The Ginyu Force (Tokusentai) is a team of five mercenaries who are hired by Frieza. Though physically some of the strongest individuals in the universe, the Ginyu Force's members delight in coming up with strange poses, betting candy on fights, and playing Janken. They are led by Captain Ginyu (Ginyū Taichō), who has a unique technique that allows him to switch bodies with his opponents. Jeice (Jīsu), a flamboyant and showy mutant, and Burter (Bāta), the self proclaimed fastest being in the universe, are two beings nicknamed the "Red Magma" and "Blue Hurricane" that utilise various combination attacks in battle. Recoome (Rikūmu) is a large humanoid that likes to toy with his opponents. Guldo (Gurudo), although physically the weakest, has various psychic abilities, including being able to freeze time when he holds his breath.

Frieza calls upon them to assist in the defeat of Vegeta and help obtain the Dragon Balls on Planet Namek. Vegeta kills Guldo and Jeice, along with Burter and Recoome, after Goku defeats them first. Ginyu manages to steal Goku's body, but he is unable to utilise its full power. He decides to steal Vegeta's body after Goku's can no longer be used, but he inadvertently switches bodies with a frog instead. He is allowed to flee, and ends up on Earth after Namek explodes (though not before switching bodies with Bulma and trying to take over Piccolo's body in the process, before being returned to the frog's body). In the anime, they (sans the surviving Ginyu) appear at King Kai's planet in the afterlife and battle Tien, Yamcha and Chiaotzu, who defeat and banish them to Hell. Tien defeats Jeice and Burter, Yamcha defeats Recoome, and Chiaotzu defeats Guldo. King Kai reveals that he actually invited the Ginyu Force there in order for Tien, Yamcha and Chiaotzu to test their new strength.