Goku is easily the most recognizable character in anime, as Dragon Ball has been one of the most popular anime ever since its original debut decades ago. Goku’s character in Dragon Ball is certainly one of a kind as well! Goku is fairly laid back, childish, energetic, and generally just a guy who likes to have fun!
Pokemon is something else that has become incredibly popular over the years, now also being a household name for video games. Even Pikachu is certainly recognizable to almost anyone! Now, the popularity of Dragon Ball and Pokemon begs the question — if Goku used Pokemon, which critters would he use alongside him as he journeys through various regions?
10 Lucario
Lucario is easily one of the more obvious choices when it comes to picking out Pokemon for Goku. If there was ever an actual crossover, Riolu would have been Goku’s very first Pokemon. This is mainly due to the fact that Lucario is a Pokemon who has been designed around the idea of using energy to fight.
Lucario uses moves like Aura Sphere, which is easily reminiscent of a Kamehameha or just a Dragon Ball energy blast in general. Goku would easily take a liking to this Pokemon due to how similar the two fight.
9 Sawk
If Goku were truly to exist in the Pokemon world, there’s no doubt that the energetic Saiyan would attempt to fight the strongest Pokemon that existed in the universe. Once Goku got the idea around Pokemon battling, though, he would most likely seek out Pokemon that he could train with one-on-one.
One great answer to this is Sawk! Sawk is Throw’s counterpart from the Unova region. This is a fighting-type Pokemon that essentially uses karate to fight. Goku would have a blast fighting with this Pokemon.
8 Armarouge
As stated in the entry above this one, Goku would most definitely want Pokemon that he himself could actually train with. Were the Saiyan ever to experience the newest region of Spanish-themed Paldea, Goku would most definitely capture himself an Armarouge. Armarouge is one of Pokemon Scarlet’s exclusive Pokemon.
This Pokemon is a fire and psychic-type and is also great in terms of competitive battling. Goku would take a liking to this Pokemon’s fighting style and moves!
7 Infernape
Lucario was perhaps the most obvious choice in picking out Pokemon for the Saiyan Goku, but second to that choice would most definitely be Infernape. It is even said that Infernape’s design is inspired by Goku, as well as the Journey to the West story, which Goku was inspired from!
Infernape resembles the design of a Super Saiyan! This Pokemon has a flaming head of hair and even fights as Goku would. Instead of ki, Infernape uses fire to blast its opponents away. Goku would easily choose Chimchar to be his starter Pokemon.
6 Bugswole
If Goku somehow were able to travel to the Pokemon universe, he would definitely attempt to fight the Pokemon. The naive Saiyan may even catch himself attempting to battle it out with Alola’s more powerful Pokemon, Bugswole.
This Pokemon is incredibly large, as well as physically strong. Bugswole would easily take on Goku’s challenge, and the Saiyan would be so impressed that he would capture the Pokemon for further training — this would be one of Goku’s heaviest hitters!
5 Jolteon
There are few Pokemon that may even come close to matching Goku in speed, but if there were any legitimate competitors, one would be Jolteon. Jolteon is the electric-type Pokemon that evolves from Eevee after the trainer uses a Thunder Stone on the Pokemon.
This Pokemon is insanely fast. If Goku were to pick up Jolteon’s speed, he either would get himself an Eevee and evolve it or simply seek out a natural Jolteon. Goku would more than likely race Jolteon on foot and use Jolteon to fight against other trainers.
4 Scizor
One of the most popular early-generation Pokemon that was used within Pokemon’s competitive battles was Scizor! Scizor is a bug and steel-type Pokemon with some crazy attack and speed stats. This Pokemon could quickly knock out opposing Pokemon if strategized right.
Being battle-crazy, Goku would likely pick up a Scizor due to how competitive the Pokemon is. Goku would utilize Scizor to take out opposing Pokemon that may be weak to Scizor’s typing and, as mentioned, would train with the Pokemon.
3 Poliwrath
There is definitely a pattern to the Pokemon that would have been chosen for Goku to use if he were ever to see the Pokemon universe, and that is the repeating pattern of fighting-type Pokemon or those that are similar to Goku.
Poliwrath is another great choice for the hero of Dragon Ball as it gives him some water-type coverage if he were serious about competing in Pokemon tournaments. Poliwrath is also a physical fighter, and Goku would be impressed with how Poliwrath handles battling situations.
2 Machamp
This entry is another obvious choice, as Machamp is a fighting-type Pokemon with four arms. Not only that, but this Pokemon is one of the most physically strong Pokemon in the entire Pokemon franchise. Goku, with his Saiyan blood, would capture a Machamp in order to train with it so that the two could learn from each other.
Machamp may even learn some of Goku’s physical moves that it can use in Pokemon battles. Who knows, maybe this could turn into an Ash-Greninja event and unveil Goku-Machamp.
1 Hariyama
Staying on topic with the recurring pattern of Goku’s Pokemon would be physically strong Pokemon that are usually fighting types — this brings to mind Hariyama. Hariyama is a decently sized Pokemon with some immense attack stats, meaning it is also one of the stronger Pokemon in its franchise.
This Pokemon has received much praise with its Paradox form in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet. Goku would more than likely take a liking to Hariyama due to the fact that it resembles martial arts with its combat technique.