Dragon Ball Z: All Goku’s Transformations, Ranked

by

The timeless work “Dragon Ball Z” by renowned artist Akira Toriyama introduced an exciting narrative device: characters undergoing powerful transformations following close encounters with death or witnessing their loved ones being hurt. This transformation has significantly influenced contemporary anime, serving as a source of inspiration for numerous other shows.

We’ve enjoyed watching each Saiyan embark on their tireless quest for growth in strength, yet it was Goku, seldom surpassed and frequently emulated, whose progress fans were consistently drawn towards and admired as he scaled new peaks.

Goku’s transformations have always been a central element of the series, leaving us in awe with their incredible power and the deep emotions they convey. Here is our ranking of each of Goku’s solo transformations, starting from the least significant to the most impressive, covering those from Dragon Ball Z and beyond.

10. The Great Ape

Humongous Form, Great Power But Not Very Agile

In the thirteenth episode of the original Dragon Ball series, the remarkable change of Goku into a great ape took place, leaving fans in awe. This transformation, occurring in episode thirteen, came as a surprise to many because it was revealed that Goku wasn’t human but rather a Saiyan, shedding light on his extraordinary childhood strength.

For the first time, the formidable strength hidden within young Goku’s Saiyan lineage emerged as he stared at a full moon. This simple act initiated a fearsome metamorphosis, resulting in an unstoppable creature that was difficult to control.

This version of Goku ranks last due to its stark contrast with his typical personality; in this Great Ape form, he loses self-control and turns into a wild, destructive force, leading him to inadvertently kill his grandfather, Grandpa Gohan.

While this form is slow, it is incredibly powerful and multiplies a Saiyan’s power by 10.

9. Golden Great Ape

Exists Only For Slaughter And Destruction

For the first time appearing in episode 33 of Dragon Ball GT, broadcasted in Japan during January 1997, the Golden Great Ape made an impressive entrance on viewers’ screens. Unlike its previous incarnation, the Great Ape, it possessed greater power and agility.

Similar to the initial change, it occurred whenever Goku looked upon a full moon or another celestial object, releasing the hidden power inside him.

Indeed, the animal named Golden Great Ape lives up to its title, boasting a radiant golden hue and exuding a powerful golden energy that seems to overflow from its very being.

This remarkable change is both breathtakingly powerful and unsettling, leaving one in awe yet filled with apprehension. However, it doesn’t quite reach the level of fame or recognition that some of Goku’s other transformations have attained.

8. Super Saiyan 2

Another Powerful But Forgotten Form

It’s often debated that Goku rarely used his most potent Super Saiyan form, the SSJ2, which first appeared during his fierce fight against Majin Vegeta. To reach this transformation, Goku underwent seven years of rigorous physical training, pushing his power beyond the usual capabilities of a regular Super Saiyan.

In this guise, his hair takes on a more extended length with a golden hue, while his very essence seems to radiate strength, heightened further by a pulsating electric atmosphere interspersed with fleeting sparks of lightning.

Although Super Saiyan 2 boasted an impressive look and power, it failed to receive the acclaim it warranted and was soon eclipsed by the grand entrance of Super Saiyan 3 in the ensuing episodes.

Regrettably, Goku seldom employed his Super Saiyan 2 transformation following this point because Dragon Ball Z concluded with the Majin Buu arc, and later in Dragon Ball Super, Goku encountered even more powerful forms which he didn’t see a reason to revert back to SSJ2.

7. Super Saiyan Blue

The Strongest Form Goku Can Turn Into Willingly

One of the most powerful and eye-catching transformations of Goku is Super Saiyan Blue, which was initially displayed in Dragon Ball Super during his fight against Golden Frieza. This form exudes an intense blue glow as Goku’s hair turns into a brilliant blue hue.

In a striking manner, this transformation isn’t merely potent; it’s also visually alluring. A fresh splash of blue now graces the Saiyan’s color spectrum, giving this form an undeniably cooler appearance compared to its previous manifestations.

Nevertheless, despite the weapon’s importance and recurring appearances in battles against tough opponents, the anticipation leading up to its introduction seemed underwhelming, resulting in a less powerful impact than expected.

6. Kaioken

The Most Versatile Technique

In the Dragon Ball Z series, Goku initially utilized the Kaioken transformation, signifying his initial step towards unveiling greater abilities. Following his realization that he was no match for Raditz, and given the impending arrival of two immensely powerful Saiyans within a year, Goku embarked on training under King Kai to perfect this formidable skill.

Kaioken grants a temporary but significant boost to the user’s strength and speed.

Initially, Goku used the Kaioken ability during his battle against Vegeta, who had arrived on Earth with plans to destroy it. Upon activation, this technique surrounds Goku with a vivid red glow and significantly boosts his power level.

Although Kaioken might not be the most showy metamorphosis, it’s indisputably one of Goku’s most recognizable forms, symbolizing his tenacity and perseverance.

In the epic confrontation with Hit, I, a fervent admirer of power, witnessed the incredible adaptability of Kaioken firsthand as I channeled it simultaneously with my Super Saiyan Blue form. What an exhilarating display of combat prowess!

5. Super Saiyan 3

Very Strong But Difficult To Maintain

The remarkable metamorphosis of Super Saiyan 3 drastically changed Goku’s physical features. His hair elongated significantly, nearly touching his ankles, and for an even more intimidating look, his eyebrows vanished completely.

The result was a form that made him appear ferocious and almost beastly in nature.

Initially, Goku activated his Super Saiyan 3 state during his fierce confrontation with Majin Buu. This transformation was incredibly potent, but it put an immense stress on Goku’s physical condition, thus restricting the duration he could sustain it.

Although it had some flaws, Super Saiyan 3 was widely appreciated by fans, and its impressive and devastating energy blasts like the “Dragon Fist,” a personal favorite of mine, added to the appeal of this transformation.

4. Super Saiyan God

Born When Saiyans Join Together

In Dragon Ball Super, the Saiyans reached divine power levels. The transformation enabling them to do so was called Super Saiyan God. To attain this extraordinary form, six Saiyans combined their energies.

Initially, it appeared that the ritual couldn’t be accomplished with just five Saiyans on Earth. But then, an unexpected revelation emerged: Videl was pregnant with Gohan’s half-Saiyan child. This disclosure filled the necessary number of six Saiyans. As a result, they could imbue their power into Goku, bestowing upon him divine energy.

In this alteration, Goku gained enough power to confront Lord Beerus, the Destroyer of Worlds, who had vowed to obliterate Earth unless he found an adept opponent. Goku poured all his might into the fight, yet in the end, he was defeated.

In spite of being defeated, Goku demonstrated that the power of the Super Saiyan God was strong enough to face off against a deity.

Or

Despite losing the fight, Goku showed that the strength of the Super Saiyan God was sufficient to challenge a god.

Or

Though he was defeated, Goku made it clear that the power of the Super Saiyan God could measure up to a divine being.

3. Super Saiyan 4

For The Love Of Family

Despite not being part of the original canon, the Super Saiyan 4 form remains a standout feature in Dragon Ball GT anime. It first appeared in episode number 35 and proved quite demanding to achieve, as it necessitated mastering the Golden Great Ape form by the Saiyan character.

After turning into a Golden Great Ape, Goku managed to regain control of this form due to an emotional encounter with his granddaughter, Pan. As a single tear trickled down her face, Goku returned to consciousness. This awakening allowed him to activate this fresh transformation.

As a gamer, when I transform into Super Saiyan 4, I tap into the colossal strength and keen senses of a Golden Great Ape, all while retaining my human form.

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but marvel at the transformation when Goku assumes the formidable Super Saiyan 4. This isn’t just about raw power; it’s a testament to the emotional intensity that preceded its manifestation. With dark black hair and red fur adorning his back and arms, it mirrors the deep-seated love for my family that Goku carries within him, making this transformation all the more profound.

2. Autonomous Ultra Instinct

Entering The Domains Of Gods

Initially demonstrated in Dragon Ball Super during the Tournament of Power storyline, particularly during his battle against Jiren, Ultra Instinct took Goku to a realm surpassing the gods of destruction. The self-governing version of this state, often utilized by the Angels, is referred to as Pure or Autonomous Ultra Instinct.

Here, Goku’s body acts reflexively, countering incoming attacks without the need for conscious control from his mind.

In episodes 109, 110, and 129 of the anime, the massive influx of fans watching on streaming platforms worldwide came so close to overloading these sites that they almost caused a global internet breakdown.

In this instance, Goku assumes an appearance reminiscent of angels, which is accentuated by a distinctive, ethereal white glow enveloping him, giving off a nearly divine radiance.

1. Super Saiyan 1

Where It All Started

The transformation of Goku into a Super Saiyan is undeniably one of the most memorable scenes from Dragon Ball Z, flawlessly executed in every aspect. This transformation takes place following Frieza’s brutal killing of Krillin, a close companion from Goku’s childhood.

Overwhelming sadness flooded Goku as he witnessed Krillin’s death, igniting an anger that surged beyond his control and propelled him into a Super Saiyan transformation. This metamorphosis, previously thought to be just myth, had only been associated with Frieza, who continues to be as menacing in Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero as he was legendarily feared.

The lead-up to this metamorphosis was impeccable, giving the experience an extraordinarily powerful feel. This new form, crafted from such raw emotion and dramatic moment, undeniably earns its place at the pinnacle of Goku’s list of transformations.

Read More

2025-01-16 21:40