The Dragon Ball characters have not shortage of energy attacks at their disposal. The martial artists of Akira Toriyama's long-running manga and anime franchise can channel the energy (or ki) of their bodies into all kinds of colorful and deadly moves.

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These often manifest as spheres. Fighters gather a surplus of energy, concentrate it into a ball, and launch it at enemies. Because they unleash all of the power at once, these attacks can be more effective than the standard energy waves. The characters must know that, as there are plenty of destructive spheres to go around between the various heroes and villains.

10 Spirit Ball

Yamcha wields the Spirit Ball in Dragon Ball

Yamcha's surprise move against Kami may not pack the destructive power of other energy spheres, but it makes up for this in utility. With his fingertips, the former desert bandit can move this little ball around at lightning speed. It can even tunnel underground, popping up to strike enemies before they can react.

It's a slick little sneak attack that puts even physically superior opponents on the defensive. Because it's so small, it's faster and more likely to catch someone off-guard. That said, the Spirit Ball still packs a huge punch.

9 Light Grenade

Piccolo charges the Light Grenade in Dragon Ball Z

Piccolo reveals this as a desperation move. It's the Namekian's ultimate attack once he's fused with Kami, his other half. In that sense, this ball of destruction is the best his true self has to offer. Consider the other attacks in Piccolo's skill set, that's saying something.

Even without that qualifier, the Light Grenade is a formidable force. It blasts away a huge chunk of an island, and that's when Piccolo is weakened. Think how powerful it'd be if he's at full strength.

8 Holy Light Grenade

Zamasu and Goku Black prepare the Holy Light Grenade in Dragon Ball Super

The two versions of Zamasu generate this grandiose attack, and they'll use it to smite the unwashed masses of an ungrateful universe. On its own, this move would have the strength of a deity.

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What truly distinguishes it, though, are its users. Because they're the same being, the two Zamasus work in absolute synchronicity. The ball has all the power of a fusion attack without the hassle of merging bodies. That said, it's arguably deadlier once the Kais do combine, as it amplifies their already considerable strength further. It's enough to make the most ardent non-believer bow down in worship.

7 Death Ball

Frieza prepares the Death Ball in Dragon Ball FighterZ

This is Frieza's signature method of destroying a planet. Given its usage, it goes without saying that such an attack would be devastating. The ball strikes at the core and throws the entire world out of balance, causing widespread environmental hazards before resulting in a final explosion. On a side note, it makes for the longest five minutes in history. At least the fiery Supernova variant gets the job done faster, wiping out the whole Saiyan race in seconds.

It was a terrifying display of power at the time. Even today, the Death Ball is a potent reminder of this despot's ruthlessness and sadism.

6 Planet Burst

Goku and Vegeta watch as Kid Buu charges the Planet Burst in Dragon Ball Z

Kid Buu can't wait to test his power. To prevent any attempts to stop it, the little demon charges up a ball powerful enough to destroy the Earth ten times. It's the Death Ball on steroids, and that's exactly what it feels like.

Swirling toward the heroes and consuming everything in its path, this lava lamp of doom gives off an apocalyptic vibe worthy of its strength. Its absorbing quality increases its size with each passing second, and you can only hope to get away before it swallows you, too.

5 Negative Karma Ball

Goku struggles against the Negative Karma Ball in Dragon Ball GT

The Shadow Dragons were born from misuse of the Dragon Balls, so much of their power would naturally come from dark energy. That's what Omega Shenron counts on. Drawing on the Black Star Dragon Balls, he condenses all of humanity's evil deeds into a single sphere.

True, it doesn't make much sense, but that may be the point. The ball doesn't just wreak physical carnage; it seems to corrupt the essence of everything around it. Going outside the box like that makes the Negative Karma Ball a formidable obstacle for even the most stalwart heroes.

4 Omega Blaster

Broly conjures the Omega Blaster in Dragon Ball Z: Broly - Second Coming

At first glance, this seems like the most pathetic excuse for an attack ever conceived, but it soon turns overwhelming. Broly lets out a tiny spark of light, seemingly as a joke. Then, this instantly expands in a gargantuan green ball.

Even without this misdirection catching enemies off-guard, the Omega Blaster is a daunting sight that's practically impossible to stop. It takes the combined power of Goku, Gohan, and Goten just to slow it down. In that way, it's like Broly himself: a freight train that runs over anyone in its way.

3 Hakai

Frieza and Goku ponder what to do with the Hakai in Dragon Ball Super

This attack immediately distinguishes itself from others due to its bizarre texture. That's because it's imbued with Destroyer energy and can only be conjured by Gods of Destruction. What does that mean? Well, anything struck by it is blinked out of existence.

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Even among the other cataclysmic moves of Dragon Ball, this makes Hakai seem like a grenade in a candy store. It seems to exist outside the realm of normal attacks. That unfamiliarity, especially this late in the series' lifespan, is unsettling. People naturally fear the unknown, and this is why.

2 Big Bang Attack

Vegeta aims the Big Bang Attack in Dragon Ball Z

Vegeta first unveiled this as an execution move against a powerless opponent, but don't let that fool you. The Big Bang Attack has since become one of the heaviest-hitting weapons in his arsenal.

Not only does it pack a wallop on its own, but as per its namesake, it culminates in a massive explosion that decimates anything in the area. That added effect makes it unique among energy attacks, showcasing the Saiyan Prince's creativity and occasional sadism. He doesn't just defeat an enemy; he basks in the victory and finished the battle with a bang (sorry).

1 Spirit Bomb

Goku gathers energy for the Spirit Bomb in Dragon Ball Z

Goku's ultimate move is a variable one. It can be a weak annoyance, or it can become the most powerful attack you can possibly imagine. The strength comes not from the user, but from everything else. Goku gathers energy from people, plants, animals, and other life forms across the planet.

These may seem insignificant on their own, but their combined power makes them an imposing force for any foe. The attack could be even more powerful depending on how much energy is taken (or willingly given). The Spirit Bomb epitomizes strength in numbers, which is why it's the greatest ball of power in all of Dragon Ball.

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