When thinking about the coolest forms and transformations in anime, there are countless to consider. But the first ones that come to mind are without a doubt the Saiyan forms from Dragon Ball. Saiyans are a warrior race that can surpass their limitations, and even go to great lengths to become a god. The first time viewers saw a Saiyan reach such great heights was when Goku transformed into a Super Saiyan against Frieza on Namek, changing the series and the entire medium.

The Super Saiyan transformation immediately made an impact, but Dragon Ball wouldn’t stop there. Over the years since this iconic event, Dragon Ball has continued adding unique forms and transformations that matched the stakes, whether in Dragon Ball Z, Dragon Ball GT, or Dragon Ball Super. Now, there are countless Saiyan forms to leave fans debating about which is the coolest.

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10

The Super Saiyan Grades are Impractical, Yet Powerful Forms In A Pinch

These Forms Fall Short in Practicality, But They Shine Aesthetically

The entire “grade” thing pertaining to the original Super Saiyan form in Dragon Ball Z isn’t much to write home about, especially in hindsight. Super Saiyan Second Grade and Third Grade have some issues when it comes to fighting, but in terms of looks, they’re pretty cool. These forms look the part and don’t allow their lackluster combat abilities to take that away from their aesthetic appeal.

When Trunks transformed into Super Saiyan Third Grade, it made him feel like a big deal at the moment. The spikier hair and enlarged arms, while impractical, gave a sense of raw power. It looks natural for Trunks, but the Second and Third Grade forms for Goku and Vegeta look a lot more uncomfortable. The last grade, the Super Saiyan Fourth Grade, looks exactly like the First Grade form, but its hair intensity is toned down, giving it a calm refinement that many other Saiyan transformations lack.

9

The Golden Great Ape Deserves to Come out of the Shadows

Golden Great Ape Appears To Be An Evolution of the Standard Great Ape Transformation

A Saiyan form that typically goes under the radar in these types of discussions has to be the Golden Great Ape form. Dragon Ball GT introduced this form, but it also introduced the Super Saiyan 4 form, making such a large beast live in its shadow. Regardless, the Golden Great Ape still deserves a spotlight for the level of cool it added to the series.

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After Dragon Ball Z slowly distanced itself from anything ape-ish as the series progressed, especially after cutting off every Saiyan’s tail, Dragon Ball GT would take the Saiyans back to their true selves. GT wouldn’t just replicate the Great Ape form and call it a day; they would enhance the form entirely by combining it with the golden aesthetic of the Super Saiyan transformation. Although this form doesn’t compete with many other Saiyan forms, its unique design gives it a spot among the coolest forms in the franchise.

8

Super Saiyan 3 Has A Much More Menacing Look Than Super Saiyan 1 and 2

SSJ3’s Lack of Eyebrows Stands Out

Another impractical Saiyan form that deserves mention is Super Saiyan 3. While it consumes a lot of energy, the longer hair and lack of eyebrows somehow give characters like Goku and Gotenks a more intimidating presence. Up until the Buu saga, each Super Saiyan transformation made only subtle changes to the original form. Some of these changes were underwhelming, while others enhanced the original design to make the perfect Saiyan form.

Super Saiyan 3, however, would take things a step further than its predecessors. With more dramatic changes to such an iconic form, the Saiyan feels like a bigger deal, and the longer hair does manage to convey the power increase. Although this form is impressive, it does come up short on the cool gauge compared to the other Saiyan forms.

7

Super Saiyan Blue is a Wonderful Addition to the Saiyan Spectrum

Super Saiyan Blue Adds Another Color to The Saiyan Aesthetic

Although the introduction of Super Saiyan Blue was a bit premature, it is undeniably a welcome addition to the blossoming rainbow of Saiyan forms at this point in the story. This form has a vibrant and electric, cool blue aesthetic that offers a stark contrast to the fiery red appearance of the original Super Saiyan God form. Like most Saiyan transformations, the change is primarily in the hair and eye color, giving it a fresh yet familiar feel.

What sets Super Saiyan Blue apart is that it reverts to the muscular build of Vegeta and Goku, moving away from the leaner appearance fans saw in Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods. This form truly shines in Dragon Ball Super: Broly and the Dragon Ball FighterZ video game. However, it doesn’t quite leave the same impression as the original Super Saiyan God form, ultimately taking a step back instead of forward.

6

Super Saiyan Rose Redeems The Future Trunks Saga

Super Saiyan Rose’s Cool Factor Gives it Staying Power

The Future Trunks saga can be very hit or miss for many Dragon Ball fans, especially with its lackluster animation at times. But one redeeming quality for this arc has to be Goku Black’s Super Saiyan Rose form. This form was one of the few things that made up for the iffy animation and makes it worth sludging through a just alright story.

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Super Saiyan Rose could easily have been a concept that fizzles out quickly like the rest of this saga, but its cool factor wouldn’t allow that to happen. That rose gold hue just works so well with Goku Black’s outfit to create one of the coolest Saiyan forms in Dragon Ball. There are countless pieces of fan art to prove its impact.

5

Super Saiyan is The Most Iconic Anime Transformation Ever

SSJ1 Leaves An Emphatic Impression on the World

There can’t be a discussion on cool forms and not mention the godfather of all anime forms, the original Super Saiyan form. This form personifies cool and had every kid screaming at the top of their lungs to become one, despite how weird it may have seemed. Although there are now a few Saiyan forms that have surpassed this form in terms of coolness, it doesn’t take away from how this is the most iconic transformation ever.

The moment Goku became a Super Saiyan is cemented as a historical event that not only altered the series forever but also left a lasting impact on all of anime. Those blue eyes and flowing yellow hair are qualities that have inspired many mangakas for decades and will continue to do so. These may be simple changes for a transformation, but they are nothing short of legendary.

4

Broly, the Legendary Super Saiyan, Forced His Way Into Canon

Both Versions of Broly are Legendary

Speaking of legendary, Broly is exactly that in the world of Dragon Ball, and it’s because he achieves one of the coolest Saiyan forms in the series. Being the prophesied Legendary Super Saiyan, Broly lives up to his moniker, and both versions of his form prove it. Ever since Dragon Ball Z: Broly – The Legendary Super Saiyan came out in 1993, fans couldn’t get enough of Broly.

As intended, Broly had the look of pure dominance and raw power, making him an instant threat to the Z fighters. So much so that it was decided to make Broly canon and retell his story in Dragon Ball Super: Broly. This film displays the world of Dragon Ball in the greatest animation it has seen and redesigns Broly to make his Saiyan form look even cooler. The green pelt around his hips makes his muscular build pop even more, while also giving him a much-needed layer of characterization.

3

Super Saiyan God Shows What It Means to Divine in the Dragon Ball Universe

Super Saiyan God Proves that True Strength Isn’t Measured By Bulky Muscles

After being out of the spotlight for many years, Dragon Ball Z would finally make its highly anticipated return to the screen in 2013 with Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods. This film would go a different route than many of the other films in the franchise, and one notable difference is the introduction of a new form. Goku becomes a god thanks to the help of his friends, and fans got the chance to witness the Super Saiyan God that Beerus dreamed of.

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This form immediately became one of the coolest in the franchise, and it’s because it feels different from previous transformations. Goku isn’t bulky and angry-looking; he is calm and lean. His eyes and hair are a fiery red with an intensity that contrasts nicely with Goku’s calm demeanor. This juxtaposition felt like this form was otherworldly, and that Goku really did become a god.

2

Super Saiyan 2 Achieves the Perfect Form

SSJ2 is the True Culmination of the Super Saiyan Form

What’s not to love about the Super Saiyan 2 transformation? Not only did it have an incredible introduction to the series through Gohan, but it also enhanced the original Super Saiyan form. The Super Saiyan 2 form gave the transformation a whole new dominating presence with the addition of lightning enveloping the Saiyan’s body.

This may be a subtle change, but that was all that the original Super Saiyan form needed to be the closest thing to perfection. Once Gohan transformed into his Super Saiyan 2 form, the atmosphere shifted, and every fan knew that he meant serious business. Since that moment, everyone from Gohan to Vegeta has looked their best in this form, and the other Saiyan forms just barely come up short.

1

Super Saiyan 4 Honors its Saiyan Roots

SSJ4 Stands Out From the Pack

Only two men have obtained the coolest form in all of Dragon Ball, and they are Son Goku and Prince Vegeta. Now, there are plenty of issues with Dragon Ball GT, but one thing that they got right is their progression in the Super Saiyan transformation evolution. The design of the Super Saiyan 4 form is unlike any Saiyan form, and it’s because it goes back to its roots.

Every other Saiyan form that doesn’t involve tails has subtle changes. They all may be cool, but SSJ4 goes above and beyond to create a unique addition to the Saiyan evolution while setting itself apart. Beyond the obvious reddish-pink fur that covers Goku and Vegeta’s bodies that everyone is drawn to, the eyes are a low-key addition that really makes the design pop. The reddish-pink outline of their eyes complements the yellow pupils, and their hair, draped over their shoulders, gives them their best look yet.

Dragon Ball

Dragon Ball tells the tale of a young warrior by the name of Son Goku, a young peculiar boy with a tail who embarks on a quest to become stronger and learns of the Dragon Balls, when, once all 7 are gathered, grant any wish of choice.

Created by

Akira Toriyama

Latest Film

Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero

First TV Show

Dragon Ball

Latest TV Show

Dragon Ball DAIMA

First Episode Air Date

April 26, 1989