Dragon Ball: The 5 Greatest Goku Voice Actors, Officially Ranked

In the Dragon Ball universe, some characters are remembered for their power, while others become unforgettable because of the people who bring them to life.

There have been quite a few voice actors of Goku in different languages and dubs. Some have become iconic in the role of young Goku, while others are known for voicing Goku in his most impressive fights. With that said, here are the five Goku voice actors who left the biggest mark on the character, ranked from 5 to 1.

5 Ian James Corlett Gave English Fans Their First Adult Goku

Goku from Dragon Ball Z. | Credit: Toei Animation

Ian James Corlett is a significant figure in the Dragon Ball Z story. He voiced Goku during the first 37 episodes of the English dub by Ocean Group/Saban. This includes the Saiyan Saga and the early stages of Goku’s trip to Namek.

Corlett’s Goku sounds very different from the version many fans know today. This is because Ian’s voice is much calmer and lighter, which fits Goku’s friendly side. Corlett is number five on the list because he was the voice actor of Goku for only a short period of time.

4 Peter Kelamis Gave Goku A Fun And Natural Voice

Goku arriving on Planet Namek. | Credit: Toei Animation

Peter Kelamis took over the role after Corlett in the Ocean Group dub. His Goku appeared during the Namek Saga, giving fans another take on the Saiyan hero. Kelamis later returned to voice Goku in the Ocean dub produced for the UK, Canada, and Europe, covering the late Cell Games and portions of the Buu Saga, up until Kirby Morrow took over.

He also voiced Goku in the Ocean dubs of the first three Dragon Ball Z films: Dead Zone, The World’s Strongest, and The Tree of Might. Kelamis brought more humor and a relaxed feel to Goku. His performance worked well when Goku was joking around, but it could also become serious when the story demanded it. He edges past Corlett because his version had a little more personality and variety.

3 Stephanie Nadolny Made Kid Goku Truly Unforgettable

Goku from Dragon Ball DAIMA. | Credit: Toei Animation

Stephanie Nadolny gave English-speaking fans one of the most memorable versions of young Goku. She voiced Kid Goku in Dragon Ball and also voiced Kid Gohan in Dragon Ball Z, giving her a strong connection to the Son family.

Her energetic and slightly rough voice suited Goku’s wild personality perfectly. Her return as Goku Mini in Dragon Ball DAIMA also brought back that familiar sound for a new generation. That lasting connection puts her above the two Ocean Group performances.

2 Sean Schemmel Became The Voice Of Goku In The West

Goku from Dragon Ball Super. | Credit: Toei Animation

For many English-speaking fans, Sean Schemmel simply sounds like Goku. He became Funimation’s voice of the character and continued through Dragon Ball Z, GT, Kai, Super, movies, and video games.

His biggest strength is the way he handles Goku’s many sides. He can sound funny and carefree during quieter moments, then become much more intense during major battles such as the Cell Games and the Tournament of Power. His long run puts him above Nadolny.

1 Masako Nozawa Made Goku A Global Icon

Masako Nozawa is the voice most closely connected with Goku. Akira Toriyama personally selected her for the role, and she has voiced Goku throughout the Japanese Dragon Ball franchise, from his childhood adventures to his biggest battles.

What makes Nozawa special is how naturally she handles every side of Goku. Her voice can capture the innocent kid from the original Dragon Ball, the determined fighter from Dragon Ball Z, and the cheerful warrior from Dragon Ball Super. She has also voiced Gohan and Goten, making her connection to the Son family even stronger.

Now the big question: Which Goku voice actor is your personal favorite? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

Dragon Ball Z is currently available to watch on Crunchyroll.