragon Ball Z: Bardock – The Father of Goku

Bardock’s team, consisting of Borgos, Shugesh, Tora, and Fasha, is a non-canon addition introduced in the TV special Bardock: The Father of Goku. While Bardock is now a canon character, his teammates remain in a gray area. These Saiyan warriors are relatively generic compared to the likes of Goku or Vegeta, but their loyalty to Bardock and their tragic fates during Frieza’s attack on Planet Vegeta have made them beloved figures in the Dragon Ball fandom.

8. Turles: Goku’s Dark Doppelgänger

Debut: Dragon Ball Z: The Tree of Might

Turles, the villain of The Tree of Might, bears an uncanny resemblance to Goku but follows a far darker path. As a ruthless Saiyan pirate, Turles plants the Tree of Might to drain the Earth’s energy and become stronger. His transformation into a Great Ape makes him one of the most fearsome non-canon Saiyans, and his similarities to Goku have led to many fan theories and debates.

9. Cumber: The Evil Saiyan

Debut: Super Dragon Ball Heroes

Cumber, introduced in Super Dragon Ball Heroes, is a dark, primal Saiyan with a hatred for all life. His raw power and uncontrollable rage make him a fearsome foe for Goku and Vegeta. With his berserk form and near-limitless strength, Cumber represents the darker side of Saiyan heritage, earning him a spot as one of the most formidable non-canon Saiyans.

10. Crimson

Debut: Dragon Ball Heroes

Dragon Ball‘s expanded universe of video games and non-canon manga have created some tantalizing alternate realities that fans have really embraced. Dragon Ball Heroes is rich in “What If?…” characters and gleefully puts multiple versions of the same character together. The Crimson-Masked Saiyan, also known as Crimson, is a version of Goku Black who heads down a different path in life because of Fu’s divine intervention. Crimson’s agenda shifts to the extermination of every version of Goku from the many alternate timelines that exist, all so that he can grow more powerful and master his strength.

He also adopts a more effective strategy for Goku Black’s Project Zero Mortals, which involves populating the Pseudo Universe with mortals, only to then eliminate them all, which would cause a corresponding ripple effect in Universe 7 that takes out all of its mortals. Crimson makes a strong impression during Dragon Ball Heroes‘ New Space-Time War Saga, where he pushes the Super Saiyan Rosé transformation to new heights and introduces Super Saiyan Rosé 2, 3, and Full Power.

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