Dragon Ball: Every Super Saiyan Form Ranked (and #1 is the Most Iconic)

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For over 40 years, *Dragon Ball* has captivated audiences, and a huge part of its success is the Super Saiyan transformation. While creator Akira Toriyama had already developed Goku’s story for decades, introducing Super Saiyan was a pivotal moment. It fundamentally changed the series, leading to an even larger and more expansive franchise with increasingly powerful characters and threats across multiple universes than anyone could have predicted.

The Super Saiyan transformation from *Dragon Ball* is legendary in the world of anime and manga, and its influence can be seen in countless works, especially those published in Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump. But with so many different Super Saiyan forms, which one stands out as the most iconic? We’ve put together a list of our top picks to help you decide.

12). Pseudo Super Saiyan

Okay, so the very first time we *thought* we saw a Super Saiyan was actually in the Lord Slug movie, but it wasn’t the full transformation we’d come to know and love! Goku pushed past his limits and glowed gold, which was amazing for the time, but because it wasn’t officially part of the main Dragon Ball story, it didn’t quite become *the* Super Saiyan. Fans ended up calling it “Pseudo” Super Saiyan, and honestly, it deserves credit for giving us that first glimpse of the golden aura! Thankfully, the idea really came into its own later on, becoming the iconic form we all know and get so excited about!

11). Super Saiyan God Super Saiyan Evolution

By the end of the original *Dragon Ball Super* anime, the Super Saiyan transformation had been used so much that it was difficult to create meaningful new versions. There weren’t many ways to visually improve upon it, which made Vegeta’s final form, Super Saiyan Blue Evolution, somewhat underwhelming. It was only a minor power increase from Super Saiyan Blue, adding just a few visual effects. The difference was barely noticeable, and the power boost was minimal, ultimately failing to make a significant impact on the series.

10). Super Saiyan God Super Saiyan Kaio-ken

Compared to Goku’s version of Super Saiyan Blue, Super Saiyan Blue Evolution really stands out. Goku’s unique combination of Kaio-ken and Super Saiyan God Super Saiyan creates a distinct aura that blends the best parts of both techniques. This version is clearly more powerful than standard Super Saiyan Blue, and we’ve seen how amplified Kaio-ken can create impactful moments. Plus, its layered aura looks fantastic, which helps it stand out from other transformations.

9). Super Saiyan Rage

Future Trunks’ Super Saiyan Rage is a unique transformation, similar to earlier versions of his power-ups, but more powerful. He previously had a form called “Super Trunks,” but Super Saiyan Rage is a significant improvement. While not quite reaching the level of a Super Saiyan 2, it changes his usual golden aura into something more solid and gives him a distinct, bolder lightning effect. This form is especially memorable because it helped Trunks achieve a major victory in his storyline, bringing his arc to a satisfying conclusion, even though it wasn’t enough to defeat Zamasu completely.

8). Super Saiyan Rose

The Super Saiyan Rose transformation is so memorable, especially within the Future Trunks arc, which is why it ranks highly. While Goku Black is another villain who, like Raditz or Turles, is an evil version of Goku, he’s a particularly cool antagonist. His power is amplified by Zamasu’s godly abilities, allowing him to achieve a unique Super Saiyan form—the Super Saiyan Rose—that hadn’t been seen before. Not only does this form look great with its pink color, but it’s also more powerful than the standard Super Saiyan Blue. Although it didn’t appear for long, the fact that it’s exclusive to a villain—something Goku can’t achieve through training—makes it stand out and earns its place on this list.

7). Super Saiyan 4 (Dragon Ball GT)

Most fans primarily remember *Dragon Ball GT* because of Super Saiyan 4. While the show had some unique concepts and storylines building on *Dragon Ball Z*, Super Saiyan 4 is almost always the first thing people mention when discussing their favorite parts. This transformation initially happened when Goku used a special ray created by Bulma, turning him into a golden Great Ape. He was then able to control that power and harness it, resulting in the Super Saiyan 4 form.

The idea behind this transformation is really cool. It highlights the intense anger and primal instincts of becoming a Super Saiyan, and makes those feelings visible with a complete physical change. It alters Goku and Vegeta more significantly than any other Super Saiyan form. However, despite all that, it hasn’t quite reached the iconic status of a few other transformations.

6). Super Saiyan 4 (Dragon Ball Daima)

The new series, *Dragon Ball Daima*, aims to capture the same adventurous spirit as *Dragon Ball GT*, and importantly, it officially includes the popular Super Saiyan 4 transformation. This gives fans everything they loved about the form, now with the blessing of the late Akira Toriyama. While this version skips the Golden Oozaru stage – a change some fans may appreciate more than others – it adds a unique red fur coloration, visually connecting it to the Super Saiyan God powers Goku later obtains in *Dragon Ball Super*. Making Super Saiyan 4 official has truly cemented its place as an iconic transformation.

5). Super Saiyan 2

The Super Saiyan 2 transformation is noteworthy, even though its initial introduction wasn’t particularly flashy. It became central to a hugely important moment in *Dragon Ball* history. Gohan’s Super Saiyan 2 form is incredibly iconic – he hasn’t reached that power level since. While the base form isn’t as visually striking as some other transformations – it’s mainly just spikier hair and a brighter aura – it feels like a stepping stone to greater power. However, because Gohan used it to defeat Cell, and the transformation sequence itself was so memorable, Super Saiyan 2 remains a key moment in the series.

4). Super Saiyan God Super Saiyan

Super Saiyan Blue quickly became the standard power level in *Dragon Ball Super*. Just like how characters often transformed into Super Saiyan during fights, Super Saiyan Blue became the go-to base form for battling the incredibly powerful enemies introduced later in the series. This transformation was popular with fans, as Goku and Vegeta mastered it independently, and it set the benchmark for all future villains. Any new enemy needs to be at least as strong as Super Saiyan Blue to be considered a real threat. It’s arguably the most significant new Super Saiyan transformation in a long time.

3). Super Saiyan 3

Honestly, for me, nothing beats the impact of Super Saiyan 3. It just *felt* different when it first appeared! The way Goku hinted at having a form strong enough to handle Majin Buu, and then revealing he’d unlocked it while *dead*? So cool! And then the look itself – that long hair! It was exactly what I, and probably a ton of other fans, were doodling in our notebooks during class. It totally inspired a new wave of artists to design their own Saiyans. Sure, the form isn’t the *most* practical, but seeing long-haired Goku blast through a huge enemy with a Dragon Fist? That’s pure *Dragon Ball Z* magic, and it gives me chills every time. It just captures the spirit of the series perfectly.

2). Super Saiyan God

The Super Saiyan God transformation, first seen in the movie *Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods*, was a major turning point for the series. It was the first new story after the original *Dragon Ball Z* concluded, and it opened up exciting new possibilities. This form allowed Goku to reach a power level previously reserved for gods—achieved through a unique ritual. Visually, it was distinct from previous transformations, maintaining Goku’s hairstyle while making him more streamlined. It also gave him a fiery aura that was beyond the perception of ordinary Saiyans, truly living up to the “god” level power implied by the name.

Super Saiyan God was the initial introduction to a higher level of power for the characters, and it really captured the imagination of Dragon Ball fans. Although Super Saiyan Blue later became more common, Super Saiyan God was groundbreaking and paved the way for the ongoing story in Dragon Ball Super, which fans are excited to see continue.

1). Super Saiyan

While many transformations mark important moments in their time, Super Saiyan truly stands out as the original and most impactful. It’s the form that inspired countless others, becoming a cultural phenomenon with its influence on memes, fashion, and more. This transformation is what really established *Dragon Ball Z* as a unique series. For years, fans speculated about this powerful state, finally seeing Goku unlock it through intense rage, resulting in a brilliant golden aura and a significantly stronger body. With this power, he was able to defeat enemies like Frieza and begin his path to even greater strength. Ultimately, none of the later Super Saiyan forms would exist without this groundbreaking first transformation.

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2025-10-05 23:13