Goku's Best Transformation Scenes In Dragon Ball

The Dragon Ball franchise is known for its many iconic characters and thrilling adventures. While some memorable moments include intense fights, others regard hilarious instances and scattered emotional outbursts. One of the aspects that usually involves all of these attributes is the epic transformations that occur from time to time, becoming standout points in the anime series and a point of reference for fans.

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From Goku's Great Ape involuntary transformation to other character-specific evolutions, these transformations are a staple of Dragon Ball, usually signifying a turning point in the narrative. While each character has their way of evolving, Goku's developments are very clearly delineated through his many iconic transformations. Some are stronger than others, yet a few of the protagonist's transformations are guided by a lot more than just power. Goku features in some incredible fights, but he is also guided by his Saiyan nature and acquired humanity, leading to incredible scenes that bring together grandeur, humor, and sentimentality.

8 Super Saiyan 2

An Underwhelming Transformation Amid An Unforgettable Moment

• Episode 229, "Vegeta's Pride"
• Goku's first on-screen transformation into Super Saiyan 2 in a fight against Vegeta

Even though Gohan's Super Saiyan 2 transformation was one of the best in the entire franchise, Goku's transformation into the same form lacked the same splendor. When it comes to the form, there was not a lot of emphasis on it, and it also felt obsolete not long after the reveal of Super Saiyan 3.

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Yet, the scene itself showcasing him and Majin Vegeta finally at the same level in terms of their Super Saiyan transformations fighting head to head has a significance that makes this transformation an iconic moment. While the form may not have made it on its own, the context and ease in which it is brought out makes it one of the best transformation scenes for Goku.

7 Kaio Ken

A Technique That Transformed One Of The Most Important Fights

• Episode 30, "Goku vs. Vegeta"
• Goku pushes his Kaio Ken technique to the limit

Goku's first fight against Vegeta was probably one of the most pivotal points in the franchise, setting up the antagonist and the overarching narrative in Dragon Ball Z. While not necessarily a transformation, but a technique, the Kaio Ken has helped Goku out in many moments in the anime series.

Yet, during his fight against Vegeta, the technique was pushed to the point where it had significant visual differences for the character as his muscles grew within a new red aesthetic. What makes this scene especially memorable is that Goku is finally able to get ahead of the terrible Vegeta, who looks scared for the first time, in a fight that feels hopeless.

6 Super Saiyan God

Serene And Emotional Scene That Stands Out For Its Uniqueness

• Vegeta, Gohan, Videl, Goten, and Trunks work together to transform Goku

Stepping away from the blond and classic Super Saiyan transformation, the Super Saiyan God is a transformation like no other. While most transformations are triggered by anger or fear, this is more serene, brought upon by the connection of five other Saiyans helping Goku out.

Being the first of many other colorful transformations, Super Saiyan God is marked by the classic Goku appearance but in a different color palette. While it may not stand out on design alone, it does come with a heartwarming moment as Videl tells everyone she is pregnant. Coupled with a serene transformation and Beerus' visit, this transformation scene is special, standing out among the many in Goku's journey.

5 Super Saiyan 4

A Powerful Form That Pays Homage To Dragon Ball And Dragon Ball Z As GT's Legacy

• Episode 35, "The Mightiest! Goku Becomes Super Saiyan 4!"
• Goku transforms into Super Saiyan 4 for the first time after becoming a giant ape again

There are not a lot of popular aspects brought by Dragon Ball GT, yet the transformation of Super Saiyan 4 is one of the highlights of the series, with many fans asking for its return in Dragon Ball Super. Besides looking cool and being a powerful transformation, this form comes with a memorable scene.

Not only joining the Great Ape transformation from the original Dragon Ball series with the many Super Saiyan transformations from Dragon Ball Z but this transformation is brought by Goku's connection to his granddaughter, Pan. The Super Saiyan 4 transformation is filled with adrenaline as a beaten-up Goku transforms into a giant ape that rampages until a touching moment triggers a powerful new form.

4 Great Ape

A Tournament Fight With A Terrifying Transformation

• Episode 27, "Number One Under the Moon"
• Goku transforms into a Great Ape during his fight against Jackie Chun (Master Roshi)

While the first transformation of Goku into a great ape was a surprise, his accidental transformation in the middle of the tournament solidified that confrontation as the best one in that fighting competition. Despite Goku losing at the very end, the transformation makes Jacki Chun's victory an uncertain and unlikely event.

With Goku being completely oblivious of his condition in a hilarious twist, the transformation ends with his master having to destroy the moon and the tournament proceeding, encapsulating the truly weird and amazing essence of Dragon Ball.

3 Super Saiyan 3

A Long Scene To Showcase The True Power Of The Super Saiyan 3

• Episode 245, "Super Saiyan 3?!"
• Goku's first on-screen transformation into Super Saiyan 3 showcased the form's true power

As one of the longest transformations, this form offers Goku an unprecedented amount of power wrapped up in a unique design. In his quest to stop Majin Bu, Goku unveils his transformation in a memorable scene that makes up for its lack of use and importance on a macro scale.

With one of the best quotes in the franchise, Goku screams "And this...is to go even further beyond" as he starts a transformation that literally shakes the world to its core in a scene worthy of its incredible power.

2 Mastered Ultra Instinct

A Form Of True Power In A Visually Worthy Scene

• Episode 129, "Limits Super Surpassed! Ultra Instinct Mastered!!"
• Goku masters the Ultra Instinct Form as he turns the tide against Jiren

This is not only one of the strongest transformations in all the anime series, but it also comes in a chilling scene worthy of its power and name. The color palette is like no other, making this whole transformation a visual masterpiece that stands out among others, especially as it reveals a silver-haired Goku with a universal aura.

As he turns the battle around, the Mastered Ultra Instinct Goku gives fans something to cheer for in a way that feels cosmic and tremendous at the same time.

1 Super Saiyan

The Transformation That Started It All With A Scene To Remember

• Episode 95, "Transformed at Last"
• Goku becomes the legendary Super Saiyan for the first time in his fight against Frieza

This is not only the best transformation in the Dragon Ball franchise, but it is also one of the best shonen anime transformations. Not only pivotal to the story, this is the form that triggered so many others in the anime, serving as inspiration for a new era of Dragon Ball.

With a buildup like no other, the first Super Saiyan transformation has unique depth as it brings forward power like never seen before, establishing Goku's legacy as a true Saiyan warrior. A legacy that impacted the franchise forever as this transformation has it all: an epic fight, emotional trigger, visuals, and the plot twist that makes it an iconic moment.

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