The Dragon Ball franchise has introduced a wide range of epic transformations, each having its moment until characters discovered more powerful upgrades, but none are as iconic as the Super Saiyan. Once thought to be a mere legend, the universe had not witnessed a Saiyan warrior reach such heights in over a thousand years. This changed when a galactic tyrant decided to provoke the wrong Saiyan on Planet Namek.

If someone has only watched Dragon Ball Super, their impression of the Super Saiyan transformation would differ significantly from someone who first experienced it through the original manga or Dragon Ball Z anime. Initially, it was a form triggered only in the mightiest Saiyan warriors after intense emotional trauma, but as Goku and his friends’ story progressed, they discovered alternative methods to unlock it.

Eventually, after physical training unlocked the Super Saiyan transformation, it seemed to diminish the significance of the struggle and emotional trauma that others had to endure to achieve the form. This feeling was exacerbated when Dragon Ball Super introduced a Saiyan from another universe who unlocked Super Saiyan by concentrating energy in their back to create a “tingly feeling” that led to the transformation. There are eleven Saiyans in Dragon Ball who have achieved the Super Saiyan form, ranging from epically iconic to narratively convenient.

12

The First Super Saiyan In Over 1000 Years: Goku

First Appearance: Dragon Ball Z Manga — Chapter #123, Dragon Ball Z Anime — Episode #95

Few moments in anime are as iconic as Goku’s first Super Saiyan transformation in Dragon Ball Z. It was a legendary status teased for several arcs and spoken of with great respect and even fear by Dragon Ball‘s most powerful characters at the time. Once unlocked, it granted an extreme boost in power, speed, and durability. No Saiyan had achieved this form for a thousand years until a tyrant killed the wrong warrior’s friend on Planet Namek.

When Galactic Emperor Frieza killed Goku’s best friend, the already powerful warrior snapped and unlocked the brilliant golden Super Saiyan form. While this form may not seem as intimidating in the current canon, its first appearance shook continents, deflected planet-destroying blasts, and brought the universe’s cruelest villain to his knees.

11

The Hero Who Saved Multiple Timelines: Future Trunks

First Appearance: Dragon Ball Z Manga — Chapter #137, Dragon Ball Z Anime — Episode #120

After Goku unlocked his first Super Saiyan form and defeated Frieza on Namek, the rest of the Z warriors believed they could finally relax after an intense series of events. However, they soon discovered that Frieza was still alive and heading to Earth, likely arriving before Goku. When this came to pass, Frieza and his forces were cut down brilliantly by a mysterious stranger wielding a sword and capable of transforming into a Super Saiyan.

The moment shocked audiences, Goku’s friends, and especially Vegeta. Eventually revealed to be Trunks, he is the son of Vegeta and Bulma from the future. During his life, he endured extreme hardships that left all the Z warriors dead and the world in ruins at the hands of two incredibly powerful androids. While it took his teacher Gohan’s murder to trigger Trunks’ first Super Saiyan transformation, he broke the rules of time and space multiple times to help prevent others from suffering similar fates.

10

The Prince Of All Saiyans: Vegeta

First Appearance: Dragon Ball Z Manga — Chapter #149, Dragon Ball Z Anime — Episode #120

The Prince of All Saiyans arguably has one of the greatest character arcs in the Dragon Ball franchise and is very different from when he was first introduced. His early days provided insights into the legendary Super Saiyan transformation—an achievement he desperately sought for himself. After Goku unlocked it first, Vegeta became obsessed with achieving it through training so intense that it broke both his body and mind before he finally succeeded.

Vegeta’s first showcase of his own Super Saiyan form is one of Dragon Ball Z‘s most satisfying moments for many reasons. He saved Goku’s life against Android 19 and easily defeated Dr. Gero’s creation with one of his coldest lines: “Does a machine like yourself ever experience fear?” At that moment, Vegeta was Earth’s strongest fighter. His transformation occurred only after suffering severe injuries when he finally let go of his pride and jealousy while screaming, “I don’t care anymore!”

9

Gohan, The Pacifist Who Harbors Ultimate Power

First Appearance: Dragon Ball Manga — Chapter #382, Dragon Ball Z Anime — Episode #120

Gohan, Goku’s first son, was primed to become the main protagonist after the dramatic time skip between Dragon Ball and Z. While Goku maintained that role due to his popularity, Gohan still had moments to shine throughout the years. Introduced as an extremely kind-hearted child lacking his father’s hunger for battle, Gohan’s life as a warrior often clashed with his pacifist nature. However, when pushed too far and angered, incredible reserves of power would explode from him.

After Goku’s and Vegeta’s first Super Saiyan transformations provided intense levels of catharsis, expectations were high for Gohan. His triggering of the first Super Saiyan 2 transformation against Cell met those expectations while his unlocking of the first form occurred in the Hyperbolic Time Chamber during training with his father. Though this moment didn’t carry as much weight as his later accomplishments, it represented a pivotal moment that pushed him to protect his loved ones when necessary.

8

Goten, Genetics Or Genius Unlocked Greatness

First Appearance: Dragon Ball Z Manga — Chapter #240, Dragon Ball Z Anime — Episode #206

The Android and Cell arcs found ways to make attaining Super Saiyan transformations intense and emotional achievements but shifted at the beginning of the Buu saga. After sacrificing himself to save Earth from Cell, Goku finally returned home to meet his second son. By then, Goten had already unlocked his own Super Saiyan transformation by age seven.

Goten’s first manifestation of Super Saiyan occurs offscreen and off-page in manga form which arguably diminishes its dramatic accomplishment earned several times before. While Gohan focused on education pursuits during this time, Chi-Chi (often overlooked as one of Earth’s strongest fighters) surprisingly trained Goten. He revealed that he had triggered this form to both Gohan and Chi-Chi but completely forgot when or where he accomplished this feat.

7

Kid Trunks, High Expectations Pushed Him To Accomplish Wonders

First Appearance: Dragon Ball Z Manga — Chapter #241, Dragon Ball Z Anime — Episode #207

The revelation that Future Trunks would be born from Vegeta and Bulma raised expectations sky-high for their child. After becoming a father, The Prince of Saiyans was eager to train young Trunks into a worthy warrior. During an intense sparring session at 150 times Earth’s normal gravity, Trunks casually transformed into a Super Saiyan before his prideful father. Learning that both Trunks and Goten had reached what was once considered legendary inspired Vegeta’s classic line “It’s a Super Saiyan bargain sale.“

Trunks never reveals exactly when he unlocked his Super Saiyan form but popular theories suggest it was easier for him due to both parents having achieved their own transformations prior to their births. Thus it stands to reason that children born from Super Saiyans have an easier time unlocking forms that once required years of training for others.

6

Cabba, A Noble Student And Saiyan From Another Universe

First Appearance: Dragon Ball Super Manga — Chapter #12, Dragon Ball Super Anime — Episode #37

The introduction of Cabba in Dragon Ball Super, which revealed its own multiverse version raised questions about other existing Saiyans across different universes. The first tournament showcased Universe’s 6 & 7’s best fighters clashing while introducing Cabba—a thin and short Saiyan whose universe developed into effective peacekeepers without facing threats like those encountered by Goku and friends.

The initial battle featuring Cabba against Vegeta highlighted this lack of evolution among Universe 6’s warriors since they were not compelled to enhance their powers. This prompted Vegeta to trick Cabba into an emotional battle that triggered Cabba’s own transformation into Super Saiyan while gaining great respect for Universe 7’s Prince of All Saiyans.

5

Caulifla, A Brilliantly Fast Learner—Naturally Gifted or Something Else?

First Appearance: Dragon Ball Super Manga — Chapter #37 , Dragon Ball Super Anime — Episode #92

After meeting Vegeta and learning about transforming into a Super Saiyan from Cabba , Caulifla eagerly sought out her own transformation while hoping to teach other Universe 6 warriors how to unlock it too . The first warrior she faced was Caulifla , an incredibly skilled bandit leader . While both anime versions differ slightly regarding their initial encounter , Cabba introduces her to this powerful transformation . So taken by its potential , she accepts an invitation into Tournament Power .

Much like young Goten and Trunks , Caulifla managed her first transformation without needing extreme training or heavy emotional triggers . In fact , she unlocked her form with minimal advice from Cabba by gathering energy in her back—a feat that took decades for others . It took her little time at all to elevate her powers further , yet she still lacked what it took to defeat Goku.

4


Kale , Pressure And Trauma Changed The Timid Warrior Into A Beast

First Appearance : Dragon Ball Super Manga – Chapter #37 , Dragon Ball Super Anime – Episode #93

Before Broly was reintroduced into canon , Tournament Power arc featured its own berserker—Universe 6’s Kale . Initially appearing timid , she acted as Caulifla’s protégé until jealousy over Caulifla’s attention triggered her own transformation into a rampaging berserker similar to Broly .

3


Broly , The Legendary Super Saiyab Berserker

First Appearance : Dragon Ball Super Manga – Chapter #42 , Dragon Ball Super : Broly Movie

Nearly every movie is considered non-canon within mainline storylines ; however some characters became beloved enough they were later added into canon material . Broly debuted in franchise’s eleventh feature film titled “The Legendary Super Saiyab” introducing him as colossal brute whose reputation made even Vegeta tremble . Thankfully , he was reintroduced with improved backstory adding depth until anger took over .

Although “Broly” evolved character significantly , common element across both versions remains ability become one universe’s strongest fighters if consumed by rage . Frieza killed father triggering Broly’s initial transformation yet even before that pushed both Goku & Vegeta utilize strongest forms possible . However once transformed fully consumed blind rage , only fused warrior Gogeta could overpower him .