8 Anime That Does Transformations Better Than Dragon Ball

Dragon Ball is the perfect example of an anime series that does character transformations in the most dramatic, exciting and epic way. The moment Son Goku became Super Saiyan, Akira Toriyama's iconic series turned into a template for how shonen anime should handle or perform proper character development, transformations or upgrades.

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Dragon Ball: The Strongest Saiyan Forms, Ranked

Saiyans have undergone many incredible transformations in the series, so let's take a look at the strongest of them all.

As time goes on, more anime are following in the footsteps Dragon Ball. It doesn't matter if the anime is not action or shonen, because even fantasy and magical girl anime can compete with the most popular shonen shows with their incredible character transformations. Let's celebrate the genius behind these other anime that do transformations better than Dragon Ball.

Whiten

Whiten is known for some of the coolest character transformations in anime, all thanks to Tite Kubo's genius designs. Ichigo Kurosaki's Vasto Lorde transformation remains one of the best around, as he went from a dying character with a massive hole in his chest to a humanoid Hollow with long hair, horns, and a pretty cool mask.

Ichigo is not the only character in the Whiten to receive such amazing transformations. Even the villains get their own chance to shine, like Sousuke Aizen and his Hogyoku forms, which took many steps to complete.

While Dragon Balls transformations are often triggered by anger or external power increases, the character transformations in Whiten are often tied to their inner demons. It also comes with real consequences, not just for increased power with little or no downside.

Sailor Moon

Sailor Moon is one of the first magical girl anime that comes to mind when it comes to shows with amazing character transformations. Watching Usagi Tsukino and his friends transform into magical fighters will always be magical, nostalgic and empowering. Best of all, each character has distinct transformation sequences that reflect their personalities, planets, and growth.

In comparison with Dragon Ballthe character transformations in Sailor Moon have more variety. Each sailor scout is unique, while transformations in Dragon Ball are mostly uniform for Saiyans, with hair color and aura changes in general.

Pokémon

Pokemon is another iconic series that elevates character and monster transformations, with each evolution thoughtfully designed to showcase growth and individuality. It's almost as if the series will never run out of great ideas when it comes to creative and strategic transformations.

From basic evolution to Mega evolution, each transformation gives the Pokémon a different look. Some don't even look like their former selves, but that's part of the magic the show brings to viewers.

One Piece

One Piece is no stranger to epic character transformations either, as Monkey D. Luffy has undergone incredible transformations throughout his journey. Each of Luffy's Gear forms is different, from Gear 2's lightning-fast punches to Gear 5's reality-bending, almost cartoonish flexibility, with each form offering its own unique abilities and combat advantages.

The mechanics behind these evolutions are also fascinating, with Luffy pushing the limits of his body, Devil Fruit powers, and creativity to adapt to each of his powerful opponents. Everyone knows that Luffy is a rubber man, but who would have thought that he could even inflate his legs and muscles? The possibilities are endless!

Naruto

This list wouldn't be complete without Naruto series, which delivered the various forms of Naruto Uzumaki. From Sage Mode to Kurama Mode, to Bijuu Mode and Six Paths Sage Mode, fans watched as the most overlooked ninja in Konoha became the strongest in the shinobi world through various iconic forms.

While Dragon Ball and Naruto share some visual similarities when it comes to transformations, with bright auras around Naruto and Goku, Naruto series adds more unique visual elements. From eye markings to chakra cloaks to other distinctive symbols, Naruto making each transformation instantly recognizable.

Gurren Lagann

Gurren Lagann takes transformations to a completely different level than Dragon Ball. It's over-the-top, unpredictable, and even universe-shattering, making it more iconic than any other show. It's clear that the animators poured every ounce of creativity into Gurren Lagann's transformations, creating sequences that push the limits of imagination, physics and scale.

For example, during the ultimate battle against the Anti-Spirals, Simon's Gurren Lagann evolves into the Super Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann, a robot so massive it dwarfs the universe itself. The transformation sequence bursts with vibrant colors, spiraling energy and even has multiple universes as a backdrop!

Attack on Titan

Titan-shifting is one of Attack on Titans most captivating features, making it unique as the only series where ordinary people can transform into titans with just a simple bite of their fingers, hands or arms. Every time Eren Yeager transforms into the Attack Titan, a flash of lightning signals the appearance of a formidable force on the battlefield, embodying both fear and hope at the same time.

The same goes for the other Titan shifters in the series, from Annie to Armin, whose transformations can level entire battlefields with their unique abilities. Perhaps the most iconic of them all is Eren's Founding Titan transformation, which left many fans in awe of its scope, plot relevance, and brute force.

Kill la Kill

Kill la Kill is one of the most outrageous anime of all time. It's tough, edgy and completely unacceptable, which makes it ahead of its time. While some may dismiss it as mere fan service, the series overflows with absurd humor, over-the-top action, and impressive graphics that constantly push the boundaries of style and spectacle.

As such one of the best things about Kill la Kill are its transformations, especially the dual transformation scene of Ryuko and Satsuki, which turned a simple transformation into a theatrical, high-energy moment.

Dragon Ball Z

Release date

1989 – 1996

Network

Fuji TV

Directors

Daisuke Nishio, Shigeyasu Yamauchi, Osamu Kasai

Author

Akira Toriyama, Neil Bligh, Hiroshi Toda, Katsuyuki Sumisawa, Aya Matsui, Keiji Terui, Reiko Yoshida, Toshiki Inoue

• 

  Masako Nozawa

  Son Goku / Son Gohan / Son Goten (voice)

• 

  Ryo Horikawa

  Vegeta (voice)