10 Anime Transformations That Had the Most Impact on the Story

In shonen series, what sets them apart from others are the distinct anime transformations. While some may not have the same significance, there are certain transformations that greatly impact the story. Therefore, we will now explore the top ten anime transformations that have had the most impact on the story.

It is important to note that these transformations may not be the most well-known, but they are the ones that had a lasting influence.

This article may include spoilers from certain manga.

Luffy’s Gear 5 and Other Transformations That Shook the Anime World

Son Goku’s Super Saiyan transformation

Goku's Super Saiyan transformation (Image via Toei Animation) — Goku’s Super Saiyan transformation (Image via Toei Animation)

The Super Saiyan transformation of Goku is widely recognized as one of the most iconic anime transformations. Although it was initially created by the late manga creator as a way to avoid inking Goku’s hair, it ultimately became the most significant transformation in the story. This decision by the manga creator also provided the opportunity to introduce numerous transformations to various Saiyan characters.

Without the Super Saiyan transformation, there would not be the multitude of anime transformations that exist today.

2) Ryomen Sukuna’s Transformation into His Heian Form

Ryomen Sukuna as seen in Jujutsu Kaisen (Image via Shueisha)

Despite being hyped up as the main antagonist of Jujutsu Kaisen, Ryomen Sukuna remained largely unseen in his true Heian form until the Shinjuku Showdown Arc, with his only appearances being through Yuji and Megumi’s bodies.

Regrettably, the form caused him to develop an extra set of arms and a mouth, making him the most perilous wielder of cursed energy. This transformation in the anime served as the catalyst for the ultimate battle, as all jujutsu sorcerers joined forces to defeat him.

Monkey D. Luffy’s Gear 5 Transformation

Monkey D. Luffy Gear 5 (Image via Toei Animation)

Despite having various gear transformations throughout the One Piece series, the manifestation of Monkey D. Luffy’s Gear 5, also known as the new Joy Boy, is considered one of the most significant anime transformations.

Joy Boy has been hinted at throughout the series, dating all the way back to the Fish-Man Island Arc. What’s even more exciting is that the manga has yet to fully explore his story and its significance. This leaves fans eagerly anticipating the potential impact of Gear 5 on the future of the narrative.

4) Son Gohan’s Super Saiyan 2 Transformation

Gohan Super Saiyan 2 (Image via Toei Animation)

Gohan’s Super Saiyan 2 transformation was a highly influential moment in anime. Prior to the Cell Games Saga in Dragon Ball Z, only Goku had received significant attention and recognition. This was due to the fact that Goku was widely considered to be the most powerful fighter among the Z warriors.

During the Cell Games, the situation shifted drastically as Goku was no longer considered the most powerful character in the franchise. Instead, his son Gohan took on this role, giving a chance for a secondary character to shine. Furthermore, this transformation marked the culmination of the story arc revolving around Gohan’s immense potential.

Ichigo Kurosaki’s Vasto Lorde transformation

Ichigo Kurosaki as seen in Bleach (Image via Studio Pierrot)

After Ulquiorra Cifer, the Espada, blasted a hole through his chest, Ichigo Kurosaki’s Vasto Lorde transformation took over his body, allowing him to access his Hollow powers. This immense strength ultimately led to the Shinigami’s victory over the Espada.

Fans should also take into consideration that the Vasto Lorde transformation provided him with a clearer understanding of the extent of his Hollow powers.

Naruto Uzumaki’s Transformation into Sage Mode

Naruto Uzumaki Sage Mode (Image via Studio Pierrot)

Naruto Uzumaki’s Sage Mode was undoubtedly the most significant transformation in the Naruto franchise. Throughout the series, Naruto faced constant discrimination for being a Jinchuriki. As a result, the main character was determined to prove himself and achieve his ultimate goal of becoming the Hokage.

Despite Pain’s attempt to destroy the Hidden Leaf Village, Naruto’s Sage Mode allowed him to save it. This greatly contributed to his status as Konoha’s hero and future Hokage.

Eren Yeager’s Transformation into the Attack Titan

Eren Yeager's Attack Titan (Image via WIT Studio) — Eren Yeager’s Attack Titan (Image via WIT Studio)

Ever since the first episode of Attack on Titan, Eren Yeager has been driven by the loss of his mother to a titan attack. This propelled him to join the Survey Corps and pursue his goal of eradicating all titans. However, fate intervened when Eren discovered his mysterious ability to transform into the Attack Titan.

Eren’s transformation not only assisted him in battling numerous titans, but also served as evidence that humans possessed the ability to transform into titans. However, it was not until later that it was uncovered that all titans were formerly humans.

Gon Freecss’ Limitation Transformation

Despite being known as a carefree protagonist in the Hunter x Hunter series, Gon Freecss’s demeanor took a drastic shift after he found out about Kite’s death at the hands of Chimera Ant Neferopitou. The intense anger and grief he felt caused him to tap into his nen abilities and transform into an adult. In a fit of rage, he violently attacked and ultimately killed Neferopitou.

This transformation in the anime gave fans a glimpse into Gon’s hidden personality. Sadly, it was probably the only time they would witness Gon’s Limitation transformation.

Frieza’s Transformations

Frieza in his second form (Image via Toei Animation)

Despite the fact that Goku’s Super Saiyan transformation is often considered the most iconic and influential transformation in Dragon Ball Z, it is important for fans to acknowledge that Frieza’s display of his four distinct forms during the fight was crucial in establishing the strengths and weaknesses of different transformations.

Firstly, the transformations provided further evidence that aliens were capable of evolving into different forms. Additionally, it established the idea that larger forms were typically more powerful, while smaller forms were typically quicker.

Reiner and Bertholdt’s Transformations

Bertholdt and Reiner as seen in Attack on Titan (Image via WIT Studio)

Although Eren Yeager’s transformation into the Attack Titan and Founding Titan are often considered the most iconic transformations in the anime, it can be argued that Reiner and Bertholdt’s transformations into the Armored and Colossal Titans had a significantly greater impact on the overall story.

Despite the transformations themselves not having a significant impact, the true consequences lay in the intentions behind them. From the beginning of the series, Reiner and Bertholdt were close friends with Eren. However, it was revealed that they were the ones responsible for causing the chaos in Shiganshina and ultimately, the death of Eren’s mother.

These are our selections for the most impactful anime transformations in terms of their impact on the story. If there are any that we have overlooked, please feel free to mention them in the comments.