Scariest transformations in Naruto

Summary

• The Naruto series features terrifying transformations from both villains and heroes, which invoke terror.

• Gaara's half Shukaku, Kakashi's perfect Susanoo, and Hidan's cursed form are among the scariest.

• Design and power play crucial roles in creating nerve-wracking transformations in Naruto.

Naruto because a series isn't inherently a horror series, but when certain characters decide to show off their devastating powers through a flashy new transformation, things can get scary pretty quickly. While a terrifying transformation can be expected from villains like the Akatsuki, it's surprisingly often the heroes who look scariest when they can go all-out against a tough opponent.

While a show of power can definitely allow a transformation to strike terror in the reader, it also needs to have a creepy design, and it's fair to say that writer Masashi Kishimoto has flexed his horror muscles more than a few times throughout the series. When pressure will push however across Naruto and Naruto Shippudenthese transformations below have stood the test of time as some of the scariest to watch, and instantly send a chill down your spine when they appear.

8

Gaara Half Shukaku

Gaara tries to cling to his body as he succumbs to Shukaku

• First appearance: Episode 77

After the Chunin Exams are interrupted by a surprise attack, Naruto and Gaara find themselves face to face in the nearby forest. Although the two had locked eyes and interacted a few times before this, they had no idea that they were two sides of the same coin, both being Jinchuriki who needed to learn how to safely harness the power of the Tailed Wilds contained within them. However, at this point, Gaara's heart was so full of hatred for the world that he was unable to control his Shukaku, resulting in this terrifying form that he transforms into during his confrontation with Naruto.

Seeing Gaara's insane grin as Shukaku's bulky skin crawls up his arm is an eerie image that sticks in the mind long after the episode is over. While the full form of Shukaku is still a terrifying sight, the sight of Gaara still clinging to his normal form, along with his evil expression, makes this a particularly scary version of the Shukaku transformation.

7

Kakashi Perfect Susanoo

Kakashi's ultimate transformation is a terrifying sight to behold

• First appearance: Shippuden Episode 473

Granted, every version of the Susanoo, whether it's from Sasuke, Itachi, or even Madara, has a pretty terrifying design, but this particular one is extra creepy thanks to some of its features. This is Kakashi's Perfect Susanoo that he unleashes as a last resort against Kaguya, and while the gigantic wings already give it a stern and intimidating presence, the dark eyes and Kamui Shuriken make it all the more terrifying to look at.

Of course, anyone who has faced Kakashi knows all too well how strong he is, so seeing him replicate an ability designed to be reserved for the Uchiha clan makes it extra scary because there's no telling how the Copy Ninja will decide to use this absurdly powerful form.

6

Hidan cursed form

Hidan Sports An occult-like appearance when he enters his cursed form

• First appearance: Shippuden Episode 86

Hidan is a fairly unique character in the series who has been the focus of more than a few online conversations, mainly due to how strange and unexpected his form is. Hidan worships Jashin, a god who seemingly grants Hidan the gift of immortality, allowing him to enter his “Cursed” form where he essentially becomes a living voodoo doll.

The occult-like markings splashed across his body, along with his half-torn Akatsuki robe and artifact hanging from his neck, present Hidan as a genuinely terrifying opponent for Shikamaru and Asuma to face, proving that a transformation doesn't have to go too far to see annoying looking.

5

Kakuzu True Form

Kakauzu's original form is a truly effective piece of body horror that effortlessly makes the skin crawl

• First appearance: Shippuden Episode 88

Kakuzu is the quiet and stoic contrast to Hidan's brashness, but beneath the cold exterior is a ruthless killer who does his best to hide his identity. However, when the Akatsuki cloak comes off, Kakuzu is able to focus his chakra to unleash his true form, with his tentacles transforming him into a sort of octopus-like monster that can easily snap his enemies in two without breaking a sweat.

It's also an effective show of body horror from Kishimoto, showing Kakuzu's limbs stretched out while his legs and head float in the middle, along with the two eerie masks resting on the surface. Kakuzu often prefers to hold back if he can help it, but when he shows what he's really made of, it ignites a spark of fear within anyone unfortunate enough to lay eyes on him.

4

Killer Bee Eight-tail Ox

The large size of Killer Bee's Ox, along with the lifeless eyes results in a chilling overall design

• First appearance: Shippuden Episode 143

Killer Bee's Eight-tailed Ox may be a little less powerful than Naruto's Kurama, but when Bee was introduced to the series, he had formed a close bond with his inner beast, allowing him to effortlessly wield its power. But while Bee can summon the bull's tentacles at will, this is the full form that appears when he decides to let loose, and it's fair to say it's pretty terrifying.

Adding to the intimidation factor of this particular form is the extent of damage it can cause with its spin attacks, and of course the Tailed Beast Bomb, which nearly wipes out the entire Taka team in one fell swoop. The size, strength and mobility make the Eight-Tails a creature that can easily get on the nerves of its opponents, especially with the giant soulless eyes.

3

Kisame Samehada Form

Kisame becomes a bloodthirsty predator with incredible mobility when he fuses with Samehada

• First appearance: Shippuden Episode 207

In terms of strength, Kisame is arguably one of the strongest beings in the entire series, given that he can absorb infinite amounts of chakra, while also having a bunch himself. If he decides to hone his physical and chakra abilities into one, he will fuse with his sword to enter his shark form, making him look even more like the aquatic predator than he already did before.

Kisame explodes in size when entering this form, while also growing a giant tail to help him swim towards his hapless prey. Although this form is barely used in the series, Kisame's transformation is undoubtedly still a terrifying sight when it appears during an intense battle.

2

Kaguya Tailed Beast Transformation

Kaguya transformed into this grotesque form after absorbing too much of the tailed beasts chakra

• First appearance: Shippuden Episode 473

After Kaguya tried to absorb the Tailed Beasts, it resulted in a bizarre and terrifying transformation that almost looks like a sick and twisted science experiment gone horribly wrong. Although still technically Kaguya, the dangerous Otsutsuki is practically nowhere to be seen. Instead, this form looks like each of the tailed beasts is trying to break out of a bubble that is shooting tentacles from all directions, along with a giant demonic looking rabbit appearing on the side.

This transformation is basically a potential appearance of the mighty Ten Tails, although it could also be seen as Kaguya simply losing control of the beasts' immense power for a few moments as well. Either way, it's a skin-crawling transformation with how odd and bizarre it is.

1

Orochimaru Power Of The White Snake

Just in case Orochimaru's normal form wasn't terrifying enough, he also has this serving of nightmare fuel.

• First appearance: Shippuden Episode 113

Orochimaru has always been a very mysterious and sinister villain in the series Narutoand while his normal form looks creepy enough, this transformation, which sees him turn into a giant snake, is by far the most chilling of all. Although Orochimaru's long black hair remains intact, that's where the similarities end, as the rest of his hideous being is completely unrecognizable and terrifying to look at.

This form only appears briefly in the story in a sequence where it talks to Sasuke, but the fact that it came out of nowhere made it even more of a pain to watch. Some fans believe that this may actually be the true form of Orochimaru, although it seems more likely that it is a transformation used to heal his wounds, although there has never been a concrete answer from Kishimoto.