The Ultimate Collection: Unveiling Anime's Most Spectacular Super Modes!

When an anime character, whether a hero or a villain, finds themselves in a difficult situation, they often unleash a dazzling new form. These power-ups are among the most formidable in the world of anime, providing the character with a significant advantage in battle and sporting a stylish new appearance. Whether onlookers are in awe or filled with dread, they can't help but stop and marvel at this extraordinary spectacle. Most often, these transformations can only be achieved after extensive training and experience, whether they are the result of genetic abilities or a separate power altogether. Regardless, attaining this new form represents a character's ultimate triumph.

10 Super Saiyan – Dragon Ball

The act of going Super Saiyan in anime is widely known as the most popular power-up. It is an esteemed ability exclusively attributed to the Saiyans, achievable only by the most exceptional warriors and exceptionally rare to the extent that no Saiyan had achieved it for over a millennia until Goku and Vegeta. The transformation is not confined to a single form, but rather continually evolves through intense training and battles, granting the user power surpassing that of deities.

While all Saiyans are technically capable of going Super Saiyan, the ease with which they achieve this transformation varies among individuals. In the case of Goku and Vegeta, Goku was able to achieve it before Vegeta due to his peaceful upbringing on Earth, which resulted in an increase in his S-cells. This progress enraged Vegeta. Similarly, their sons Gohan, Goten, and Trunks were able to unlock the transformation at a much faster rate. This can be attributed to their upbringing on Earth and the genetic capability inherited from their fathers.

9 The Zone – Kuroko's Basketball

The world of Kuroko's Basketball takes the idea of being "in the zone" to a whole new level. Here, athletes can achieve a physical state that goes beyond ordinary passion and talent. It requires a combination of both in order to reach this heightened state of performance.

8 Demon Form – Yu Yu Hakusho

Once players with unique Dragon Ball-like powers step onto the court, their extraordinary abilities are amplified to the maximum when they enter the Zone. This exceptional state allows them to unleash their talents at full capacity for a limited period of time. Remarkable individuals who have mastered their skills can utilize the Zone to elevate the overall coordination of their entire team. However, gaining access to the Zone is no easy feat, as players cannot simply activate it through effort alone. Furthermore, the task becomes even more challenging in subsequent attempts due to the heightened awareness and desire required to enter the Zone again.

In Yu Yu Hakusho, there is a recurring theme that challenges absolutes. It emphasizes that not all demons are inherently evil, just as not all humans are inherently good. This theme is reflected in the character Yusuke Urameshi, who is both a rude and brash delinquent as well as a brave and heroic Spirit Detective. As the story progresses, it is revealed that Yusuke also carries a combination of both traits within his bloodline.

7 Envy's True Form – Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

Yusuke, a descendant of Raizen, the most powerful demon to have ever existed, finds an unlikely alliance with his forty-four-greats-grandpa. Despite their turbulent relationship, Raizen's possession of Yusuke's body grants him the essential surge of life-saving energy, enabling him to ultimately defeat Sensui. This transformation into a Demon Form not only enhances Yusuke's strength and speed, surpassing that of Sensui, but also grants him the ability to harness Demon Energy to amplify his attacks.

Envy, with its shape-shifting prowess, excels in the art of deceit, manipulation, and an array of clandestine tactics. What they may lack in combat prowess is compensated for by their true form, a colossal creature composed of innumerable tormented human souls.

Unfortunately, Envy lacks proficiency in combat. Despite their immense size and strength in their true form, this proves to be a disadvantage when facing an adversary who not only remains unaffected by their deception but also possesses inconvenient fire abilities. Amidst the relentless onslaught, Roy astutely highlights the vulnerability of their colossal true form.

6 Ultimate Life Form – JoJo's Bizarre Adventure

While the Stone Mask grants Dio immense power by erasing his humanity, its creator has grander aspirations. Not content with his vampire status, Kars annihilates his kin to attain ultimate immortality and invincibility. Utilizing the Red Stone of Aja, he undergoes a metamorphosis into the pinnacle of existence, the Ultimate Life Form.

5 Bankai – Bleach

In this form, Kars is the epitome of life itself, capable of surviving in any environment and shape-shifting into any form. Additionally, he quickly masters Hamon just by observing Joseph and Lisa Lisa use it. He becomes unbelievably formidable, to the point where even one of the greatest JoJos in JoJo's Bizarre Adventure during his prime stands no chance against him. The only way to defeat Kars is indirectly, by permanently removing him from the playing field.

Soul Reapers possess an impressive array of powers that they wield against Hollows. While some have the ability to transform their bodies, all of them have the duty of enhancing their weapons, the zanpakutou blades. By subduing the zanpakutou spirit dwelling within the blade and mastering the art of summoning it into the physical realm, a Soul Reaper amplifies its strength manifold compared to other stages of evolution.

4 Transformed Gon - Hunter X Hunter

Bankai can only be attained by the most skilled Soul Reapers, typically after years of experience and rigorous training. It enhances their spiritual power and, in certain cases, like that of Ichigo's, augments their physical speed and strength as well. Similar to the uniqueness of every zanpakutou spirit, each bankai possesses distinct effects, appearances, and abilities.

The price of obtaining a new power does not always outweigh its benefits. The protagonists of Hunter x Hunter, Gon and Killua, are among the most formidable youngsters in the realm of anime. Possessing an extremely rare Nen talent, they have a one in ten million chance of becoming the most dominant warriors in the world once they reach adulthood. However, in a moment of intense fury, Gon relinquishes all prospects of his future potential in favor of attaining an overwhelming surge of power.

3 The Eighth Gate – Naruto

The agreement he makes in order to attain enough strength to defeat Neferpitou compels him to undergo a metamorphosis into a towering, muscular adult figure. A gloomy, ominous aura encompasses him as he relentlessly obliterates Pitou, causing the surrounding forest to crumble beneath his blows. Nonetheless, Gon's sorrow persists despite attaining unparalleled power, and to the dismay of Killua, his final assault not only ravages his physical form but also brings him perilously close to death.

In Naruto, there is no shortage of impressive powers, ranging from Sage Mode to Susanoo. But the true masterpiece lies not in a unique lineage or assistance from remarkable animal allies. Only a select few, through rigorous training and unwavering determination, can unleash the immense potential hidden within the Eight Gates, which serve as barriers to fully accessing one's chakra capacity.

Trained in the art of taijutsu by his father, Might Gai has mastered the skill of opening all Eight Gates. He has passed these techniques and strict usage rules on to his student, Rock Lee. As each gate is opened, a surge of power is unleashed, but at the expense of a greater toll on the body. Gai's ultimate move involves piercing his heart to access the Gate of Death, granting him a staggering increase of a hundredfold in power. With this incredible strength, he almost succeeds in eliminating Madara with his devastating moves, Evening Elephant and Night Gai. Fortunately, it is Naruto who intervenes at the last moment, ultimately saving Gai's life.

2 100% – Mob Psycho 100

While many anime protagonists dedicate their efforts to unlocking their ultimate power, Shigeo "Mob" Kageyama diverges from this norm. Instead of embracing his tremendous psychic abilities, he actively avoids them due to an incident that inflicted harm upon his younger sibling. Consumed by fear, he quells the intense emotions that fuel these world-altering powers. As evident to viewers, these powers are incessantly climbing, reaching a constant 100%.

1 Gear 5 – One Piece

When Mob succumbs to his emotions (or ???%, the enigmatic consciousness fueling his abilities), no force can halt him. His unleashed energy blasts wreak havoc, he assimilates enemy assaults effortlessly, and he can even summon calamities such as earthquakes and tornadoes. As the narrative unfolds and Mob encounters ethically questionable psychics, he discovers that controlling his powers entails not suppression, but acceptance.

Years of anticipation among One Piece fans were finally met as the beloved anime reached the pivotal moment from the manga. Through mastering his powers bestowed by the Devil Fruit, Luffy steadily attained formidable Super Modes referred to as Gears. The epitome of these metamorphoses is none other than Gear 5.

The only downside to this power is that it completely exhausts the user. When activated, Luffy becomes significantly stronger and incredibly fast, with his rubbery body deflecting attacks. However, the highlight of Gear 5 is the user's newfound control over their surroundings, enabling them to utilize the entire battlefield to launch relentless attacks on their opponent, reminiscent of Looney Tunes-style chaos.

Witnessing a character unleash their full potential is an exhilarating experience in anime. The most impressive moments come when they undergo jaw-dropping transformations and acquire flashy new abilities, allowing them to display their true abilities.