Dragon Ball Z: Cooler’s Revenge

Dragon Ball Z: Cooler’s Revenge

Year: 1991

Runtime: 48 mins

Language: Japanese

Director: Mitsuo Hashimoto

ActionAnimationScience Fiction

After defeating Frieza, Goku returns to Earth and camps with Gohan and Krillin. Their peace is shattered when Cooler, Frieza’s brother, dispatches three henchmen. A fierce battle ensues; Cooler reveals his fourth‑stage form and gains the upper hand until Goku taps the Super Saiyan power, turning the tide.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Dragon Ball Z: Cooler’s Revenge yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – Dragon Ball Z: Cooler’s Revenge (1991)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Dragon Ball Z: Cooler’s Revenge (1991). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Post-Frieza Saga, 20+ years later

More than twenty years have passed since Frieza destroyed the Saiyan homeworld. Goku has grown into a formidable fighter, having defeated Frieza in a prior battle. The film centers on Cooler's bid to reclaim his family's honor, setting the clash in a post-Destruction era on Earth and beyond.

Location

Earth, Space

Earth serves as the primary stage, hosting the camping trip, forest ambushes, and the climactic battle. The story also crosses into space as Cooler’s forces pursue Goku across the cosmos. Forests and caves on Earth become the battleground where friends and foes clash while protecting what matters most.

🌍 Adventure ⚔️ Action 🌌 Sci-Fi

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 12:36

Main Characters – Dragon Ball Z: Cooler’s Revenge (1991)

Meet the key characters of Dragon Ball Z: Cooler’s Revenge (1991), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Goku (Masako Nozawa)

Goku is a Saiyan on Earth who relentlessly protects his loved ones. He endures brutal wounds, then taps into the Super Saiyan transformation after reflecting on those he cares about. His compassion and stubborn tenacity drive him to confront Cooler and safeguard the planet.

⚡ Saiyan Hero 🗡️ Fighter 🧠 Strategist

Cooler (Ryusei Nakao)

Cooler is Goku’s formidable rival driven by a desire to restore his family’s honor after Frieza’s destruction of the Saiyan world. He is ruthless, calculating, and ready to unleash a new transformation to overpower his foe. His vendetta exposes the darker side of loyalty and revenge.

🔥 Power 🗡️ Villain 🧭 Tactical

Piccolo (Toshio Furukawa)

Piccolo arrives to protect Gohan and intervene in the escalating battle. He defeats Dore and Neiz, showing tactical prowess and a willingness to fight for the group. Cooler’s arrival tests Piccolo’s resilience as he is temporarily incapacitated, underscoring his pivotal role.

🧠 Strategist 🥋 Martial-artist 🤝 Ally

Salza (Show Hayami)

Salza is Cooler’s top henchman who tracks Goku’s group and defeats Krillin and Gohan. He embodies brute force and relentless pursuit, challenging the heroes with ruthless aggression. His confrontations push the defenders to rely on teamwork and quick strategy.

⚔️ Henchman 🧭 Pursuer 💥 Power

Dore (Masaharu Sato)

Dore is one of Cooler’s men who is killed by Piccolo. His role in the ambush showcases the danger of Cooler’s squad and the high stakes of the fight. Dore’s end signals Piccolo’s continued commitment to stopping Cooler.

🗡️ Warrior 🧨 Minion 🛡️ Enforcer

Neiz (Masato Hirano)

Neiz fights alongside Dore under Cooler’s command and is defeated by Piccolo. His arc emphasizes the scale of the threat and the cost of opposing Cooler. Neiz’s fall demonstrates the turning tide that leads to the final showdown.

🗡️ Warrior 🛡️ Guard ⚡ Power

Krillin (Mayumi Tanaka)

Krillin plays a supportive role, taking shelter with Oolong and fighting alongside Goku and Gohan. He’s part of the frontline defense and bears the consequences of Salza’s ambush. His presence strengthens the human side of the defense against Cooler.

⚔️ Ally 🧭 Resourceful 🥋 Fighter

Gohan (Masako Nozawa)

Gohan travels to obtain Senzu beans to heal his father and plays a crucial supporting role. He is quick-thinking and brave, facing ambushes from Cooler’s squad. His actions reflect the younger generation’s courage in protecting family.

🧒 Youth 🧠 Quick-thinker 🗡️ Fighter

Oolong (Naoki Tatsuta)

Oolong hides in a cave with Krillin as the danger intensifies, providing shelter and humor amid the crisis. His presence adds a lighter, human element to the perilous situation. He contributes to the resilience of the group during the siege.

😂 Comic-relief 🕳️ Shelter 🧭 Survival

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 12:36

Major Themes – Dragon Ball Z: Cooler’s Revenge (1991)

Explore the central themes of Dragon Ball Z: Cooler’s Revenge (1991), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🛡️ Honor

Cooler pursues Goku to reclaim his family's honor after the Saiyan world’s destruction. The vendetta highlights a code of revenge and loyalty that drives both sides. The conflict raises questions about what honor means when violence persists. Goku's choices in the face of threat show how protection can redefine duty.

🔥 Transformation

Power and transformation define the climax as Goku attains Super Saiyan in response to danger to his loved ones. Cooler unveils a new form beyond Frieza’s capabilities, escalating the stakes. Goku’s resolve to protect his family fuels his upgrade and secures Earth’s defense.

👪 Family

Goku’s friends and family become the emotional core of the conflict. Gohan, Krillin, Piccolo, and others rally to shield him as danger closes in, underscoring the strength of shared bonds. The narrative shows how care for loved ones motivates sacrifice and resilience. The climactic moments crystallize the idea that family safety guides heroic action.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 12:36

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Unlock the Full Story of Dragon Ball Z: Cooler’s Revenge

Don't stop at just watching — explore Dragon Ball Z: Cooler’s Revenge in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Dragon Ball Z: Cooler’s Revenge is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Dragon Ball Z: Cooler’s Revenge Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Dragon Ball Z: Cooler’s Revenge, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Dragon Ball Z: Cooler’s Revenge Summary

Dragon Ball Z: Cooler’s Revenge Timeline

Track the full timeline of Dragon Ball Z: Cooler’s Revenge with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Dragon Ball Z: Cooler’s Revenge Timeline

More About Dragon Ball Z: Cooler’s Revenge

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Dragon Ball Z: Cooler’s Revenge: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Dragon Ball Z: Cooler’s Revenge