[[quoteright:232:[[TekkamanBlade http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/TeknomanNakedTransform.jpg]] ]]
->''"Super special awesome ultra special sexy transformation sequence GO!"''
->--''{{Yu-Gi-Oh The Abridged Series}}''

Before the OrdinaryHighSchoolStudent (or a hidden Bad Guy) can access their secret powers, there must be a powerup. This usually involves a change of form or at least costume, although the precise mechanisms usually vary by type.

A MagicalGirl's TransformationSequence is usually triggered by [[ByThePowerOfGreyskull a key phrase]] and special gestures, and sometimes requires a [[TransformationTrinket magical token of some sort]]. It normally includes a long, symbolic light show, and can strip its subject naked for at least a few seconds before the new uniform starts forming out of ribbons, energy, feathers, or whatever the dominant paradigm of the character demands. Although this nudity is typically fodder for {{fanservice}}, it also has its own significance, in that the character is symbolically discarding her "mundane" identity and taking on a magical one.

The character is lifted into the air, spun around and can undergo a number of contortions which they probably would not normally make of their own free will; they are then deposited back on the ground in their empowered form, at which point most of them feel compelled to give [[InTheNameOfTheMoon a short speech]] [[IAmHeroHearMeRoar identifying themselves]] to anyone who hasn't already figured it out.
[[hardline]]
There are few "magical boys" and even fewer undergo a true TransformationSequence; those that do don't seem to need quite as much frippery as the girls. Their outfits are usually more uniform- or armor-like. However, ''sentai''-esque series such as ''RoninWarriors'' will often have them.

A Demonic or pseudo-Demonic TransformationSequence usually involves ripping skin, gouts of blood, screams of pain and other unpleasantries, depicted either in silhouette, or in excruciating close-up detail. Clothing is shredded and abandoned; replacements are optional and depend on the motif of the resultant demonic form. (See also MagicPants.) If the transformation is voluntary, it's triggered by a simple act of will. (See ''GeneratorGawl'', ''{{Guyver}}'', or any horror/sci-fi bishounen anime for samples of this variety.) This variant is also common for alien, mutant, or otherwise monstrous transformations. See also TransformationTrauma, PainfulTransformation.

Another variant is the "assisted" transformation sequence, which can happen in a ToTheBatPole moment.

Transformation Sequences are good for a show's budget because they provide a large amount of StockFootage that can be (and often ''must'' be) reused each episode. They also provide nice filler for the writers. If a particular transformation sequence occurs multiple times in one episode, a shortened version will often be used after the first time (hopefully).

The shots and angles used in a TransformationSequence owe a great deal to the LockAndLoadMontage. Mechanical or robotic transformations usually end up as TechnologyPorn.

HumongousMecha that can [[TransformingMecha transform]] and/or [[CombiningMecha merge]] often do so in this manner, especially in old-school mecha shows of the "[[{{Ultraman}} giant metal super hero]]" vein.

Rarely is there a special-effects sequence for changing ''back''.

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". This is a good way to spot the SixthColumn or a NobleDemon looking to make a HeelFaceTurn somewhere down the line.

Note that many transformation sequences are actually just for the viewer's benefit (and to eat up air time), and the actual change as experienced by the character is instantaneous -- or at least very brief. [[TransformationIsAFreeAction This might explain why bad guys (almost) never attack a hero during his transformation sequence]], although the DangerouslyGenreSavvy usually will not let the opportunity slip by.

Compare TakeOffEveryZig.
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!!Examples

[[foldercontrol]]

[[folder: Anime ]]

* ''CuteyHoney'' is the archetypical transforming MagicalGirl, including [[ByThePowerOfGreyskull catchphase]], naked transformation, and InTheNameOfTheMoon.
** And the live version...[[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wTjIR1ysXEQ well, just look]].
*** [[ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin "Honey Flash"]] indeed...
* Was done in an adaptation of ''Zorro''. ''Regular Zorro''. He transformed.
** With ''lightning.'' And generic Latin music. And one of the first boys to ever transform, see: {{CrowningMomentofAwesome}}
* The majority of protagonists, antagonists, and minor enemies in ''{{Guyver}}'' are capable of changing to and from incredibly strong and sentient beings; the most prominent is the main character, Sho Fukamachi (a.k.a. "Guyver 1").
* ''{{Moldiver}}'' parodies the conventions with a transformation that destroys clothing unless the transformee strips naked first.
* Similarly, Poemi Watanabe's transformation to ''PuniPuniPoemi'' automatically strips her bare -- except for her socks, which she has to manually remove before she can complete the sequence.
* Parodied in ''HayateTheCombatButler;'' Hayate once drew a manga about a magical girl that won a manga contest. When he showed it to the other girls at their insistence, the girls noted with some irritation that the transformation sequence was too {{Moe}} and full of FanService.
* The Transformation Sequence in ''FutariWaPrettyCure'' is unusual in that it requires both girls in the show to invoke it together; it is also extraordinarily pyrotechnic in appearance.
** This troper noted that the "implied nudity" present in almost ''every'' transformation sequence in anime is only present in the original ''Pretty Cure'' and ''Max Heart''; subsequent series have the girls go from civilian clothes straight to glowy shapes which explode into the new outfit.
** Mercifully in ''YesPrecure5'', the individual girls' sequences are very brief and often happen simultaneously via split-screen. Five long transformation sequences may be pretty and cheap but it ain't half boring the umpteenth time.
* ''[[{{Robotech}} Macross]]'' had a mechanically detailed slow-mo sequence of the Valkyrie's shape-shift in the opening, but most times the changes happened lightning-fast, without StockFootage. The later ''[[SuperDimensionFortressMacross Macross]]'' series generally followed the lead of the first, although beautifully animated slow-motion transformations (as in Focker's VF-0 transformation in ''Macross Zero'') were retained, these sequences were mostly one-off FanService moments.
* ''UFOPrincessValkyrie'' has at least 4 different transformation sequences, all of which provide plenty of {{fanservice}}:
*** Let's not forget doing at least one of them, both ways, at least one per episode.
** Valkyrie: a fairly standard transformation sequence, triggered by Valkyrie kissing Kazuto.
** Hydra: another fairly standard transformation sequence, triggered by Akina temporarily removing the seal on Hydra's power.
** Valkyrie Ghost: an evil-type transformation: involves lots of chains and darkness, appears to be painful, causes manacles to appear around Valkyrie Ghost's wrists.
** Akidora: fairly standard sequence, this transformation combines Akina and Hydra, averaging their "assets"; introduced in episode 9 of season 2 and used ''3 times'' in that episode alone (full-length every time), plus at least once more during the series. Triggered when Akina and Hydra are annoyed at each other, dissolves if they start feeling friendly toward one another.
* A unique variant on the TransformationSequence appeared in ''{{Mononoke}}'' (and the Bakeneko arc of ''Ayakashi'' it was developed from). In it, the [[EveryoneCallsHimBarkeep Medicine Seller]] doesn't so much transform as summon a warrior body to replace his normal one- the patterns slide off his blue robes and pale face and crawl onto his warrior form's golden robes and dark-skinned face before his original form vanishes, in what is unquestionably the ''coolest'' TransformationSequence ever animated.
* ''RoninWarriors'' had multiple {{Transformation Sequence}}s for different levels of power.
* ''GetterRobo'', one of the classic TransformingMecha series, subverted it when the prototype Getter units were destroyed as an enemy attacked in the middle of the transformation sequence. A modern sequel had the heroes pull the same trick against their {{Evil Counterpart}}s -- after doing their own combination sequence first -- to prove how much more BadAss they are.
-->'''Ryoma''': "What's the matter? Can't even pull off a change without checking the controls?"
** Then gleefully subverted with the relevation that the heroes only destroyed one of the machines. The other two formed enough of the machine for their enemies to keep fighting. Of course, one [[{{Kamehamehadoken}} Stoner Sunshine]] later...
** This scene seems to be based on the first battle in the ''Shin Getter Robo'' manga, though in that version they managed to destroy the partially-formed mecha before it could fight back.
* ''Zettai Muteki Raijin-Oh'' took this trope to epic levels early in the SuperRobot genre -- Not only does the titular [[CombiningMecha combiner]] have a ''gattai'' sequence, the classrooms of the school transform into a command centre, with the whole structure of the school building rearranging itself. The three pilots do a whole ToTheBatPole sequence, and the school hall, pool, and sports track ''all'' unfold to reveal the three component robots of the titular mecha. [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v9-WhSbTUKw As shown Here]]
** Taken one step beyond in one of the later Eldoran Series anime, ''Nekketsu Saikyo Gosaurer'' Where the school it self turns into the mechas. [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fw_o50wN9UE&feature=related Observe]]
* Spoofed in episode 41 of ''KeroroGunsou'', where Tamama suggests the squad attack Kogoro during his TransformationSequence, but Keroro insists they wait until it's finished.
* ''SailorMoon'', with its heavy dependence upon stock footage, used pretty much every variation of the TransformationSequence over the years.
** Transformation sequences gradually evolved over the course of each season as the novelty wore off: condensed, "team transformation" sequences created by intercutting the various characters' individual transformation sequences predominate in later episodes.
** In Ami Mizuno's DayInTheLimelight episode of ''Sailor Moon R'' the camera actually cut away from her Sailor Mercury transformation sequence twice. The sequence appears to be happening in real time and her opponent appears to transfixed by the lightshow.
** When we actually see a character (namely, Sailor Uranus) transform back on-screen, it apparently requires only an act of will, as opposed to the "ByThePowerOfGreyskull" phrases used for normal transformations. Also, there are a few plot-critical moments at which Sailor Moon is temporarily depowered by a villain, reversing her transformation; these, however, are obviously not voluntary.
* Similarly, ''TokyoMewMew'' shows Mew Ichigo voluntarily transforming back into her normal form at least twice (with no nudity shown), seemingly just by touching her pendant; in the last episode, the entire team gets their transformations reversed because their powers are no longer needed.
* ''MermaidMelodyPichiPichiPitch'' gives everyone two separate sequences; one if they're in human form, and one if they're mermaids. Also, once they get their first [[FrillsOfJustice wardrobe]] and [[SoLastSeason weapon upgrade]], it appears that Lucia, Hanon and Rina ''cannot'' transform separately until near the end of the season, for the simple reason that the animators didn't make the necessary StockFootage.
* ''SaintOctober'' dispenses with glittery body outlines and comes up with things like... giant balls of mud dripping down and covering the magical girl.
* In ''PrincessTutu'', you can tell the DarkMagicalGirl by the pain she goes through when transforming -- black wings rip out of her back and thorny vines wrap around her as she voicelessly screams. The title character, however, gets a regular TransformationSequence with glowy body outlines and beautiful water, egg and light imagery.
** The main character also has a short transformation sequence that takes place when she turns from a duck into a girl, although we see the transformation from the viewpoints of outsiders about as many times as we see the sequence, and it seems like most people simply see it as a bright flash of light followed by a naked girl standing where a duck was a moment earlier. Also, it's a little interesting to note that in comparison to a lot of other magical girl shows, Tutu's transformation sequence is ''very'' short -- the main character only disappears into a golden egg for a moment and comes out fully clothed. The promo video made before the show was produced shows a much longer, more traditional transformation sequence, however.
* Parodied nicely in ''{{Genshiken}}''; when forcing Saki to cosplay, a somewhat...unhinged... Ohno, with a creepy laugh and in a sing-song voice, says "Time for all the gentlemen to get out of here, so Saki can begin her transformation sequence".
* Parodied in ''AsagiriNoMiko'' where during one monster attack Seiko orders the girls to "Transform!"... And they run into a locker room and laboriously change into their miko clothes.
* ''MagicalGirlLyricalNanoha'' features long transformation sequences for the heroine and her ''female'' comrades. Notable for the nudity of the heroine even when she was a minor, although [[AnimeAnatomy no secondary sexual characteristics]] are depicted. In certain cases, even the weapons get their own transformation sequences. In the third season, ''[=Nanoha StrikerS=]'', the clothes of the only male on the team explode directly into his Barrier Jacket with no implied nudity in between -- particularly conspicuous next to the consecutive transformation sequences of the females, who have their clothes explode long before the Barrier Jacket appears.
** Said sequences happen in decreasing frequency through subsequent seasons. ''A's'' has the characters perform the transformation sequence twice for the whole season, while ''[=StrikerS=]'' also had it twice for the main characters only during its 26-episode run. Heck, [[spoiler: the [[HeelFaceTurn Wolkenritter]]]] who were introduced in the second season did not have a transformation sequence until the third season, and it was very brief. After transformation sequences have been done previously, the characters usually just gets enveloped in a ball of light and transforms in a split second.
** [[DoubleSubversion Doubly subverted]] in the second episode of the first season where a giant dog of a [[MonsterOfTheWeek Jewel Seed monster]] attacks Nanoha during her TransformationSequence... only to get tossed away like a rag doll by the powerful barrier it generates.
** We also see variations on transformations, including one that is virtually instant (Nanoha says simply, "Raging Heart, please?" and her Jacket flows over her), and numerous detransforms that are not only simple but clearly triggered just by willing them.
* Yami Yugi's appearances in the early episodes of ''{{Yu-Gi-Oh}}'' were usually preceded by a Transformation Sequence. After a while they cut this short, but the dub version left it in for a while afterwards.
* Subverted in ''CardCaptorSakura'', where the transformation leaves title character Sakura the same, instead transforming the tiny geegaw she wears on a necklace into a three foot long staff which she needs in order to use the magic cards. Any changes to her wardrobe are done in an entirely non-magical way. Oddly, these transformation sequences don't always use Stock Footage, since Sakura wears different costumes in almost every episode.
** In fact, it only used stock footage when she was in her school uniform, which she rarely was for a fight.
* ''KonjikiNoGashBell'' featured a parody of the elaborate transformation sequence, with one-shot villain Coral Q able to transform into a variety of forms to counter Gash's spells. He takes great pride in these transformations (with theme song sung by sentai mainstay Hiroki Takahashi), and Kiyomaro counters them by simply saying he blinked and missed them, forcing Coral Q to de-transform and re-transform.
** Kiyomaro makes Coral Q do it over ''several times'' -- for the first two, he ''did'' miss it: Coral Q goes from being a laughably tiny half-transformed box-like thing to a ''ridiculously'' giant robot ''[[RuleOfFunny in an instant]]''. Kiyomaro makes him do it over twice because he's convinced that he somehow missed a step... and then he gives up trying to figure it out and starts screwing with Coral Q.
* Capcom has been experimenting with this a lot lately in the ''Rockman / MegaMan'' series. Cross Fusion starting in the third season of the ''[[MegaManNTWarrior EXE/NT Warrior]]'' anime, Denpa Henkan/EM Wave Change in the new ''[[MegaManStarForce Ryuusei/Star Force]]'' game/anime, and the "Rock On!" ability that underpins the [[MegaManZX ZX]] series.
** Specifically, in ''ZX Advent,'' Ashe and Aile get full-on Magical Girl-esque transformations (Vent and Grey's transformations are similar, but much shorter; Grey's appears to be a PainfulTransformation).
* DoubleSubversion in ''{{Voltron}}''. During one episode, the villains decide to attack Voltron while it is transforming. Unfortunately for them, they find out that a force field protects Voltron while it is transforming.
** Similarly, ''GaoGaiGar'' is surrounded by a tornado of greenish energy during its Final Fusion sequence. This time ''[[ZigZaggingTrope triple]]'' [[ZigZaggingTrope subverted]] when at least one MonsterOfTheWeek was actually able to breach it and attack the machines in the middle of transforming, and had to be distracted by another Brave robot.
*** ''GaoGaiGar'' also had to fight off the second MonsterOfTheWeek himself in mid-transformation.
*** It should also be noted that at least twice GaoGaiGar is shown to perform "Fusion Out" with help of hangar machinery, making it a rare demostration of nominal way of ungattai-ing the combined mecha.
*** The earlier Brave show ''BraveExpressMightGaine'' had no such protection & actually did get attacked mid-gattai by a GenreSavvy opponent at least once.
** The title mech of ''Gravion'' is surrounded by a huge bubble of turbulent gravity-manipulation as [[CombiningMecha its parts join together]]. Notable in that even the pilots of the separate machines have to be careful and concentrate on what they're doing, or it's quite capable of knocking ''them'' away too.
*** Subverted in ''Gravion Zwei,'' where [[spoiler:a [[MonsterOfTheWeek zeravire]] specially designed to brake Gravion combination sequence appears. It succeeds, and proceeds to use energy of Elgo Form to wreck general havoc.]]
* Subverted in ''{{Bleach}}'', where in order for Ichigo to become a Shinigami all that is required is for anyone with an appropriate 'soul-removal' tool to give him a good smack with it.
** He can do himself two ways though, either with the badge he acquires after the Soul Society arc, or by putting Kon into his body.
** Although Ichigo and Renji's Bankai both give them new outfits, although the extended transformation sequences are usually just for dramatic purposes, and are typically much shorter after the first time.
* Averted in ''GalaxyFrauleinYuna'' where one of the characters has a literal three frame transformation from normal clothing to battlesuit. Phenomenally cool.
* Subverted in ''{{UFO Robo Grendizer}}'' (Westernized as "Grandizer"). The villains exploited a design flaw in the Grandizer unit -- as it left its ship (its transformation sequence), the pilot's seat took eight seconds to travel from the ship's control center to the robot's. The locals end up developing another support craft for the robot to respond to this, complete with its own full-time pilot.
** Played straight with the Pilot's transformation sequence, announced with a roaring ''Dude Fureedo!''
* Subverted in the second episode of ''UltimateGirls'' when Tsubomi and Vivian transform. Instead of the stock animation which is later used, a "now transforming" meter is displayed which looks suspiciously like an Adobe Flash Player loading bar.
--> ''Tsubomi is currently transforming. Please wait.''
* ''TekkamanBlade'' has a rare male nude transformation sequence. However, the transformation sequence was pretty much dropped after about six or seven episodes. It was replaced with StockFootage of the HumongousMecha, Pegas, being deployed.
** When Saban created their dub of the series, ''Teknoman'', they reinserted the sequence into most episodes that didn't have it. It was even combined with the Pegas launch-sequence, creating a double-length sequence.
* Moka's super-vampire transformation in ''RosarioToVampire'' shows up nearly every time, and seems to have bats flying into her body and increasing her breast size. The DVD version goes a step further and removes the glow from her body, canceling out at least some of the AnimeAnatomy. Come the second season, another, slightly more elaborate one is used.
** Oh, and apparently this sequence happened in real-time and included a voice-over that was actually part of the sequence. Played for laughs in at least one instance when Moka transformed off-screen... and yet the voice-over describing what was happening could still be heard.
* ''{{Guyver}}'' has a rare non-nude transformation sequence, as the Guyver Armor appears ''over'' any clothes the user is wearing. It additionally provides an explanation for why the user can't be attacked, as he's protected by a SphereOfDestruction during the transformation. In one of the early episodes, one of the {{Mooks}} attempts to grapple the hero in mid-transformation, and gets splattered into a fine meat-paste for his trouble. In another, Sho is chained to his girlfriend so that he cannot transform without killing her.
* ''WeddingPeach'' had two, one for the wedding dress form, and one for their standard MagicWarrior form.
* ''ToLoveRu'': Lala's change into "Dress Form" somehow manages to combine this and NaughtyTentacles. Seriously.
** Which is, unusually, skipped after just the first two episodes.
** In ''To Love-Ru'''s ShowWithinAShow, ''Magical Kyoko'', the transformation sequence is subverted. Kyoko, a magical girl, has a cat partner that transforms into her costume -- and ''only'' her costume. Kyoko has to manually put it on.
* Subverted in Blue Dragon where as several robots begin to merge together in a transformation sequence, one of the heroes quickly slices them in half while berating them for thinking she would stand still and wait while they used such a long sequence during battle.
* The ''PrettySammy'' series mostly plays it straight with an epileptic seizure-causing bit of StockFootage, but sometimes parodies aspects of it. One of the first times Sammy transforms ends with her getting kicked down by Pixy Misa as she's posing.
* Himeno Awayuki of ''{{Pretear}}'' has [[strike:seven]] six available transformations, depending on the Leafe Knight she is [[FusionDance merging with]]; all sequences look pretty similar, though. No [[ByThePowerOfGreyskull special words]] are used, the process is triggered by joining hands. The ''de''-transformations are also shown occasionally, but they don't get any special footage, and don't neccessarily happen at her own will.
* ''Onmyou Taisenki'' has a variation, in the form of Shikigami summoning sequences. Interestingly, pretty much everyone has them, and it's a pretty good way of telling how significant a Toujinshi is to the plot: important characters get long personalized sequences, while {{Mooks}} and [[RedShirt Red Shirts]] all get the same generic sequence.
* The Demonic subtype is played straight when the titular character of ''{{Naruto}}'' pulls out his [[spoiler: fourth [[SuperpoweredEvilSide kyuubi tail]]. [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dKZEdzPwlQQ Watch it here while listening to Linkin Park.]] ]]
** Why is it ''always'' Linkin Park?
* Do-chan, the [[PoweredArmor sentient Battle Dogi]] from ''[[RanmaOneHalf Ranma 1/2]]'', isn't actually worn. When it finds a suitable master, it flashes into a bolt of lightning that crashes down on its owner, ripping her clothes to shreds (which leaves them [[{{Fanservice}} naked]] momentarily,) and reforming on her body. It is also emphatic enough to know precisely when its owner wants to transform.
* The Impulse Gundam from ''[[{{GundamSEEDDestiny}} Mobile Suit Gundam SEED: Destiny]]'' uses a variation on the original series' Core Block System to launch -- the cockpit is a transforming fighter, the legs are a separate module and the entire upper body is a third, with extra equipment arriving as a fourth after the main body has combined in mid-air. Faintly subverted because the transformation actually takes place in real time, and therefore it's very vulnerable to a quick-thinking enemy.
** It actually seems to be played straight instead because Shinn is never attacked during that sequence, even if the opportunity has been given more times than this troper cares to remember. {{Mook Chivalry}} maybe?
** [[FailureIsTheOnlyOption No such luck]] for the protagonist of ''Victory Gundam'', despite the Victory and V2 Gundams having very similar combining/transforming sequences to the original RX-78; well over half a battle can and is spent just trying to get all the pieces together without being interrupted or having said parts outright destroyed by the enemy, leading to such gems as [[TheWoobie Uso]] having to fight without arms or even ''legs''.
** In contrast, ''GGundam'' just went for straight up {{Fanservice}}. Unless there was some other deeper meaning this troper missed while watching the latex wrap snugly over Domon Kasshu's buttocks. In close-up.
*** Nope. Just {{Fanservice}}. Especially evident when [[LoveInterest Rain]] gets a sequence. Parodied with Master Asia's ''horse'', who also gets to suit up.
* ''UtaKata'' has quite a bit of variety in its {{transformation sequence}}s for Ichika, depending on which Djinn she summons. Each of her costumes is designed by a different well-known manga or anime artist. Ichika sometimes becomes fully naked, but also changes almost instantly on some occasions.
* ''ShugoChara'', by its very nature as a MagicalGirl series, has these. It has an odd case in ''[[TroubledButCute Ikuto]]'' getting a transformation sequence that has all the sparkles and effects the girls' sequences have. Also subverted briefly when Amu goes through the motions without her TransformationTrinket, only realizing too late that it won't work.
* ''KazeNoStigma'' is positively laden with transformation sequences, mainly Ayano Kannagi whipping out her sword Enraiha. This troper has watched several dozen anime in his time, but still couldn't contain the laughter every time this ridiculously stereotypical one was played -- often several times per episode (or at least it felt that way).
* ''Saber Rider and the Star Sheriffs'' has a "4 vehicles transform into one Mecha" every episode.
* Not only do the ''{{Digimon}}'' have several transformation sequences every episode, seasons 3 and 4 had the humans transforming, several times with the naked scenes.
** Subverted it the movie, where a virus Digimon observes their Ultimate Digivolutions, then attacks them in mid-change. This is notable as he is the only character in the entire franchise so far to attack during a transformation, despite this being a major flaw in all Digimon. One antagonist was a sentient deletion program, yet it waited the several on-screen minutes needed for their transformations.
*** However, much of the series seems to imply that it takes only as long to actually happen as it takes to say "mon digivolve to...mon!". A speed of plot type of thing.
** Using the power of their TransformationTrinket (D-Tectors and Human/Beast/Fusion/Unified Spirit), the characters in ''DigimonFrontier'' go through a 32 second transformation sequence to change into their digimon forms. Lots of AnimeAnatomy, screaming, and pretty lights are involved. The sequence doesn't look like it, but transforming ''is'' painful, and the amount of pain correlates with how powerful the form is (one word: [[{{Squick}} ew]].). Takuya's voice actor refused to voice Takuya's final evolution because he didn't want to harm his voice with all the screaming and all.
* ''DinosaurKing'' uses transformation sequences for the six main dinosaurs (Chomp, Ace, Paris, Terry, Spiny, and Tank). Notably, they change from 2D chibi dinosaurs into CGI realistic dinosaurs. As the series progresses, they shorten these sequences, cutting from the chibi dinosaur straight to the CGI.
* Almost completely averted by the titular character of ''InuYasha,'' who became human for the night of the new moon. The transformation had no visible effect on his clothing, there was a brief a pulse of power during the transformation, and his hair and eyes changed color, while his ears shifted between human and ''hanyo'' form. And his fingernails would change length. In the manga it was clear the entire transformation happened in under a second. Nonetheless, it could be quite dramatic, because when InuYasha returned to ''hanyo'' form, you knew he was going to open a can of whupass on the opposition.
** The same generally goes for his ''SuperpoweredEvilSide'' transformations, although they tend to be more drawn out for dramatic effect (although his power boost and reluctance to lose his humanity probably play a part, too.)
* ''GetsumentoHeikiMina'' (aka ''Lunar Rabbit Weapon Mina'') has gratuitous FanService-laden sequences. Complete with {{Gainaxing}}. Yes, ''magical Gainaxing''. ([[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IG2Bw_pVPn8&feature=related Jump to 1:58 for the good stuff.]])
** Also, in the last episode, we find out that everyone else just sees them having a bright light surround them for about half a second, then they are done transforming.
* ''SoltyRei'' showed a member of the [=RUC=] team suiting up with her PoweredArmor in a fashion reminiscent of this trope, complete with a bit of [[{{Gainaxing}} bounce]].
* Subverted in ''{{Moetan}}''. While Ink and Sumi's transformations fit the standard fare, Arks and Karts would be shown observing the naked transformations and drooling and {{Nosebleed}}ing respectively, showing that the transformations take place in real time.
* Possibly subverted in ''{{Mononoke}}'' as the Medicine Seller's transformation sequences are all sort of similar but never the same way twice. They're also some of the absolute coolest things ever animated, hands down.
* ''{{Kirby}}'' has a variety of transformation sequences, one for each ability. Most of them are cute and silly, but a few are darn cool.
* ''{{Figure17}}'' has a short, less flashy sci-fi themed transformation sequence for Tsubasa and Hikaru. It appears to be mostly symbolic, however, because when we see the transformation occuring from "outside" it's just a dome of green light that envlopes the characters.
** This is also implied to be a little bit negative, in fact -- the need for so much time to transform seems to be a symptom of Hikaru being a malfunctioning Figure. Normal figures are able to transform for combat fast enough to react to an attack; Tsubasa and Hikaru have to transform somewhere safe before getting involved.
* ''AngelBlade'' features one or two of these. They never show a power down or what it looks like to the others in the area. Also since it's {{hentai}} any implied nudity is thrown out the window as it's all plainly visible.
* Parodied in HappyLesson. "Activate tutor transformation! Actually, I was wearing these underneath..."
* ''TengenToppaGurrenLagann'' features transformation scenes for each of the "stages" of the Gurren Lagann, featuring a specific background, and their awesomeness increases with the size of the resulting combination. The Chouginga Gurren Lagann scene deserves an special mention because half of it is about how epic sunglasses just got.
* ''My Santa'' does this with the main character Mai getting an adult form, including gratuitous close-ups, including one after the transformation after the co-main character points out her added appeal. Is it any coincidence that it was created by [[LoveHina Ken]] [[MahouSenseiNegima Akamatsu?]]
* Some "soul resonances" in ''SoulEater'' take a minute to charge up, noticeably Death the Kid's "Death Cannon" attack, which employs glowyness, dramatic angling, a countdown and a [[CallingYourAttacks call]]. His definitely counts as a TransformationSequence due to the fact they generally involve his guns molding themselves to his body and transforming his forearms into giant cannons.
** [[spoiler: Cruelly interrupted in episode 50 of the anime by the DangerouslyGenreSavvy demon god Asura, who speared him through the stomach before he was done powering up. (This troper blames Black*Star, who was ''told'' to "stop his movements until I finish my TransformationSequence" but didn't.)]]
* Phoron's One Man Orchestra (before it was built [[TransformingMecha into the bike]]) in ''ShinkyokuSoukaiPolyphonica'' has a bit of an elaborate sequence for setting itself up in ''Crimson S''.
* [[{{Hellsing}} "Releasing control-art restriction system to level 3... level 2... level 1."]]
* In ''SaintSeiya'', the Cloths (living suits of armor built to resemble the 88 Constellations) are typically carried around in enormous chests. When the Saint activates his Cloth, the chest [[PowerGlows shines spectacularly]] and bursts open (sometimes revealing a spectral construct shaped like Pegasus, a Dragon, a Swan, or whatever constellation the armor represents.) The Cloth within the chest reveals itself, assembled in the rough likeness of the creature from the constellation, before splitting into pieces that fly towards the wearer and clasp onto his body, one at a time. When it is complete, the Saint strikes a pose with the constellation shining in the background.
* ''{{Kurokami}}'' has "Synchronization" which is accomplished through a shared transformation sequence of two people, such as [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dAH12zc9Vc4&fmt=18 This one]]
* {{Pokemon}} evolutions can take up to thirty seconds on screen. Ash's [[spoiler: Chimchar evolving]] was an excellent example. However, after evolving, Pokemon can never change back.
**The StockFootage of Ash getting ready to battle (which showed him turning his hat backwards, a close-up of his eye, and Ash throwing a PokéBall) could count for this...or something. The sequence was only shown in the first couple seasons, and was dropped early on.
* The anime series ''{{Reideen}}'' features a bunch of more or less bishonen guys who transform into mecha-like armor which they may fuse into a Gundam-style mecha. The transformation includes light, they strip naked and then ''crystallize'' before becoming armored. After they transform back, they are actually naked and have to look for clothing or try to avoid being seen like that.
* Natsuru Senou of ''{{Kampfer}}'' periodically [[GenderBender drops his (yes) Y-chromosome]] whenever another Kampfer is around in a short display of [[{{Squee}} fan pleasing goodness]] (at least for the first few times).
* The second season of ''DarkerThanBlack'' has a Contractor whose power is the ability to summon a gigantic antitank rifle, which involves a sequence, apparently in real time, in which she floats up into the air and the barrel of the gun comes out of her necklace. Given the show's habit of [[{{Deconstruction}} deconstructing]] every trope it gets its claws into, the fandom is already taking bets on how long it's going to be until she gets attacked in the middle of it.
* When Erza in FairyTail changes her magical armor in mid battle, all the mooks stop what they're doing to ogle her.

[[/folder]]

[[folder: Comic Books ]]

* The [[MonsterClown Clown]] from ''{{Spawn}}'' becoming the terrifying devil Violator. The detailed transformation in the movie is particularly disturbing.

[[/folder]]

[[folder: Film ]]

* ''AnAmericanWerewolfInLondon'', and ''The Howling'' both have werewolf transformation sequences of the [[PainfulTransformation most painful and not to mention terrifying kind you can imagine]].
* Several other horror films with Vampires and/or Werewolves:
** ''Underworld'' 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 [[strike:inverted knees]] 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}}.
** ''Van Helsing'' has werewolves, [[spoiler:Including Van Helsing himself near the end, for an awesome battle royale with Dracula]], and all the Vampires have a demon-form for flying.
** ''Fright Night'' had something like this with Evil Ed turning back into a human from being a wolf, and the vampires have 3 stages of transformation.
* The 80s remake of ''TheFly''. However those kinds of creepy transformations are [[NightmareFuel just plain terrifying]].
* ''{{Ghostbusters}}'' has the scene where Dana and Louis turn into Terror dogs; it's quite a disturbing process, though.
** Also, the sequence where a ghost librarian turns into a hideous ghoul.
* The 90's remake of the ''Nutty Professor'' had some [[{{Squick}} surprisingly gruesome]] ones with plenty of Body Horror.
** And the original has Jerry Lewis going through some grotesque transformations quite out of the tone of the rest of the movie.
* ''{{Videodrome}}'' is just plain weird in general but the transformation parts are even weirder.
* Steven Chow's ''God of Cookery'' 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.
* ''{{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). There are several gruesome gremlin-related transformations in the sequel, including those involving a bat, spider, fruit, electricity, and even a woman!
* ''WitchesOfEastwick'' 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.
* The Jekyll and Hyde transformations from ''TheLeagueOfExtraordinaryGentlemen''. We agreed to put this on here on the grounds that [[AdaptationDecay the film]] [[DisContinuity never happened]].
* In ''Mary Reilly'', John Malkovich undergoes one of the most gruesome and spectacular Jeckyll / Hyde transformations ever committed to screen. Then, afterwards, he looks ''exactly the same''.
* The ''ANightmareOnElmStreet'' series has quite a few of these. For instance, in ''Dream Master,'' fitness girl Debbie is turned into a cockroach and then trapped in a roach motel by Freddy Krueger.

[[/folder]]

[[folder: Literature ]]

* ''{{Animorphs}}'': Characters who morphed had to wear tight clothing or risk becoming naked when they remorphed. The latter only occurred once. 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).
* In the ''{{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.

[[/folder]]

[[folder: Live Action TV ]]

* The many and varied ''{{Ultraman}}'' series usually involve a man-to-giant-alien-robot-thing transformation.
* ''PrettyGuardianSailorMoon'' (2003-2004) showcased several different transformations managed via digital effects. The results ranged from Moon's clumsy and cringeworthy transform (the first created by the production team) to Dark Mercury's showstopper (the final transform created, after the team had gained months of experience with their tools).
** As with its animated counterpart, we see only one or two instances of ''de''-transformation, and these also appear to be simple acts of will.
** Additionally, we get to see one transformation -- Minako to Venus -- from the "outside", as an eyewitness on the scene would. Instead of all the fancy effects, it's an instantaneous, blink-and-you'll-miss-it change that she performs ''while running'', thus validating years of [[FanWank fan speculation]].
** A later sequence, however, has Ami transforming. Unlike Minako, however, she gets a blue glowy thing.
** They also fondly parodied the trope in one of the supplemental shorts: Mamoru becomes "Tuxedo Mask" just by putting on a tuxedo, top hat and mask, but the one time he does it ''on camera,'' it gets all the same fancy shots, edits, and sound effects as the girls' magical transformations.
* Many, many, many ''KamenRider'' characters had this (Actual sequences were more common in the Showa era; for the Heisei era, they were mostly phased out in favor of transformation ''special effects'' done on the fly). Even the enemies had transformation sequences, even if they amounted to little more than the camera zooming in on them, blurring a bit, and revealing the monster from its disguise.
** In several early Kamen Riders, the enemies sometimes stopped the henshin gestures by attacking during the middle of the gesture, or setting traps that would halt them.
*** The "transformation chivalry" was humorously acknowledged in the first ''{{Kamen Rider Den-O}}'' movie: the BigBad's minions attack Ryotaro as he attempts to transform, causing Momotaros to angrily shout "Bastards! You're not allowed to interrupt the transformation sequence!"
** The DarkerAndEdgier Heisei series like ''Blade'' and ''Faiz'' tended to have these less frequently, with characters often walking or even ''fighting'' in mid-transformation. Debut appearances always played it straight, though.
* An earlier {{Filmation}} production of ''{{Shazam}}!'' from the 1970s had the magic-word-and-lightning transformation between Billy Batson and Captain Marvel. It was usually paired with a similar show, Isis, which had its own [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jtTnCrQ_1lc transformation sequence]].
** In a case of typical {{Filmation}} cheapness, the detransform from Captain Marvel back to Billy was handled by simply running the transform footage ''backwards'', even though that meant the sequence ended with a lightning bolt ''unstriking'' Billy.
*** This is a classic example of [[YourMileageMayVary]]. [[{{Whitewings}} This Troper]] thinks that visual was very cool, showing the power returning to its source.
* The 1970s ''WonderWoman'' series actually had two different Tranformation Sequences. In the first season it was essentially a slow-motion [[{{montages}} montage]] of Lynda Carter spinning in place in different stages of the change. Starting in the second season, though, a much shorter and more dramatic sequence was used where Carter would spin, there would be an optical of an explosion over her, and then she would appear in costume. The latter has become subject to much parody. (As well as an homage in an episode of JusticeLeagueUnlimited)
* ''PowerRangers'': In the earlier seasons, the usage of StockFootage became quickly grating, as the rangers would look the same at the beginning of the sequence, regardless of what clothes they'd been wearing beforehand or changes in their hairstyle. In later seasons, it became standard to use clever tricks to downplay this: in ''Power Rangers Ninja Storm'', ''Power Rangers SPD'', ''Power Rangers Mystic Force'', and ''Power Rangers Operation Overdrive'', the rangers are always wearing uniforms before the (full) sequence begins (in Ninja Storm, this is achieved using FlungClothing). When Mystic Force does a direct from street clothes transformation they follow the next point down. In several other seasons, the sequence is cut such that their pre-transformation clothing is hidden during the sequence using close-ups and visual effects.
** Occasionally, a shorter StockFootage-free TransformationSequence was used instead (sometimes called "on-the-fly" morphing), which, with a very few exceptions, used a much blander and more generic special effect. As seen in Countdown to Destruction as well as several other times throughout the various series, the actual transformation is in fact instantaneous and consists of nothing more than a small explosion masking the shift -- the drawn-out sequence is purely for the audience's amusement.
** The {{MMPR}} Transformation sequences weren't very elaborate... so in "Once a Ranger" a new, snazzier sequence was made for Adam (the second {{MMPR}} Black Ranger) so he wouldn't be the only one without.
*** That, and Disney trashed it when they liquidated MMPR productions.
*** Then there's Justin's transformations in ''Power Rangers Turbo'' where he grows to the same height as the other rangers.
** Like everything else in PowerRangers, nothing is safe from lampshading by [[PowerRangersRPM RPM]]. Not even morph sequences.
** Beetleborgs? Anybody?
* ''TheTwilightZone'' pulled off an impressive transformation scene despite limited special effects in ''The Howling Man''. A man walks down a pillar-lined hallway as the camera follows alongside him. As he passes behind each pillar, he gets gets more and more demonic (ending with a cliche horns and tail {{Satan}}). It's cut so that it appears to be one long take, but there's no effects on screen at any point.
** This technique is also used for the WolfMan transformation in the 1935 film ''Werewolf of London.''
* Masters of low-budget kid shows, [[SidAndMartyKrofftProductions Sid and Marty Krofft]] had a few of these. [[http://web.utk.edu/~lyle/ewdg/Movies/ewdg03.html "Activate Electra-Change!"]] turned Lori and Judy into ''{{Electra-Woman and Dyna-Girl}},'' and [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bQnnZOJSlh0 a magic horn turned the junky Schlep Car]] into ''{{Wonderbug}}.''
* ''TheMysticKnightsOfTirNaNog'', the ancient Irish ''PowerRangers.''
* ''{{Manimal}}'', starring Simon [=MacCorkindale.=] Though he could transform into any animal, there were only transformation sequences for three animals.
* WeirdAlYankovic undergoes a transformation sequence at the start of his video "Fat" that fortunately does ''not'' strip him nude in the process.
* Similarly enough, the music video for "Right Here, Right Now" has a transformation sequence based on the theory of evolution.
* George's werewolf transformation in ''{{Being Human}}'', heavily influenced by ''AnAmericanWerewolfInLondon''.
* "[[CaptainPowerAndTheSoldiersOfTheFuture POWER ON!]]" By pressing the team's distinctive phoenix insignia, Captain Power and his cohorts would activate the [[PoweredArmor Power Suits]] which would transform from "patterned longjohnns" worn under their uniforms, into actual plate armor with weaponry and personalized devices. Heavy damage to the Power Suit would make them fade back into their inactive shape.

[[/folder]]

[[folder: Video Games ]]

* PrincessWaltz has a transformation sequence MagicalGirl style, but despite it being a hentai game, the fanservice level isn't worse than you average SailorMoon episode (albeit minus the glowing AnimeAnatomy effect.
* ''SonicTheHedgehog'' regularly delves into this trope with the titular character's {{Eleventh Hour Super Power}}s. The most notable are Super Sonic and most related transformations, and Excalibur Sonic [[YouShouldKnowThisAlready (Both of which are not actually spoilers, mind you)]].
* Subverted in ''{{Disgaea}}'', when Etna shoots two [[SuperSentai Sentai]] members during a transformation sequence because, hey, they were wide open during it.
* Parodied in ''SilentHill 3'' (Of all places...) when Heather equips her ridiculous Princess Heart outfit, [[http://youtube.com/watch?v=AwVr_MRkq2Y triggering a lengthy transformation]].
* The early ''{{Mario}}'' and ''{{Castlevania}}'' games actually pause the action around the player character while he's transforming.
* The SRX from ''SuperRobotWars'' has an impressive combinations transformnation which has its own theme called "Variable Formation".
* The ''BreathOfFire'' series is the king of this trope for video games, since the main character of each game (all named Ryu) can transform into a dragon, with a more elaborate sequence in each game. Furthermore, in the first and third games, a second character has a transformation sequence (Karn in ''BoF1'', and his Fusions; Rei in ''BoF3'', and his Weretiger transformation), and the fourth game's antagonist, Fou-Lu, is playable and can also transform into a dragon in a sequence largely identical to Ryuu's.
* ''[[SagaFrontier SaGa Frontier]]'': Red had one but nobody could see it because he needed to maintain his SecretIdentity. But a good Secret IdentityChangeTrick (Power Outage, Mecs only in party, Characters stunned/blinded) allows him to go Alkaiser no problem.
* ''TheLegendOfDragoon'' has individual anime-like transformations for every single playable character in the game, as they turn into their Dragoon forms. One villain also gets a mid-battle transformation into a Dragoon with his own sequence. Dart, the main character, gets a second Dragoon form late in the game with an even more over-the-top sequence.
* ''Saiyuki: The Journey West'' features characters who can transform into monsters. Each one has an elaborate transformation sequence and an equally elaborate reversion sequence. Furthermore, there's two more sequences for transformation and reversion used in cutscenes (even though they otherwise use the same sprites!)
* More minor transformation sequences are used in ''FinalFantasy VII'' (Vincent's LimitBreak) and ''{{Wild ARMs 2}}'' (Ashley's transformation into Knight Blazer). These pretty much are of the "original character fades out, new form fades in" variety rather than the flashy sequences mentioned above, though.
* This trope is arguably the entire point of ''FinalFantasy X-2''. Luckily, there's an option to shorten or turn off the transformation sequences after the first time the girls have changed into their new Dresspheres.
* The character of MOMO in ''XenoSaga'' gets powerups that can be used once per fight that include transformation sequences.
* "[[MegaManZX Model X! Model Z! Megamerge!]]" Vent and Grey both get transformation sequences just as long as the girls'.
** Not quite. Aile's transformation in ZX Advent is about thirty seconds longer (it's quite noticeable in the game) because she has an extra part where she dances or plays with Z and X as glowy balls of light. Vent just transforms.
** Never mind every single villain and hero in the ''[[MegaManStarForce Star Force]]'' games, though admittedly usually everyone except for Geo gets theirs shortened to a quick fade to white and back.
* The ''{{Tekken}}'' series has quite a few. Including Devil Jin's ending from the fifth game and Ogre's transformation into True Ogre in Tekken 3.
* Transformation sequences were an oft-requested feature in ''CityOfHeroes'', and a small set of four costume-change emotes are now available as part of the Magic Booster Pack (released in Spring 2009). Another half-dozen or so will become available when Issue 15 goes live.
** Kheldians and Nictus, the game's resident bodystealing shapeshifting aliens, follow this trope to a T. Switching into their forms involves a moment of concentration and a big, screen-shaking flash of Kheldian/Nictus energy, whereas switching back just makes the human pop into existence where the alien used to be.
* ''SuperSmashBros. Melee'' has a relatively quick transformation sequence between [[TheLegendOfZelda Zelda and Sheik]]. This is lengthened in ''Brawl'' because of loading, and Pokémon Trainer goes through a similar "transformation" when switching Pokémon, but the character transforming cannot be damaged or intercepted from the time the sequence starts to when it ends. There is still a lag period at the end, though.
* ''AlteredBeast'' has a momentary pause before buffing up when one of the [[TransformationTrinket magical floating steroid balls]] is collected, followed after a third time by a transformation sequence to make you into a werewolf, dragon, or giant cuddly bear with halitosis. [[http://www.i-mockery.com/shorts/altered-beast/3.gif The werewolf one]] is particularly detailed.
** The Japan- and Europe-only PS2 game ''Project Altered Beast'' has horrifying transformations. The player takes the role of a "Genome Cyborg" investigating a town that has been overrun with "Genome Mist" transforming all its inhabitants into horrifying monstrosities. The main character appears as a human but has the ability to take various forms. No matter which form is chosen, it is accompanied by a gruesome CGI video detailing every aspect of the transformation as limbs blow up and regrow and various organs are mutilated and reshaped, with no limit on the amount of gore.
* ''{{Diablo}} 2'': In the cutscene before Act IV narrated by Marius, he has the misfortune to witness The Wanderer's horrific transformation into Diablo. Spikes burst out from his back, his face distorts horribly, and it ends with Diablo casting aside what's left of his human shell like a dirty rag.
-->'''Marius''': ''[[NightmareFuel What I saw next]] [[ThingsManWasNotMeantToKnow was not meant for mortal eyes!]]''
* {{Pokemon}} evolution.

[[/folder]]

[[folder: Webcomics ]]

* [[http://www.sluggy.com/daily.php?date=010708 Played straight]] and [[http://sluggy.com/daily.php?date=010727 parodied]] [[http://sluggy.com/daily.php?date=010819 twice]] in the GOFOTRON arc of ''SluggyFreelance''.
* Played straight in [[http://www.dresdencodak.com/cartoons/dc_023.htm this Dresden Codak comic]]
* Alex in the 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.
--> '''Riley:''' You know, by the time you transform, the world could have already been destroyed.\\
'''Alex:''' It's my moment. Let me have it.
** 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]].
* Quite obviously gets quite a bit of use in ''ElGoonishShive.'' [[http://www.egscomics.com/?date=2002-05-12 Here's]] one of the earliest examples, that even got a fan animation once! ([[LoustarJogger This troper]] found [=EGS=] through that animation, btw.)
** Unfortunately the animation was on {{Geocities}} and is now gone. Haven't found it on YouTube yet.
* Lampshaded in [[http://www.megatokyo.com/strip/266 this]] ''{{Megatokyo}}'' strip.
* Parodied in ''[[http://headtripcomics.comicgenesis.com/d/20060514.html Head Trip]]''.
* ''SexyLosers'' parodies the ''SailorMoon'' example with... [[AllMenArePerverts obvious]] [[ADateWithRosiePalms results]].
* ''SparklingGenerationValkyrieYuuki'', of course.

[[/folder]]

[[folder: Western Animation ]]

* ''[[{{WITCH}} W.I.T.C.H.]]''
* ''WinxClub''
* ''TheCenturions'' -- About a 15-second sequence, as all the various parts of the chosen weapons system would beam in and attach to the heroes' exo-frame, ending with the helmet rudely clamping on to the head. Often showed all three back-to-back, and had the same [[{{Invocation}} trigger phrase]]: Power Xtreme! (Later episodes of the show usually skipped the stock footage, and just showed the pieces appearing and attaching all at once. The two extra characters added later never even got the stock footage versions).
* ''HeManAndTheMastersOfTheUniverse'', when it was a Filmation production, got maximum mileage out of Prince Adam's transformation into He-Man with lots of digital pyrotechnics for very little physical change. (He-Man looked identical to Adam except for a tan and a deeper voice; [[WigDressAccent how nobody put two and two together is baffling]].) If Cringer was present, his transformation into Battle Cat would further pad the scene.
** He-Man's [[DistaffCounterpart twin sister]] She-Ra had a similar sequence, but it was actually longer (and more sparkly). Like Cringer becoming Battle-Cat, She-Ra also had Spirit/Swiftwind, a talking horse that became a winged unicorn.
** In contrast, in the more recent 2004 series, He-Man's transformation takes mere seconds and he looks almost nothing like Prince Adam, though it retains its predecessor's StockFootage ability to be used time and time again.
* Spoofed in an episode of ''InvaderZim''. Gir begins a TransformationSequence, complete with music, lights, and midair spinning... and then simply steps into his dog costume and zips it up.
* Curiously, the original appearance of the ''{{Transformers}}'' in the West did ''not'' include overt transformation sequences. The characters would make the switch between robot and vehicle/device forms wherever they were standing in complete continuity with the scene (although they always transformed [[StockFootage the exact same way]]). This is more cultural than cost; newer series such as the shows of the Unicron Trilogy, which were actual anime, frequently featured such scenes, and the Japanese AlternateContinuity third season of [[TransformersGeneration1 Generation 1]] featured transformation sequences for new characters only (old ones kept scene continuity). ''TransformersAnimated'' is generally in-scene but faster than G1, unless the bot in question is about to do something important(i.e. Megatron transforming for the first time after being rebuilt and telling the Decepticons to "[[CatchPhrase Transform and Rise Up]]").
** '''TransformersAnimated'' also had the Autobots using Japan-esque transformers sequences in the final episode, mostly for dramatic effect.
** ''BeastWars'' didn't have the music and lights, but ''did'' consider them a free action, such as Cheetor going into robot mode ''while [[OutrunTheFireball outrunning a fireball]]''.
* ''{{Ben 10}}'' has ''ten'' unique, albeit [[StockFootage recycled]], sequences. There's one for each alien creature Ben has the ability to change into (though Grey Matter's didn't actually get ''used'' until season two). Two more are added in season two, but one was lost after the events of "Ghostfreaked Out". Some are longer and more detailed than others, but all follow the same pattern of showing the change progressing outward from his wrist. Sometimes a simple green flash of light is substituted for the transformation, and red light is ''always'' used for Ben changing back. Seasons three and four added more new aliens, but no new sequences, oddly enough. [[FutureMeScaresMe Future-Ben]] supposedly had [[OverNineThousand ten thousand]] alien forms but we didn't (obviously) didn't see all of them.
** And one-shot villain Doctor Viktor gets his own TransformationSequence, going from oversized scientist into frankensteinish monster. It's only used once, though.
** ''Ben10AlienForce'' also has the sequences, and he's gained [[IAmHeroHearMeRoar an irritating tendency to say the name of each creature he's turned into when he's done]]. The changes are actually instantaneous, as he's shown an ability to simply switch between forms in seconds when needed. It also regularly shows him changing back. Both of the latter use the same "glowing green dots" effect.
*** One particularly humorous moment has Ben's parents (who have forbidden him from using the Omnitrix) managing to catch him in the act during one of his (around 10-second) sequences, in episode 20 of ''Alien Force.''
* The old ''{{Spider-Woman}}'' cartoon series features a transformation sequence for Jessica Drew to change into the titular heroine.
* In ''AvatarTheLastAirbender'' the [[UnstoppableRage Avatar State]] has this happen with a pause that is clearly in real time, with most people just too scared to react when they see it. Azula commits a [[DangerouslyGenreSavvy dire breach of anime etiquette]] [[spoiler:when she takes advantage of Aang's TransformationSequence to shoot him from behind with a lightning bolt]].
** [[spoiler:The DVDCommentary actually mentions that is a vulnerable opening and part of mastering the Avatar State is ''not doing that'']].
** It should be noted that Aang ''did'' try and protect himself, as he made himself a little cocoon out of crystals to cover himself. Wait a minute, that means WeCouldHaveAvoidedAllThis if it weren't for PowerFloats!
** He learned from that event, though, and by the time the Avatar state kick in again, it's instantaneous.
* An animated adaption of ''{{Shazam}}!'' featured Billy, Mary, and Freddy, and a drawn-out transformation sequence. Unlike most, they had sequences for transforming back to normal as well, and a variety of different stock sequences for various combinations of the main characters, transforming singly, in pairs, or all three at once. (Interestingly, the comic version is specifically stated to be instantaneous. In the 1970s it was furthermore stated that, between the speed of transformation and the blinding flash, most people don't know that Billy is Captain Marvel, even when he transforms right in front of them, though that hasn't carried over to post-crisis versions of the character)
** In fact, Filmation in general. In addition to the ones mentioned above (He-Man, She-Ra, Shazam), there was also Web Woman, Super Strech and Microwoman, Fantastic Voyage, The Ghostbusters (the 1986 cartoon), and Bravestarr (30-30 had transformation sequences when he went from bipedal to quadrupedal and back), just to name a few.
* {{Hanna-Barbera}}'s late 1970s ''{{Fred and Barney Meet The Thing}}'' featured The Thing (from the FantasticFour) as a teenager (implied in one episode to be due to a "cure" gone wrong), but he could become the Thing by touching his rings together [[ByThePowerOfGreyskull and announcing "Thing Ring, Do Your Thing"]]. This also had a reverse transformation sequence, without a required phrase.
** The series was mostly humorous in intention, and it even spoofed itself. At least one episode had the hero retreat to a nearby doorway to transform, only to be interrupted by an old woman exiting the door. She stopped long enough to give him a lecture.
** Like {{Filmation}}, Hanna-Barbera were also good at filling time with these sequences. In addition to the Thing, there was also the Mighty Mightor (with a sequence very similar to He-Man, but predating it by twenty years), Arabian Knights, The Impossibles, the Super Globetrotters, Super Friends (in the Wonder Twins' segments), Wonder Wheels, Mighty Man and Yukk, The Drak Pack, and even SWAT Kats. (And I'm sure I forgot some)
***Pretty good list, though. Samson and Goliath/Young Samson was one of this troper's childhood favorites.
* Hanna-Barbera also spoofed this trope with one version of ''Captain Caveman.'' On ''TheFlintstonesComedyShow,'' he worked as a copy boy named Chester at a stone-age newspaper, disguising himself with a pair of glasses and his cape folded into a bowtie. Despite the minimal disguise, he still required a coat rack and an elaborate transformation sequence (which included heroic music, explosions, lightning bolts, rockets, fireworks, and stars, and was loud enough so that the entire city of Bedrock could hear it) to become Captain Caveman. [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cK9LHlqkAZo See it here, at 3:00]]
* In ''{{Bananaman}}'' it's triggered whenever Eric eats a banana. Its most famous form is [[http://youtube.com/watch?v=cNknWT-agT0 in the Opening Credits]], in which Eric sprouts muscles and grows two feet.
* ''{{Freakazoid}}!''
* Subvert a bit, with Jerrica "Jem" Benton of JemAndTheHolograms, which is only a "Showtime, Synergy" to summon Jem hologram and a "Show's Over, Synergy" to remove the Jem hologram -- the answer is usually a pink light and very quick.
* ''ThePowerpuffGirls'': In the episode "Super Zeroes," the girls each try to change their look to be more like the super hero in their favorite comic books, complete with such elaborate transformations that, by the time they're done, the monster has left town.
* In ''{{Spider-Man and his Amazing Friends}}'', Spider-Man's amazing friends could do it, to his envy.
** In the short lived and mostly forgotten 1999 animated series ''Spider-Man Unlimited'' (nothing to do with the comic with the same name) he finally got one via nanotech.
* The 90's cartoon ''KingArthurAndTheKnightsOfJustice'' had a transformation sequence for each of the knights as they put on their battle armor. Sometimes it was further padded by transforming their ''horses''.
* Subverted somewhat in ''DannyPhantom'', as the transfomation sequence there is refreshingly simple and short, while still being rather stylish with a chance to play around with it and ''not'' use StockFootage. Whenever the titular character wants to transform into the titular alter-ego he simply focuses for a few seconds, a ring of blue white light appears, bisects and travels over him, leaving one superhero in place. Easy, done.
* ''[[MonsterBusterClub "MBC, poooooooower up!!"]]''
* ''Mummies Alive'' had this.
* Most of the time after the first few episodes this happened in {{Static Shock}}.
* The Nickelodeon TV movie ''Groove Squad,'' which was about three cheerleaders who could transform into, you guessed it, ''superpowered'' cheerleaders by drinking a magical red juice. After they drank said juice, the girls went through a rather overdone transfomation sequence to change into their superheroine forms.
* Mumm-Ra, lead villain of ''ThunderCats'', had a stock transformation sequence, complete with a power-up chant. Incidentally, he also became a lot less clothed in the transformation.
* Mon-Star, main villain of ''SilverHawks'', had a very similar transformation sequence to Mumm-Ra. One interesting note is that he grows metal spikes from various parts of his body, which is animated in a way that looks fairly painful, but no mention of pain is made.
* This was one of the reasons that the ''[[ComicBook/TheAvengers Avengers]]'' cartoon was so poorly received by fans of the comic. Ant-Man, Wasp, Falcon, and Hawkeye all got elaborate Transformation Sequences that involved being covered by armor that was, for the purposes of their abilities, completely unnecessary. It didn't help that it added to the fact that none of these characters were wearing anything remotely like their comic book costumes.
* Parodied in the ''South Park'' episode "Good Times With Weapons," in which the kids buy some real ninja-weapons that-- in their imaginations-- transform them into crime-fighting ninjas through a lightning-transformation sequence... and who end up almost putting Butters's eye out with a ninja-star, as a parody of the potential harm caused by violent cartoons.
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