8 Anime That Do Transformations Better Than Dragon Ball

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

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Dragon Ball: The Strongest Saiyan Forms, Rated

Saiyans have gone through many incredible transformations in the series, so let's take a look at the most powerful of them.

As time goes on, other anime follows suit Dragon Ball. It doesn't matter if the anime is 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 it other anime that do transformations better than Dragon Ball.

Bleach

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

Ichigo is not the only character Bleach to receive such wonderful transformations. Even the villains get their own chance to shine, such as Sousuke Aizen and his Hogyoku forms that had a lot of steps to complete.

While Dragon BallTransformations are often triggered by rage or external power increases, character transformations Bleach they are often associated with their inner demons. It also comes with real consequences, not just for a performance boost 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 warriors will always be magical, nostalgic and empowering. Best of all, each character has distinct transformation sequences that reflect their personalities, planets, and growth.

Compared to Dragon Ballcharacter transformations in Sailor Moon they have more variety. Each Sailor Scout is unique as they transform within Dragon Ball they are mostly uniform for Saiyans, with changes in hair color and aura in general.

Pokemon

Pokemon is another iconic series that elevates character and monster transformations, with each evolution thoughtfully crafted to showcase growth and individuality. It's almost as if the series hasn't run out of amazing ideas when it comes to creative and strategic twists.

From Basic Evolution to Mega Evolution, each transformation gives Pokémon a different look. Some don't even look like their former selves, but that's part of the charm the show gives to the audience.

One piece

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

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

Naruto

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

While Dragon Ball and Naruto share some visual similarities when it comes to transformations, featuring clear auras around Naruto and Goku Naruto series adds more unique visuals. From eye markings to chakra sheaths to other distinct symbols, Naruto makes every transformation instantly recognizable.

Gurren Lagann

Gurren Lagann takes transformation 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 boundaries of imagination, physics, and scale.

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

Attack on Titan

Scrolling Titans is one of the Attack on TitanThe most amazing features that make it unique as the only series where ordinary people can turn into Titans just by biting their fingers, hands or arms. Every time Eren Yeager transforms into an Attack Titan, a lightning strike signals the appearance of a formidable force on the battlefield that embodies fear and hope at the same time.

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

Kill la Kill

Kill la Kill is one of the most disgusting anime of all time. It's campy, edgy and utterly unapologetic, making it ahead of its time. While some may dismiss this as mere fan service, the series overflows with absurd humor, over-the-top action, and stunning visuals that constantly push the boundaries of style and spectacle.

As such one of the best things Kill la Kill are her transformations, especially Ryuko and Satsuki's double transformation scene, 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

Writers

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)