Goku’s journey and his eventual revenge on Frieza is a central storyline in Dragon Ball Z, a major arc known as the Frieza Saga. Here’s a breakdown of his journey and the clash with Frieza:

1. The Early Years & Saiyan Saga

Goku’s journey begins long before meeting Frieza. Initially a kind-hearted boy raised on Earth, Goku is unaware of his Saiyan heritage. Over time, he trains with various masters and battles many enemies, including the Saiyans. During the Saiyan Saga, Goku learns that he is not from Earth but from a warrior race known as the Saiyans. This discovery leads him to face the Saiyan Prince, Vegeta, and another Saiyan named Nappa.

The death of Goku’s close friend Krillin in this saga deeply impacts him and becomes a key driver in his later confrontation with Frieza.

2. The Quest for the Dragon Balls on Planet Namek

After the battle with Vegeta, Goku and his friends learn about the Namekian Dragon Balls. They decide to travel to Planet Namek to use the Dragon Balls to resurrect their fallen comrades. Meanwhile, the tyrant Frieza is also on Namek, seeking the Dragon Balls to gain immortality.

3. Frieza’s Reign of Terror

Frieza is a galactic overlord responsible for the destruction of many planets and the near-extinction of the Saiyan race. It is revealed that Frieza was the one who destroyed Planet Vegeta, Goku’s homeworld, fearing the potential power of the Saiyans.

As Goku’s friends—Vegeta, Piccolo, Krillin, and Gohan—battle Frieza and his elite forces, Goku eventually arrives on Namek, ready to face the tyrant.

4. The Battle with Frieza

The fight between Goku and Frieza is one of the most intense and memorable battles in Dragon Ball Z. Initially, Goku is at a disadvantage, but his strength increases as the battle progresses. Despite Frieza’s immense power and multiple transformations, Goku refuses to give up.

Frieza’s cruelty is fully displayed when he kills Krillin in front of Goku. This act pushes Goku to his emotional breaking point.

5. Super Saiyan Transformation

After witnessing Krillin’s death, Goku finally taps into the legendary Super Saiyan form, a transformation that significantly increases his power. This is the first time a Super Saiyan had been seen in a thousand years, and it marks a turning point in the battle.

Goku’s power as a Super Saiyan overwhelms Frieza, who is both terrified and enraged by the transformation.

6. Frieza’s Defeat

In the end, Goku overpowers Frieza, but instead of finishing him off, Goku offers Frieza a chance to survive. Despite this mercy, Frieza tries to attack Goku one last time, forcing Goku to counter and finally defeat him.

7. Goku’s Revenge & Resolution

Goku’s victory over Frieza isn’t just a triumph of strength; it’s the culmination of his journey from an innocent child to the protector of the universe. Though Goku could have killed Frieza outright, his decision to show mercy reflects his character—he fights not for revenge but for justice and peace.

Epilogue: Frieza’s Return

Frieza does return in later storylines, most notably in the Resurrection F arc of Dragon Ball Super, but the defeat on Namek is the definitive moment where Goku exacts his revenge for his friends, his race, and his planet.

This journey of Goku’s from Earth to Namek, and his rise as a Super Saiyan, solidified him as one of the greatest heroes in anime.