Dragon Ball Z, a seminal work by the famed Akira Toriyama, introduced an exhilarating narrative element where characters experience dramatic power-ups stemming from near-death situations or the anguish of witnessing harm to their loved ones. This pivotal concept has profoundly influenced contemporary anime, serving as a source of inspiration for various series.
As avid fans, we revel in observing the tireless pursuits of each Saiyan as they strive for greater strength. Yet, it is Goku, a figure often imitated yet seldom surpassed, who consistently captures our admiration as he ascends to new heights.
The transformations of Goku not only serve as a fundamental aspect of the series but also enchant us with their remarkable intensity and deeply rooted emotional undertones. In this article, we present a ranking of Goku’s solo transformations from Dragon Ball Z and subsequent series, ordered from the least impactful to the most significant.
10 The Great Ape
Humongous Form: Great Power But Limited Agility
The Great Ape transformation first emerged in the thirteenth episode of the original Dragon Ball series, delivering a shocking revelation: Goku was not merely human; he was a Saiyan, which explained his superhuman abilities from childhood.
This ferocious transformation marked the first manifestation of Goku’s Saiyan heritage, triggered by his sight of a full moon. However, it ranks as the least impactful due to its stark contrast to Goku’s true character. In this colossal form, Goku loses control, becoming a chaotic force of destruction—most notably leading to the unintended death of his Grandpa Gohan.
While this form boasts immense power, amplifying a Saiyan’s strength tenfold, its lack of agility renders it less favorable in Goku’s repertoire.
9 Golden Great Ape
A Form of Slaughter and Destruction
First introduced in episode 33 of Dragon Ball GT in January 1997, the Golden Great Ape form added a fresh yet formidable twist to the original Great Ape transformation. This version not only maintains the undesirable traits of its predecessor but enhances strength and speed significantly.
Triggered by gazing at a celestial body, Goku morphs into this golden incarnation, characterized by its glaring golden color and an overwhelming aura that seems to overflow with raw power.
Unfortunately, it lacks the iconic status of many of Goku’s other transformations.
8 Super Saiyan 2
A Powerful Yet Overlooked Form
The Super Saiyan 2 form, arguably one of Goku’s most underappreciated transformations in Dragon Ball Z, was introduced amid his climactic duel with Majin Vegeta. Reaching this level required seven years of rigorous training, allowing Goku to exceed the typical boundaries of a regular Super Saiyan.
Despite its remarkable appearance and power, Super Saiyan 2 failed to garner the acclaim it deserved, quickly overshadowed by the more dramatic Super Saiyan 3 debut a few episodes later.
In the aftermath of Dragon Ball Z, this form saw little usage as Dragon Ball Super debuted stronger alternatives, diminishing Goku’s need to resort to SSJ2.
7 Super Saiyan Blue
Goku’s Most Willful Transformation
Super Saiyan Blue stands out as one of Goku’s mightiest and visually stunning transformations, first unveiled in Dragon Ball Super during his battle against Golden Frieza. This form radiates an intense blue aura, complemented by Goku’s hair shifting to a vibrant blue hue.
Not only is this transformation powerful, but it also possesses a striking visual appeal, introducing a fresh color palette to the Saiyan’s transformations, making it aesthetically pleasing.
However, despite its significance and frequent application throughout the series against formidable opponents, its initial introduction felt anticlimactic, limiting its overall impact.
6 in Kaioken
The Versatile Power Technique
Kaioken was Goku’s initial transformation in the Dragon Ball Z saga, marking the beginning of his journey toward unlocking hidden powers. After realizing how outmatched he was after the fight with Raditz and facing the impending threat of two powerful Saiyans, Goku trained under King Kai to master this formidable technique.
This technique provides an immediate but temporary enhancement of strength and speed.
Goku’s first display of Kaioken occurred during his encounter with Vegeta, who had come to Earth with malicious intent. Upon activation, the technique cloaked him in a vibrant red aura, marking a significant power surge.
Although it is not the flashiest transformation, Kaioken remains one of Goku’s most memorable forms, symbolizing his resilience and fierce determination. Its versatility was notably displayed when Goku coupled it with his Super Saiyan Blue form while facing Hit.
5 Super Saiyan 3
Immensely Powerful Yet Tough to Sustain
The Super Saiyan 3 transformation is a striking change that dramatically alters Goku’s appearance, featuring incredibly long hair that cascades to his knees and the complete absence of eyebrows, resulting in an almost feral visage.
Goku first utilized his Super Saiyan 3 form during a fierce battle against Majin Buu. This transformation, while powerful, imposes a severe strain on Goku’s physique, thereby limiting the duration he can sustain it.
Despite its high costs, Super Saiyan 3 remains a fan-favorite, boasting visually stunning ki blasts, including the renowned “Dragon Fist,”which contribute to its popularity.
4 Super Saiyan God
The Eventual Birth of Saiyan Godhood
In Dragon Ball Super, Saiyans began to touch divine power levels, and the Super Saiyan God transformation was a significant step toward this evolution. This extraordinary form is realized when five Saiyans channel their energy into a sixth.
The path to this transformation initially seemed impossible until Videl disclosed her pregnancy with Gohan’s half-Saiyan child, thus completing the necessary group of six to bestow Goku with godly ki.
This transformation ultimately enabled Goku to confront Lord Beerus, the God of Destruction, who posed a threat to Earth’s existence if he could not find a worthy opponent. Goku fought valiantly but ultimately fell short.
Even in his defeat, Goku demonstrated that Super Saiyan God was sufficiently powerful to contend with a deity.
3 Super Saiyan 4
A Transformation Born from Familial Love
Though technically non-canon, the Super Saiyan 4 form remains a standout moment in the Dragon Ball GT anime, debuting in episode 35. Achieving this form necessitated the Saiyan’s mastery over their Golden Great Ape transformation.
After transforming into a Golden Great Ape, Goku regained control due to an emotional encounter with his granddaughter, Pan. Her tearful moment prompted Goku to return to consciousness, thereby unlocking this formidable transformation.
Super Saiyan 4 imbues Goku with the immense strength and heightened instincts of the Golden Great Ape, yet retains his human form.
In this incarnation, Goku appears fierce and primal, sporting dark hair and red fur adorning his arms and back. Super Saiyan 4 not only symbolizes power but deeply resonates with emotional significance, depicting Goku’s powerful familial bonds.
2 Autonomous Ultra Instinct
A Pinnacle Achievement in Combat
First revealed during the Tournament of Power arc in Dragon Ball Super, Ultra Instinct elevated Goku to a plane that eclipsed even the Gods of Destruction. The perfected version, known as Autonomous Ultra Instinct, is a form frequently adopted by the Angels.
In this state, Goku’s body reacts instinctively to threats, enabling him to dodge incoming attacks without needing conscious thought.
The moments Goku achieved this form were monumental, with episodes 109, 110, and 129 resulting in unprecedented global viewership that almost overwhelmed streaming platforms.
Notably, this form is marked by an ethereal white aura surrounding Goku, imbuing him with a divine presence.
1 Super Saiyan 1
The Origin of Goku’s Legacy
The transformation into a Super Saiyan remains one of the most iconic moments in Dragon Ball Z. It was artfully executed as Goku transformed after witnessing the brutal death of his childhood friend Krillin at the hands of Frieza, a moment that was as impactful in the canon as it was evocative in Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero.
This emotional turmoil filled Goku with an uncontrollable rage, instigating his transformation into a Super Saiyan—a feat that had previously only adorned the legends of Saiyans.
The buildup leading to this transformation was masterfully crafted, allowing it to resonate deeply with fans. Consequently, this form, born from powerful emotion and pivotal storytelling, rightfully deserves the top position in Goku’s transformation hierarchy.
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