Popular anime are filled with iconic transformations. It has almost become a recurring trope for every action series. It helps keep fans glued to their seats while introducing new systems of power.
But this doesn’t make the transformation trope repetitive in anime either. Transformations have been a thing in anime since the retro ages. Creators make sure to make these transition periods, introducing new powers very appealing.
In the list below, we will take a look at some of the most iconic anime transformations of all time.
Anime Transformations That Are Iconic
Goku becomes a Super Saiyan (Dragon Ball Z)
Let’s get the big one out of the way. Dragon Ball Z is the anime that helped popularize the media all over the world. It was also the show with one of the most iconic transformations of all time.
When the mad villain Frieza killed Goku’s best friend on Planet Namek, he tapped into his rage. Up till that point in the franchise, the existence of a Super Saiyan was just a rumor. But seeing Goku actually achieve the transformation in real time was unreal.
Super Saiyan transformations in general are one of the most recognizable pop culture references in existence. We have seen it referenced in countless other anime, games, cartoons, and even music videos.
Luffy’s Gear 5 transformation (One Piece)
Dragon Ball may have dominated the shounen anime landscape for years, but currently, One Piece sits on that throne. Even though the franchise is not about traditional transformations, the main character, Luffy, has some incredible moments.
The man of rubber has had his own improvised Gear transformations over the years. But the 5th Gear transformation was the most important and iconic in the series so far.
Gear 5 Luffy was also technically one of the strangest characters in the whole franchise when it was revealed. Luffy can literally manipulate reality and bend logic when in this form.
Usagi’s Sailor Moon transformation (Sailor Moon)
Sailor Moon was also the anime, along with Dragon Ball Z, responsible for popularizing anime in the West. In Sailor Moon’s case, the show was more targeted towards girls and helped influence magical girl tropes. It centers around beautiful transformations.
The show and its transformations are similar to Kamen Rider in Japan, and can be attested as a tokusatsu show. This is a superhero sub-genre in Japan that puts emphasis on posing and transformations.
Sailor Moon’s memorable and iconic transformation in the franchise has to Usagi’s first time turning into Sailor Moon. It is accompanied by iconic chanting and a music track that makes it so special for fans.
Eren Yeager turns into a founding titan (Attack on Titan)
Attack on Titan is one of the most popular anime of the current day and age. The show centers around humanity trying to defend itself against towering creatures known as titans.
While it is a spoiler, it needs to be mentioned that the series has transformations. Characters in the show can transform into gigantic titans from the anime through various means. The most iconic transformation in the franchise has to be the main character’s.
Eren Yeager, at the end of the show, uses the founding titan’s powers to transform himself.
He turns into a massive titan with a skeletal body, gaining powers that allow him to control other Titans.
Ichigo’s true bankai (Bleach)
Bleach is considered one of the big shounen anime from the 2000s, standing beside Naruto and One Piece. It has its own cast of characters with unique transformations. But what sets it apart from the rest is that it’s more about the character’s weapon transforming.
We call it unique because the artist can get creative when it comes to transforming non-humanoid objects in anime. That’s exactly what happens in Bleach, as most of the weapons take unusual form.
Ichigo is one of the few characters whose weapon, the Zanpaktou, can also transform the wielder at times. The most iconic among these has to be Ichigo’s true bankai transformation, which is also known as Tensa Zangetsu.
Naruto’s Six Paths Sage Mode (Naruto Shippuden)
Another series that is one of the most important pieces of anime media ever is Naruto. Created by Masashi Kishimoto in the 90s, it took the world by storm, as a story based in a fantasy universe.
Even though the series deals with ninjas, it completely deconstructs the general perception around them. Making the characters have their own unique designs leads to some incredible and creative character transformations.
The main character, Naruto, gets some iconic transformations throughout the series. But his most impressive one comes at the end of the series, during the last fights of the series.
Tsuna’s Hyper Dying Will mode (Katekyo Hitman Reborn!)
Katekyo Hitman Reborn! Is one of the most popular anime from the early 2000s. It was created by mana artist Akira Amano. Many modern fans won’t recognize the name, but she was also behind the heavily popular Psycho Pass franchise.
The story of Katekyo Hitman Reborn! Follows a weirdly original shounen fantasy tale around the Italian mafia. But we aren’t here to discuss the details of what mafias are doing in Japan. Rather, we want to turn your attention to the main character’s iconic transformation.
Tsunayoshi Sawada is a timid and cowardly main character that many anime fans hate. But when the time is right and given the chance, he can transform into a strong-willed version of himself.
Tsuna’s transformations are called the dying will modes, with his most iconic form being the hyper-dying will mode. Tsuna gets a calm demeanor in this mode, being able to smartly calculate and fight his opponents without flinching.
Gon’s limitation transformation (HunterxHunter)
Even though the franchise is from the 90s and unfortunately, the creator keeps struggling with health. HunterxHunter series has gained massive popularity with the release of the last anime.
Set in a fantasy universe like many other series in this list. HunterxHunter follows a cast of very well-written characters who are trying to become skilled hunters. One of them is Gon, who has one of the most iconic transformations in all of anime.
But unlike most transformations on this list, this one is destructive and terrifying in nature, and can be called uncontrolled. Gon’s limitation transformation literally removes his limits in strength, turning him into an adult.
Gon is usually cheerful and of a happy nature, but this form turns him into a heartless fighter. This transformation comes from insane amounts of pent-up anger and grief, just like Goku’s Super Saiyan form.
Pegasus Seiya (Saint Seiya)
Before Dragon Ball got really popular in the West, Saint Seiya was one of the most prominent shounen series. It is still brought up in discussions about amazing anime from yesteryear.
Saint Seiya, just like Sailor Moon, deals with individuals donning a special type of clothing accompanied by iconic poses. The show follows the reincarnation of eight powerful warriors who are tasked with protecting the Goddess Athena.
Our story follows the main character, Seiya, who is looking for his missing sister. Fate eventually leads him to acquire the powers of Pegasus Saint. This gives him superhuman strength and speed, making him a superhero.
Agumon and Gabumon mega digivolves (Digimon Adventure 01)
We all know that Pokemon is the single most popular media about collecting monsters. Clearly outshining the Digimon series, but that doesn’t make it is any less as a franchise.
Both Pokemon and Digimon series deal with monsters that can be evolved. But Digimon edges out the former in this aspect but taking the tokusatsu approach. Digivolutions are designed to turn your cute partner digimon into sick-looking armored superheroes.
The most memorable one in the franchise has to be Agumon and Gabumon’s mega digivolution. This introduced fans to the ever-popular WarGreymon and MetalGarurumon designs.
