Throughout the Dragon Ball series, Gohan’s power has always been debated, even to this day in 2025. Even though he surpassed Goku, Vegeta, Frieza, and Piccolo numerous times. While Goku remains the face of the franchise, there have been key moments when Gohan undeniably outshined his father.

Whether due to his unique potential because he is a Saiyan/human hybrid, hidden rage, or simply better form mastery, he has repeatedly proven himself to be one of Earth’s greatest protectors.

Here are five crucial moments when Gohan surpassed Goku.

1. Gohan Briefly Shows His Hidden Power Against Raditz

This is the first moment we witness the potential of Gohan’s Power

Gohan’s potential was first shown during the series’ early moments when he unleashed a powerful rage-fueled headbutt attack against Raditz. Despite his young age and lack of training, Gohan’s sudden outburst shocked both Goku and Piccolo.

This brief moment not only injured Raditz but also hinted at the incredible power Gohan would later develop. Even at this early stage, his raw strength exceeded Goku’s at the time.

Raditz was even shocked to see Gohan’s power level on the scouter skyrocket because of his rage.

2. Gohan Releases His Rage On Frieza’s Second Form

Another Moment Where We See Glimpses of Power Against A Powerfull Oponnent

During the battle of the Z-fighters against Frieza on Namek, Gohan’s hidden power erupted once more. After witnessing Frieza’s ruthless assault against Piccolo, Gohan unleashed a furious attack that temporarily overwhelmed Frieza’s second transformation.

While Goku was still catching up in strength during this time, Gohan’s power spike stood out as a testament to his unique potential.

This brief moment positions him above Goku in terms of the immediate impact of that encounter.

3. Gohan Becomes The First Super Saiyan 2 Against Perfect Cell

His Super Saiyan 2 Transformation Made Him The Strongest Saiyan of All

Maybe this is Gohan’s most iconic moment ever when he became the first Saiyan to achieve the Super Saiyan 2 transformation during the Cell Games. The sadness and rage after witnessing Cell kill Android 16 sparked something inside Gohan.

This form allowed Gohan to surpass both Goku and Cell in power, making him the strongest warrior on the planet.

While Goku had achieved Super Saiyan first, the new Super Saiyan 2 unlocked a new echelon of power that even Goku couldn’t match at the time. Goku and Vegeta even admitted that they could not beat Perfect Cell, the Super Saiyan 2 form surpassed every warrior.

4. Ultimate Gohan Becomes Earth’s Strongest Warrior

This Unique Transformation Surpasses Goku Super Saiyan 3 and Majin Vegeta

During the Majin Buu Saga, Gohan unlocked his Ultimate form through the Old Kai’s ritual that unleashed his hidden potential. This unique transformation drastically boosted his power, making him stronger than even Goku’s Super Saiyan 3 form.

When Gohan faced Super Buu, he dominated the fight effortlessly, proving that he was Earth’s most powerful warrior at that moment.

This is something no other warrior on Earth achieved, and had Gohan fought against Kid Buu, he would have stood a better chance than Goku and Vegeta.

5. Beast Gohan Presents His Strongest Transformation Against Cell Max

Gohan Achieves A Transformation That Puts Him On The Level Of The Gods

In the Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero movie, Gohan unlocked his most powerful form yet during his battle against Cell Max, Beast Gohan. This transformation has a completely different look, with gray-silver hair, crimson eyes, and tremendous strength.

This Beast transformation places Gohan on par with the gods, because Cell Max is more powerful than Super Saiyan Blue. How he achieved this form is quite a mystery.

We do know he trained in secret, but not that he had this type of transformation in his arsenal. This key victory against Cell Max displayed that both Goku and Vegeta had been surpassed in strength again.