As a kid watching an early English dub ofDragon Ball Z, I was deeply moved by a moment between Krillin and Goku. After suffering a brutal defeat by Nappa and witnessing his friends fall, Krillin, saved by Goku, says before leaving, “We grew up together! Let’s just make sure that, well…. we both grow old.”That line hit me hard—it captured their lifelong bond and the fragility of their journey in a world of constant battles. I remember tearing up, realizing how much their friendship meant, and it taught me what it meant to be a true friend to someone.
It was a beautiful display of their friendship, and the tears in Krillin’s eyes made it feel genuine. I didn’t know aboutDragon Ballor how their rivalry had grown into a brotherhood. I wasn’t even aware they had both witnessed each other’s deaths before this moment. Yet, as a newcomer to the show, I immediately understood the depth of their bond. This single scene told me everything I needed to know about Krillin’s character—his loyalty, resilience, and heart. From that moment on, I realizedhe was one of the most remarkable characters in the entire series.
Krillin’s Tenacity in The Face of Adversity Is Admirable
Krillin Fights Even When He Knows He Stands No Chance
Without the innate talent and abilities of a Saiyan,Krillin has to train harder than anyone just to keep up. He lacks the limitless potential, Zenkai boosts, and transformations that make Goku and Vegeta so formidable, yet he still stands alongside them in battle. The gap between Krillin and the franchise’s biggest antagonists is enormous,yet he has fought nearly all of them. From his first encounter with Vegeta to battling Frieza in multiple forms and even being the first fighter to land a hit on Perfect Cell, Krillin always steps up—even when he knows he’s outmatched.
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He fights despite his fear, despite knowing he might not make it out alive. And more often than not, he suffers brutal defeats, each one more devastating than the last.Yet he keeps going.In a series where Saiyans dominate the spotlight with their relentlessnever-give-upattitude, Krillin represents a different kind of bravery. He reminds us that true courage isn’t about being the strongest—it’s about showing up, even when the odds are against you. He may not be the most powerful, but in terms of heart and resilience,Krillin is one ofDragon Ball’sgreatest heroes.
Krillin’s Sacrifices Set Up Some Of The Franchise’s Best Moments
We Don’t Get Super Saiyan Without Krillin Being The Heart Of The Series
Krillin’s deaths may be a meme, but they also highlight his dedication to doing what’s right.He isn’t just the heart ofDragon Ball—he’s its moral compass, surrounded by warriors often more focused on fighting than justice. Unlike the Saiyans, Krillin prioritizes survival, protecting others, and making the right choices over seeking battle. This makes him a constant target—not just because he’s weaker, but because of what he represents to Goku, his friends, and his family. His courage and selflessness define him, proving that true heroism isn’t about power, but about always standing up for what’s right.
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Krillin’s deaths at the hands of Tambourine and Friezashaped two ofDragon Ball’sgreatest sagas. Each time, his loss unlocked a new side of Goku—one where his usual goofiness faded, replaced by raw intensity. As viewers, we mirror Goku’s emotions, feeling his pain and rage. InDragon Ball, Krillin’s death shook Goku to his core, while inDBZ, it triggered his legendary Super Saiyan transformation. Krillin isn’t just the heart of the series; he becomes the audience’s surrogate, making his deaths more impactful than most. His loss isn’t just tragic or meme fodder—it’s the catalyst forDragon Ball’sbiggest moments.
Krillin Is Master Roshi’s Living Legacy
Master Roshi And The Turtle School Lives On In Krillin
Goku may be Master Roshi’s greatest student, but Krillin is his true successor. He’s the one who will inherit Kame House, carrying on Roshi’s legacy. He already lives there with his wife and child, embodying the lifestyle more than anyone else. Plus, he’s a big, bald (by choice) pervert—just like his old master. All he’s missing are the sunglasses and turtle shell, which will likely come in time. With his deep connection to Roshi and the island, it’s only fitting that Krillin becomes the next guardian of Kame House, continuing the traditions of the Turtle School for future generations.
Krillin is Dragon Ball’s Most Important Fighter For One Tragic Reason
Even though Krillin isn’t the strongest fighter in Dragon Ball canon, he is still the best Z-Fighter in the series, though the reason why is tragic.
It means a lot that human legacies live on, just as the Saiyan bloodline continues through Goku, Vegeta, and their children. With Marron unlikely to become a fighter, Krillin andUub remain humanity’s strongest beacons—something I deeply appreciate.GT’sfinale, one of the best send-offs in the franchise, captures this beautifully. Watching Krillin and Goku spar one last time before Goku leaves for good is emotional. Even as Krillin grows old, they endure for future generations. Goku’s trust in them speaks volumes—Krillin may not be the strongest, but he remains one of Earth’s greatest.
Despite His Vulnerabilities, Krillin Is One Of The Franchise’s Coolest Characters
Krillin Is The Best Example Of What A Great Human Being Looks Like
Humans inDBZare often portrayed as clueless or selfish, especially when we see the general public.But Krillin represents humanity at its best. He starts off sneaky and self-serving, yet training with Roshi and Goku transforms him. We witness his growth as he becomes the series’ heart and moral compass—a loyal friend, devoted husband, and loving father.His journey from selfishness to selflessness is remarkable. It took amemefor me to fully appreciate it, but that’s pretty incredible. Krillin’s character arc is often overlooked in the fandom, yet it’s one ofDragon Ball’smost inspiring.
He starts off sneaky and self-serving, yet training with Roshi and Goku transforms him. We witness his growth as he becomes the series’ heart and moral compass—a loyal friend, devoted husband, and loving father.
Like Piccolo and many other great characters, Krillin often gets overshadowed as Saiyans dominate the franchise. However, no matter how many spinoffsDragon Ballproduces, he remains its heart. His courage, loyalty, and perseverance make him one of the series’ most enduring heroes. Despite the power creep pushing humans aside, Krillin’s role as a friend, fighter, and moral compass ensures his legacy lives on. He may not be the strongest, but he’s one of the best—the kind of hero who reminds us that bravery isn’t about power, but about standing tall no matter the odds.
