Line #257 Main/TransformationSequence


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10	[[quoteright:275:[[Anime/SuitePrettyCure https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/2b2a467564575bfb0e0ea772cbf29bb4.png]]]]
11	[[caption-width-right:275: ''"Let's Play! Pretty Cure Modulation!"'']]
12
13	->''"It's Morphin' Time!"''
14	-->-- ''Series/MightyMorphinPowerRangers''
15
16	Before the OrdinaryHighSchoolStudent (or a hidden Bad Guy) can access their secret powers, there must be a power-up. This usually involves a change of form or at least costume, although the precise mechanisms usually vary by type. In Japanese television, this is called (a) ''henshin''. By genre, this usually goes as follows:
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18	* MagicalGirl: Our heroine usually utters a [[ByThePowerOfGrayskull key phrase]], accompanied by certain gestures and/or using [[TransformationTrinket some sort of magical device]], and then hovers into the air [[StockFootage over a magical background]], then [[{{Fanservice}} has her clothes disappear]] as her hero costume [[PowerGlows glows]] [[GorgeousGarmentGeneration into existence]] over her until all her [[FrillsOfJustice ribbons, jewels, feathers and assorted frippery]] have formed. Despite being strongly associated with {{Magical Girl}}s there are several "magical boys" who have comparable sequences, though their outfits are usually more like uniforms or armour and the strip-down is generally averted.
19	* HenshinHero: Similar to the MagicalGirl but usually less elaborate and more [[RuleOfCool awesome]] than Fanservice, our hero uses his [[TransformationTrinket special device]] (often a weapon) and/or [[ByThePowerOfGrayskull shouts his transformation phrase]] to turn into his superhero form in a faster but equally flashy sequence, that for some reason often involves [[LightningCanDoAnything lightning]], [[PowerGlows glowing or shining]], and [[TransformationNameAnnouncement the hero announcing himself]]. This includes many American characters and series, like [[ComicBook/{{Shazam}} Captain Marvel]] (widely considered the first HenshinHero) or ''WesternAnimation/HeManAndTheMastersOfTheUniverse1983''.
20	* SuperMode: An already-powerful hero or villain becomes even ''more'' powerful to face the latest threat. While generally not as elaborate as the previous two transformation sequences, it often signifies a more intense upgrade. The [[PowerLevels raised power level]] is usually indicated by a colour change, [[UhOhEyes glowing eyes]] ([[Franchise/DragonBall or hair]]) or appearance altered in other ways than a wholly new costume and accessories.
21	* [[TransformationHorror Monstrous Transformation]]: A darker and more physical sequence, usually when [[OneWingedAngel a humanoid character becomes more monstrous]] before our eyes -- often involving [[GrowingMusclesSequence bulging muscles]], [[ClothingDamage ripping clothes]], ([[MagicPants to various extents]]) and [[PainfulTransformation often implications of pain]], especially in a horror-themed series. [[OurWerewolvesAreDifferent Werewolves]], JekyllAndHyde, and other magical or chemical induced transformations usually fall under this. It's often a way for the villain to get serious during the GrandFinale... and [[WhatMeasureIsANonHuman become something viewers won't mind seeing the heroes kill]].
22	** EldritchTransformation: A humanoid or mundane character becomes not only monstrous, but [[EldritchAbomination Eldritchy]] in nature.
23	* Mechanical Sequence: A HumongousMecha or PowerArmour wearing hero gets into battle mode, whether through [[TransformingMecha transforming]], [[CombiningMecha combining]], [[MechaExpansionPack adding the gear]], and/or just plain [[FighterLaunchingSequence launching into battle]]. Usually contains as much TechnologyPorn as time and budget will allow, and is very often tool-assisted in some way as the base's machines use mechanical arms and such to remove and add components.
24	* [[MakeMyMonsterGrow Size Increase]]: An already formidable monster or [[{{Sizeshifter}} hero]] doesn't make many physical changes but simply [[ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin increases their size massively]], often to {{Kaiju}} levels.
25	* Other Sequences: Ones that aren't covered by or overlap with the above include {{Mon}} "evolution" sequences (which are sometimes permanent), [[FusionDance characters combining into one]], or more mundanely, a {{superhero}} donning their outfit via conventional (if accelerated) means.
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27	Transformation Sequences are good for a show's budget because they provide a large amount of StockFootage that can be (and often ''must'' be) [[EngagingChevrons reused each episode]]. They also provide nice filler for the writers if a script happens to be running short. If a particular transformation sequence occurs multiple times in one episode, a shortened version will often be used after the first time (hopefully).
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29	Rarely is there a special-effects sequence for changing ''back''.
30
31	It seems to be an unwritten rule that evil characters almost never get a StockFootage transformation sequence, instead opting for a special-effects-assisted "insta-transformation", a single sequence in the case of one-shot villains, or just transforming offscreen. This is a good way to spot the SixthRangerTraitor or a NobleDemon looking to make a HeelFaceTurn somewhere down the line.
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33	Note that many transformation sequences are actually just for the viewer's benefit ([[{{Filler}} and to eat up air time]]), and the actual change as experienced by the character in-universe is instantaneous -- or at least very brief. [[TransformationIsAFreeAction This might explain why bad guys (almost) never attack a hero during their transformation sequence]], although the NoNonsenseNemesis usually will not let the opportunity slip by. This may result in an unstable PartialTransformation.
34
35	Compare HulkingOut, GorgeousGarmentGeneration, CreationSequence, FighterLaunchingSequence, LockAndLoadMontage, and ActivationSequence. Generally overlaps with SuitUpOfDestiny the first time the character transforms.
36
37	----
38	!!Example Subpages:
39
40	[[index]]
41	* TransformationSequence/AnimeAndManga
42	* TransformationSequence/LiveActionTV
43	* TransformationSequence/VideoGames
44	* TransformationSequence/WesternAnimation
45	[[/index]]
46
47	!!Other Examples:
48
49	[[foldercontrol]]
50
51	[[folder:Advertising]]
52	* In the ''Advertising/MetroManners'' series of PSAs, which make loving use of MagicalGirl and HenshinHero tropes, every episode features one of these. When Super Kind notices bad behavior on the Metro, she yells her name and transforms into her superhero outfit. The transformation takes place on a blue background with red hearts, and Super Kind rotates slowly as clothing items appear. At the end, she strikes a dramatic pose.
53	[[/folder]]
54
55	[[folder:Asian Animation]]
56	* The characters in ''Animation/GGBond'' tend to have extravagant transformation sequences whenever they morph into their stronger animalistic forms.
57	* The heroes' vehicles in ''Animation/HappyHeroes'' get a transformation sequence whenever they transform into the Car Knights. The sequences are only a few seconds long, and it's very common for multiple Car Knights' transformation sequences to be played at once to save time.
58	* In ''Animation/JetAndThePetRangers'', the Pet Rangers have a flashy transformation sequence whenever they need to transform into their Pet Ranger personas, showing Jet being given his suit relatively slowly while the animals transform much faster.
59	* In ''Animation/KungFuWa'', Tee Yang transforms when she puts Kung-Fu Sock on her foot starting episode 2, in episode 3 they start to call the activation, making a flashy transformation sequence, but it doesn't happen in all the episodes. It's also shown to be instant in real time whenever the transformation is obscured by anything in front of the ones transforming or the situation calls for the instant transformation to be necessary.
60	* Each of the Animation/MaskMasters can transform for battle into their master forms and later into their [[HumongousMecha Synostone]] forms.
61	* The Animation/{{Miniforce}} use this to go from cute animal to [[HenshinHero Power Ranger-esque]] heroes when there is trouble to be fought.
62	* In ''Animation/PleasantGoatAndBigBigWolf: Mighty Little Defenders'' episode 1, Wolffy gets a transformation sequence [[ShoutOut parodying]] ''Anime/SailorMoon'' when he uses General Wolf's chip. The sequence ends with him completely transformed into a dog.
63	[[/folder]]
64
65	[[folder:Comic Books]]
66	* The UrExample has got to be Billy Batson shouting "Shazam!" and transforming into [[ComicBook/{{Shazam}} Captain Marvel]] with a magic bolt of lightning. Notably, in UsefulNotes/TheGoldenAgeOfComicBooks, it was part of the magic of the transformation that nobody standing nearby ''[[SomebodyElsesProblem noticed this happening]]'' unless he wanted them to (with the witnesses left believing that the "kid" had left and this new person arrived in their place while they were momentarily blinded). Well, DependingOnTheWriter, anyway. The other members of the Marvel family would transform the same way. During a story in the '90s, Billy was in Keystone City and attempted to transform, shouting "Shazam!" Franchise/TheFlash, racing by, saw lightning about to strike a small boy, and so heroically pulled him out of the way.
67	* Creator/MarvelComics' ComicBook/{{Captain Marvel\|MarvelComics}} gained a version of this when he would swap locations with Rick Jones in a flash of light after banging his two wristbands together; ditto for his son Genis, who ''also'' ended up swapping places with Rick.
68	* The [[MonsterClown Clown]] from ''Comicbook/{{Spawn}}'' becoming the terrifying devil Violator. The detailed transformation in [[Film/Spawn1997 the movie]] is particularly disturbing.
69	* ComicBook/IronMan occasionally has one, depending on the title and era (for instance, it's very rare to see him activate the suit in an ''Avengers'' comic). The most typical one involves assembling the armor from a briefcase. This was abused a bit during the late 90s and early 2000s when every new writer on the Iron Man title introduced their new, super-advanced armor technology, like the SKIN armor, Tin Man and Ablative armor.
70	* In the first issue of ComicBook/BlueBeetle (ComicBook/{{New 52}}), Jaime's first transformation into Blue Beetle is shown in nine detailed panels. His later transformations usually take one panel.
71	* ''ComicBook/{{Robin\|1993}}'': In Bludhaven during a brawl one grey skinned woman is surrounded by what looks like glowing floating blood droplets before transforming into some kind of red-furred animal mash-up that includes a beaver tail and large fangs. She then joins the fight herself.
72	* Franchise/WonderWoman can sometimes change clothes by spinning, and in [[ComicBook/WonderWoman1942 Wonder Woman 600]] the spinning has an added swirl of sparkly pink.
73	[[/folder]]
74
75	[[folder:Fan Works]]
76	* In ''Fanfic/ANewProblem'' Thaz transforms into a slightly younger woman with superpowers, meant to be a soft parody of ''Anime/SailorMoon'' and other animes.
77	* In [=WanderingWordsmith=]'s ''Fanfic/ThawingPermafrost'', Pandora the Shikigami explodes into a weird white goo, then reforms into the commanded form if it can manage it; otherwise, it just flips back to its normal form and collapses, exhausted.
78	* ''Kuso Miso Technique'''s Michishita Masaki has one in [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a85Xdmk_WIA this]] fanvideo into his powerful, naked form.
79	* In ''Fanfic/MegaManReawakened'', Robert and Roll get one when they activate their battle modes.
80	* The ''VideoGame/GeometryDash'' animation ''WebAnimation/{{Prelude}}'' gives both of its main characters a transformation sequence where they gain legs to run faster. While the green square grows human legs, Norcda Childa gets legs that resemble a stick figure's.
81	* Averted in ''Fanfic/PrettyCurePerfumePreppy''; the space normally used for describing the transformation are filled with random comments by the LemonyNarrator, usually about "[[EverythingsBetterWithSparkles sparkly stuff]]". In episode 12, there is a little quote by the narrator during that part which reasons that.)
82	-->First, it's repetitive and boring if you read the series everyday; second, it's a matter of letting you guys imagine how they would be like; and third, I don't have the time to do it.
83	* In ''Fanfic/HopToIt'', Jack's transformation to Rabbit in the first chapter is described in about as much detail as one would expect for a ''WesternAnimation/MiraculousLadybug'' transformation:
84	-->'''Jack''': Mimmi! Hop to it!\
85	Her Kwami stretched and got sucked into her old-fashion wristwatch, turning the leather strap white and changing the clock face so it measured five minutes instead of twelve hours, the single hand stuck in an upright position. The transformation continued from there, crawling down one arm, across her chest, and to the other. A large flat throwing ring, a chakaram, appeared in her hand, which she moved across her face in a circular motion, her white domino mask appearing. Tossing her weapon into the air, she yanked two rabbit ears into existence out of the back of her head and magically smoothed her caramel-colored hair into a perfect side fishbone braid. Jack then caught her chakaram and swung it down as she kneeled, the transformation reaching her toes. Now she was entirely dressed in a white skintight suit weaved out of hexagons. She had opera gloves with the tiniest of claws, more for aesthetic purposes than to actually scratch anyone, and heavy knee-high combat boots that packed a wallop whenever she kicked someone. As if to demonstrate, she stood back up and preformed a few low air kicks and a side kick. She ended by swinging one leg in a perfect circle, her shin level with her eyes at one point, before slamming it down just as her little fluffy tail appeared. To be honest, Jack could do without the tail, but it came with the bulletproof costume.
86	* [[http://animorphscomic.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2013-01-24T15:52:00-05:00&max-results=1&start=14&by-date=false This]] ''Literature/{{Animorphs}}'' fancomic went the extra mile and added animated morphing scenes.
87	* In the ''Franchise/{{Pokemon}}'' fanfic ''[=FlamingRed=] and [=SplashingBlue=],'' Pokémon are able to evolve by neatly shifting their own bodies into those of their evolved form. If a Pokémon has appendages, they push, pull, rub, etc. their body parts in order to form them as though they are on a potter's wheel. If they don't have appendages or are too short, they divert all the light to a certain part of their body, concentrate hard, and ''then'' push, pull, stretch, or bend their body parts.
88	** The “pottery wheel” transformation continues in the fanfic ''Pokémon Carnegie''. One of the evolutions involves a Staravia’s wing being shifted into a Staraptor’s in four steps: lift, push out from the tip, pull down into a smooth curve, and finally, puff the wing out. The entire sequence is in fact directly derived from [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sROM7P237sU&t=216s this sequence from the Pokémon anime]], which uses the same wing formation steps in a single, smooth motion, albeit not via the “pottery wheel” method.
89	** The best part? The “pottery wheel” method is completely painless and is done in a ''hypnotic trance.''
90	* ''Fanfic/NoChanceForFate'': It's revealed to the Senshi that even though their transformation takes mere five seconds, they are not only vulnerable but due to technical reasons butt-naked as well until their uniform forms on them. The transformations described, while less visually impressive as the long sequences from canon, are still interesting on their own.
91	* ''Fanfic/DungeonKeeperAmi'': From ''A Deal with the Devil'':
92	--> "Mercury Power, Make Up!" A flash of blue light concealed Ami for a split second when she triggered her transformation to restore her ruined outfit. It also re-applied her make-up, removing all traces of crying, and cleaned her body, as it was intended to. To the senshi, everything felt normal. Her sailor crystal, embedded within the dungeon heart, felt rather confused though. Not with providing its magical power, everything was working as normal there. No, it wasn't quite certain what to apply the cosmetic operations to. There were just so many connections, going every which way. Which one to choose? The non-sentient crystal had no way to take a decision, so it just chose all of them. A cylinder of light, centred on the heart, started expanding through the dungeon, leaving only gleaming cleanness in blue and white tones and the occasional Mercury symbol in its wake
93	* ''Fanfic/TalesOfTheCanterlotDeportationAgency'': ''Jack'': ''Shuffle'': When the ''transition'' from Jack to the ''chemicals'' is described:
94	--> From the outside, it can look just about instantaneous. They'd both seen that, for Victor had recorded the process on video -- once.\
95	...\
96	From the ''outside'', chemicals contact skin and pink loses all hue, goes to ''white''. The effect rushes along that outer layer of fully ineffective biological armor, even as the colors of the fabric start to shift. Entire limbs bleach, just about all at once. Hair goes through a different kind of color change, which includes one to the texture. Posture warps: the chemicals have a different way of standing, something which makes it a little taller than Jack and leaves his back sore for a few hours after the loan is repaid. (It's sorry about that, but the situation is something it can't help.) And then the side effects kick in, including the one which is the existence of that '''other'''.\
97	From the outside, it's a few heartbeats. But on the ''inside'', everything is still shifting. Balances aren't quite any more, and the new levels haven't found themselves. Neurons are trying to fire two sets of messages at once.\
98	In ''transition'' (and only then), there are ''two''. Transition creates a period of time where Jack and the chemicals communicate directly, each taking their part of the stage within the theater of the mind. In transition, there are arguments and agreements, plans made and dashed, information passed along. There have been times when they've risked leaving videos for each other on a phone, but such messages only go one way, and no permanent record can ever be kept. Transition allows them to ''talk''.\
99	Transition lasts eighty-four seconds.
100	* In Chapter 2 of ''[[Fanfic/StrongAndSteady I Got You, Little Buddy]]'', [[Anime/YoKaiWatch Tongus]] does a transformation scene to become Nurse Tongus.
101	* ''[[https://www.fanfiction.net/s/13891233/1/Reenacting-a-legend Reenacting a legend]]'': In this ''Franchise/FateSeries''/''Literature/HighSchoolDXD'' crossover, this is parodied when Shirou Emiya reveals he can instantly change his outfit into his combat uniform. Serafall Leviathan asks him to teach her how to do that, which he can't since it comes with being a Servant. She says on her Magical Girl show, her transformation is achieved via special effects done in post-production. She's been looking for a spell to transform her outfit for years, but every wizard she met thought that was a waste of time.
102	* ''[[https://www.fanfiction.net/s/14073644/1/ The Echo Ranger]]'': Chapter 3 describes Izuku's Morphin' sequence from All Might's point of view.
103	[[/folder]]
104
105	[[folder:Films -- Animation]]
106	* Disney's ''WesternAnimation/AtlantisTheLostEmpire'' has a scene where Kidagakash (Kida for short), merges with the Crystal, effectively becoming [[GodInHumanForm a physical incarnation of the Atlantean deity]].
107	* ''WesternAnimation/BeautyAndTheBeast'' has its famous transformation scene (the piece of score that plays under it is even simply titled "Transformation"); the inverse of a monstrous transformation.
108	* In ''WesternAnimation/TheBookOfLife'', Manolo gets one when [[spoiler:he returns back to life.]]
109	* ''WesternAnimation/BrotherBear'' has the scene near the beginning of the film where Kenai is actually magically turned into a bear as punishment for disregarding his late older brother's wishes.
110	* The [[WesternAnimation/{{Barbie}} Barbie film franchise]] manages to shoehorn one of these into almost every movie, usually featuring lots of sparkles. Notable examples include:
111	** ''[[WesternAnimation/BarbieInTheNutcracker Barbie in the Nutcracker]]'' gives a brief one to both Clara and the Nutcracker when the former [[spoiler:is revealed to be the Sugarplum Princess and her magic restores the latter to his true form]].
112	** ''[[WesternAnimation/BarbieAsRapunzel Barbie as Rapunzel]]'' combines an extended transformation sequence with a CostumeTestMontage. As part of her preparations to leave Gothel and her tower behind for good, Rapunzel uses her magical paintbrush to create a series of different dresses, finally settling on the one she wears for the rest of the film.
113	** In ''[[WesternAnimation/BarbieOfSwanLake Barbie of Swan Lake]]'', Odette gets one each time she changes into a swan or vice versa, as well as one when the Fairy Queen gives her a dress to wear to Daniel's ball.
114	** ''[[WesternAnimation/BarbieAsThePrincessAndThePauper The Princess and the Pauper]]'' is notable for averting this. The closest it comes is Erika walking into Anneliese's closet, closing the doors behind her, and immediately emerging in another outfit. ''[[WesternAnimation/BarbieAsThePrincessAndThePopstar The Princess and the Popstar]]'', a more modern re-adaptation of the same source material, would later play it straight by having the girls use magic to swap appearances.
115	** ''[[WesternAnimation/BarbieFairytopia Fairytopia]]'' and its sequels all feature at least one of these, usually changing the design of the main character's wings to symbolize their character growth.
116	** In ''[[WesternAnimation/BarbieAndTheThreeMusketeers Barbie and the Three Musketeers]]'', there's no magic involved, though the effect is the same. It consists of the four girls hastily removing the long overskirts of their ballgowns and pulling out their weapons amid [[ItMakesSenseInContext a shower of glitter from Viveca's perfume]].
117	** ''[[WesternAnimation/BarbiePrincessCharmSchool Barbie: Princess Charm School]]'' has its transformation sequence double as a ReallyRoyaltyReveal, as the crown that triggers it only does so when placed on the head of the true heir to the throne.
118	** In ''[[WesternAnimation/BarbieInThePinkShoes Barbie and the Pink Shoes]]'', Krystin's appearance changes to match that of the heroine in each ballet she stumbles into, culminating in her returning to her true appearance during her final confrontation with the Snow Queen. She also gets a brief one when she's transformed into a swan while traveling through ''[[Theatre/SwanLake Swan Lake]]''.
119	* While many versions of ''Literature/{{Cinderella}}'' either imply this trope or directly invoke it whenever she gets her gown for the ball, [[WesternAnimation/{{Cinderella}} Disney's version]] is especially notable for this, although it only takes a few seconds.
120	* [[http://youtu.be/f5TmvR5jVAM Hal Jordan]] also got one of these in ''WesternAnimation/GreenLanternFirstFlight''.
121	* PlayedForLaughs in ''WesternAnimation/JusticeLeagueVsTeenTitans''. When they're attacked at the fair, [[GreenSkinnedSpaceBabe Starfire]] gets [[https://youtu.be/ell2VDtO8Sg?t=9 a full Magical Girl transformation where her costume appears]], ComicBook/BlueBeetle powers up [[PoweredArmor his armor]], [[{{Animorphism}} Beast Boy]] drops onto his knees to turn into a tiger... and [[BadassNormal Damian]] just runs to the car, breaks in the window and grabs his costume from the backseat.
122	* ''WesternAnimation/{{The Little Mermaid\|1989}}'':
123	** [[https://youtu.be/4bD7DQT51vs?t=40 Ariel's transformation when turning from mermaid to human.]] [[MsFanservice She's mostly naked afterward]].
124	** There's another transformation sequence in the same movie, though without the nudity. All the in-between stages of [[BigBad Ursula's]] transformation into Vanessa are ''extremely'' creepy, and her EvilLaugh doesn't help.
125	* In ''WesternAnimation/{{Luca}},'' the FishPeople turn human when dry and return to their normal forms when wet. Most of the time this happens instantly, but the second time that Luca turns human (and the first time that he does it willingly), the camera pans over him and lets us see the process in more detail, albeit still only lasting a few seconds.
126	* ''WesternAnimation/MyLittlePonyEquestriaGirls'':
127	** ''WesternAnimation/MyLittlePonyEquestriaGirls1'':
128	*** [[BigBad Sunset Shimmer]] has one of the monstrous kind when she goes OneWingedAngel after stealing the crown.
129	*** In the climax of the movie, we get a classic sort of transformation for the Equestria Girls, adding LittleBitBeastly pony traits to the girls.
130	** ''WesternAnimation/MyLittlePonyEquestriaGirlsRainbowRocks'':
131	*** In the sequel, the transformations are [[TransformationTrinket activated by]] [[ThePowerOfRock the band members' instruments]]. They are different than those of the first movie, adding "Rainbow Power" hair to the mix.
132	*** Notably, when [[spoiler:a reformed Sunset Shimmer]] gets her own transformation, it's instead in the same style than in the previous movie.
133	*** The villain trio of the Dazzlings gets their own, more sinister-looking transformations, when they reach the apex of their powers. The ribbons of red lights that envelop them might be a ''Sailor Moon'' shout-out.
134	** ''WesternAnimation/MyLittlePonyEquestriaGirlsFriendshipGames'':
135	*** In the third film, the transformations are activated accidentally by the girls performing their Elements. [[spoiler:They are drained of it almost immediately after they transform by Human Twilight's amulet however.]]
136	*** [[spoiler:Human Twilight]] of all people gets the monstrous kind going OneWingedAngel when transforming into [[spoiler:Midnight Sparkle]] as a callback to Sunset's transformation in the first film.
137	*** Sunset gets a GoldenSuperMode when she activates the Elements of Harmony to match [[spoiler:Midnight Sparkle.]]
138	** ''WesternAnimation/MyLittlePonyEquestriaGirlsLegendOfEverfree'':
139	*** First, one for [[spoiler:Gloriosa Daisy turning into Gaea Everfree]], with vines creeping up her legs before a flash of light and KirbyDots flowing over her body.
140	*** Then, a continuous sequence for all seven of the heroines gaining brand-new Magical Girl costumes [[spoiler:when they bond with a crystal geode]].
141	* ''WesternAnimation/{{Pinocchio}}'' has the infamous Pleasure Island sequence where Lampwick the wayward bad boy slowly turns into a donkey as did all of the other bad boys lured onto the island to be sold into labor. Only Pinocchio is fortunate enough to escape, but not without sprouting ears and a tail first. In other adaptations, Pinocchio also transforms (since he did in the original book).
142	* The sequence at the end of the first ''WesternAnimation/Shrek1'' is a double subversion as 1) she is already a monster and 2) she doesn't actually transform. It's also a ShoutOut to the scene in ''WesternAnimation/BeautyAndTheBeast''.
143	* ''WesternAnimation/SnowWhiteAndTheSevenDwarfs'' brings us the awesome transformation of the Wicked Queen into a hag. Subverted in that the transformation was not to increase her power (in fact, it seemed to make her weaker), but as a disguise.
144	* ''Film/SpaceJam'' has the tiny Nerdlucks morph [[https://youtu.be/azfxPHMhrPw?t=40 into the gigantic Monstars thanks to the powers]] they stole from five [=NBA=] players.
145	* ''WesternAnimation/TheTransformersTheMovie'' has Megatron turned into Galvatron, Thundercracker into Scourge, Shrapnel, and Kickback into the Sweeps, and Bombshell into Cyclonus, complete with one of these for them.
146	* ''WesternAnimation/WreckItRalph'': Vanellope Von Schweetz [[spoiler:transforms into a princess after crossing the finish line of her game Sugar Rush at the film's climax. It confused her until she found out she was Sugar Rush's true ruler before King Candy/Turbo sabotaged the game and made her an outcast.]]
147	[[/folder]]
148
149	[[folder:Films -- Live-Action]]
150	* One of the earliest was, again, [[ComicBook/{{Shazam}} Captain Marvel]] in the serial ''Film/TheAdventuresOfCaptainMarvel''. They didn't have the budget to have a lightning bolt strike Billy or Captain Marvel, but they managed a decent effect using smoke bombs and dramatic sound effects instead.
151	* ''Film/AnAmericanWerewolfInLondon'' and ''Film/TheHowling1981'' both have werewolf transformation sequences of the [[PainfulTransformation most painful and terrifying kind you can imagine]]. The former in particular is often held up as the gold standard among WerewolfWorks.
152	* ''Film/{{Bloodthirsty}}'': Grey turns into a wolf finally near the end in an extended sequence that shows her body warping painfully. Vaughn later partially changes too before Grey shoots him.
153	* ''Film/FrightNight1985'' had something like this with Evil Ed turning back into a human from being a wolf, and the vampires have 3 stages of transformation.
154	* ''Film/{{Ghostbusters 1984}}'' has the scene where Dana and Louis turn into Terror dogs; it's quite a disturbing process, though.
155	* Steven Chow's ''Film/GodOfCookery'' takes this to absurdity with Magical Chef Transformation Scenes. A character (not the lead) takes a power pose, his clothes fly off in all directions and underneath he is already dressed as a chef, all that is required is that he put the trademark hat on.
156	* ''Film/{{Gremlins}}'' has a very important rule: "Don't feed them after midnight." If you do, the Mogwai goes into a slimy cocoon and mutates into a hideous monster. Unfortunately in the movie somebody makes that mistake as well as getting them wet (''causing them to multiply'', which looks incredibly painful).
157	* There are several gruesome gremlin-related transformations in ''Film/Gremlins2TheNewBatch'', including those involving a bat, spider, fruit, electricity, and even a woman!
158	* The Jekyll and Hyde transformations from ''Film/TheLeagueOfExtraordinaryGentlemen''.
159	* The Franchise/MarvelCinematicUniverse plays around this:
160	** [[Film/IronMan Tony Stark]] puts on his suit different ways:
161	*** The Mark II and III armors were placed on him by [[TechnologyPorn JARVIS-controlled droid arms]], stored either in a safe platform inside his garage or in his helipad. The Mark IV and VI armor are also put on this way.
162	*** The Mark V travel armor, with a button pushed for its handles to appear. Tony then places it across his chest/arc reactor and it assembles neatly around him.
163	*** The Mark VII is probably the most egregious: Tony would wear tracers on his wrists, with the armor (in a large capsule shape) summoned via voice-activation to latch onto the tracers and form around his body. It is practically useful on-the-go... [[spoiler: [[DestinationDefenestration or falling downwards]] after pissing off a megalomaniac BigBad.]]
164	*** The Mark 42 is relatively low-key. Tony tries to design it for an effective sequence, but it often goes wrong due to being a prototype. On the other hand, the armor can assemble on anyone he points to, such as Pepper or [[spoiler:the BigBad]].
165	*** Since ''Film/TheAvengers2012'', Tony modified the Mark VII and built his armors from then on so that they can open up for him to simply step in after which they close up around him, making the transformation even more low-key. They can also form around him in midair like the original Mark VII but at a much faster rate. Even Rhodey's Iron Patriot armor has this feature.
166	*** The Mark 50 or Bleeding Edge armor introduced in ''Film/AvengersInfinityWar'' consists entirely of nano-bots, and is stored in a new arc reactor installed on Tony's chest. All Tony has to do is tap a button and the armor forms around him.
167	** [[Film/TheIncredibleHulk2008 Bruce Banner]], [[HulkingOut being who he is]], can (a) be triggered into becoming the Hulk under stressful conditions or (b) lets it out freely. Whatever is happening could be determined whether [[PainfulTransformation he is struggling]] or [[TranquilFury he seamlessly transforms]].
168	** Film/{{Thor}}, while spending almost an eternity wearing his Asgardian dress armor, loses it [[BroughtDownToNormal after being sent to Earth]]. After [[HeroicSacrifice sacrificing himself to the Destroyer]], [[Myth/NorseMythology Mjolnir]] flies to him and strikes him with lightning, forming his traditional armor. His helmet, apparently, is a separate piece and not always worn. Later movies show that Mjolnir also allows Thor to change between different forms of his armor, whether it be by summoning a storm or just magically changing his clothes.
169	*** Used again in ''Film/ThorRagnarok'', Thor and Loki both use a transformation sequence when facing against Hela for the first time. Thor's involves a massive lightning strike, while Loki's is a much more subdued affair. Hela has her own involves rubbing her hands upwards and backwards on her head to summon her iconic headpiece.
170	** ''Film/AvengersInfinityWar'' has a subtle one when Bruce Banner smashes into the New York Sanctum -- one second, Doctor Strange is wearing street clothes, the next, he's in his typical sorcerer outfit, complete with cape of levitation. Spidey's quick transformation into the Iron Spider also qualifies.
171	* The ''Franchise/ANightmareOnElmStreet'' series has quite a few of these. For instance, in ''Film/ANightmareOnElmStreet4TheDreamMaster,'' fitness girl Debbie is turned into a cockroach and then trapped in a roach motel by Freddy. The same movie has [[spoiler:FinalGirl Alice invoke this by giving herself an AdrenalineMakeover to rock music in a way that resembles MagicalGirl anime.]]
172	* ''Film/{{The Nutty Professor\|1963}}'':
173	** The [[Film/TheNuttyProfessor1996 '90s remake]] had some [[{{Squick}} surprisingly gruesome]] ones with plenty of BodyHorror.
174	** And the original has Jerry Lewis going through some grotesque transformations quite out of the tone with the rest of the movie.
175	* Several of the ''Franchise/StarWars'' movies will have starfighter pilots immediately precede a space battle with an order to "[[LetsGetDangerous Lock S-Foils into Attack Position.]]", a process that usually involves the wings unfolding or splitting apart. Given George Lucas' love of old war movies and airplanes, it was likely a nod to the Dive Brakes that dive bombers would extend before going into a dive, as seen in [[http://youtu.be/XAPqoC3_hqA?t=1m4s this footage.]]
176	* Pretty much every adaptation of ''Literature/TheStrangeCaseOfDrJekyllAndMrHyde'', though the transformations are often fairly restrained in the less campy versions.
177	** The [[Film/DrJekyllAndMrHyde1931 1931 film]] is not very campy, and its transformation sequence was at the time a major breakthrough in special effects.
178	** In the musical ''Theatre/JekyllAndHyde'', Jekyll changes into Hyde by turning his head to the left, hunching a bit, sometimes changing clothes, and having the lighting change. If the actor is good enough, it ''works'', especially at the end when he's doing a duet with himself and changing back constantly.
179	** In ''Film/MaryReilly'', John Malkovich undergoes one of the most gruesome and spectacular Jekyll/Hyde transformations ever committed to screen, with Hyde appearing inside Jekyll's body and growing outwards. Then, afterward, he looks ''exactly the same''.
180	* ''Film/Underworld2003'' and ''Underworld: Evolution'', with static vampires (except for the main vamp boss with the somewhat typical beastly demon-form) but human-werewolf transformations, and their werewolves have digitigrade legs. Not much outright transformation was shown in the first movie, the most notable sequence being one shot where two lycans change ''back'', as well as one sequence where a character had an aborted change. The second film had some decent shots of man-to-wolf changes, but they went quick because they were {{mooks}}.
181	* There are a number of these in ''Film/VanHelsing'', most notably the werewolves who transform by ripping their skin off.
182	* ''Film/{{Videodrome}}'' is just plain weird in general but the transformation parts are even weirder.
183	* Eustace' transformation from dragon to boy in ''Film/TheVoyageOfTheDawnTreader'' film.
184	* ''Film/TheWitchesOfEastwick'' has the final scene in which the three witches mix up the body parts of a voodoo doll that resembles the main antagonist Daryl (Jack Nicholson) who at first turns into a giant, but then turns into a worm-like thing.
185	[[/folder]]
186
187	[[folder:Literature]]
188	* ''Literature/{{Animorphs}}'': The books made it quite clear that morphing almost never happened the same way twice, and was usually highly disgusting unless the morpher had an unusual talent for it (as did Cassie). It's also very DependingOnTheWriter how long and descriptive the transformations are -- Book #20 went into so much detail that it took almost a whole chapter for Marco to morph a cobra.
189	** A transformation sequence is shown on [[https://www.google.com/search?q=animorphs+covers&rlz=1CAACAP_enUS712US714&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjplLb7gL3XAhXC6CYKHa1vC6AQ_AUICigB&biw=1366&bih=629 each cover]] of the main series, though technically [[CoversAlwaysLie they are inaccurate]] -- in the books morphing doesn't happen evenly like that (one body part can change at a time, for example), and [[ShapeshiftingExcludesClothing normal clothes don't morph with you]].
190	* ''Literature/TheChroniclesOfNarnia: Literature/TheSilverChair'' has the villain [[ScaledUp turn into a snake]] to fight the heroes. Quite a bit of detail goes into the description, though the narrator notes that it happened faster than it would take to read it.
191	* When the [[PlanetDestroyer Reaper]] reveals himself in the Literature/CradleSeries, his [[RapidHairGrowth hair grows out]] and changes color, he summons his armor and shadowy cloak from seemingly nowhere, and the entire world [[KillingIntent goes still and silent]].
192	* In the ''Literature/{{Discworld}}'' series, both vampires and werewolves can transform, vampires into either a swarm of bats or one really big bat. Not much detail is given to werewolf transformations, but there is at one point a fight between two of them where they're both in a constant state of flux between forms. Angua, the werewolf on the watch and Captain Carrot's girlfriend, is stated to be perfectly comfortable with him seeing her naked in either form, but doesn't want him to see her mid-change. According to Gaspode in ''Men at Arms'': "Angua in both shapes was OK to look at, but the second or two in between, as the morphic signal hunted between stations, was not a sight you wished to see on a full stomach".
193	* ''Literature/UniversalMonsters'': In book 6, after Ardeth Bey's neck is broken, he transforms back into his original form as a mummified Imhotep. He remains just as dangerous in this form as before though.
194	* In ''Literature/WinniAllfours'', the protagonist is a girl who wants a pony. When that's denied to her, ''she chooses to turn herself into a pony''. Two whole pages of the small book are dedicated to showing her change from little girl to tubby little pony.
195	--> ''Very slowly things began to happen...''
196	[[/folder]]
197
198	[[folder:Manhwa]]
199	* Somewhat spoofed in ''Manhwa/DorothyOfOz''. When Mara activates the boots, her clothes are actually ripped apart and reformed into her witch's outfit, meaning that everyone sees her naked. And yes, the reason why nobody interrupts the sequence is that they're ogling her.
200	[[/folder]]
201
202	[[folder:Music Videos]]
203	* Music/MichaelJackson:
204	** The first segment of Music/MichaelJackson's "Thriller" has Michael transforming into a werepanther.
205	** There's also Michael turning into an Optimus Prime-esque {{Transformer}} at the end of ''Film/{{Moonwalker}}''.
206	* Music/WeirdAlYankovic undergoes a transformation sequence at the start of his video "Fat" that fortunately does ''not'' strip him nude in the process.
207	* Similarly enough, the music video for "Right Here, Right Now" has a transformation sequence based on the theory of evolution.
208	* Music/{{Alestorm}} shoehorned one into their video for [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZglX4P-tpcA Shit Boat (No Fans)]]. This being Alestorm, it's as random and hilarious as you'd expect.
209	[[/folder]]
210
211	[[folder:Tabletop Games]]
212	* ''TabletopGame/{{Pathfinder}}'': The [[MagicalGirl Magical Child]] archetype (class modification) for the Vigilante class naturally has this by the exact name (and other Vigilantes can pick it up as a social talent); the supernatural Transformation Sequence ability cuts down the time to switch between the social (public) and vigilante (disguised) identities at the cost of making it a magical spectacle of sound and lights. It is ''not'' [[TransformationIsAFreeAction a free action]], although a high-level Vigilante can reduce it to almost if not quite that quick.
213	** Third-party Pathfinder add-ons include the HenshinHero class and the MagicalGirl / Magical Boy class (possibly named for the pages on this very wiki), which are basically the same thing as each other. The [[http://spheresofpower.wikidot.com/henshin-hero former]] is physical-based, while the [[http://spheresofpower.wikidot.com/magical-girl latter]] is magic-based, but they both have similar Transformation and Finishing Moves abilities. The Henshin Hero's transformation isn't detailed, but the Magical Girl's is described as "an explosion of light and quite possibly ribbons".
214	[[/folder]]
215
216	[[folder:Web Animation]]
217	* ''WebAnimation/BeeAndPuppycat'' has a downplayed version. Bee's transformation is less exaggerated than most, and Bee groans in complaint the entire time.
218	* ''WebAnimation/DSBTInsaniT'': Starting with episode 6, this happens when a character changes form.
219	* ''WebAnimation/FlipnoteWarrior'': {{Subverted}}. Mome tries to transform, but it just changes her shirt because, as Ugo explains, [[BreakingTheFourthWall it's bothersome to animate]]. She's still good in a fight.
220	[[/folder]]
221
222	[[folder:Web Comics]]
223	* In ''Webcomic/AgentsOfTheRealm'', we get to see Norah's first transformation, which is rather short and conscise. From then on, however, both she and other girls change off-screen.
224	* Alex in the webcomic ''Webcomic/AngelMoxie'' [[http://www.venisproductions.com/angelmoxie/archives/0/2/025.html has a sequence]], though it only occurs a couple of times [[http://www.venisproductions.com/angelmoxie/archives/0/5/054.html the second time it crops up]] has a lampshade hanging.
225	--> '''Riley''': You know, by the time you transform, the world could have already been destroyed.\
226	'''Alex''': It's my moment. Let me have it.
227	** Later, [[spoiler:[[http://www.venisproductions.com/angelmoxie/archives/4/1/418.html Riley]] and [[http://www.venisproductions.com/angelmoxie/archives/4/3/437.html Tristan]] also each get a one when they first activate their ultimate power]].
228	* ''Webcomic/AlienbyComics'': Parodied in [[https://www.instagram.com/p/CfhWPTavfBS/ "Transformation"]] where the trigger for the sequence is [[MundaneMadeAwesome Riri's hair dye kicking in with the blow dry]].
229	* In ''Webcomic/ApricotCookies'', every MagicalGirl has a sequence where they get into their magical girl costume, including a TransformationNameAnnouncement. Apricot, who isn't a real magical girl, is able to initate the sequence and rises into the air spinning, but she gets stuck half way, so the sequence just removes her clothes without giving her a costume or powers.
230	* ''Webcomic/{{Avania}}'': Agent Valenvarius performs a magical transformation to disguise himself as the species of his foe. However, he does have to ''manually'' undress first.
231	%%* Quite obviously gets quite a bit of use in ''Webcomic/ElGoonishShive.'' [[http://www.egscomics.com/?date=2002-05-12 Here's]] one of the earliest examples, that even got a fan animation once!
232	* Much to her horror, Tohsaka gets one in ''[[VisualNovel/FateHollowAtaraxia Fate/hollow ataraxia]]'' thanks to the Kaleidostick.
233	* ''Webcomic/{{Beeserker}}'': Trigona and Queenie use bee-based and smoke-based transformations, respectively, to get dressed in the morning, as well as swap outfits on the go if needed.
234	** [[http://www.beeserker.com/comics/analogue/ Inspired by Trigona, Yellow comes up with one of his own.]] He only uses it once, however, as it involves his being horrifyingly killed.
235	---> '''Beeserker:''' "IF IT'S ANY CONSOLATION, BEING DEREZZED IN A SWARM OF BEES IS ONE OF THE LEAST PAINFUL WAYS TO GO."
236	** [[http://www.beeserker.com/comics/coronation/ Beeserker undergoes one]] to become Queen Beeserker VII.
237	* ''Webcomic/{{Fillbert}}'': Maple's hair is transformed in a 4-panel sequence.
238	* Parodied in ''Webcomic/TheFourthWall'' [[http://tapastic.com/episode/177767 here]] when the Creator decides to trick Greg out before he begins the search for Ric.
239	* Parodied in ''[[http://headtripcomics.comicgenesis.com/d/20060514.html Head Trip]]''.
240	* In ''Webcomic/HolidayWars'', AprilFoolsDay is a shapeshifter and in between forms he turns into a giant glob resembling an ink blot, as seen in [[http://www.th3rdworld.com/web-comic/Holiday-Wars/episode/Holiday-Wars-Episode-51 this strip]].
241	%%* Parodied in ''Webcomic/KidRadd''. "Magical Maid Robo Sheena!"
242	* ''Webcomic/LeagueOfSuperRedundantHeroes'': Lampooned in [[http://superredundant.com/?comic=257-downtime this strip]] where the more experienced villain clearly find this sort of thing odd, but doesn't question it anymore.
243	* ''Webcomic/LeifAndThorn'': For the magical girls (and boys, women, men, etc). [[http://leifandthorn.com/comic/fish-story-2641/ Teenage girl Ivy]] gets a lavish one; so does [[http://leifandthorn.com/comic/fish-story-1541/ an adult male character]] earlier in the same storyline.
244	* Averted in ''Webcomic/M9Girls''. The M9 Girls must change themselves into their super-heroine clothes, not without some shinny effects [[http://m9girls.com/webcomic/en/suit-up/ added by the artist]].
245	* ''Webcomic/MagicalTwelfthGraders'': Usually naked, always lampshaded. This includes the boys, with the author noting that the lower half is obscured because he doesn't want to draw it. [[FemaleGaze It's not obscured for Yeorum]].
246	* ''Webcomic/MahouShounenFight'' features one [[http://www.mahoushounenfight.com/?p=143 here]] for protagonist Mike Smith; note that he isn't stripped completely naked as he keeps his [[ShowWithinAShow Mantis Man]] [[GoofyPrintUnderwear underwear]] on.
247	%%* Lampshaded in [[http://www.megatokyo.com/strip/266 this]] ''Webcomic/{{Megatokyo}}'' strip.
248	* Parodied and lampshaded in ''Webcomic/PrincessChroma''. June gets impatient by the third time she transforms. And she slaps the attacking monster when it tries to interrupt her in mid-transformation.
249	* Parodied in ''Webcomic/QueenOfWands'', with Kestrel [[http://www.queenofwands.net/d/20040119.html "explaining"]] how [[Series/Batman1966 Batman and Robin]] changed costumes while sliding down the Batpole.
250	* Parodied in the ''Webcomic/QuestionableContent'' strip "[[http://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=3474 Sailor Sagittarius A*]]", in which we see Bubbles de-armouring ''Sailor Sentai'' style, and then this turns out to be an ImagineSpot by Faye as she levers it off with a crowbar.
251	* Parodied (along with the idea with the idea that all lesbian characters must be [[ButchLesbian stereotypically 'butch']] and own [[CrazyCatLady loads of cats]]) in [[http://www.redstring.strawberrycomics.com/?p=3267 this]] ''Webcomic/RedString'' [[FillerStrip guest comic]] by [[Webcomic/IWasKidnappedByLesbianPiratesFromOuterSpace Megan Gedris]].
252	%%* ''Webcomic/SexyLosers'' parodies the ''Anime/SailorMoon'' example with... [[AllMenArePerverts obvious]] results.
253	* ''Webcomic/SleeplessDomain'': Every MagicalGirl gets one. However, notably they each get ''only'' one; the author didn't want to bog down the story by repeating transformations. Outside of the single (and awesome) one, the girls transform offscreen. [[http://www.sleeplessdomain.com/comic/chapter-1-page-7 Seen here for Team Alchemical]].
254	%%* ''Webcomic/SparklingGenerationValkyrieYuuki'', of course.
255	* Parodied in ''Webcomic/SupernormalStep'' where a '''male''' character is doing a MagicalGirl transformation sequence.
256	* ''Webcomic/SweetDreams'': [[http://sweetdreams.thecomicseries.com/comics/24 Shown here for The Starry Trio]].
257	* In ''[[http://www.unionofheroes.com/comic/105-episode-2-page-25.html Union of Heroes]]'' there is an animated transformation sequence of Munin changing from his human to his raven form and flying away.
258	* In ''Webcomic/TheWitchsThrone'', a girl must go through one to become a Witch.
259	* ''Webcomic/{{xkcd}}'': When he hears a cry for help, [[http://xkcd.com/663/ Sagan-Man]] whirls around and dons a cape.
260	[[/folder]]
261
262	[[folder:Web Original]]
263	* In ''Literature/ArcanaMagiZero'', when Alysia Perez calls for Saga and Megumi Miyazaki calls for Fable, their magic circles would go through their bodies forming their magical outfits and armor.
264	* ''Literature/BusterGirls'' usually fully describes the transformation sequence of any meaningful form the main characters take the first time they do it.
265	* Yuki Shimizu in ''Literature/TheImpossibleMan'' has a TransformationSequence off scene. The plausible reason was to hide her identity from everyone, even her co-workers. Unfortunately her co-workers already figured out her secret identity and she know its too, but she still goes off scene in their presence when there are no villains around to transform.
266	* ''WebOriginal/LinkAndMage'', fitting for its magical girl-inspiration, has those for both the Link Strikers and the Mages.
267	* In ''Literature/MagicalGirlPolicy'', each of the spirit guard experience this, though it is so far only shown when Rob transforms for the first time.
268	* The WebVideo/{{Metaverse}} has two examples.
269	** Tom Fury attempts to replicate Ultraman's transformation into his signature gear...but he hasn't quite gotten the hang of it yet.
270	** [[spoiler:Kid Sideburns]] becomes the superhero Captain Mental to defeat Coyle Commander byputting on a mask and having his clothes magically change,
271	[[/folder]]
272
273	[[folder:Web Videos]]
274	* ''WebVideo/AnalystBroniesReact'': [=AnY=] does the ''Wonder Woman'' spin to... [[ParodiedTrope change his clothes]].
275	* Linkara's has a few ''Power Rangers''-styled ones in ''WebVideo/AtopTheFourthWall''.
276	* Prior to the climax of ''[[WebVideo/TheCartoonMan Return of the Cartoon Man]]'', Roy undergoes a transformation back into a Cartoon Man [[spoiler:so that he can stop Simon's diabolical scheme.]]
277	* And then there's Spoony turning into Dr. Insano in ''WebVideo/{{Kickassia}}''.
278	* ''WebVideo/ManateeGirlTheMovie'' features one that is roughly a minute long (of a 4 minute 30 second film) and has manatees in space floating in the background. The length is {{Lampshaded}} when the mid transformation sequence the main villain checks his watch.
279	[[/folder]]

Context Main / TransformationSequence