Ask any person about the biggest cliches in anime and you'll hear a lot about special "transformations." One need only look at some of the most iconic anime transformations to realize just how popular this trope has become in this medium. It's especially true for shōnen anime, where transformations are a dime-a-dozen. A simple look through some of the most popular shōnen anime of all time will reveal a plethora of transformations, all of which are powerful in their own unique ways.
Thus, it's obvious that — sooner rather than later — the discussion of which transformation is the most powerful anime transformation of all time would definitely crop up. It's a topic with extremely passionate speakers and listeners, all of whom specify points that are valid and worthy to be taken into consideration. Thus, the physical act of forming a list that talks about each and every one of these transformations in detail is nearly impossible... but that won't stop us.
Updated on August 31, 2022, by Gabrielle Huston: The most powerful transformation in anime is a big honor to bestow! We've refreshed this list to make it as clear and fair as possible. Though many animes include multiple kinds of transformations, we only detail each anime once with its biggest, bestest transformation!
16 Pokemon: Evolution
A simple and well-known transformation originates from a video game series that we all know and love: Pokemon! The transformations featured in these shows have escalated by leaps and bounds since the start (though we can't help but love the original stuff, too).
The Mega Evolutions are especially awe-inspiring. Watching the mega evolutions of beloved Pokémon like Charizard, Mewtwo, and Gengar are incredible in every sense of the word and goes to show that Pokémon is far from being irrelevant.
15 Tokyo Ghoul: Ken Kaneki's Ghoul Transformation
Tokyo Ghoul is one of the breakout hits in recent memory, taking a dark tale and twisting it even further. At the center of all this is Ken Kaneki, a normal human who is transformed into a human-flesh-eating ghoul and must cope with his new life.
During a turning point in the story, Kaneki is attacked by Yamori. This causes a dramatic shift in his personality, causing him to develop a centipede-like kagune (ghoul attack organ) that wreaks havoc on anyone and anything in its path.
14 Digimon: Digivolution
While Digimon shares a lot of similarities with Pokemon, Digivolution is miles ahead when it comes to the sheer power that is generated. Essentially, it allows Digimon to access an ascended level of power, albeit for a short while.
In fact, it's not even a stretch to say that Digimon are basically demigods when they digivolve! Take the example of Wargreymon — he can actually create an entire supernova in the palm of his hands.
13 Fairy Tail: Dragon Force
There's one transformation that actually triumphs over all the others in Fairy Tail: Dragon Force! It allows a Dragon Slayer to practically turn into a Dragon, and is the most powerful state possible for a Dragon Slayer.
While this technique only lasts for a short while, it allows casters to access incredible power to augment their Dragon Slayer magic, while simultaneously ensuring that they also adopt the mannerisms and abilities of the dragons that they are trying to emulate.
12 Bleach: Vasto Lorde Transformation
While Bankai might definitely be a stalwart powerup in Bleach, it doesn't even hold a candle to the incredible powers afforded by the Vasto Lorde transformation... even though it might be unwanted in every sense of the word.
We see the immense power afforded by this transformation in the fight between Ichigo and Ulquiorra, where a desperate Ichigo is taken over by his hollow half as he completely obliterates Ulquiorra in the most humiliating way possible.
11 One Piece: Gear Change
There's a reason why One Piece is one of the most revered and celebrated series in Japan — the story weaved by Eiichiro Oda is an incredibly rich and varied one, as he fleshes out each and every world in this vast landscape.
Even the characters themselves have undergone some extensive changes. Take the example of Luffy, who utilizes the power of Gear Change along with the Devil Fruit's powerup to turn his body into an absolute powerhouse.
10 Hunter X Hunter: Limitation Transformation
Hunter X Hunter is touted as one of the best shōnen anime of all time, and for good reason. The show has one of the most creative powers in the form of Nen, which has been used at length for impressive results.
Take the example of Gon's transformation, where he turns into an adult to make full use of the powers that his kid form couldn't handle. Of course, that's not talking about the other types of Nen that have unbelievably powerful applications as well.
9 Sailor Moon: Eternal Sailor Moon
Sailor Moon has taken lots of different forms over the years - a list which complicated by considering all the anime, movies, manga, and more! As far as we can tell, modern-day Usagi Tsukino's most powerful form is Eternal Sailor Moon. She transforms by shouting "Moon Eternal, Make Up!" Usagi can only gain this ability when all of the Inner and Outer Sailor Guardians lend her their strength.
It's worth noting that Sailor Cosmos and Neo-Queen Serenity may arguably be even more powerful than Eternal Sailor Moon; they are both older versions of Sailor Moon from the future, meaning they know everything Sailor Moon Eternal does and more. However, Sailor Cosmos doesn't ever appear in the anime versions and Sailor Moon turns into Neo-Queen Serenity by aging, not exactly transforming.
8 Hellsing: Alucard's Baskerville Familiar
Anderson's transformation in Hellsing is pretty incredible, but he still falls short of the massive power Alucard has. It gives him an edge over pretty much every adversary that he meets in Hellsing.
Basically, Alucard's vampiric ability allows him to summon the abilities of certain Familiars, including a famous hound that we all know and love. Yep, we're talking about the famous Hound of Baskerville that allows Alucard to channel beastly power that would be the nightmare of anyone... for the shortest while, until they perish.
7 Attack On Titan: Titan Shifting
Attack On Titan took the world by storm once it was released, becoming a smash hit with its very first episode that tugs the heartstrings of any person invested in the episode, coupled with an ending that is truly gut-wrenching in every sense of the word.
The Titan transformations featured in this series are nothing short of spectacular, allowing normal people to transform into some of the most imposing beings that lay waste to anything and everything in their path.
6 My Hero Academia: One For All
There are very few characters in anime that can seriously be compared to Superman, but All Might in his prime is definitely a contender in this regard. We say this because All Might is capable of superhuman-like feats — at least, in his prime with the One For All Quirk. The sheer level of power this person can generate with his fists is nothing short of immense.
One For All is a Quirk that can be passed on to others, so long as the current host consents. It was originally created by All For One, the series' antagonist, who forced it on his brother, Yoichi. However, it's also the only thing that can stand against All For One since, unlike other Quirks, he can't take it by force. One For All basically allows its host to stockpile power and enhance whatever abilities they already had.
5 Gurren Lagann: Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann
Gurren Lagann is one of the most popular franchises of all time, and for good reason. The fact of the matter is that this show fills the mecha-shaped hole that most people develop in their life once they get a taste of what this genre has to offer.
Take the example of the Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann form, which is the strongest Gurren Lagann in existence. It can throw freakin' galaxies like it's nothing, which certainly makes it a cut above the rest of the machines featured in anime.
4 JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: The Ultimate Being
JoJo's Bizarre Adventure features a bevy of transformations and superpowers. However, the transformation that occurs in the second half is nothing short of spectacular.
By fooling the Germans and using their light rays to power up the Red Stone Of Aja, Kars transforms into The Ultimate Being, essentially turning him into a god. His power is so intense that the only way Joseph could take care of him was to use his brains instead of his brawn.
3 Naruto: Six Paths Sage Mode
Of course, we can't talk about Naruto and not mention the Six Paths Sage mode, which is — by far — one of the most powerful modes anyone has accessed in Naruto.
The fact of the matter is that every person who wished for massive power sought out this transformation at the end of the day, essentially turning them into a crude, twisted form of Hagoromo Ōtsutsuki.
2 Akira: Tetsuo Shima Becoming God
Akira is one of the landmark animes of all time that put this style of animation on the map for the west, if not facilitate the wave of Eastern animation becoming popular in the Western hemisphere.
The show is named after a powerful esper that gets embedded into Tetsuo Shima. The resulting events that truly blow your mind at times, as Tetsuo constantly escalates in power until he literally turns into God for an alternate universe.
1 Dragon Ball: Ultra Instinct
The sheer level of power exhibited in Dragon Ball is miles ahead of most anime shows on this list. Ultra Instinct is the latest awesome transformation to feature in the series.
Appearing near the end of Dragon Ball Super, the Ultra Instinct form is essentially a god-like counterattack form that can anticipate attacks and deal with them easily. It's a powerful form that is only shown once in the series, leaving us wanting more.