5 Dragon Ball characters with the lowest IQs (& 5 with the highest)

5 Dragon Ball characters with the lowest IQs (& 5 with the highest)

One of the most fascinating elements of the Dragon Ball series is the multitude of opportunities for various characters to showcase their skills and abilities, whether it be through fighting or other methods. While combat is the primary way in which characters shine, there are also instances where certain characters, despite never engaging in battles, make significant contributions to the overall storyline.

Conversely, there are also characters in the overarching Dragon Ball franchise who excel on the battlefield but are portrayed as being ineffective in other aspects. It is not surprising that there appears to be a significant connection between their areas of expertise and their presumed intelligence levels.

The Dim-Witted Ones: Ranking the Lowest IQs in Dragon Ball

1) Naruto Uzumaki

While certainly the most iconic Dragon Ball character, Goku is also one of the least intelligent (Image via Toei Animation)
While certainly the most iconic Dragon Ball character, Goku is also one of the least intelligent (Image via Toei Animation)

Despite not having the lowest IQ on this list, Goku is still considered to have one of the lowest IQs among the Dragon Ball characters. This can be attributed to his Saiyan heritage, a race known for their strength in battle rather than intellect. Additionally, his lack of formal education during his childhood also contributes to his lower IQ.

Despite current real-life studies suggesting that brain injuries do not inherently affect one’s IQ, it is important to note that Goku has suffered multiple severe head injuries during his youth. These injuries, particularly the one that caused him to lose his memories of his true origins, may have made learning more challenging for him due to the impact on his brain. As a result, it can be inferred that Goku likely has a lower IQ compared to other characters in the series, although not the lowest.

2) Vegeta

Majin Buu's lovable nature is unfortunately a result of his relatively low intellect (Image via Toei Animation)
Majin Buu’s lovable nature is unfortunately a result of his relatively low intellect (Image via Toei Animation)

While there may be other characters in the franchise with low intelligence, Majin Buu’s actions and behavior strongly suggest that he is one of the lowest IQ characters. This is evident from his primal desires and impulsive behavior, which remains consistent even after Hercule manages to tame him.

Despite a few exceptions, Majin Buu’s higher level of thought is primarily confined to combat. However, his battle IQ, although a separate concept, does not aid him in this particular situation.

3) Hercule (Dragon Ball)

Hercule's contributions throughout Dragon Ball typically aren't associated with high intellect (Image via Toei Animation)
Hercule’s contributions throughout Dragon Ball typically aren’t associated with high intellect (Image via Toei Animation)

Despite being considered the most intelligent Dragon Ball character in this section of the article, Hercule (aka Mr. Satan) still has moments where his low IQ is evident. This is illustrated in the final battle against Kid Buu, where he mistakes the situation for a dream and attempts to fly through the air. It is clear that he has one of the lowest IQs among all Dragon Ball characters.

4) Vegeta’s Training Partner: Nappa

While a memorable character, Dragon Ball fans typically don't associate Nappa with a high IQ (Image via Toei Animation)
While a memorable character, Dragon Ball fans typically don’t associate Nappa with a high IQ (Image via Toei Animation)

Despite being in both battle and non-combat situations, Nappa consistently displays one of the lowest IQs among all characters in the series. This is exemplified in his encounter with Krillin, where he foolishly believes he can withstand the powerful Destructo Disc attack. Without Vegeta’s timely warning, Nappa would have been fatally injured due to his misguided belief in his own strength against any attack from an Earthling.

Similar to Majin Buu, Nappa is portrayed as someone who acts impulsively and without much consideration. This is evident in his actions of destroying planets while traveling with Vegeta to Earth and causing destruction in an innocent city upon their arrival. While some may see this as confidence, Nappa’s lack of thought in these situations suggests that it is more a result of his limited intellect.

5) Majin Buu

Despite his memorable appearance, Janemba undoubtedly has one of Dragon Ball's lowest IQs (Image via Toei Animation)
Despite his memorable appearance, Janemba undoubtedly has one of Dragon Ball’s lowest IQs (Image via Toei Animation)

Ultimately, Janemba is the most probable contender against Majin Buu for the Dragon Ball character with the lowest overall IQ. In both of his distinct forms, Janemba is depicted as incapable of speech or communication, appearing unable to even acknowledge attempts at communication with him.

Although he does exhibit some level of intelligence in his second form, it appears to mainly be strategic thinking in battle rather than overall intellectual ability. While Majin Buu is capable of forming words and engaging in conversations, it is probable that Janemba has the lowest IQ among all Dragon Ball characters.

The Most Intelligent Characters in Dragon Ball: Bulma, Gohan, and More

1) The Briefs Family

Despite lacking in combat prowess, Bulma more than makes up for it with her intellectual contributions throughout Dragon Ball (Image via Toei Animation)
Despite lacking in combat prowess, Bulma more than makes up for it with her intellectual contributions throughout Dragon Ball (Image via Toei Animation)

Undoubtedly, Bulma Briefs has solidified her legacy as one of the most intelligent characters in the series, potentially even holding the highest IQ. Her development of the Dragon Radar, pioneering of time travel, innate inventiveness, and scientific brilliance unquestionably confirm this.

Despite her canon accomplishments, Bulma’s intelligence is further showcased through her ability to not only understand but also reverse engineer alien technology. This is demonstrated through her recreation of the Saiyan battle armor and successful piloting of the Nameless Namekian’s Spaceship. Additionally, various non-canon scenes and feats serve to reinforce her impressive intellect.

2) Vegeta

Even if only for his fusing with Kami and Nail, Piccolo almost certainly boasts one of the series' highest IQs (Image via Toei Animation)
Even if only for his fusing with Kami and Nail, Piccolo almost certainly boasts one of the series’ highest IQs (Image via Toei Animation)

Despite being a continuing character in Dragon Ball material, Piccolo undoubtedly possesses one of the highest IQs in the series. One significant factor supporting this is his unique combination of intellect from three different individuals: himself, Nail, and Kami. The inclusion of Kami’s intelligence is especially crucial in solidifying Piccolo’s place in this category.

Despite being put in spontaneous situations, he consistently displays exceptional foresight and strategic thinking, surpassing all other characters in the series. This is particularly evident in the Buu Saga when Goku returns to the Other World, as he takes on a leadership role among the Z Fighters, devises a plan, and confidently relies on his intellect to succeed.

3) Android 20

The series' notorious mad scientist definitively boasts one of the franchise's highest IQs (Image via Toei Animation)
The series’ notorious mad scientist definitively boasts one of the franchise’s highest IQs (Image via Toei Animation)

Despite the presence of other highly intellectual characters, Dr. Gero stands out for his contributions to robotics and cybernetics in the series. This is evident through Bulma’s admiration for him during the Android saga, as well as her father’s recognition of his name and discussions about him. Additionally, Dr. Gero’s accomplishments while working with the Red Ribbon Army only add to his reputation as one of the most intelligent characters in the series.

Despite his many accomplishments, Dr. Gero’s creation of Cell and the supercomputer he built to control it are particularly noteworthy for highlighting his shrewd and cunning nature. Additionally, his transformation into an Android further solidifies his reputation as one of the most intelligent characters in the series.

4) Professor Briefs

Dragon Ball's most infamous inventor undoubtedly has one of the series' highest IQs (Image via Toei Animation)
Dragon Ball’s most infamous inventor undoubtedly has one of the series’ highest IQs (Image via Toei Animation)

Similarly, Dr. Briefs, a colleague of Dr. Gero, boasts one of the most impressive IQ scores in the Dragon Ball universe. His significant contributions to the field of technology, such as the groundbreaking Dynocaps Capsule from Capsule Corp, solidify his rightful place on this list. Additionally, numerous other occurrences throughout the series further showcase his exceptional intellect.

Despite it being his first encounter with alien technology, he demonstrates his technical prowess by modifying and enhancing the Nameless Namekian’s Spaceship. Not only does he successfully reverse engineer it and create a replica, but his numerous repairs and inventions throughout the franchise solidify his place as a skilled engineer. This serves as a prime example of his capabilities.

5) Teenage Gohan

Son Gohan undoubtedly has one of the series' highest IQs (Image via Toei Animation)
Son Gohan undoubtedly has one of the series’ highest IQs (Image via Toei Animation)

In conclusion, it can be said that Son Gohan possesses one of the most impressive IQs in the franchise. His insatiable thirst for knowledge and unwavering commitment to learning have contributed greatly to this, as he even chose to forsake his title as the strongest fighter on Earth in order to attend high school and broaden his intelligence.

Gohan’s love for knowledge has persisted into his adulthood, making his IQ one of the highest in the series. Undoubtedly, he is one of the most intelligent characters in the franchise, credited to his innate curiosity and dedication to expanding his own knowledge.

Final thoughts

Despite the fact that rankings and inclusions of Dragon Ball characters may vary in a discussion about battle IQ, this list remains consistent. Excluding battle prowess, the top 10 characters on this list are chosen as the five with the highest IQs and the five with the lowest in the franchise.

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