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Can be used for NarrativeShapeshifting. The ShapeshiftingSeducer finds picking up partners at bars is fairly easy, [[SexShifter regardless of sex or preference]], and is likely to be [[ShapeshiftersDoItForAChange rather open-minded themselves]] about whom they choose.

Sooner or later, a PhlebotinumBreakdown may leave the character suffering InvoluntaryShapeshifting or ShapeshifterModeLock, if only temporarily. If badly beaten or near death, they may have a SuperpowerMeltdown and lose control of their power, resulting in a ShapeshifterSwanSong. If they only sub-consciously choose to look like something, that's SelfPerceptionShapeshifting. If the character isn't very used to morphing shapes they may have LimbSensationFascination after each change. Such a character might also be OtherworldlyAndSexuallyAmbiguous.

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Can be used for NarrativeShapeshifting. The ShapeshiftingSeducer finds picking up partners at bars is fairly easy, [[SexShifter regardless of sex or preference]], and is likely to be [[ShapeshiftersDoItForAChange rather open-minded themselves]] about whom they choose.

choose. If they only sub-consciously choose to look like something, that's SelfPerceptionShapeshifting.

Sooner or later, a PhlebotinumBreakdown may leave the character suffering InvoluntaryShapeshifting or ShapeshifterModeLock, if only temporarily. If badly beaten or near death, they may have a SuperpowerMeltdown and lose control of their power, resulting in a ShapeshifterSwanSong. If they only sub-consciously choose to look like something, that's SelfPerceptionShapeshifting. If the character isn't very used to morphing shapes they may have LimbSensationFascination after each change. Such a character might also be OtherworldlyAndSexuallyAmbiguous.
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Sooner or later, a PhlebotinumBreakdown may leave the character suffering InvoluntaryShapeshifting or ShapeshifterModeLock, if only temporarily. If badly beaten or near death, they may have a SuperpowerMeltdown and lose control of their power, resulting in a ShapeshifterSwanSong. If the character isn't very used to morphing shapes they may have LimbSensationFascination after each change. Such a character might also be OtherworldlyAndSexuallyAmbiguous.

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Sooner or later, a PhlebotinumBreakdown may leave the character suffering InvoluntaryShapeshifting or ShapeshifterModeLock, if only temporarily. If badly beaten or near death, they may have a SuperpowerMeltdown and lose control of their power, resulting in a ShapeshifterSwanSong. If they only sub-consciously choose to look like something, that's SelfPerceptionShapeshifting. If the character isn't very used to morphing shapes they may have LimbSensationFascination after each change. Such a character might also be OtherworldlyAndSexuallyAmbiguous.
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* ''WebOriginal/CodexInversus'': Transmuter snails are capable of self-transmutation by waving their eyestalks in precise patterns, creating magical sigils and effectively casting spells. A snail may give itself climbing or jumping legs to deal with a tall obstacle, then a tadpole-like tail to cross a body of water, then turn that tail into a prehensile tentacle to reach a piece of food, then grow bristling spines over its shell to fend off a predator.

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* ''WebOriginal/CodexInversus'': ''Blog/CodexInversus'': Transmuter snails are capable of self-transmutation by waving their eyestalks in precise patterns, creating magical sigils and effectively casting spells. A snail may give itself climbing or jumping legs to deal with a tall obstacle, then a tadpole-like tail to cross a body of water, then turn that tail into a prehensile tentacle to reach a piece of food, then grow bristling spines over its shell to fend off a predator.
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* Many Nanocyborgs in ''WebOriginal/OrionsArm'' are capable of shapeshifting, but like everything else in that universe they're limited by the laws of physics.

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* Many Nanocyborgs in ''WebOriginal/OrionsArm'' ''Website/OrionsArm'' are capable of shapeshifting, but like everything else in that universe they're limited by the laws of physics.
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Most commonly, a character is limited to a specific set of one or more "alternate" forms, or a specific "class" of things he can change into ({{anim|orphism}}als, machines, elements, etc.) Sometimes, there's [[RedRightHand a specific feature that they are unable to conceal]], like hair color or [[VoicesAreMental voice]], [[MorphicResonance that others can use to identify them regardless]] [[EyesAreMental of what form they are in]]. If the only thing they are able to change is hair/eye color, they have KaleidoscopeHair / EyeColourChange.

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Most commonly, a character is limited to a specific set of one or more "alternate" forms, or a specific "class" of things he can change into ({{anim|orphism}}als, machines, elements, etc.) Sometimes, there's [[RedRightHand a specific feature that they are unable to conceal]], like hair color or [[VoicesAreMental voice]], [[MorphicResonance that others can use to identify them regardless]] [[EyesAreMental of what form they are in]]. If the only thing they are able to change is hair/eye color, they have KaleidoscopeHair / EyeColourChange.
KaleidoscopeHair[=/=]EyeColourChange.



Many with a flexible transformation scheme also have a tacked-on bonus ability to alter their shape in any way they wish; i.e., adopt a clay-like consistency and sculpt themselves [[BlobMonster blob-style]]. The [[RubberMan stretchy, ultraflexible body]] of a character like ComicBook/PlasticMan or [[WesternAnimation/TheIncredibles Elastigirl]] is a milder form. Others may use a PartialTransformation to "mix and match" elements of their human and transformed states.

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Many with a flexible transformation scheme also have a tacked-on bonus ability to alter their shape in any way they wish; i.e., adopt a clay-like consistency and sculpt themselves [[BlobMonster blob-style]]. The [[RubberMan stretchy, ultraflexible body]] of a character like ComicBook/PlasticMan or [[WesternAnimation/TheIncredibles [[Franchise/TheIncredibles Elastigirl]] is a milder form. Others may use a PartialTransformation to "mix and match" elements of their human and transformed states.
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* ''TabletopGame/{{Godforsaken}}'': A character who Takes Animal Shape is a shapeshifter that can take the form of an animal, with full control over their transformation and mind in either form.

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* A lot of the characters in the webfiction ''Literature/WhateleyUniverse'' have this.

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* ''WebOriginal/CodexInversus'': Transmuter snails are capable of self-transmutation by waving their eyestalks in precise patterns, creating magical sigils and effectively casting spells. A snail may give itself climbing or jumping legs to deal with a tall obstacle, then a tadpole-like tail to cross a body of water, then turn that tail into a prehensile tentacle to reach a piece of food, then grow bristling spines over its shell to fend off a predator.
* ''Literature/WhateleyUniverse'':
A lot of the characters in the webfiction ''Literature/WhateleyUniverse'' have this.
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* One of the antagonists of ''Animation/HappyHeroesTheMovie'', the aptly-named Transformation M./Shapeshifter, morphs into the shape of [[spoiler:Doctor H.]] for much of the movie and does so well at mimicking his behavior that it even fools the Supermen at first.
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** Jack-Jack is classified a polymorph by Edna Mode in [[WesternAnimation/Incredibles2 the sequel]]. He essentially shapeshifts on the ''molecular level''. [[SwissArmySuperpower This grants him a wide range of different abilities]] such as setting himself on fire a la Human Torch or turning into a demonic-looking creature when he gets angry.

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** Jack-Jack is classified a polymorph by Edna Mode in [[WesternAnimation/Incredibles2 the sequel]]. He essentially shapeshifts on the ''molecular level''. [[SwissArmySuperpower [[KeystoneSuperpower This grants him a wide range of different abilities]] such as setting himself on fire a la Human Torch or turning into a demonic-looking creature when he gets angry.
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* Pain and Panic from ''WesternAnimation/{{Hercules}}''.

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* Pain and Panic from ''WesternAnimation/{{Hercules}}''.''WesternAnimation/{{Hercules}}'' can turn themselves into any number of animals. They can even shapeshift together to make larger creatures they couldn't be alone.



** Jack-Jack is classified a polymorph by Edna Mode in [[WesternAnimation/Incredibles2 the sequel]]. He essentially shapeshifts on the ''molecular level''. This grants him a wide range of different abilities such as setting himself on fire ala Human Torch or turning into a demonic-looking creature when he gets angry.

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** Jack-Jack is classified a polymorph by Edna Mode in [[WesternAnimation/Incredibles2 the sequel]]. He essentially shapeshifts on the ''molecular level''. [[SwissArmySuperpower This grants him a wide range of different abilities abilities]] such as setting himself on fire ala a la Human Torch or turning into a demonic-looking creature when he gets angry.
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* [[VoluntaryShapeshifting/LiveActionFilms Films -- Live-Action]]

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* [[VoluntaryShapeshifting/LiveActionFilms Films -- Live-Action]]
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Reason borrowed from Hercules The Legendary Journeys: not applicable to original myths.


* Proteus from Myth/GreekMythology was a demi-god that specialized in shifting his shape, most likely to hide how horrifically ugly he was.

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* Proteus from Myth/GreekMythology was a demi-god an ocean god that specialized in shifting his shape, most likely commonly to hide how horrifically ugly he was.avoid being caught and interrogated by heroes who wanted to make use of his prophetic abilities.

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[[index]]
* VoluntaryShapeshifting/AnimeAndManga
* VoluntaryShapeshifting/ComicBooks
* VoluntaryShapeshifting/FanWorks
* [[VoluntaryShapeshifting/LiveActionFilms Films -- Live-Action]]
* VoluntaryShapeshifting/{{Literature}}
* VoluntaryShapeshifting/LiveActionTV
* VoluntaryShapeshifting/VideoGames
* VoluntaryShapeshifting/{{Webcomics}}
* VoluntaryShapeshifting/WesternAnimation
[[/index]]



[[folder:Anime & Manga]]
* In ''Manga/{{Berserk}}'' there is Isma, who is a [[HalfHumanHybrid half-mermaid]]. She can change her shape, and look like a human as well as a [[OurMermaidsAreDifferent mermaid]]. This power is seemingly common to mermaids.
** Even the [[FaceMonsterTurn demonic apostles]] can change their shape at will, and switch between human and demonic form.
%%* Eve from ''Manga/BlackCat''.
* Grey from ''Manga/BlackClover''. Her epithet is "master of transformation magic", using it to transform into others because she's terribly shy about her true appearance. She can also make other things disguise as other stuff, which Gauche notes is a rare occurrence.
* Momose from ''Manga/BloodyCross''. She mostly uses it to make herself look like a friend/ally of one of her enemies so she can get close enough to surprise attack them.
* ''Anime/BloodPlus'' has the [[OurVampiresAreDifferent chiropterans]]. They can assume both a human form and the shape of any human being.
* The main protaognist of ''Anime/BNABrandNewAnimal'' is able to do this. While most beastmen can only shift between a human and beast form, Michiru is a tanuki and thus can uniquely shapeshift her form; stretching her arms, ballooning her tail, etc. Later on, she starts getting more creative by massively increasing the size and mass of her arms and morphing her legs into a cheetah's hind legs to run faster. While she accidentally morphs back into her human form, she decides to stay in her beast form out of convenience and comfort.
** [[spoiler:Turns out she got the ability from her friend Nazuna, whom is a shapeshifting fox, masquerading as Ginrou.]]
* Atsushi, the main character of ''Manga/BungoStrayDogs'', has the ability to transform into a [[{{Animorphism}} tiger]].
* It's implied that all of the demons in ''Anime/ChronoCrusade'' have shape-shifting abilities. They all have at least two forms: their true demonic form, and a more human-looking form they seem to use when mingling among humans, and possibly to conserve energy as well. Chrono himself has a third form: a small, child-like version of his human form that he took on to save as much energy as possible.
* All characters with Youma blood in ''Manga/{{Claymore}}'' have some degree of shapeshifting ability. Full Youma and Awakened Ones (aka Voracious Eaters) usually have a human form and a [[OneWingedAngel monstrous form]]. Several of them also display the "rubber-band limbs" kind of shapeshifting. Claymores themselves exhibit a series of progressive changes when they tax their powers.
* Anime/CuteyHoney has the ability to transform into... various alternate versions of herself. In the 1990s Reboot, she transforms into a giant ''SPIDER'', thus proving her full capabilities as a shapeshifter.
%%* ''Franchise/{{Digimon}}'' has tons of examples of this.
* ''Manga/DragonBall'':
** Puar and Oolong both have the ability to shapeshift. Puar doesn't seem to have any major limitations but Oolong can only change for five minutes before having to take a one minute rest. This is due to being kicked out shapeshifting school for stealing his teacher's panties.
** A large variety of the villains can do this. The most notable case being Frieza, who can transform up to 3 times to increase his power.
** Saiyans have a variation of this power as they can become gigantic monkey-like creatures known as Oozaru. To most Saiyans, this is an InvoluntaryShapeshifting as they have no control of this form. Vegeta, however, is trained to not only create an artificial moonlight, but can keep his sanity while as an Oozaru, making him ''much'' more dangerous.
* ''LightNovel/ExpectingToFallIntoRuinIAimToBecomeABlacksmith'': Neko-Sensei, being a parody of the CatGirl trope, is a human sized house-cat, who occasionally shapeshifts into a human. She teaches this ability to the protagonist Kururi, who ends up BecomingTheMask as a housecat for a few hours, resulting in him eavesdropping on Eliza and starting an incident that sees them exchanging letters and secrets. He also uses it later to infiltrate a group of hostage takers, and to go KingIncognito in his domain.
* Elfman Strauss and his siblings Mirajane and Lisanna from ''Manga/FairyTail'' share a magical ability called "Take Over". It allows them to take the form of other beings, like beasts (Elfman's "Beast Soul"), animals (Lisanna's "Animal Soul") or a demon (Mirajane's "Satan Soul").
* ''Manga/FullmetalAlchemist'':
** Envy. It finds it most useful to change into people, but isn't limited to that; its "true form" is...let's just say you don't want to meet it down a dark alley. Heck, its true form wouldn't even ''fit'' in a dark alley.
*** This is ironically taken advantage of by Roy Mustang when [[spoiler:they fought to the death]]. Because of its large size, it allowed Roy to constantly bombard it with high powered but inaccurate shots that would hit it anyway. Given that Envy was a mass of human body parts and was heavy in bodily fluids, it did not matter if Roy only just barely grazes it, anything about it could be set on fire. [[spoiler:Ironically it is the inhuman form that brought about its downfall]].
---->'''Mustang:''' I can't ''believe'' you'd give me a bigger target! Did you honestly think that greater size would be an advantage?
*** It also crosses over into ShapeshifterWeapon. As it puts it (as it turns its limbs into a sword and a snake), it's not human, so why should it limit himself by fighting like one?
** Sloth from [[Anime/FullmetalAlchemist the 2003 anime version]] has limited forms of this, due to her water powers. While she can't change her basic appearance, she can make small changes in things like her hair color and clothes, which she uses [[spoiler:to keep her cover as Juliet Douglas]].
* Nurarihyon from ''Manga/{{Gantz}}'' combines this with FromASingleCell: the capacity of his shapeshifting ability is so potential, he is almost impossible to kill. Actually, by just trying to do damage to him, he ''is'' impossible to kill. Only when he can't see the attack coming, are his [[HealingFactor regenerative abilities]] hindered. Nurarihyon can also transform into pretty much anything imaginable from an old man to [[{{Squick}} a gigantic naked body of a woman]] [[FanDisservice formed by countless naked bodies of women]].
* In ''Manga/{{Hellsing}}'', most of the vampires can do this.
* In ''[[Manga/HimechanNoRibon Himechan's Ribbon]]'', Himeko uses the titular ribbon to shift her shape into that of another (real) person. The catch? They wear a pendant that resembles the ribbon.
* Shippo from ''Manga/InuYasha'' can do this.
** As can [[BigBad Naraku]], though he uses it less for impersonation (as the hero would probably [[TheNoseKnows sniff him out]]) than for [[ShapeshifterWeapon sprouting]] enormous amounts of CombatTentacles whenever he needs them. In terms of size, he can be anything from mountain-sized to a minuscule dormant form that can be sufficiently hidden in a fold of skin.
** Sesshomaru can also transform. You can usually see him in his human-like form, but a few times he turns into a huge, white demon dog. He is much stronger in this form, but even in his human form he is already one of the strongest youkai.
** An arc of a story has a moth-youkai named Gatenmaru, who has morphed into a human form and was the leader of a group of human bandits.
** Miroku meets already at the beginning of the series a female mantis-youkai, who had taken [[LiteralManeater the form of a young girl to lure him into the trap]].
** Another story arc has a bull-hanyou. He is an [[InvoluntaryShapeshifting involuntary shapeshifter]], and looks like a human during the day, and like a youkai at night. The fact that he has a human father and a demonic mother strongly implies that bull-youkai can their shapes also changing and how humans can look.
** Many fans support the theory that even wolf-youkai can [[TotallyNotAWerewolf switch between their human-like and their demonic form]], even if one has never seen such a transformation in anime or manga.
** In general, [[MonstrosityEqualsWeakness the ability to transform into a human-like form is a feature of really strong youkai]]. Sango says early in the series that the strongest and most dangerous youkai are the ones who can look like humans.
* ''Manga/JoJosBizarreAdventureDiamondIsUnbreakable'' has Mikitaka Hazekura, a guy (or alien) with a stand ([[AmbiguousSituation or alien powers]]) that allows him to transform into almost anything. He seems to be able to combine his strength with those of other people: when he turned into sneakers for Josuke to wear, he notes that their strength combined is what made them able to move away so fast. Although he can transform into almost any object, he is unable to transform into complex items like machines or something that requires more strength than his own to operate (i.e. dynamite) and copy the appearances of other people (he claims it's because all humans look the same to him).
** ''Manga/JoJosBizarreAdventureStardustCrusaders'' has minor villain Oingo, whose Stand, Khnum, allows him to change his appearance at will, as long as the result is human. He can't change his clothes, but he can transform his hair into a hat. Rubber Soul has a similar power (and he can imitate clothes too), however, his Stand, Yellow Temperance, is a BlobMonster that's constantly hungry, so he hardly can keep up the act.
* Tomoe and Mizuki, Nanami's two familiars from ''Manga/KamisamaKiss,'' are shown capable of shapeshifting at will. Mizuki is only shown to be able to transform from his normal human form to a white snake. Tomoe, on the other hand, is a LittleBitBeastly [[AsianFoxSpirit Kitsune]] who is shown to be able to transform himself and other people into just about anything and anyone he damn well pleases.
* Aside from the examples mentioned under {{Animorphism}}, ''Franchise/LyricalNanoha'' also has the cyborg Due, who can reshape her appearance for long-term infiltration missions.
* Yamimaru of ''Manga/MillenniumSnow'' is usually a bat, but he can transform into [[DualAgeModes one of two human forms]] for a few hours per day. He can also switch freely between the two forms.
* ''Manga/MonsterMusume'':
** Suu the SlimeGirl is capable of shifting into various forms, including an accurate ([[TechnicallyNakedShapeshifter clothed]]) impersonation of [[TheProtagonist Kimihito]], and can do rather accurate vocal impressions of the other characters. She can also transform into clothes to disguise other extraspecies characters as humans. However, since she's mostly unaware of human mannerisms (or at least of their cultural purposes), she tends to have an UncannyValley effect on other characters.
** Doppel the {{Doppelganger}}[[note]]Well, she's not technically a true doppelganger since she doesn't shapeshift into and stalk people, but she's called so InUniverse because they [[CallASmeerpARabbit didn't have a word for what she]] [[EldritchAbomination actually was]].[[/note]] can change her form for infiltration and surveillance purposes. She reveals that her transformations are only skin-deep and don't include PowerCopying; so, for example, when she transforms into the [[SpiderPeople friendly neighborhood Arachne girl]] she doesn't have a spinneret and has to use a rope to perform bondage. Like Suu, she can transform her hair into clothes, and as such is also a TechnicallyNakedShapeshifter.
** Luz, the {{Miko}} [[AsianFoxSpirit Kitsune]] [[NinjaPirateZombieRobot girl]], is capable of transforming herself, and uses her powers to hold a MagicalGirl {{Tokusatsu}} stage show. Unlike the previous two examples, Luz is incapable of changing her clothes, and has to rely on [[SpiderPeople Rachnera]] to make new costumes on the fly when she transforms. When Luz starts going unexpectedly [[{{Improv}} off-script]], Rachnera is unable to keep up the costume-making, leading to an epic WardrobeMalfunction.
* ''Manga/MusukoGaKawaikuteShikataganaiMazokuNoHahaoya'': This is the special power of Valentine, the demon idol. Initially she can even transform into inanimate objects, but after [[spoiler:Merii fixes her voice]] she says that the power has grown weaker. Even then she can still assume the form of any person, human or demon, that she wants.
* ''Manga/{{Naruto}}'':
** Most Ninja can do this. However, the basic version is implicitly only skin deep, [[FridgeLogic otherwise all the ninja would transform]] [[OneWingedAngel into horrific monsters]], or at least [[WolverineClaws weaponized]] [[BladeBelowTheShoulder versions]] of themselves, for extra fighting power. It's mainly used for deception.
** Special note should be given to the Jinchuriki, who (when influenced with the chakra of the tailed beast inside them) slowly turn into the tailed beast. Naruto's is explicitly detailed, showing him gain the fox aura and whiskers, then shape, bone, muscles and sinew, and begin to grow fur by the time he reaches 8 of his 9 tails.
* Nyanko-sensei/Madara in ''Manga/NatsumesBookOfFriends''. Aside from being able to go from SleepModeSize (a ManekiNeko) to his true form (a gigantic wolf spirit) on command, he changes into a human girl once in a while when being a cat is inconvenient. He also took Natsume's form once to keep Natsume's family and friends from realizing anything had happened when Natsume was trapped in a magic jar. This was not [[NotHimself entirely]] [[OutOfCharacterAlert convincing]]. To be fair, it was probably deliberate when he slipped up with Tanuma.
* Eve Nueschwanstein from ''Manga/{{NEEDLESS}}'' has the ability "Doppelganger", which allows her to morph her body into any shape or form, but this power is offset by a constant need for calories to balance the drain this power puts on her body.
* The slime sisters from ''Manga/NegimaMagisterNegiMagi'' seem to have this ability. Some demons also appear to have some abilities along this line, though the primary example had features (horns -> hair) that showed up regardless.
* The alien characters of ''LightNovel/NyarukoCrawlingWithLove'' can all do this, but almost universally stick with human forms not only [[AFormYouAreComfortableWith as a courtesy to the human cast]] but because, as [[Creator/HPLovecraft Lovecraftian]] beings, their other forms would drive ordinary people insane. Normally this just means the heroic aliens changing into their combat forms, like Nyarko's Series/KamenRider-inspired Full Force Form; the worst we get in this regard is her brother Nyar-O, whose combat form is the Bloody Tongue, a giant black creature with a tongue for a head.
** The original light novel shows a bit more, establishing that Nyarlathotepians have the racial ability to reshape the facial features of their human form; Nyarko makes her face look like a LawyerFriendlyCameo version of [[Anime/MagicalGirlLyricalNanoha Nanoha Takamichi]] to prove to Mahiro that she's an alien. In the anime he just takes her word for it, mainly because she just saved his life by putting her hand ''through'' the chest of a horrifying monster.
* {{Magical Girl}}s in ''Anime/OkusamaWaMahouShoujo'' can use their powers to change shape. Among forms used are ravens, a mean looking dog, and an adult form of the girl.
* ''Manga/OnePiece'' has quite a few shifters in the cast. Mostly because the [[SuperSerum Devil Fruits']] powers more often than not involve altering the user's body in some way. The Devil Fruits come in three kinds, all of which have shifters amongst them.
** The first class are the Paramecia, which gives the user superhuman powers of some sort, which may or may not include some form of shapeshifting.
*** The most literal version of this trope is the [[http://onepiece.wikia.com/wiki/Mane_Mane_no_Mi Mane Mane no Mi]] which allows the user to copy the body of anyone whose face he has touched with his right hand (or can remember his appearance). To change into a certain person, he touches his right cheek, and to change back into himself, he touches his left. The catch? He can't imitate clothes.
** The second class are the Zoan, which allow the user to transform completely or partially into an animal, or an hybrid form between the user's original species and devil fruit's target species.
*** A special example of this type is Tony Tony Chopper, a reindeer who ate the [[http://onepiece.wikia.com/wiki/Hito_Hito_no_Mi Hito Hito no Mi]] which allows him to turn into human and have human intelligence. In addition to the basic three natural forms he can shapeshift into, he can acquire four others through the use of the "Rumble Balls" he invented. He takes this further after a TimeSkip, in which he claims to have been able to change the seven forms he can transform into, and on a side note reveals he now only needs the Rumble Ball for one of the seven.
** And the third class is are the Logia, which allows the user to [[ElementalBaggage generate]], [[ElementalPowers control]] or [[ElementalShapeshifter become]] a particular element. All of the users of Logia Devil Fruits are Elemental Shapeshifters by definition, with the exception of the [[http://onepiece.wikia.com/wiki/Yami_Yami_no_Mi Yami Yami no Mi]]
* In ''Anime/PokemonHeroes'', the Pokémon Latias commonly shapeshifts into the human Bianca; the only differences between the pair is that Latias does not wear the beret and is voiceless. Her version is unlike Ditto/Mew's as here it is that the Latias can be seen in her true form with a pair of thermogoggles owned by [[BigBad Annie and Oakley]].
* ''Anime/PrettyCure'' is positively full of this:
** Several MentorMascot characters, especially in the most recent years, are able to change into human form, most notably all four main mascots from ''Anime/YesPrettyCure5'' and its sequel ''[=GoGo=]'', as well as pre-HeelFaceTurn Siren/Ellen from ''Anime/SuitePrettyCure'', who could also change into other people. As if that wasn't enough, Pop from ''Anime/SmilePrettyCure'' is a {{ninja}} with the ability to change into anything the situation calls for.
** Villainous characters were no stranger to this, either. Two of ''Anime/FutariWaPrettyCure'''s first QuirkyMinibossSquad (and all three of the fourth) changed their appearances on occasion -- Poisony, in particular, used at least four different disguises, one of which was a convincing impersonation of Honoka. And in ''Anime/YesPrettyCure5'' the shift from human appearance to animalistic combat form happens nearly OnceAnEpisode.
** And while it's certainly not on the same scale, all of the {{Magical Girl}}s in the franchise undergo some kind of physical change when they [[TransformationSequence transform]], ending up with longer hair at the very least.
* Ahiru from ''Anime/PrincessTutu'' is somewhere in between Voluntary and {{Involuntary Shapeshift|er}}ing. She turns back into her duck form when she quacks--which she sometimes does on purpose, but also accidentally triggers when she responds in shock by quacking. (She can also stop the transformation if she slaps her hand over her mouth in time, however.) She can turn into a girl using water, and finally into a magical girl at will as long as she has her pendant.
* The beautiful PlayboyBunny Melona from ''Anime/QueensBlade'' has this ability, and uses it for both deception, and combat purposes.
* ''Anime/RageOfBahamutGenesis'' has the {{Nephilim}} Amira. She can freely switch between her angelic form and demonic shape.
* ''Literature/RebuildWorld'': The Rebuild Institute TykeBomb Haruka, due to a {{Nanomachine}} SuperSerum derived from LostTechnology, is able to freely shapeshift between being a group of spider like monsters with an EnergyWeapon, or two extra versions of herself, capable of PullingThemselvesTogether and regenerating FromASingleCell. She also disguises herself as furniture in a SensorSuspense scene.
* ''Manga/SgtFrog'': To date, Sumomo, Pururu, and Miruru can all take on human form. It's suggested that this is a uniquely female privilege -- or maybe [[{{Fanservice}} another excuse to draw cute human girls]]...
** In Pururu's case, it's actually a Class A Pekopon suit only usable by Class A invaders, while the Keroro platoon is considered class F. Although never directly shown in the anime, it's actually a mechanical suit that has hidden rocket boosters around its body in the manga.
* The Morphs from ''Manga/ShadowsHouse'' are tiny black fairies that can shapeshift into animal, but the result is jet-black and featureless. [[spoiler: Shadows are the result of Morphs imitating humans. Their newfound human intelligence causes them to forget their Morph origins.]]
* Weapons in ''Manga/SoulEater'' are otherwise-normal humans (besides their titular taste for corrupted souls) who can each transform into one of a variety of devices, including but not limited to [[SinisterScythe scythes]], guns, knives, shurikens, and [[ChainsawGood chainsaws]]. The catch: Most cannot fight by themselves, and require a Meister to wield them.
* Jin Tachibana from ''Manga/TalentlessNana'' can shapeshift into any animal as well as other people, including perfectly imitating their powers. He has two restrictions: 1.He can only shapeshift into [[DifferentlyPoweredIndividual Talented]] and 2.He can't shapeshift into dead people. [[spoiler: And as it turns out, Jin Tachibana is not his original identity.]]
* ''Anime/TenchiMuyo'':
** Zero (later Ryoko Hakubi) and (sort of) Washuu, and in the spinoffs there are: Ryoko Balouta of ''Anime/TenchiMuyoGXP'', Doll/Mexiah of ''Anime/TenchiMuyoWarOnGeminar'', and even Kei in ''Anime/SpaceshipAggaRuter''.
** Ryo-Ohki has the ability to transform into a spaceship; after absorbing Mass she can also transform into a full-sized human female (possibly) covered in brown fur ([[BarbieDollAnatomy it's hard to tell]]), a small sized human/cabbit form, her spaceship form, and her default cabbit form.
** In ''Anime/TenchiUniverse'' there is also Ken-Ohki, a white cabbit able to also transform into a spaceship.
** In ''Anime/TenchiInTokyo'', Ryo-Ohki displays the ability to become various mecha.
* Origami Cyclone of ''Anime/TigerAndBunny'' can shapeshift into anyone he's touched. [[spoiler:We find out he can also do inanimate objects later in the series when he turns into a wanted poster during a manhunt.]]
* Yami in ''Manga/ToLoveRu'' (that is an {{Expy}} of Eve from ''Manga/BlackCat''). She has PrehensileHair which she can transform into anything and she is a living Shapeshifter Weapon. She is also able to change parts of her body into animal-like features that gives her extra capabilities, growing a pair of white feathered wings from her back similer to an angel, to enable her fight. She can also turn her legs into a fish tail similar to a mermaid with gills that lets her breath and swim better underwater.
** The sequel ''To love Ru Darkness'' introduce Mea and Nemesis, other two "Living Weapons" similar to Yami (and more prone to use their powers for [[PowerPerversionPotential pervert things]]):
*** Mea can alter the shape and size of her body or parts of it, like making her breasts bigger. Mea can also alter her size to copy the form and appearance of anyone (eg: Tearju), similar to shapeshifting.
*** Nemesis can alter her appearance and reshape her body to look more adult-like and even change her appearance to look exactly like other people. She can fully transform into animals, even those much smaller than herself, such as a crow or a cat. She can also grow a pair of butterfly wings that gives her the ability to fly.
* Tanuki in ''Literature/TheEccentricFamily'' are able to shape shift at will, in varying degrees of proficiency, just like their mythological counterparts.

to:

[[folder:Anime & Manga]]
[[folder:Eastern Animation]]
* ''Animation/NoonboryAndTheSuper7'': Noonbory's sidekick, a yellow blob-like creature named Mamby, can shapeshift into just about anything, including a parachute, a pair of scissors, etc.
* The Latvian cartoon ''Animation/{{Fantadroms}}'' features a shapeshifting cat robot named Indrikis as its main character. Receklite, one of the show's secondary characters, is also a cat robot with this ability.
* In ''Manga/{{Berserk}}'' there is Isma, who is a [[HalfHumanHybrid half-mermaid]]. She can change her shape, and look like a human as well as a [[OurMermaidsAreDifferent mermaid]]. This power is seemingly common to mermaids.
** Even
''Animation/PleasantGoatAndBigBigWolf: Mighty Little Defenders'', Wolfram, with the [[FaceMonsterTurn demonic apostles]] help of a machine owned by General Wolf, creates mud golems that can change their shape at will, to resemble anyone and switch between human and demonic form.
%%* Eve from ''Manga/BlackCat''.
* Grey from ''Manga/BlackClover''. Her epithet is "master of transformation magic", using it
use this ability to transform into others because she's terribly shy about her true appearance. She can also make other things disguise themselves as other stuff, which Gauche notes is a rare occurrence.
* Momose from ''Manga/BloodyCross''. She mostly uses it to make herself look like a friend/ally of one of her enemies so she can get close enough to surprise attack them.
* ''Anime/BloodPlus'' has
they go after the [[OurVampiresAreDifferent chiropterans]]. They can assume both a human form and the shape of any human being.
goats.
* The main protaognist of ''Anime/BNABrandNewAnimal'' is able to do this. While most beastmen can only shift between a human and beast form, Michiru is a tanuki and thus can uniquely shapeshift her form; stretching her arms, ballooning her tail, etc. Later on, she starts getting more creative by massively increasing the size and mass of her arms and morphing her legs into a cheetah's hind legs to run faster. While she accidentally morphs back into her human form, she decides to stay in her beast form out of convenience and comfort.
** [[spoiler:Turns out she got the ability from her friend Nazuna, whom is a shapeshifting fox, masquerading as Ginrou.]]
* Atsushi, the
eponymous main character of ''Manga/BungoStrayDogs'', has the ability to transform ''Animation/{{Lamput}}'', being a blob without a definite shape, can shapeshift into a [[{{Animorphism}} tiger]].
* It's implied that all of the demons in ''Anime/ChronoCrusade'' have shape-shifting abilities. They all have at least two forms: their true demonic form, and a more human-looking
whatever form they seem to use when mingling among humans, he pleases and possibly often does this to conserve energy as well. Chrono himself has a third form: a small, child-like version of his human form that he took on to save as much energy as possible.
outwit the docs who are after him.
* All characters with Youma blood in ''Manga/{{Claymore}}'' have some degree of shapeshifting ability. Full Youma ''Animation/GypsyTales'': In "The Gypsy Woman and Awakened Ones (aka Voracious Eaters) usually have a human form and a [[OneWingedAngel monstrous form]]. Several of them also display the "rubber-band limbs" kind of shapeshifting. Claymores themselves exhibit a series of progressive changes when they tax their powers.
* Anime/CuteyHoney has
Devil", the ability to transform into... various alternate versions of herself. In the 1990s Reboot, she devil transforms into a giant ''SPIDER'', thus proving rich young man to entrap Vunida. He transforms into a black jackdaw when he curses her full capabilities as to turn into a shapeshifter.
%%* ''Franchise/{{Digimon}}'' has tons
cherry tree.
* In ''Animation/HappyHeroes'', one
of examples of this.
* ''Manga/DragonBall'':
** Puar and Oolong both have
Kalo's main superpowers is the ability to shapeshift. Puar doesn't seem to have any major limitations but Oolong can only change for five minutes before having to Major forms besides his standard humanoid form include a one-eyed {{cephalothorax}} form he take a one minute rest. This is due to being kicked out shapeshifting school for stealing his teacher's panties.
** A large variety of the villains can do this. The most notable case being Frieza, who can transform up to 3 times to increase his power.
** Saiyans have a variation of this power as they can become gigantic monkey-like creatures known as Oozaru. To most Saiyans, this is an InvoluntaryShapeshifting as they have no control of this form. Vegeta, however, is trained to not only create an artificial moonlight, but can keep his sanity while as an Oozaru, making him ''much'' more dangerous.
* ''LightNovel/ExpectingToFallIntoRuinIAimToBecomeABlacksmith'': Neko-Sensei, being a parody of the CatGirl trope, is a human sized house-cat, who occasionally shapeshifts into a human. She teaches this ability to the protagonist Kururi, who ends up BecomingTheMask as a housecat for a few hours, resulting in him eavesdropping on Eliza and starting an incident that sees them exchanging letters and secrets. He also uses it later to infiltrate a group of hostage takers, and to go KingIncognito
in his domain.
* Elfman Strauss and his siblings Mirajane and Lisanna from ''Manga/FairyTail'' share
earliest appearances, a magical ability called "Take Over". It allows them to take the form of other beings, like beasts (Elfman's "Beast Soul"), animals (Lisanna's "Animal Soul") or a demon (Mirajane's "Satan Soul").
* ''Manga/FullmetalAlchemist'':
** Envy. It finds it most useful to change into people, but isn't limited to that; its "true form" is...let's just say you don't want to meet it down a dark alley. Heck, its true form wouldn't even ''fit'' in a dark alley.
*** This is ironically taken advantage of by Roy Mustang when [[spoiler:they fought to the death]]. Because of its large size, it allowed Roy to constantly bombard it with high powered but inaccurate shots that would hit it anyway. Given that Envy was a mass of human body parts and was heavy in bodily fluids, it did not matter if Roy only just barely grazes it, anything about it could be set on fire. [[spoiler:Ironically it is the inhuman form that brought about its downfall]].
---->'''Mustang:''' I can't ''believe'' you'd give me a bigger target! Did you honestly think that greater size would be an advantage?
*** It also crosses over into ShapeshifterWeapon. As it puts it (as it turns its limbs into
jet pack, a sword and a snake), it's not human, so why should it limit himself by fighting like one?
** Sloth from [[Anime/FullmetalAlchemist
Rubik's Cube.
* ''Animation/GGBond'': In Seasons 7-9,
the 2003 anime version]] has limited forms of this, due to her water powers. While she can't change her basic appearance, she can make small changes in things like her hair color and clothes, which she uses [[spoiler:to keep her cover as Juliet Douglas]].
* Nurarihyon from ''Manga/{{Gantz}}'' combines this with FromASingleCell: the capacity of his shapeshifting ability is so potential, he is almost impossible to kill. Actually, by just trying to do damage to him, he ''is'' impossible to kill. Only when he can't see the attack coming, are his [[HealingFactor regenerative abilities]] hindered. Nurarihyon can also transform into pretty much anything imaginable from an old man to [[{{Squick}} a gigantic naked body of a woman]] [[FanDisservice formed by countless naked bodies of women]].
* In ''Manga/{{Hellsing}}'', most of the vampires can do this.
* In ''[[Manga/HimechanNoRibon Himechan's Ribbon]]'', Himeko uses the titular ribbon to shift her shape into that of another (real) person. The catch? They wear a pendant that resembles the ribbon.
* Shippo from ''Manga/InuYasha'' can do this.
** As can [[BigBad Naraku]], though he uses it less for impersonation (as the hero would probably [[TheNoseKnows sniff him out]]) than for [[ShapeshifterWeapon sprouting]] enormous amounts of CombatTentacles whenever he needs them. In terms of size, he can be anything from mountain-sized to a minuscule dormant form that can be sufficiently hidden in a fold of skin.
** Sesshomaru can also transform. You can usually see him in his human-like form, but a few times he turns into a huge, white demon dog. He is much stronger in this form, but even in his human form he is already one of the strongest youkai.
** An arc of a story has a moth-youkai named Gatenmaru, who has morphed into a human form and was the leader of a group of human bandits.
** Miroku meets already at the beginning of the series a female mantis-youkai, who had taken [[LiteralManeater the form of a young girl to lure him into the trap]].
** Another story arc has a bull-hanyou. He is an [[InvoluntaryShapeshifting involuntary shapeshifter]], and looks like a human during the day, and like a youkai at night. The fact that he has a human father and a demonic mother strongly implies that bull-youkai can their shapes also changing and how humans can look.
** Many fans support the theory that even wolf-youkai can [[TotallyNotAWerewolf switch between their human-like and their demonic form]], even if one has never seen such a transformation in anime or manga.
** In general, [[MonstrosityEqualsWeakness
pigs have the ability to transform into a human-like form is a feature of really strong youkai]]. Sango says early in the series that the strongest and most dangerous youkai are the ones who can look like humans.
* ''Manga/JoJosBizarreAdventureDiamondIsUnbreakable'' has Mikitaka Hazekura, a guy (or alien) with a stand ([[AmbiguousSituation or alien powers]]) that allows him to transform into almost anything. He seems to be able to combine his strength with those of other people: when he turned into sneakers for Josuke to wear, he notes that their strength combined is what made them able to move away so fast. Although he can transform into almost any object, he is unable to transform into complex items like machines or something that requires more strength than his own to operate (i.e. dynamite) and copy the appearances of other people (he claims it's because all humans look the same to him).
** ''Manga/JoJosBizarreAdventureStardustCrusaders'' has minor villain Oingo, whose Stand, Khnum, allows him to change his appearance at will, as long as the result is human. He can't change his clothes, but he can transform his hair into a hat. Rubber Soul has a similar power (and he can imitate clothes too), however, his Stand, Yellow Temperance, is a BlobMonster that's constantly hungry, so he hardly can keep up the act.
* Tomoe and Mizuki, Nanami's two familiars from ''Manga/KamisamaKiss,'' are shown capable of shapeshifting at will. Mizuki is only shown to be able to transform from his normal human form to a white snake. Tomoe, on the other hand, is a LittleBitBeastly [[AsianFoxSpirit Kitsune]] who is shown to be able to transform himself and other people into just about anything and anyone he damn well pleases.
* Aside from the examples mentioned under {{Animorphism}}, ''Franchise/LyricalNanoha'' also has the cyborg Due, who can reshape her appearance for long-term infiltration missions.
* Yamimaru of ''Manga/MillenniumSnow'' is usually a bat, but he can transform into [[DualAgeModes one of two human forms]] for a few hours per day. He can also switch freely between the two forms.
* ''Manga/MonsterMusume'':
** Suu the SlimeGirl is capable of shifting into various forms, including an accurate ([[TechnicallyNakedShapeshifter clothed]]) impersonation of [[TheProtagonist Kimihito]], and can do rather accurate vocal impressions of the other characters. She can also transform into clothes to disguise other extraspecies characters as humans. However, since she's mostly unaware of human mannerisms (or at least of their cultural purposes), she tends to have an UncannyValley effect on other characters.
** Doppel the {{Doppelganger}}[[note]]Well, she's not technically a true doppelganger since she doesn't
shapeshift into and stalk people, but she's called so InUniverse because they [[CallASmeerpARabbit didn't have a word for what she]] [[EldritchAbomination actually was]].[[/note]] can change her form for infiltration and surveillance purposes. She reveals that her stronger animalistic forms, with GG Bond initially having all the transformations are only skin-deep and don't include PowerCopying; so, for example, when she before they're spread throughout the team. GG Bond transforms into the [[SpiderPeople friendly neighborhood Arachne girl]] she doesn't have a spinneret and has to use a rope to perform bondage. Like Suu, she can transform her hair into clothes, and as such is also a TechnicallyNakedShapeshifter.
** Luz, the {{Miko}} [[AsianFoxSpirit Kitsune]] [[NinjaPirateZombieRobot girl]], is capable of transforming herself, and uses her powers to hold a MagicalGirl {{Tokusatsu}} stage show. Unlike the previous two examples, Luz is incapable of changing her clothes, and has to rely on [[SpiderPeople Rachnera]] to make new costumes on the fly when she transforms. When Luz starts going unexpectedly [[{{Improv}} off-script]], Rachnera is unable to keep up the costume-making, leading to an epic WardrobeMalfunction.
* ''Manga/MusukoGaKawaikuteShikataganaiMazokuNoHahaoya'': This is the special power of Valentine, the demon idol. Initially she can even transform into inanimate objects, but after [[spoiler:Merii fixes her voice]] she says that the power has grown weaker. Even then she can still assume the form of any person, human or demon, that she wants.
* ''Manga/{{Naruto}}'':
** Most Ninja can do this. However, the basic version is implicitly only skin deep, [[FridgeLogic otherwise all the ninja would transform]] [[OneWingedAngel into horrific monsters]], or at least [[WolverineClaws weaponized]] [[BladeBelowTheShoulder versions]] of themselves, for extra fighting power. It's mainly used for deception.
** Special note should be given to the Jinchuriki, who (when influenced with the chakra of the tailed beast inside them) slowly turn into the tailed beast. Naruto's is explicitly detailed, showing him gain the fox aura and whiskers, then shape, bone, muscles and sinew, and begin to grow fur by the time he reaches 8 of his 9 tails.
* Nyanko-sensei/Madara in ''Manga/NatsumesBookOfFriends''. Aside from being able to go from SleepModeSize (a ManekiNeko) to his true form (a gigantic wolf spirit) on command, he changes
tiger, Phoebe transforms into a human girl once in a while when being a cat is inconvenient. He also took Natsume's form once to keep Natsume's family and friends from realizing anything had happened when Natsume was trapped in a magic jar. This was not [[NotHimself entirely]] [[OutOfCharacterAlert convincing]]. To be fair, it was probably deliberate when he slipped up with Tanuma.
* Eve Nueschwanstein from ''Manga/{{NEEDLESS}}'' has the ability "Doppelganger", which allows her to morph her body into any shape or form, but this power is offset by a constant need for calories to balance the drain this power puts on her body.
* The slime sisters from ''Manga/NegimaMagisterNegiMagi'' seem to have this ability. Some demons also appear to have some abilities along this line, though the primary example had features (horns -> hair) that showed up regardless.
* The alien characters of ''LightNovel/NyarukoCrawlingWithLove'' can all do this, but almost universally stick with human forms not only [[AFormYouAreComfortableWith as a courtesy to the human cast]] but because, as [[Creator/HPLovecraft Lovecraftian]] beings, their other forms would drive ordinary people insane. Normally this just means the heroic aliens changing into their combat forms, like Nyarko's Series/KamenRider-inspired Full Force Form; the worst we get in this regard is her brother Nyar-O, whose combat form is the Bloody Tongue, a giant black creature with a tongue for a head.
** The original light novel shows a bit more, establishing that Nyarlathotepians have the racial ability to reshape the facial features of their human form; Nyarko makes her face look like a LawyerFriendlyCameo version of [[Anime/MagicalGirlLyricalNanoha Nanoha Takamichi]] to prove to Mahiro that she's an alien. In the anime he just takes her word for it, mainly because she just saved his life by putting her hand ''through'' the chest of a horrifying monster.
* {{Magical Girl}}s in ''Anime/OkusamaWaMahouShoujo'' can use their powers to change shape. Among forms used are ravens, a mean looking dog, and an adult form of the girl.
* ''Manga/OnePiece'' has quite a few shifters in the cast. Mostly because the [[SuperSerum Devil Fruits']] powers more often than not involve altering the user's body in some way. The Devil Fruits come in three kinds, all of which have shifters amongst them.
** The first class are the Paramecia, which gives the user superhuman powers of some sort, which may or may not include some form of shapeshifting.
*** The most literal version of this trope is the [[http://onepiece.wikia.com/wiki/Mane_Mane_no_Mi Mane Mane no Mi]] which allows the user to copy the body of anyone whose face he has touched with his right hand (or can remember his appearance). To change
crane, Super Q transforms into a certain person, he touches his right cheek, and to change back bear, S-Daddy transforms into himself, he touches his left. The catch? He can't imitate clothes.
** The second class are the Zoan, which allow the user to transform completely or partially
a deer, and Bobby transforms into an animal, or an hybrid form between the user's original species and devil fruit's target species.
*** A special example of this type is Tony Tony Chopper, a reindeer who ate the [[http://onepiece.wikia.com/wiki/Hito_Hito_no_Mi Hito Hito no Mi]] which allows him to turn into human and have human intelligence. In addition to the basic three natural forms he can shapeshift into, he can acquire four others through the use of the "Rumble Balls" he invented. He takes this further after a TimeSkip, in which he claims to have been able to change the seven forms he can transform into, and on a side note reveals he now only needs the Rumble Ball for one of the seven.
** And the third class is are the Logia, which allows the user to [[ElementalBaggage generate]], [[ElementalPowers control]] or [[ElementalShapeshifter become]] a particular element. All of the users of Logia Devil Fruits are Elemental Shapeshifters by definition, with the exception of the [[http://onepiece.wikia.com/wiki/Yami_Yami_no_Mi Yami Yami no Mi]]
* In ''Anime/PokemonHeroes'', the Pokémon Latias commonly shapeshifts into the human Bianca; the only differences between the pair is that Latias does not wear the beret and is voiceless. Her version is unlike Ditto/Mew's as here it is that the Latias can be seen in her true form with a pair of thermogoggles owned by [[BigBad Annie and Oakley]].
* ''Anime/PrettyCure'' is positively full of this:
** Several MentorMascot characters, especially in the most recent years, are able to change into human form, most notably all four main mascots from ''Anime/YesPrettyCure5'' and its sequel ''[=GoGo=]'', as well as pre-HeelFaceTurn Siren/Ellen from ''Anime/SuitePrettyCure'', who could also change into other people. As if that wasn't enough, Pop from ''Anime/SmilePrettyCure'' is a {{ninja}} with the ability to change into anything the situation calls for.
** Villainous characters were no stranger to this, either. Two of ''Anime/FutariWaPrettyCure'''s first QuirkyMinibossSquad (and all three of the fourth) changed their appearances on occasion -- Poisony, in particular, used at least four different disguises, one of which was a convincing impersonation of Honoka. And in ''Anime/YesPrettyCure5'' the shift from human appearance to animalistic combat form happens nearly OnceAnEpisode.
** And while it's certainly not on the same scale, all of the {{Magical Girl}}s in the franchise undergo some kind of physical change when they [[TransformationSequence transform]], ending up with longer hair at the very least.
* Ahiru from ''Anime/PrincessTutu'' is somewhere in between Voluntary and {{Involuntary Shapeshift|er}}ing. She turns back into her duck form when she quacks--which she sometimes does on purpose, but also accidentally triggers when she responds in shock by quacking. (She can also stop the transformation if she slaps her hand over her mouth in time, however.) She can turn into a girl using water, and finally into a magical girl at will as long as she has her pendant.
* The beautiful PlayboyBunny Melona from ''Anime/QueensBlade'' has this ability, and uses it for both deception, and combat purposes.
* ''Anime/RageOfBahamutGenesis'' has the {{Nephilim}} Amira. She can freely switch between her angelic form and demonic shape.
* ''Literature/RebuildWorld'': The Rebuild Institute TykeBomb Haruka, due to a {{Nanomachine}} SuperSerum derived from LostTechnology, is able to freely shapeshift between being a group of spider like monsters with an EnergyWeapon, or two extra versions of herself, capable of PullingThemselvesTogether and regenerating FromASingleCell. She also disguises herself as furniture in a SensorSuspense scene.
* ''Manga/SgtFrog'': To date, Sumomo, Pururu, and Miruru can all take on human form. It's suggested that this is a uniquely female privilege -- or maybe [[{{Fanservice}} another excuse to draw cute human girls]]...
** In Pururu's case, it's actually a Class A Pekopon suit only usable by Class A invaders, while the Keroro platoon is considered class F. Although never directly shown in the anime, it's actually a mechanical suit that has hidden rocket boosters around its body in the manga.
* The Morphs from ''Manga/ShadowsHouse'' are tiny black fairies that can shapeshift into animal, but the result is jet-black and featureless. [[spoiler: Shadows are the result of Morphs imitating humans. Their newfound human intelligence causes them to forget their Morph origins.]]
* Weapons in ''Manga/SoulEater'' are otherwise-normal humans (besides their titular taste for corrupted souls) who can each transform into one of a variety of devices, including but not limited to [[SinisterScythe scythes]], guns, knives, shurikens, and [[ChainsawGood chainsaws]]. The catch: Most cannot fight by themselves, and require a Meister to wield them.
* Jin Tachibana from ''Manga/TalentlessNana'' can shapeshift into any animal as well as other people, including perfectly imitating their powers. He has two restrictions: 1.He can only shapeshift into [[DifferentlyPoweredIndividual Talented]] and 2.He can't shapeshift into dead people. [[spoiler: And as it turns out, Jin Tachibana is not his original identity.]]
* ''Anime/TenchiMuyo'':
** Zero (later Ryoko Hakubi) and (sort of) Washuu, and in the spinoffs there are: Ryoko Balouta of ''Anime/TenchiMuyoGXP'', Doll/Mexiah of ''Anime/TenchiMuyoWarOnGeminar'', and even Kei in ''Anime/SpaceshipAggaRuter''.
** Ryo-Ohki has the ability to transform into a spaceship; after absorbing Mass she can also transform into a full-sized human female (possibly) covered in brown fur ([[BarbieDollAnatomy it's hard to tell]]), a small sized human/cabbit form, her spaceship form, and her default cabbit form.
** In ''Anime/TenchiUniverse'' there is also Ken-Ohki, a white cabbit able to also transform into a spaceship.
** In ''Anime/TenchiInTokyo'', Ryo-Ohki displays the ability to become various mecha.
* Origami Cyclone of ''Anime/TigerAndBunny'' can shapeshift into anyone he's touched. [[spoiler:We find out he can also do inanimate objects later in the series when he turns into a wanted poster during a manhunt.]]
* Yami in ''Manga/ToLoveRu'' (that is an {{Expy}} of Eve from ''Manga/BlackCat''). She has PrehensileHair which she can transform into anything and she is a living Shapeshifter Weapon. She is also able to change parts of her body into animal-like features that gives her extra capabilities, growing a pair of white feathered wings from her back similer to an angel, to enable her fight. She can also turn her legs into a fish tail similar to a mermaid with gills that lets her breath and swim better underwater.
** The sequel ''To love Ru Darkness'' introduce Mea and Nemesis, other two "Living Weapons" similar to Yami (and more prone to use their powers for [[PowerPerversionPotential pervert things]]):
*** Mea can alter the shape and size of her body or parts of it, like making her breasts bigger. Mea can also alter her size to copy the form and appearance of anyone (eg: Tearju), similar to shapeshifting.
*** Nemesis can alter her appearance and reshape her body to look more adult-like and even change her appearance to look exactly like other people. She can fully transform into animals, even those much smaller than herself, such as a crow or a cat. She can also grow a pair of butterfly wings that gives her the ability to fly.
* Tanuki in ''Literature/TheEccentricFamily'' are able to shape shift at will, in varying degrees of proficiency, just like their mythological counterparts.
ape.



[[folder:Comic Books]]
* Franchise/TheDCU is positively lousy with shapeshifters: Beast Boy, ComicBook/PlasticMan, Offspring, all Martians (including resident superheroes ComicBook/MartianManhunter and Miss Martian), Madame Rouge, Gemini, Everyman, ComicBook/{{Metamorpho}}, and ComicBook/ElongatedMan, among many others. Shapeshifting may well surpass ''flight'' on their list of ubiquitous superpowers, at least among the younger generation.
** Plastic Man is regarded as the most powerful shapeshifter in the modern setting, with the ability to take virtually any shape, change color, and survive numerous attacks that seem tailor-made to hurt shapeshifters, such as [[Film/Terminator2JudgmentDay being frozen and shattered]].
** Chameleon Boy of the ComicBook/LegionOfSuperHeroes is a Durlan, another one of those alien races where everybody is a shapeshifter. It's fairly easy for them to get mode-locked and they usually lose their memories when they do meaning they end up BecomingTheMask.
** Beast Boy from the ''ComicBook/TeenTitans'': any animal [[ShapeshifterBaggage regardless of size]], but he will always be green. Madam Rouge from the animated version has no such weakness.
** Martian Manhunter from ''Franchise/{{Justice League|Of America}}'' had blob-form powers and disguise forms, as well as a few other notable abilities. Like the ability to survive being ripped in half. Scary.
*** Traditionally, he also has FlyingBrick powers (at a similar level to Superman) ''and'' powerful telepathic abilities, making him one of the most powerful characters in the DCU overall.
** Franchise/{{Batman}}' villain Clayface (every version). Being chemically altered gave him the ability to regenerate his body mass, change his shape, size, density and shape-shift into any form he could think of.
** Jason Blood is able to transform into the demon ComicBook/{{Etrigan}} by saying a short poem.
** DC's most famous one-form shape-shifters are probably [[ComicBook/{{Shazam}} Captain Marvel]]/Billy Batson and his family in addition to his arch-enemy ComicBook/BlackAdam.
** ComicBook/{{Firestorm|DCComics}} foe Silver Deer can magically change her appearance to that of another person or take on animal form. When in animal form she possess that animal's abilities.
** ComicBook/{{Hercules|Unbound}} had a magic mirror which would allow him to disguise himself as another humanoid, but he wasn't always very smart about it. A good example of this was when he used it to impersonate [[ComicBook/WonderGirl Cassie Sandsmark]]'s deceased boyfriend [[ComicBook/{{Superboy}} Kon-El]] to talk her into joining him, but understandably infuriated her instead.
** ''Franchise/WonderWoman'':
*** ''ComicBook/WonderWoman1942'': The Glop is a BlobMonster alien that can shape itself into pretty much any form that doesn't take up less or more mass than it's made of and can form and eject things based on substances it's "digested", like rocket propelled explosives
*** In ''ComicBook/WonderWoman1987'' one of Diana's SpacePirate Revolutionaries who stayed with her from the planning stages of the initial SlaveRevolt against the Sangtee Empire was Nol Lapp, of the aforementioned Durlan race.
*** ''ComicBook/WonderWomanWarbringer'': The Oracle's female body doesn't change but they switch up their head constantly and in mid-conversation, as they don't really have one of their own. She mostly uses faces whomever she's speaking with will recognize and often be unsettled or upset by, but throws in creepy animals like baboons to keep things interesting.
*** ''ComicBook/WonderWomanHistoriaTheAmazons'': Hera states this is an sbility of the Gods, claiming their current forms are as easily discarded as old clothes.
*** ''Franchise/WonderWoman'' foe Circe is an incredibly powerful magic user who frequently uses her magic to alter her looks, and costume ''mid battle''. She once trapped herself in a mortal form for a gambit to benifit from Ares' latest plot while messing with Diana but the whole thing backfired on her and she ended up caring for Diana as a friend even when she went back to being Circe.
* ''Franchise/MarvelUniverse'':
** The Skrulls are an entire ''race'' of voluntary shapeshifters, something they use to great advantage in the ''ComicBook/SecretInvasion'' crossover event.
** ''ComicBook/XMen'':
*** ComicBook/{{Mystique}} is the major example naturally. Her morphing ability allows her to morph into anyone/anything (including a wooden chair and a giant dragon on separate occasions), but she retains her "default mode" mass (her larger transformations would, well, tear like a hot-air balloon filled with blood if damaged...which is what happened to her as Bishop in ''[[ComicBook/XMen Uncanny X-Men]]'' issue 301).
*** Morph from the [[WesternAnimation/XMenTheAnimatedSeries 90s series]], who was in turn inspired by Changeling from the comics. Morph (maybe not the same guy) also appears in the ''ComicBook/AgeOfApocalypse'' event and the ''ComicBook/{{Exiles}}'' ongoing monthly title.
*** Kevin Sydney (who is, in fact, the same guy for both versions of Morph) transforms in a similar fashion as [[ComicBook/FantasticFour Mr. Fantastic]] does by reshaping his features via concentrated power of will.
*** ComicBook/{{Apocalypse}} is a mutant enhanced with futuristic technology and has absolute molecular control over his size and shape. Besides his laundry list of other powers, he can form his limbs into melee weapons, [[HealingFactor heal himself]] and disguise himself as a human.
** Impossible Man from the ''ComicBook/FantasticFour'' comics and cartoon is a trickster-like alien who can turn into all kinds of crazy things. In an episode of the 90's series titled "Hopelessly Impossible", he turns into Galactus, Lawrence Limburger, Hulk, Lockjaw, and a Ninja Turtle.
** ''ComicBook/TheIncredibleHulk'': The Hulk developed the ability to do this at one point in the early 1980s when Bruce Banner had taken complete control of the Hulk's form. While he normally stayed in his basic human body, Banner could transform himself into the Hulk at will and retained full control of his body while doing so. The emotionally reserved Banner couldn't get as angry as any of the actual Hulk personalities and so wasn't as strong, but he made up for it by using his scientific smarts to fight as a GeniusBruiser.
*** There is also his "Joe Fixit" personality, where he would be Bruce Banner by day, and "Mr. Fixit" Hulk by night.
*** The later "integrated" version of the Hulk (originally intended to be all of Banner/Hulk's personae combined into a functional whole, later [[{{Retcon}} retconned]] to yet another split personality) reversed this to a degree. Having control over his emotions and physical power, he stayed as the Hulk full-time, not reverting to "normal" even when sleeping or knocked out. However, when his mental control eventually began to slip, and the savage, destructive Hulk persona re-emerged, he would revert to human form as a sort of "safety valve", with the rampaging Hulk's mind stuck in the body of Bruce Banner and thus incapable of large-scale destruction.
*** Both ComicBook/SheHulk and ComicBook/RedHulk are typically able to control their transformations.
** ''ComicBook/{{Sleepwalker}}'', who had his own title in the early 1990s, is a variation on this trope. While he can't change his own physical shape, his [[EyeBeams warp vision]] can be used to alter the physical shape of any inanimate object within its radius, and affect its physical characteristics to a lesser degree.
** ''ComicBook/SpiderMan''
*** One of Spider-Man villains, The Chameleon. He start as a MasterOfDisguise with no power. Later, his powers are made innate; his epidermis and skin pigmentation have been surgically and mutagenically altered by a serum so that he can take on the appearance of any person at will. Later he returned to his powerless state.
*** ComicBook/{{Venom}} can camouflage itself by blending in with nearby walls and mimic other humans or clothing.
** In ''ComicBook/MsMarvel2014'', the titular character can change her {{SizeShifter}} and appearence in any way, up to the AttackOfTheFiftyFootWhatever, or taking the shape of other people (as of issue #6 she only managed the original Ms. Marvel's and her own mother's, though), or even inanimate objects (store manequin, sofa). She is also capable of {{Partial Transformation}}s which effectively also make her RubberMan, and give her SuperStrength (bigger arm -> more muscles -> more strength).
** Teen Loki and Loki God(dess) of Stories from ''Comic/BookLokiAgentOfAsgard'' usually use shapeshifting to shift between male and female forms, though they can also take other forms that represent themself, such as a fox.
** ''ComicBook/TheMightyThor'' was originally one himself, shifting between the God of Thunder and Dr. Donald Blake. Much later, the [[ComicBook/Thor2014 Goddess of Thunder]] would also shift human-mortal and Asgardian identities.
* ''Franchise/SonicTheHedgehog'':
** The character E.V.E. from ''ComicBook/SonicTheHedgehogArchieComics'' was able to shift shapes to become stronger after each defeat by the titular hedgehog. She did this so flawlessly that Sonic even thought he was being attacked by multiple opponents. After reaching her ultimate form, however, this power was no longer used and may be an example of ShapeshifterModeLock.
** Mimic the Octopus from ''ComicBook/SonicTheHedgehogIDW'' is a sinister yet limited example. He can only mimic another person's form, but not their abilities and his telltale sign is his brown eyes when morphed. When he was finally captured, he broke into a shapeshifting rage, turning into monstrous versions of other characters, particularly Vector.
* Sham of the ''[=DNAgents=]'' can be any human form, but he doesn't transform his clothing.
* ''ComicBook/ElfQuest'' has a number of examples. The original High Ones shapeshifted into elfin forms, which most of them retained (and which [[LamarckWasRight bred true]]) after crash-landing on the magic-poor World of Two Moons. A few, such as Timmain and Haken, were able to painfully force their shapeshifting abilities despite the planet's lack of magic. Most notably, Timmain often shapeshifted into a wolf (becoming the wolf-mother of the story's main tribe) and, many generations later, taught Kimo how to do so as well. Winnowill was able to shapeshift into human form, as was Jink centuries after that. When Winnowill's spirit was absorbed by Rayek, she sometimes succeeded in taking control of his body and reshaping it into her own form.
** To elaborate: shapeshifting in ''ComicBook/ElfQuest'' is an extension of "shaping" magic, i.e. rock-shaping, tree-shaping, and in this case, flesh-shaping. It's a painful process, but it follows the same basic logic as healing. This means that elves with healing powers are always ''potential'' shapeshifters but, in most cases, find the very idea unnatural and disturbing at first. Exceptions appear more and more often as the story progresses: Tyldak asks Winnowill to shape him into a bird-elf, Mender chooses not to grow a beard as he gets older, Skywise asks Leetah to make him into a pure elf instead of a wolf-elf (when he thinks all the other elves have died), and Suntop asks Leetah to shape him into a mer-elf temporarily so that he can spend time underwater with his lifemate.
** An article in ''The [=ElfQuest=] Gatherum v. II'' specifies that the original High Ones shapeshifted on the ''genetic'' level. [[labelnote:fridge logic]]Which means that all elves have the same number of chromosomes as wolves and explains why they can't breed with humans.[[/labelnote]]
* Bigby from ''ComicBook/{{Fables}}'' has a default wolf form, can shapeshift to a man, and can take any degree of the in-between forms. His six brothers are much more versatile, but not nearly as strong.
* Shifty, a prominent member of the [[LegionOfDoom Confederacy of Crime]] in ''ComicBook/TheIncredibles'' comic series.
* ''ComicBook/LastManStanding'' has [[MeaningfulName Karma]], which is a JustifiedTrope considering she's a robotic spy with advanced synthetic texture-mapping tech for skin.
%%* Dark Horse comic ''ComicBook/TheMask'' features another Trickster shapeshifter.
* Viktor Romanov's weapon crest in ''ComicBook/NikolaiDante'' allows him to transform into the Romanov eagle.
* Shakira from ''ComicBook/TheWarlord'' can change into a black cat at will.
* Cedric from ''ComicBook/{{WITCH}}''. In the [[WesternAnimation/{{WITCH}} animated adaptation]] he's limited to [[ScaledUp his snake-like true form]] and a single human form, but in the original comic he can disguise himself as ''anyone'', and has once used his power to [[{{Flight}} sprout perfectly functional wings and take off]].
* In the Italian satiric comic ''Jenus'', God explains that, as TheOmnipotent, He ''also'' has this ability. This happens when the Lamb of God asks Him how a giant like him could stand behind a small desk, and [[AsYouKnow God reminds him of this]] and demonstrates by taking the looks of a ''potted daisy'' (and still talking). That said, He usually looks as the elderly version of the identity He used the last time he was on Earth-Music/RonnieJamesDio.
* ''ComicBook/LegendsOfTheDeadEarth'':
** In ''ComicBook/ActionComics'' Annual #8, the actors who play Lois Lane (Loiz), Jimmy Olsen (Jimmee) and others at Bizarro World belong to a race of shapeshifters.
** In the ''ComicBook/{{Supergirl}}'' Annual #1 story "The Legends Lives On", S'Age claims that Supergirl was a shapeshifter, which leads her to believe that her crewmate Flexi, a half-Durlan shapeshifter, is Supergirl in disguise.
** In the ''[[Franchise/GreenLantern Guy Gardner: Warrior]]'' Annual #2 story "Hypersensitive: A Changer for All Seasons", the title character Stonewall Fencer is a shapeshifter.
* ''ComicBook/TheUltimates'': The Chitauri have this power, but a bit more limited: they can only take the form of a human being that they consume.
* In ''ComicBook/LoriLovecraft'', shaman Arthur Black Crow can transform into a [[MeaningfulName black crow]] at will.
* In ''ComicBook/Voodoo2011'', this is part of the title character's powerset - she can assume other people's forms.
* In ''ComicBook/{{Silverblade}}'', retired actor Jonathan Lord is granted the ability to transform into any character he ever portrayed on the silver screen, gaining their powers and skills. Blackfeather can shapeshift into Native American manitou animals. The falcon can become any kind of winged creature that flies, from a butterfly to a pterodactyl (after it has seen one in a movie).

to:

[[folder:Comic Books]]
[[folder:Fairy Tales]]
* Franchise/TheDCU is positively lousy with shapeshifters: Beast Boy, ComicBook/PlasticMan, Offspring, all Martians (including resident superheroes ComicBook/MartianManhunter and Miss Martian), Madame Rouge, Gemini, Everyman, ComicBook/{{Metamorpho}}, and ComicBook/ElongatedMan, among many others. Shapeshifting may well surpass ''flight'' on their list of ubiquitous superpowers, at least among the younger generation.
** Plastic Man is regarded as the most powerful shapeshifter in the modern setting, with the ability to take virtually any shape, change color, and survive numerous attacks that seem tailor-made to hurt shapeshifters, such as [[Film/Terminator2JudgmentDay being frozen and shattered]].
** Chameleon Boy of the ComicBook/LegionOfSuperHeroes is a Durlan, another one of those alien races where everybody is a shapeshifter. It's fairly easy for them to get mode-locked and they usually lose their memories when they do meaning they end up BecomingTheMask.
** Beast Boy from the ''ComicBook/TeenTitans'': any animal [[ShapeshifterBaggage regardless of size]], but he will always be green. Madam Rouge from the animated version has no such weakness.
** Martian Manhunter from ''Franchise/{{Justice League|Of America}}'' had blob-form powers and disguise forms, as well as a few other notable abilities. Like the ability to survive being ripped in half. Scary.
*** Traditionally, he also has FlyingBrick powers (at a similar level to Superman) ''and'' powerful telepathic abilities, making him one of the most powerful characters in the DCU overall.
** Franchise/{{Batman}}' villain Clayface (every version). Being chemically altered gave him the ability to regenerate his body mass, change his shape, size, density and shape-shift into any form he could think of.
** Jason Blood is able to transform into the demon ComicBook/{{Etrigan}} by saying a short poem.
** DC's most famous one-form shape-shifters are probably [[ComicBook/{{Shazam}} Captain Marvel]]/Billy Batson and his family in addition to his arch-enemy ComicBook/BlackAdam.
** ComicBook/{{Firestorm|DCComics}} foe Silver Deer can magically change her appearance to that of another person or take on animal form. When in animal form she possess that animal's abilities.
** ComicBook/{{Hercules|Unbound}} had a magic mirror which would allow him to disguise himself as another humanoid, but he wasn't always very smart about it. A good example of this was when he used it to impersonate [[ComicBook/WonderGirl Cassie Sandsmark]]'s deceased boyfriend [[ComicBook/{{Superboy}} Kon-El]] to talk her into joining him, but understandably infuriated her instead.
** ''Franchise/WonderWoman'':
*** ''ComicBook/WonderWoman1942'': The Glop is a BlobMonster alien that can shape itself into pretty much any form that doesn't take up less or more mass than it's made of and can form and eject things based on substances it's "digested", like rocket propelled explosives
***
In ''ComicBook/WonderWoman1987'' one of Diana's SpacePirate Revolutionaries who stayed with her from the planning stages of the initial SlaveRevolt against the Sangtee Empire was Nol Lapp, of the aforementioned Durlan race.
*** ''ComicBook/WonderWomanWarbringer'': The Oracle's female body doesn't change but they switch up their head constantly and in mid-conversation, as they don't really have one of their own. She mostly uses faces whomever she's speaking with will recognize and often be unsettled or upset by, but throws in creepy animals like baboons to keep things interesting.
*** ''ComicBook/WonderWomanHistoriaTheAmazons'': Hera states this is an sbility of the Gods, claiming their current forms are as easily discarded as old clothes.
*** ''Franchise/WonderWoman'' foe Circe is an incredibly powerful magic user who frequently uses her magic to alter her looks, and costume ''mid battle''. She once trapped herself in a mortal form for a gambit to benifit from Ares' latest plot while messing with Diana but the whole thing backfired on her and she ended up caring for Diana as a friend even when she went back to being Circe.
* ''Franchise/MarvelUniverse'':
** The Skrulls are an entire ''race'' of voluntary shapeshifters, something they use to great advantage in the ''ComicBook/SecretInvasion'' crossover event.
** ''ComicBook/XMen'':
*** ComicBook/{{Mystique}} is the major example naturally. Her morphing ability allows her to morph into anyone/anything (including a wooden chair and a giant dragon on separate occasions), but she retains her "default mode" mass (her larger transformations would, well, tear like a hot-air balloon filled with blood if damaged...which is what happened to her as Bishop in ''[[ComicBook/XMen Uncanny X-Men]]'' issue 301).
*** Morph from the [[WesternAnimation/XMenTheAnimatedSeries 90s series]], who was in turn inspired by Changeling from the comics. Morph (maybe not the same guy) also appears in the ''ComicBook/AgeOfApocalypse'' event and the ''ComicBook/{{Exiles}}'' ongoing monthly title.
*** Kevin Sydney (who is, in fact, the same guy for both versions of Morph) transforms in a similar fashion as [[ComicBook/FantasticFour Mr. Fantastic]] does by reshaping his features via concentrated power of will.
*** ComicBook/{{Apocalypse}} is a mutant enhanced with futuristic technology and has absolute molecular control over his size and shape. Besides his laundry list of other powers, he can form his limbs into melee weapons, [[HealingFactor heal himself]] and disguise himself as a human.
** Impossible Man from the ''ComicBook/FantasticFour'' comics and cartoon is a trickster-like alien who
''Literature/TheFeatherOfFinistTheFalcon'', Finist can turn into all kinds of crazy things. In an episode of a falcon and uses it to visit the 90's series titled "Hopelessly Impossible", he turns into Galactus, Lawrence Limburger, Hulk, Lockjaw, and a Ninja Turtle.
** ''ComicBook/TheIncredibleHulk'': The Hulk developed the ability to do this at one point in the early 1980s when Bruce Banner had taken complete control of the Hulk's form. While he normally stayed in his basic human body, Banner could transform himself into the Hulk at will and retained full control of his body while doing so. The emotionally reserved Banner couldn't get as angry as any of the actual Hulk personalities and so wasn't as strong, but he made up for it by using his scientific smarts to fight as a GeniusBruiser.
*** There is also his "Joe Fixit" personality, where he would be Bruce Banner by day, and "Mr. Fixit" Hulk by night.
*** The later "integrated" version of the Hulk (originally intended to be all of Banner/Hulk's personae combined into a functional whole, later [[{{Retcon}} retconned]] to yet another split personality) reversed
heroine.
* In ''Literature/TheBlackThiefAndTheKnightOfTheGlen'', three witches use
this to a degree. Having control over his emotions and physical power, he stayed as pursue the Hulk full-time, not reverting to "normal" even when sleeping or knocked out. However, when his mental control eventually began to slip, and the savage, destructive Hulk persona re-emerged, he would revert to human form as a sort of "safety valve", with the rampaging Hulk's mind stuck in the body of Bruce Banner and thus incapable of large-scale destruction.
*** Both ComicBook/SheHulk and ComicBook/RedHulk are typically able to control their transformations.
** ''ComicBook/{{Sleepwalker}}'', who had his own title in the early 1990s, is a variation on this trope. While he can't change his own physical shape, his [[EyeBeams warp vision]] can be used to alter the physical shape of any inanimate object within its radius, and affect its physical characteristics to a lesser degree.
** ''ComicBook/SpiderMan''
*** One of Spider-Man villains, The Chameleon. He start as a MasterOfDisguise with no power. Later, his powers are made innate; his epidermis and skin pigmentation have been surgically and mutagenically altered by a serum so that he can take on the appearance of any person at will. Later he returned to his powerless state.
*** ComicBook/{{Venom}} can camouflage itself by blending in with nearby walls and mimic other humans or clothing.
** In ''ComicBook/MsMarvel2014'', the titular character can change her {{SizeShifter}} and appearence in any way, up to the AttackOfTheFiftyFootWhatever, or taking the shape of other people (as of issue #6 she only managed the original Ms. Marvel's and her own mother's, though), or even inanimate objects (store manequin, sofa). She is also capable of {{Partial Transformation}}s which effectively also make her RubberMan, and give her SuperStrength (bigger arm -> more muscles -> more strength).
** Teen Loki and Loki God(dess) of Stories from ''Comic/BookLokiAgentOfAsgard'' usually use shapeshifting to shift between male and female forms, though they can also take other forms that represent themself, such as a fox.
** ''ComicBook/TheMightyThor'' was originally one himself, shifting between the God of Thunder and Dr. Donald Blake. Much later, the [[ComicBook/Thor2014 Goddess of Thunder]] would also shift human-mortal and Asgardian identities.
* ''Franchise/SonicTheHedgehog'':
** The character E.V.E. from ''ComicBook/SonicTheHedgehogArchieComics'' was able to shift shapes to become stronger after each defeat by the titular hedgehog. She did this so flawlessly that Sonic even thought he was being attacked by multiple opponents. After reaching her ultimate form, however, this power was no longer used and may be an example of ShapeshifterModeLock.
** Mimic the Octopus from ''ComicBook/SonicTheHedgehogIDW'' is a sinister yet limited example. He can only mimic another person's form, but not their abilities and his telltale sign is his brown eyes when morphed. When he was finally captured, he broke into a shapeshifting rage, turning into monstrous versions of other characters, particularly Vector.
* Sham of the ''[=DNAgents=]'' can be any human form, but he doesn't transform his clothing.
* ''ComicBook/ElfQuest'' has a number of examples. The original High Ones shapeshifted into elfin forms, which most of them retained (and which [[LamarckWasRight bred true]]) after crash-landing on the magic-poor World of Two Moons. A few, such as Timmain and Haken, were able to painfully force their shapeshifting abilities despite the planet's lack of magic. Most notably, Timmain often shapeshifted into a wolf (becoming the wolf-mother of the story's main tribe) and, many generations later, taught Kimo how to do so as well. Winnowill was able to shapeshift into human form, as was Jink centuries after that. When Winnowill's spirit was absorbed by Rayek, she sometimes succeeded in taking control of his body and reshaping it into her own form.
** To elaborate: shapeshifting in ''ComicBook/ElfQuest'' is an extension of "shaping" magic, i.e. rock-shaping, tree-shaping, and in this case, flesh-shaping. It's a painful process, but it follows the same basic logic as healing. This means that elves with healing powers are always ''potential'' shapeshifters but, in most cases, find the very idea unnatural and disturbing at first. Exceptions appear more and more often as the story progresses: Tyldak asks Winnowill to shape him into a bird-elf, Mender chooses not to grow a beard as he gets older, Skywise asks Leetah to make him into a pure elf instead of a wolf-elf (when he thinks all the other elves have died), and Suntop asks Leetah to shape him into a mer-elf temporarily so that he can spend time underwater with his lifemate.
** An article in ''The [=ElfQuest=] Gatherum v. II'' specifies that the original High Ones shapeshifted on the ''genetic'' level. [[labelnote:fridge logic]]Which means that all elves have the same number of chromosomes as wolves and explains why they can't breed with humans.[[/labelnote]]
* Bigby from ''ComicBook/{{Fables}}'' has a default wolf form, can shapeshift to a man, and can take any degree of the in-between forms. His six brothers are much more versatile, but not nearly as strong.
* Shifty, a prominent member of the [[LegionOfDoom Confederacy of Crime]] in ''ComicBook/TheIncredibles'' comic series.
* ''ComicBook/LastManStanding'' has [[MeaningfulName Karma]], which is a JustifiedTrope considering she's a robotic spy with advanced synthetic texture-mapping tech for skin.
%%* Dark Horse comic ''ComicBook/TheMask'' features another Trickster shapeshifter.
* Viktor Romanov's weapon crest in ''ComicBook/NikolaiDante'' allows him to transform into the Romanov eagle.
* Shakira from ''ComicBook/TheWarlord'' can change into a black cat at will.
* Cedric from ''ComicBook/{{WITCH}}''. In the [[WesternAnimation/{{WITCH}} animated adaptation]] he's limited to [[ScaledUp his snake-like true form]] and a single human form, but in the original comic he can disguise himself as ''anyone'', and has once used his power to [[{{Flight}} sprout perfectly functional wings and take off]].
thief.
* In the Italian satiric comic ''Jenus'', God explains that, as TheOmnipotent, He ''also'' has this ability. This happens when the Lamb of God asks Him how a giant like him could stand behind a small desk, and [[AsYouKnow God reminds him of this]] and demonstrates by taking the looks of a ''potted daisy'' (and still talking). That said, He usually looks as the elderly version of the identity He used the last time he was on Earth-Music/RonnieJamesDio.
* ''ComicBook/LegendsOfTheDeadEarth'':
** In ''ComicBook/ActionComics'' Annual #8, the actors
"Literature/TheDeathOfKoscheiTheDeathless", Prince Ivan's brothers-in-law are sorcerers who play Lois Lane (Loiz), Jimmy Olsen (Jimmee) and others at Bizarro World belong to a race of shapeshifters.
** In the ''ComicBook/{{Supergirl}}'' Annual #1 story "The Legends Lives On", S'Age claims that Supergirl was a shapeshifter, which leads her to believe that her crewmate Flexi, a half-Durlan shapeshifter, is Supergirl in disguise.
** In the ''[[Franchise/GreenLantern Guy Gardner: Warrior]]'' Annual #2 story "Hypersensitive: A Changer for All Seasons", the title character Stonewall Fencer is a shapeshifter.
* ''ComicBook/TheUltimates'': The Chitauri have this power, but a bit more limited: they can only take the form of a human being that they consume.
* In ''ComicBook/LoriLovecraft'', shaman Arthur Black Crow
can transform into a [[MeaningfulName black crow]] at will.
birds (more specifically, one falcon, one eagle and one raven).
* In ''ComicBook/Voodoo2011'', this is part of "Literature/TheNinePeahensAndTheGoldenApples", the title character's powerset - she can assume other people's forms.
* In ''ComicBook/{{Silverblade}}'', retired actor Jonathan Lord is granted the ability to transform
mountain witch's mare transforms herself and her foal into any character he ever portrayed on the silver screen, gaining their powers fishes, later foxes and skills. Blackfeather can shapeshift into Native American manitou animals. The falcon can become any kind of winged creature that flies, from a butterfly to a pterodactyl (after it has seen one in a movie).finally wolves.



[[folder:Eastern Animation]]
* ''Animation/NoonboryAndTheSuper7'': Noonbory's sidekick, a yellow blob-like creature named Mamby, can shapeshift into just about anything, including a parachute, a pair of scissors, etc.
* The Latvian cartoon ''Animation/{{Fantadroms}}'' features a shapeshifting cat robot named Indrikis as its main character. Receklite, one of the show's secondary characters, is also a cat robot with this ability.
* In ''Animation/PleasantGoatAndBigBigWolf: Mighty Little Defenders'', Wolfram, with the help of a machine owned by General Wolf, creates mud golems that can change their shape to resemble anyone and use this ability to disguise themselves as they go after the goats.
* The eponymous main character of ''Animation/{{Lamput}}'', being a blob without a definite shape, can shapeshift into whatever form he pleases and often does this to outwit the docs who are after him.
* ''Animation/GypsyTales'': In "The Gypsy Woman and the Devil", the devil transforms into a rich young man to entrap Vunida. He transforms into a black jackdaw when he curses her to turn into a cherry tree.
* In ''Animation/HappyHeroes'', one of Kalo's main superpowers is the ability to shapeshift. Major forms besides his standard humanoid form include a one-eyed {{cephalothorax}} form he take in his earliest appearances, a jet pack, a sword and a Rubik's Cube.
* ''Animation/GGBond'': In Seasons 7-9, the pigs have the ability to shapeshift into stronger animalistic forms, with GG Bond initially having all the transformations before they're spread throughout the team. GG Bond transforms into a tiger, Phoebe transforms into a crane, Super Q transforms into a bear, S-Daddy transforms into a deer, and Bobby transforms into an ape.

to:

[[folder:Eastern [[folder:Films -- Animation]]
* ''Animation/NoonboryAndTheSuper7'': Noonbory's sidekick, Genie from ''WesternAnimation/{{Aladdin}}'' may be the best known of the trickster subtype.
* Merlock from ''WesternAnimation/DuckTalesTheMovieTreasureOfTheLostLamp'' has
a yellow blob-like creature named Mamby, can shapeshift talisman that allows him to turn into just about anything, including non-anthromorphic animals.
* Pain and Panic from ''WesternAnimation/{{Hercules}}''.
* Jacklyn from ''WesternAnimation/{{Igor}}'' pulls this off using special pills.
* ''Franchise/TheIncredibles'':
** Elastigirl can reshape herself into different forms like a makeshift boat or
a parachute, a pair of scissors, etc.
* The Latvian cartoon ''Animation/{{Fantadroms}}'' features a shapeshifting cat robot named Indrikis as its main character. Receklite, one of
thanks to her elastic powers. In the show's secondary characters, is also sequel, she takes on a cat robot with this ability.
* In ''Animation/PleasantGoatAndBigBigWolf: Mighty Little Defenders'', Wolfram, with the help of a machine owned by General Wolf, creates mud golems that can change their
glider shape similar to resemble anyone and use this ability a flying squirrel to travel quickly through the city.
** Jack-Jack is classified a polymorph by Edna Mode in [[WesternAnimation/Incredibles2 the sequel]]. He essentially shapeshifts on the ''molecular level''. This grants him a wide range of different abilities such as setting himself on fire ala Human Torch or turning into a demonic-looking creature when he gets angry.
* Queen Watevra Wa-Nabi from ''WesternAnimation/TheLEGOMovie2TheSecondPart'' is a brick-built character who can turn into... well, [[PunnyName whatever she wants to be]].
* Dave the octopus from ''WesternAnimation/PenguinsOfMadagascar'', who manages
to disguise themselves himself as they go after a human, although downplayed in that he needs to wear a wig and clothes.
* Merlin and Madam Mim from ''WesternAnimation/TheSwordInTheStone'' are powerful magic users who can use magic to take on various forms. Merlin throughout
the goats.
* The eponymous main character of ''Animation/{{Lamput}}'', being a blob without a definite shape, can shapeshift
movie teaches life lessons to Arthur by turning himself and Arthur into whatever form he pleases various animals such as a squirrel, fish, and often does this to outwit the docs who are after him.
* ''Animation/GypsyTales'': In "The Gypsy Woman
a bird. During her VillainSong Madam Mim performs feats such as shrinking, turning herself into giant, giving her face porcine features, and the Devil", the devil transforms even making herself look young and beautiful. She also tries to kill Arthur (who is still in bird form) by turning into a rich young man cat. During their WizardDuel, Merlin and Mim turn into various animals to entrap Vunida. He transforms fight each other. Mim cheats by turning into a black jackdaw ''dragon'' when he curses her earlier she said it was against the rules to turn into something like a pink dragon (she uses ExactWords by claiming she never said it was cheating to turn into a cherry tree.
* In ''Animation/HappyHeroes'', one of Kalo's main superpowers is the ability to shapeshift. Major forms besides his standard humanoid form include a one-eyed {{cephalothorax}} form he take in his earliest appearances, a jet pack, a sword and a Rubik's Cube.
* ''Animation/GGBond'': In Seasons 7-9, the pigs have the ability to shapeshift into stronger animalistic forms, with GG Bond initially having all the transformations before they're spread throughout the team. GG Bond transforms
''purple'' dragon). [[spoiler:Merlin wins by turning himself into a tiger, Phoebe transforms ''germ'', making Mim horribly sick and bedridden.]]
* Morph in ''WesternAnimation/TreasurePlanet''.
* In ''WesternAnimation/TurningRed'', after her initial PowerIncontinence, Mei learns to control the panda transformation and use it to her advantage.
* Ralph, The All-Purpose Animal from ''WesternAnimation/TwiceUponATime'' has the power to change
into a crane, Super Q transforms into a bear, S-Daddy transforms into a deer, and Bobby transforms into an ape.any animal.



[[folder:Fairy Tales]]
* In ''Literature/TheFeatherOfFinistTheFalcon'', Finist can turn into a falcon and uses it to visit the heroine.
* In ''Literature/TheBlackThiefAndTheKnightOfTheGlen'', three witches use this to pursue the thief.
* In "Literature/TheDeathOfKoscheiTheDeathless", Prince Ivan's brothers-in-law are sorcerers who can transform into birds (more specifically, one falcon, one eagle and one raven).
* In "Literature/TheNinePeahensAndTheGoldenApples", the mountain witch's mare transforms herself and her foal into fishes, later foxes and finally wolves.

to:

[[folder:Fairy Tales]]
[[folder:Gamebooks]]
* In ''Literature/TheFeatherOfFinistTheFalcon'', Finist ''Literature/LoneWolf'':
** The Helghasts from the gamebook series (and its spin-off ''Legend of Lone Wolf'' novels) are undead able to take human shape, making them perfect spies and assassins for the Darklords.
** The Nadziranim ("dark sorcerers")
can turn into vicious monsters when they have to fight. Their {{familiar}}s the Liganim also seems to have many shapes.
** The Deathstalker [[spoiler:and its mate]], introduced in the New Order Kai series, went on
a falcon killing spree in a city and uses it used its shapeshifting abilities to visit the heroine.
* In ''Literature/TheBlackThiefAndTheKnightOfTheGlen'', three witches use this to pursue the thief.
* In "Literature/TheDeathOfKoscheiTheDeathless", Prince Ivan's brothers-in-law are sorcerers who can transform into birds (more specifically, one falcon, one eagle and one raven).
* In "Literature/TheNinePeahensAndTheGoldenApples", the mountain witch's mare transforms herself and her foal into fishes, later foxes and finally wolves.
evade detection. Its natural form is some sort of horrible ape-like ''thing''.



[[folder:Fan Works]]
* ''Fanfic/TheAdventuresOfDoctorWhooves'': [[spoiler:Queen Aurelia of the Moon Changelings]] has this ability.
* In ''Fanfic/TheButcherBird'', one of the [[BioAugmentation Augment]] types created by [[MadScientist Captain]] [[VillainProtagonist Grigori Vinci]] is the Fae, which gives the person implanted with it the ability to turn into the form of anyone they have a DNA sample from.
%%* In ''Fanfic/TheCaptainOfTheVirtualConsole'', Mew is this via the Transform move.%%ZCE
* ''[[http://www.fanfiction.net/s/7673069/1/Digipoke_Digital_Pokemon Digipoke: Digital Pokémon]]'' has the [[RagtagBunchOfMisfits protagonists]] changing into different Franchise/{{Pokemon}} and Franchise/{{Digimon}} in order to defeat their enemies, sometimes spending no more than a couple of seconds before transforming again.
* In Fialleril's ''Star Wars'' fics, explored in most detail in the ''Fanfic/DoubleAgentVader'' series, the Amavikka culture of Tatooine has legends about Ekkreth, a trickster who frees slaves and punctures the hubris of slaveowners. Ekkreth is a shapeshifter who takes the forms of harmless-looking slaves, or ignorant outworlders, or other people of various kinds (and can also be animals -- a common ending to a story is for Ekkreth to turn into a bird and fly away laughing). Part of the message of the legends is that anyone you meet could be Ekkreth, and so could you.
* ''[[http://www.fimfiction.net/story/99103/the-flower-blooms-twice The Flower Blooms Twice]]'': Changelings, per canon. There's also a variant with Apple Bloom, who's revealed to have been an infant Changeling Queen discovered by the Apple family after Applejack returned from Manehatten (where she'd gone after her parents died). After finding her, Mac and Applejack decided to give her the ribbon once worn by their mother Apple Flower, and when it was tied into her mane as her signature hair bow, she turned into an exact replica of Apple Flower and has been in that form ever since, as long as she wears the bow, until events during the story that use up the magic within it. This effect's origin is later explained when General Coin reveals that ponies can leave an imprint, or Soma, of themselves in specific objects they've owned for a long time, and that changeling magic can interact with this imprint; this is why Apple Bloom turned into an infant copy of her ribbon's former owner. After the magic is used up, she has to learn how to change into her original form (or as close to it as she can) with her inherent powers.
* In ''[[https://www.fanfiction.net/s/11989539/1/Hakkōna Hakkōna]]'' and ''[[https://www.fanfiction.net/s/12023508/1/Kaitō-Kokoro Kaitō Kokoro]]'', Obake are creatures that can shapeshift into just about anything. Unfortunately, their powers made them [[CursedWithAwesome feared by humans]] and [[GottaKillThemAll massacred as a result]] with [[spoiler:Kiku as the only survivor.]]
-->Obake. A subcategory of Yōkai, supernatural creatures of Japanese Shinto myth. Obake are beings that can take on any shape, from an inanimate household object to the most ravenous of beasts. However, despite that, Obake can be of various species, possessing various base forms; cat, dog, monkey, even human are just some of them. Obake have generally lived in peace, respecting all those around them. Secluding themselves from people, they are one with nature, in perfect harmony with it and each other as they live through existences which aren't limited by the passing of time. Everything was perfect until that fateful day...
* Since ''Fanfic/HalfPastAdventure'' is an ''WesternAnimation/AdventureTime'' fanfic, this trope remains in effect from Jake, but also applies to his [[ComboPlatterPowers great-grandchild]] [[{{Deuteragonist}} Robin]].
* This is the primary power of the Changelings in ''Fanfic/IronKissed''. While most Fae can use glamours to ''look'' like pretty much anything they want, few aside from Changelings can actually alter their physical forms.
* In ''Fanfic/KeepersOfTheElements'', the Erendorian people for the most part have this ability and some non-Erendorian people have this ability as well.
* ''Fanfic/TheKeysStandAlone: The Soft World'':
** George displays a lot of new magical forms (other dragons, a centaur, elementals, a cockatrice, a cloud giant, a troll, etc.) and later reveals that [[spoiler:he'd been reading the [[TabletopGame/DungeonsAndDragons AD&D Monster Manual]] and gaming magazines while on Earth]]. He can also [[HulkingOut buff himself up]].
** Another shapeshifter is Bayr, [[ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin who can turn into a bear]] (which does not impress George at ''all'').
** The Animals' Bashaban, a ShoutOut to the Titanium Titan from ''WesternAnimation/ElTigreTheAdventuresOfMannyRivera'', with his liquid metal arms.
* In ''Fanfic/LittleBoyBlue'', a Rise of The Guardians story, we have Desmond who does this to imitate Jack.
* [[OriginalCharacter Eclipse]] in the ''FanFic/TamersForeverSeries'' is able to take the form of any Digimon of Champion level or lower.
* ''Fanfic/MikesNewGhostlyFamily'': Liz Schmidt (formerly Elizabeth Afton) can shapeshift into a spectral form of Scrap Baby at will, making her the only ghost child capable of shapeshifting into an animatronic form. This form has stronger "physical" influence on the corporeal world, allowing her to break things more easily with her claw and hand. Initially, Liz hated this form, viewing it as a MarkOfShame on her soul, until her new father Mike Schmidt and her new siblings, [[spoiler:as well as Michael Afton, who descended from Heaven to comfort her]], were able to convince her to not view her new form as punishment, but to make Scrap Baby into what she wants her to be, as opposed to what William Afton wanted to turn her into, with Liz deciding to use the Scrap Baby form to become a protector of her new family.
* In ''Fanfic/TheMoonstoneCup'' the dragon leader Najstariot keeps herself in a humanoid shape for the majority of the tournament with a transformation spell. It isn't until the climax of the story that she drops the transformation and shows Twilight her true, draconic form ([[BodyHorror and the injuries she's sustained in it]]).
* ''Fanfic/MyFamilyAndOtherEquestrians'': According to the narration, it is possible that Lizzie's transformation may be voluntary, depending on how Discord pulled off the transformation and on whether Lizzie wants to change back.
* ''Fanfic/TheNightUnfurls'': All it takes is a thought for [[spoiler:the Good Hunter to alternate between his [[AFormYouAreComfortableWith human]] and [[EldritchAbomination great one]] forms.]] As Chapter 8 and 10 would show, [[spoiler:he is skilled enough to [[PartialTransformation release tendrils from his arm while remaining mostly humanoid]].]] Really shows how far [[spoiler:he]] has come.
* In ''Fanfic/TheParselmouthOfGryffindor'', once he's gained sapience, the Boggart begins exercising to allow himself to take any shape he wishes instead of automatically transforming into a passerby's worst fear.
* ''Fanfic/ThePiecesLieWhereTheyFell'': Full Moon Sweet Surprise, a unicorn, is adept enough at transformation magic to fully change into different pony types. [[spoiler:Likewise, Changelings and changeling hybrids like Page Turner have this as a natural ability, though Page admits at one point that she's not as skilled with it due to years of hiding in her unicorn form.]]
* ''Fanfic/PokemonResetBloodlines'' has several examples:
** The first one to appear is [[EldritchAbomination [=MissingNo=]]], an EldritchAbomination capable of virtually taking any form it wants. It first appears as [[HybridMonster an amalgam of]] [[MixAndMatchCritters Dialga, Palkia and Giratina]], and later it takes [[AFormYouAreComfortableWith the forms of Dawn, Serena and Iris]] just to torment Ash.
** [[spoiler: Serena]] is implied to have this, as her hair changes its natural color to black [[spoiler: when she's sad about Ash's defeat in the Battle Dome tournament.]]
** Another is [[spoiler: Hilda]], though in her case it's more of an illusory power, much like a Zorua/Zoroark.
* Pittan from ''Fanfic/PrettyCurePerfumePreppy'', [[spoiler:can turn from bird to human and back whenever he lets out a 'squawk']].
* In the Virtual Series ''Fanfic/SlayerAcademy'' two characters, Hamish and Rachel, have the ability to change their appearance. They can look like other people as well as changing all or part of themselves into various demons.
* In ''VideoGame/NieR'' fanfic ''Fanfic/TowerOfBabel'' Emil gains the power to shapeshift between his human form, Halua’s giant body, and their skeletal mix, [[MultiformBalance each with their own pros and cons]]. [[spoiler:And Amalgamates have the power to switch between Gestalt and Replicant form.]]
* ''Fanfic/WarriorsOfTheWorldSoldiersOfFortune'': The BigBad Argath shapeshifts into a swarm of black bats with silver wings to travel.
* ''Fanfic/WeRentTheNight'': All the Night/Lunar Guard are stated to have the ability to turn into bat ponies with their enchanted armor. But, [[BunnyEarsLawyer only their eccentric CO Lt. Mirror]] uses this regularly.
* A werewolf in ''[[https://www.fanfiction.net/s/8106168/18/Weres-Harry Weres Harry]]'' claimed that some of the ancient Scandinavians were given this ability by their gods -- Loki for wolves, Tyr for bears and Heimdall for big cats.
* The ''Literature/{{Discworld}}'' fic ''Fanfic/WhyAndWere'' introduces [[DarkestAfrica Howondalandian]] shapeshifters who can take on leopard form.
* George in ''Fanfic/WithStringsAttached'', thanks to his unexpectedly powerful ring. There don't seem to be any limits on what he can become or for how long, though he eschews certain forms because they're disgusting or disconcerting. But in the blink of an eye he can become animals, birds, insects, monsters (including a red dragon), other people, and even inanimate objects. HealingFactor, size shifting, and a [[BagOfHolding Hammerspace “closet”]] are also part of the package, though MagicPants are not. (He keeps clothes in his closet for that.) He does have a little problem with TheMindIsAPlaythingOfTheBody, though with effort he can come back to himself. Also, [[ModeLock his ring sticks once in a while]].
* In ''Fanfic/ZeroNoTsukaimaSaitoTheOnmyoji'', [[SuccubiAndIncubi Emereldas]], one of Saito's {{familiar}}s, has the ability to transform into any being she has seen or touched.
* ''Fanfic/OSMUFanfictionFriction'': Nectar, one of Basil Valentine's henchwomen, has the ability to turn into a large black wolf and back again. It's implied that it has something to do with her not being human, just like Basil and his other henchwoman Ambrosia.

to:

[[folder:Fan Works]]
[[folder:Music]]
* ''Fanfic/TheAdventuresOfDoctorWhooves'': [[spoiler:Queen Aurelia Music/BlueOysterCult: The titular character of Music/{{Imaginos}} is a skilled shapeshifter, with examples given of him turning into a buzzard, a pony, and a ''pinwheel'', as well as imitating various humans.
* Music/TearsForFears: One
of the Moon Changelings]] has this ability.
* In ''Fanfic/TheButcherBird'', one
''Film/{{Sybil}}'' dialogue samples from "The Big Chair" (the BSide of the [[BioAugmentation Augment]] types created by [[MadScientist Captain]] [[VillainProtagonist Grigori Vinci]] "Shout") is the Fae, which gives the person implanted with it the ability to turn into the form of anyone they have a DNA sample from.
%%* In ''Fanfic/TheCaptainOfTheVirtualConsole'', Mew is this via the Transform move.%%ZCE
* ''[[http://www.fanfiction.net/s/7673069/1/Digipoke_Digital_Pokemon Digipoke: Digital Pokémon]]''
"The devil has the [[RagtagBunchOfMisfits protagonists]] power to assume a pleasing shape".
* Music/TheyMightBeGiants: The song "Shape Shifter" is sung from the perspective of a person who suspects that multiple people and things around him are
changing into different Franchise/{{Pokemon}} and Franchise/{{Digimon}} in order to defeat their enemies, sometimes spending no more than a couple of seconds before transforming again.
* In Fialleril's ''Star Wars'' fics, explored in most detail in the ''Fanfic/DoubleAgentVader'' series, the Amavikka culture of Tatooine has legends about Ekkreth, a trickster who frees slaves and punctures the hubris of slaveowners. Ekkreth is a shapeshifter who takes the forms of harmless-looking slaves, or ignorant outworlders, or other people of various kinds (and can also be animals -- a common ending to a story is for Ekkreth to turn into a bird and fly away laughing). Part of the message of the legends is that anyone you meet could be Ekkreth, and so could you.
* ''[[http://www.fimfiction.net/story/99103/the-flower-blooms-twice The Flower Blooms Twice]]'': Changelings, per canon. There's also a variant with Apple Bloom, who's revealed to have been an infant Changeling Queen discovered by the Apple family after Applejack returned from Manehatten (where she'd gone after her parents died). After finding her, Mac and Applejack decided to give her the ribbon once worn by their mother Apple Flower, and when it was tied into her mane as her signature hair bow, she turned into an exact replica of Apple Flower and has been in that form ever since, as long as she wears the bow, until events during the story that use up the magic within it. This effect's origin is later explained when General Coin reveals that ponies can leave an imprint, or Soma, of themselves in specific objects they've owned for a long time, and that changeling magic can interact with this imprint; this is why Apple Bloom turned into an infant copy of her ribbon's former owner. After the magic is used up, she has to learn how to change into her original form (or as close to it as she can) with her inherent powers.
* In ''[[https://www.fanfiction.net/s/11989539/1/Hakkōna Hakkōna]]'' and ''[[https://www.fanfiction.net/s/12023508/1/Kaitō-Kokoro Kaitō Kokoro]]'', Obake are creatures that can shapeshift into just about anything. Unfortunately, their powers made them [[CursedWithAwesome feared by humans]] and [[GottaKillThemAll massacred as a result]] with [[spoiler:Kiku as the only survivor.]]
-->Obake. A subcategory of Yōkai, supernatural creatures of Japanese Shinto myth. Obake are beings that can take on any shape, from an inanimate household object to the most ravenous of beasts. However, despite that, Obake can be of various species, possessing various base forms; cat, dog, monkey, even human are just some of them. Obake have generally lived in peace, respecting all those around them. Secluding themselves from people, they are one with nature, in perfect harmony with it and each other as they live through existences which aren't limited by the passing of time. Everything was perfect until that fateful day...
* Since ''Fanfic/HalfPastAdventure'' is an ''WesternAnimation/AdventureTime'' fanfic, this trope remains in effect from Jake, but also applies to his [[ComboPlatterPowers great-grandchild]] [[{{Deuteragonist}} Robin]].
* This is the primary power of the Changelings in ''Fanfic/IronKissed''. While most Fae can use glamours to ''look'' like pretty much anything they want, few aside from Changelings can actually alter their physical forms.
* In ''Fanfic/KeepersOfTheElements'', the Erendorian people for the most part have this ability and some non-Erendorian people have this ability as well.
* ''Fanfic/TheKeysStandAlone: The Soft World'':
** George displays a lot of new magical forms (other dragons, a centaur, elementals, a cockatrice, a cloud giant, a troll, etc.) and later reveals that [[spoiler:he'd been reading the [[TabletopGame/DungeonsAndDragons AD&D Monster Manual]] and gaming magazines while on Earth]]. He can also [[HulkingOut buff himself up]].
** Another shapeshifter is Bayr, [[ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin who can turn into a bear]] (which does not impress George at ''all'').
** The Animals' Bashaban, a ShoutOut to the Titanium Titan from ''WesternAnimation/ElTigreTheAdventuresOfMannyRivera'', with his liquid metal arms.
* In ''Fanfic/LittleBoyBlue'', a Rise of The Guardians story, we have Desmond who does this to imitate Jack.
* [[OriginalCharacter Eclipse]] in the ''FanFic/TamersForeverSeries'' is able to take the form of any Digimon of Champion level or lower.
* ''Fanfic/MikesNewGhostlyFamily'': Liz Schmidt (formerly Elizabeth Afton) can shapeshift into a spectral form of Scrap Baby at will, making her the only ghost child capable of shapeshifting into an animatronic form. This form has stronger "physical" influence on the corporeal world, allowing her to break things more easily with her claw and hand. Initially, Liz hated this form, viewing it as a MarkOfShame on her soul, until her new father Mike Schmidt and her new siblings, [[spoiler:as well as Michael Afton, who descended from Heaven to comfort her]], were able to convince her to not view her new form as punishment, but to make Scrap Baby into what she wants her to be, as opposed to what William Afton wanted to turn her into, with Liz deciding to use the Scrap Baby form to become a protector of her new family.
* In ''Fanfic/TheMoonstoneCup'' the dragon leader Najstariot keeps herself in a humanoid shape for the majority of the tournament with a transformation spell. It isn't until the climax of the story that she drops the transformation and shows Twilight her true, draconic form ([[BodyHorror and the injuries she's sustained in it]]).
* ''Fanfic/MyFamilyAndOtherEquestrians'': According to the narration, it is possible that Lizzie's transformation may be voluntary, depending on how Discord pulled off the transformation and on whether Lizzie wants to change back.
* ''Fanfic/TheNightUnfurls'': All it takes is a thought for [[spoiler:the Good Hunter to alternate between his [[AFormYouAreComfortableWith human]] and [[EldritchAbomination great one]] forms.]] As Chapter 8 and 10 would show, [[spoiler:he is skilled enough to [[PartialTransformation release tendrils from his arm while remaining mostly humanoid]].]] Really shows how far [[spoiler:he]] has come.
* In ''Fanfic/TheParselmouthOfGryffindor'', once he's gained sapience, the Boggart begins exercising to allow himself to take any shape he wishes instead of automatically transforming into a passerby's worst fear.
* ''Fanfic/ThePiecesLieWhereTheyFell'': Full Moon Sweet Surprise, a unicorn, is adept enough at transformation magic to fully change into different pony types. [[spoiler:Likewise, Changelings and changeling hybrids like Page Turner have this as a natural ability, though Page admits at one point that she's not as skilled with it due to years of hiding in her unicorn form.]]
* ''Fanfic/PokemonResetBloodlines'' has several examples:
** The first one to appear is [[EldritchAbomination [=MissingNo=]]], an EldritchAbomination capable of virtually taking any form it wants. It first appears as [[HybridMonster an amalgam of]] [[MixAndMatchCritters Dialga, Palkia and Giratina]], and later it takes [[AFormYouAreComfortableWith the forms of Dawn, Serena and Iris]] just to torment Ash.
** [[spoiler: Serena]] is implied to have this, as her hair changes its natural color to black [[spoiler: when she's sad about Ash's defeat in the Battle Dome tournament.]]
** Another is [[spoiler: Hilda]], though in her case it's more of an illusory power, much like a Zorua/Zoroark.
* Pittan from ''Fanfic/PrettyCurePerfumePreppy'', [[spoiler:can turn from bird to human and back whenever he lets out a 'squawk']].
* In the Virtual Series ''Fanfic/SlayerAcademy'' two characters, Hamish and Rachel, have the ability to change
their appearance. They can look like other people as well as changing all or part of themselves into various demons.
* In ''VideoGame/NieR'' fanfic ''Fanfic/TowerOfBabel'' Emil gains the power to shapeshift between his human form, Halua’s giant body, and their skeletal mix, [[MultiformBalance each with their own pros and cons]]. [[spoiler:And Amalgamates have the power to switch between Gestalt and Replicant form.]]
* ''Fanfic/WarriorsOfTheWorldSoldiersOfFortune'': The BigBad Argath shapeshifts into a swarm of black bats with silver wings to travel.
* ''Fanfic/WeRentTheNight'': All the Night/Lunar Guard are stated to have the ability to turn into bat ponies with their enchanted armor. But, [[BunnyEarsLawyer only their eccentric CO Lt. Mirror]] uses this regularly.
* A werewolf in ''[[https://www.fanfiction.net/s/8106168/18/Weres-Harry Weres Harry]]'' claimed that some
Considering TMBG's love of the ancient Scandinavians were given UnreliableNarrator trope, however, this ability by their gods -- Loki for wolves, Tyr for bears and Heimdall for big cats.
* The ''Literature/{{Discworld}}'' fic ''Fanfic/WhyAndWere'' introduces [[DarkestAfrica Howondalandian]] shapeshifters who can take on leopard form.
* George in ''Fanfic/WithStringsAttached'', thanks to his unexpectedly powerful ring. There don't seem to be any limits on what he can become or for how long, though he eschews certain forms because they're disgusting or disconcerting. But in the blink of an eye he can become animals, birds, insects, monsters (including a red dragon), other people, and even inanimate objects. HealingFactor, size shifting, and a [[BagOfHolding Hammerspace “closet”]] are also part of the package, though MagicPants are not. (He keeps clothes in his closet for that.) He does have a little problem with TheMindIsAPlaythingOfTheBody, though with effort he can come back to himself. Also, [[ModeLock his ring sticks once in a while]].
* In ''Fanfic/ZeroNoTsukaimaSaitoTheOnmyoji'', [[SuccubiAndIncubi Emereldas]], one of Saito's {{familiar}}s, has the ability to transform into any being she has seen or touched.
* ''Fanfic/OSMUFanfictionFriction'': Nectar, one of Basil Valentine's henchwomen, has the ability to turn into a large black wolf and back again. It's implied that it has something to do with her not being human,
may just like Basil and his other henchwoman Ambrosia.be a metaphor.



[[folder:Films -- Animation]]
* Genie from ''WesternAnimation/{{Aladdin}}'' may be the best known of the trickster subtype.
* Merlock from ''WesternAnimation/DuckTalesTheMovieTreasureOfTheLostLamp'' has a talisman that allows him to turn into non-anthromorphic animals.
* Pain and Panic from ''WesternAnimation/{{Hercules}}''.
* Jacklyn from ''WesternAnimation/{{Igor}}'' pulls this off using special pills.
* ''Franchise/TheIncredibles'':
** Elastigirl can reshape herself into different forms like a makeshift boat or a parachute, thanks to her elastic powers. In the sequel, she takes on a glider shape similar to a flying squirrel to travel quickly through the city.
** Jack-Jack is classified a polymorph by Edna Mode in [[WesternAnimation/Incredibles2 the sequel]]. He essentially shapeshifts on the ''molecular level''. This grants him a wide range of different abilities such as setting himself on fire ala Human Torch or turning into a demonic-looking creature when he gets angry.
* Queen Watevra Wa-Nabi from ''WesternAnimation/TheLEGOMovie2TheSecondPart'' is a brick-built character who can turn into... well, [[PunnyName whatever she wants to be]].
* Dave the octopus from ''WesternAnimation/PenguinsOfMadagascar'', who manages to disguise himself as a human, although downplayed in that he needs to wear a wig and clothes.
* Merlin and Madam Mim from ''WesternAnimation/TheSwordInTheStone'' are powerful magic users who can use magic to take on various forms. Merlin throughout the movie teaches life lessons to Arthur by turning himself and Arthur into various animals such as a squirrel, fish, and a bird. During her VillainSong Madam Mim performs feats such as shrinking, turning herself into giant, giving her face porcine features, and even making herself look young and beautiful. She also tries to kill Arthur (who is still in bird form) by turning into a cat. During their WizardDuel, Merlin and Mim turn into various animals to fight each other. Mim cheats by turning into a ''dragon'' when earlier she said it was against the rules to turn into something like a pink dragon (she uses ExactWords by claiming she never said it was cheating to turn into a ''purple'' dragon). [[spoiler:Merlin wins by turning himself into a ''germ'', making Mim horribly sick and bedridden.]]
* Morph in ''WesternAnimation/TreasurePlanet''.
* In ''WesternAnimation/TurningRed'', after her initial PowerIncontinence, Mei learns to control the panda transformation and use it to her advantage.
* Ralph, The All-Purpose Animal from ''WesternAnimation/TwiceUponATime'' has the power to change into any animal.

to:

[[folder:Films -- Animation]]
[[folder:Myths & Religion]]
* Genie from ''WesternAnimation/{{Aladdin}}'' may be the best known of the trickster subtype.
* Merlock from ''WesternAnimation/DuckTalesTheMovieTreasureOfTheLostLamp'' has
Quite a talisman that allows him to turn into non-anthromorphic animals.
* Pain and Panic from ''WesternAnimation/{{Hercules}}''.
* Jacklyn from ''WesternAnimation/{{Igor}}'' pulls
few dragons have this off using special pills.
* ''Franchise/TheIncredibles'':
** Elastigirl can reshape herself into different forms like a makeshift boat or a parachute, thanks to her elastic powers. In the sequel, she takes on a glider shape similar to a flying squirrel to travel quickly through the city.
** Jack-Jack is classified a polymorph by Edna Mode in [[WesternAnimation/Incredibles2 the sequel]]. He essentially shapeshifts
ability, [[OurDragonsAreDifferent depending on the ''molecular level''. This grants him a wide range of different abilities such story]].
* In Myth/JapaneseMythology, {{tanuki}} ("raccoon dogs") usually have this ability; often [[AsianFoxSpirit kitsune]] (foxes), jorogumo (spiders), and housecats (bakeneko and nekomata) can do this
as setting himself on fire ala Human Torch or turning into a demonic-looking creature when he gets angry.
well.
* Queen Watevra Wa-Nabi Happens in Myth/CelticMythology too from ''WesternAnimation/TheLEGOMovie2TheSecondPart'' is a brick-built character who can turn into... well, [[PunnyName whatever she wants time to be]].
time.
* Dave Loki, the octopus from ''WesternAnimation/PenguinsOfMadagascar'', who manages to disguise himself as a human, although downplayed in that he needs to wear a wig [[Myth/NorseMythology Norse god]] of mischief, and clothes.
* Merlin and Madam Mim from ''WesternAnimation/TheSwordInTheStone'' are powerful magic users who can use magic
to take on various forms. Merlin throughout the movie teaches life lessons to Arthur by turning himself and Arthur into various animals such as a squirrel, fish, and a bird. During her VillainSong Madam Mim performs feats such as shrinking, turning herself into giant, giving her face porcine features, and even making herself look young and beautiful. She also tries to kill Arthur (who is still in bird form) by turning into a cat. During their WizardDuel, Merlin and Mim turn into various animals to fight each other. Mim cheats by turning into a ''dragon'' when earlier she said it was against the rules to turn into something like a pink dragon (she uses ExactWords by claiming she never said it was cheating to turn into a ''purple'' dragon). [[spoiler:Merlin wins by turning himself into a ''germ'', making Mim horribly sick and bedridden.]]
* Morph in ''WesternAnimation/TreasurePlanet''.
* In ''WesternAnimation/TurningRed'', after her initial PowerIncontinence, Mei learns to control the panda transformation and use it to her advantage.
* Ralph, The All-Purpose Animal from ''WesternAnimation/TwiceUponATime'' has
lesser extent, Odin. Both gods held the power to change shape at will, and most of Loki's stories hinge on this ability.
* Proteus from Myth/GreekMythology was a demi-god that specialized in shifting his shape, most likely to hide how horrifically ugly he was.
* Selkies have the ability to change from seals
into any animal.humans, then back again with the use of their coats.
* Pookas and kelpies both have the ability to shapeshift, with their defaults being yellow eyed horses living in marshes and swamps. (The difference being that Pookas are generally more benevolent than kelpies, who are just mythological douchebags).
** A similar Scandinavian water spirit known as the nøkken (in Norway at least; the name varies from region to region) could also transform into a horse, but his signature form was that of a handsome man with a violin. Its enchanting music would lure victims into the water, causing them to drown.
* Various African myths and legends include shapeshifters (almost invariably AlwaysChaoticEvil cannibalistic witches) who take the forms of lions, leopards, hyenas, jackals, crocodiles, snakes, bats, dogs, pigs, water buffalo, geese, grasscutter rats, wildcats, and sharks. They use these shapes to kill and eat people, dig up graves, destroy crops, and other heinous acts.
* Voluntary weretigers feature in the myths of China, Thailand, Bali, Java, and India.
* In the Balkans, there are legends of weather-controlling sorcerers who can turn into snakes, eagles, or other animals. Usually these are good guys who protect their home villages, but then they're also prone to attacking neighboring villages.
* In Mesoamerican folklore, the ''nahual'' is a person with the power to turn into an animal, usually a jaguar or puma.
* In many Chinese legends, certain taoists, Immortals and demons can perform the so called "72 Transformations" to transform into anything they like, change size or even turn their bodies into elements such as stone and metal. The name doesn't actually refer to the number of transformations, but refers to the fact that 72 is considered the number of perfection, as it's obtained by multiplying 9 and 8, the two highest single-digit numbers of Yang and Yin, respectively.



[[folder:Films -- Live-Action]]
* ''Film/OnceUponATime2017'': Bai Qian can turn into a nine-tailed fox and Ye Hua can turn into a dragon.
* ''Franchise/{{Terminator}}'':
** ''Film/Terminator2JudgmentDay'' gives us the aforementioned T-1000. Capable of imitating almost anything it touches, but not replicating it, since it is made out of liquid metal. It's able to turn its limbs into various weapons such as knives or hooks. Complex machinery such as guns is a problem, because they have specific components such as chemical reactions and moving parts. It also often imitates people it's just killed in order to move around freely (its default appearance being a cop) or to get closer to its target. Due to its natural liquid form being able to reassemble at will, it is [[NighInvulnerable virtually indestructible]] by any means of conventional weaponry.
** The T-X from ''Film/Terminator3RiseOfTheMachines'' is a downplayed version of this. It's composed of liquid metal over a solid Terminator skeleton. Due to this it can't do quite as much reshaping as the entirely liquid metal T-1000, in exchange for having the hardware to do some things the T-1000 couldn't, but it can still alter its appearance and take on people's identities.
* Jareth from ''Film/{{Labyrinth}}'' can turn into an owl.
* Creator/JimCarrey played ''Film/TheMask'' in the movie with the help of groundbreaking makeup and animated effects.
* The title ghost from ''Film/{{Beetlejuice}}''.
* ''Film/ItCameFromOuterSpace'' (1953). The aliens can copy humans and their memories, but give themselves away through their awkward speech patterns and ability to stare into the sun without blinking.
* Vampires in film since ''Film/{{Dracula 1931}}'' starring Creator/BelaLugosi. Its second sequel ''Film/SonOfDracula'' was the first movie to actually show {{transformation sequence}}s.
* The girls from ''Film/TheCraft'' could make themselves look like other people using disguise magic.
* In ''Film/{{Inception}}'', Eames is a "forger", which means he can take on the appearance of other people when in a dream. Perhaps not a straight example of the trope as he can't do this in reality, but...
* [[RealLifeWritesThePlot Due to Heath Ledger's death]], a mechanism was written into ''Film/TheImaginariumOfDoctorParnassus'' where dishonest people [[InvoluntaryShapeshifter tended to have different faces than their real ones]] when transported into the imagination world. Fitting this trope, it's somewhat implied that Parnasus ''could'' use this beyond clothes, but chose not to so as to be properly recognized by the others. Played totally straight -- in the fantasy if nowhere else -- by the one that gave him the Imaginarium: [[spoiler:no less than {{Satan}} himself.]]
* The Djinn in ''Film/{{Wishmaster}}'' can take on the form of others, but he has to [[FaceStealer use their faces for it]]. The Djinn in the fourth film does it without restriction at one point.
* Loki from the Franchise/MarvelCinematicUniverse can create illusions that mimic shapeshifting. He does so particularly often in ''Film/ThorTheDarkWorld'', in one scene even impersonating various other characters for fun. Also in ''Film/ThorRagnarok'', Thor tells a story from their childhood about Loki turning into a snake for a prank, which appears to be an example of actual shapeshifting, as Thor mentions picking the snake up -- Loki's illusions are consistently intangible. However, [[InformedAbility this ability]] has never been displayed onscreen.
* Freddy Krueger of the ''Franchise/ANightmareOnElmStreet'' film series is a master shapeshifter through his dream powers. His favorite use of this is to impersonate his victims' loved ones or other related people so he can scar them emotionally before killing them, like appearing as a teenager's murdered brother in ''Film/FreddyVsJason'' or as a girl's sexually abusive father in ''Film/FreddysDeadTheFinalNightmare''.
* ''Film/XMenFilmSeries'':
** Emma Silverfox in ''Film/XMenOriginsWolverine'', can transform her body into diamond, bullet proof skin.
** Emma Frost in ''Film/XMenFirstClass'', can turn into a crystalline form of herself that is immune to psychic influence, but isn't immune to Erik's powers. There is debate/retcons/etc. over whether or not they're both versions of ''the'' Comicbook/EmmaFrost.
** The Mark X Sentinels in ''Film/XMenDaysOfFuturePast'', in addition to the an ice-form they can turn into a diamond-like form, which they do later on in the film [[spoiler:just before chopping off Sunspot's arm and killing him]]. Considering one of the mutants experimented on to create them was Emma Frost, it makes perfect sense.
** Mystique, just like in the comics, is a master shapeshifter. Wolverine is one of the only people who isn't fooled by her guises since [[TheNoseKnows she can't get quite get the scent right]]. [[spoiler:The Mark X Sentinels' ability to shapeshift is the result of experiments performed on Mystique.]]
* ''Film/SkyHigh2005'' had an interesting inversion with the character Magenta. She can change her shape at will, but only to the form of a guinea pig (with purple hightlights, no less). Turns out to be rather useful (like the other [[WhatKindOfLamePowerIsHeartAnyway lame]] powers in the movie), in a ThisLooksLikeAJobForAquaman scenario.
* ''Film/DetectiveDee and the Mystery of the Phantom Flame'': An important plot point hinges on a certain acupressure point that allows you to completely alter the shape of your face. For Chinese audiences, the impact is heightened by [[spoiler:iconic character actor Richard Ng transforming into equally iconic character actor Teddy Robin]]. A Hollywood equivalent would be if Creator/SteveBuscemi [[LatexPerfection ripped off a rubber mask]] to reveal himself as Creator/ChristopherWalken.
* In ''Film/{{Pixels}}'', Q*Bert turns out to be capable of changing into [[spoiler:other game characters]].
* ''Film/TheGoldenChild''. At one point Sardo Numspa changes his form from a rat into his normal shape and back into a rat again.
* ''Franchise/StarWars'' introduces this in ''Film/AttackOfTheClones'' with the bounty hunter Zam Wesell. Though bizzarely, she fails to ever actually use this power, even when it would obviously allow her to escape pursuit. Though this could be due to the fact that shapeshifting in public would be too obvious, and it seemed safer to just attack. The ExpandedUniverse indicates that there is a notable prejudice against changelings, as a result of their abilities.
** An example from ''WesternAnimation/StarWarsTheCloneWars'' is much more impressive, in which she is able to use her abilities to successfully impersonate two different Jedi, only being caught when Ashoka notices odd behavioral cues, as well as discovers the unconscious body of the person that the changeling is impersonating.
** As Webcomic/DarthsAndDroids notes, the fact that changelings exist but are never otherwise used in the films is also a wasted ChekhovsGun.
* Carmen Electra played a parody of Mystique in ''[[Creator/SeltzerAndFriedberg Epic Movie]]''. In one scene Peter requests her to transform into [[ShapeshiftingSquick increasingly bizarre forms]] to please his various fetishes: unibrows, giant butts, flabby arms, etc.
* Professor Browne in ''Film/BedknobsAndBroomsticks'' pulls this off when he uses Miss Price's spell to turn himself into a rabbit in order to gain access to the castle the Nazis have imprisoned Miss Price and the children.
* ''Film/MagicInTheWater'': According to legend, the monster Orky has evaded capture due to his ability to transform into anything, including a human.
* ''Film/{{Bit}}'': Vlad can turn into animals like rats, and also mist.
* In ''Film/{{Eternal}}'', Elizabeth's RightHandAttackDog is actually her maid Irina who can transform into a Rottweiler.
* ''Film/DungeonsAndDragonsHonorAmongThieves'': Doric is able to morph into an owlbear.

to:

[[folder:Films -- Live-Action]]
[[folder:Podcasts]]
* ''Film/OnceUponATime2017'': Bai Qian ''Podcast/MetamorCity'', the non-canon spinoff to ''Literature/MetamorKeep'', takes place after the curse has been manipulated to the point where the cursed can turn into a nine-tailed fox and Ye Hua can turn into a dragon.
* ''Franchise/{{Terminator}}'':
** ''Film/Terminator2JudgmentDay'' gives us the aforementioned T-1000. Capable of imitating almost anything it touches, but not replicating it, since it is made out of liquid metal. It's able to turn its limbs into various weapons such as knives or hooks. Complex machinery such as guns is a problem, because they have specific components such as chemical reactions and moving parts. It also often imitates people it's just killed in order to move around freely (its default appearance being a cop) or to get closer to its target. Due to its natural liquid form being able to reassemble at will, it is [[NighInvulnerable virtually indestructible]] by any means of conventional weaponry.
** The T-X from ''Film/Terminator3RiseOfTheMachines'' is a downplayed version of this. It's composed of liquid metal over a solid Terminator skeleton. Due to this it can't do quite as much reshaping as the entirely liquid metal T-1000, in exchange for having the hardware to do some things the T-1000 couldn't, but it can still alter its appearance and take on people's identities.
* Jareth from ''Film/{{Labyrinth}}'' can turn into an owl.
* Creator/JimCarrey played ''Film/TheMask'' in the movie with the help of groundbreaking makeup and animated effects.
* The title ghost from ''Film/{{Beetlejuice}}''.
* ''Film/ItCameFromOuterSpace'' (1953). The aliens can copy humans and
assume their memories, pre-curse forms for up to twelve hours at a time, but give themselves away through they need to spend an equal amount of time in their awkward speech patterns and ability to stare into fully cursed form.
* Shapeshifting is
the sun without blinking.
* Vampires
hat of Jupiter spies in film since ''Film/{{Dracula 1931}}'' starring Creator/BelaLugosi. Its second sequel ''Film/SonOfDracula'' was ''Podcast/TheThrillingAdventureHour'' "Sparks Nevada, Marshal on Mars" episodes. On multiple occasions, Jupiter spy Jib Janeen infiltrates the first movie to actually show {{transformation sequence}}s.
* The girls from ''Film/TheCraft'' could make themselves look like other people using disguise magic.
* In ''Film/{{Inception}}'', Eames is a "forger", which means he can take on the appearance of other people when in a dream. Perhaps not a straight example
group by posing as one of the trope as he can't do this in reality, but...
* [[RealLifeWritesThePlot Due to Heath Ledger's death]], a mechanism was written into ''Film/TheImaginariumOfDoctorParnassus'' where dishonest people [[InvoluntaryShapeshifter tended to have different faces than their real ones]] when transported into the imagination world. Fitting this trope, it's somewhat implied that Parnasus ''could'' use this beyond clothes, but chose not to so as to be properly recognized by the others. Played totally straight -- in the fantasy if nowhere else -- by the one that gave him the Imaginarium: [[spoiler:no less than {{Satan}} himself.]]
* The Djinn in ''Film/{{Wishmaster}}'' can take on the form of others, but he has to [[FaceStealer use their faces for it]]. The Djinn in the fourth film does it without restriction at one point.
* Loki from the Franchise/MarvelCinematicUniverse can create illusions that mimic shapeshifting. He does so particularly often in ''Film/ThorTheDarkWorld'', in one scene even impersonating various other
main characters for fun. Also in ''Film/ThorRagnarok'', Thor tells a story from their childhood about Loki turning into a snake for a prank, which appears to be an example of actual shapeshifting, as Thor mentions picking the snake up -- Loki's illusions are consistently intangible. However, [[InformedAbility this ability]] has never been displayed onscreen.
* Freddy Krueger of the ''Franchise/ANightmareOnElmStreet'' film series is a master shapeshifter through his dream powers. His favorite use of this is to impersonate his victims' loved ones or other related people so he can scar them emotionally before killing them, like appearing as a teenager's murdered brother in ''Film/FreddyVsJason'' or as a girl's sexually abusive father in ''Film/FreddysDeadTheFinalNightmare''.
* ''Film/XMenFilmSeries'':
** Emma Silverfox in ''Film/XMenOriginsWolverine'', can transform her body into diamond, bullet proof skin.
** Emma Frost in ''Film/XMenFirstClass'', can turn into a crystalline form of herself that is immune to psychic influence, but isn't immune to Erik's powers. There is debate/retcons/etc. over whether or not they're both versions of ''the'' Comicbook/EmmaFrost.
** The Mark X Sentinels in ''Film/XMenDaysOfFuturePast'', in addition to the an ice-form they can turn into a diamond-like form, which they do later on in the film [[spoiler:just before chopping off Sunspot's arm and killing him]]. Considering one of the mutants experimented on to create them was Emma Frost, it makes perfect sense.
** Mystique, just like in the comics, is a master shapeshifter. Wolverine is one of the only people who isn't fooled by her guises since [[TheNoseKnows she can't get quite get the scent right]]. [[spoiler:The Mark X Sentinels' ability to shapeshift is the result of experiments performed on Mystique.]]
* ''Film/SkyHigh2005'' had an interesting inversion
with the character Magenta. She can change her shape at will, but only to rest none the form of wiser until it's too late. This being a guinea pig (with purple hightlights, no less). Turns out to be rather useful (like comedy series, the other [[WhatKindOfLamePowerIsHeartAnyway lame]] powers in the movie), in a ThisLooksLikeAJobForAquaman scenario.
* ''Film/DetectiveDee and the Mystery of the Phantom Flame'': An important plot point hinges on a certain acupressure point that allows you to completely alter the shape of your face. For Chinese audiences, the impact is heightened by [[spoiler:iconic character actor Richard Ng transforming into equally iconic character actor Teddy Robin]]. A Hollywood equivalent would be if Creator/SteveBuscemi [[LatexPerfection ripped off a rubber mask]] to reveal himself as Creator/ChristopherWalken.
* In ''Film/{{Pixels}}'', Q*Bert turns out to be capable of changing into [[spoiler:other game characters]].
* ''Film/TheGoldenChild''. At one point Sardo Numspa changes his form
joke comes from a rat into his normal shape and back into a rat again.
* ''Franchise/StarWars'' introduces this in ''Film/AttackOfTheClones'' with the bounty hunter Zam Wesell. Though bizzarely, she fails to ever actually use this power, even when it would obviously allow her to escape pursuit. Though this could be due to
the fact that shapeshifting in public would be too obvious, and it seemed safer to just attack. The ExpandedUniverse indicates that there is a notable prejudice against changelings, as a result of their abilities.
** An example from ''WesternAnimation/StarWarsTheCloneWars'' is much more impressive, in which she is able to use her abilities to successfully impersonate two different Jedi, only being caught when Ashoka notices odd behavioral cues, as well as discovers
the unconscious body of the person that the changeling is impersonating.
** As Webcomic/DarthsAndDroids notes,
characters are fooled despite the fact that changelings exist but are never otherwise used Jib Janeen makes absolutely ''zero'' effort to hide his voice and mannerisms while in disguise. His initial appearances feature him singing the Sparks Nevada theme song as either Sparks or Croach and, in the films is also a wasted ChekhovsGun.
latter case, being so hammy as Croach that Sparks' actor Marc Evan Jackson can't help {{Corpsing}}.
* Carmen Electra played a parody Void from ''The Chimera Program'' arc of Mystique in ''[[Creator/SeltzerAndFriedberg Epic Movie]]''. In one scene Peter requests her to transform into [[ShapeshiftingSquick increasingly bizarre forms]] to please his various fetishes: unibrows, giant butts, flabby arms, etc.
* Professor Browne in ''Film/BedknobsAndBroomsticks'' pulls this off when he uses Miss Price's spell to turn himself into a rabbit in order to gain access to the castle the Nazis have imprisoned Miss Price and the children.
* ''Film/MagicInTheWater'': According to legend, the monster Orky has evaded capture due to his ability to transform into anything,
''Podcast/CoolKidsTable'' can reshape their body however they want, including a human.
* ''Film/{{Bit}}'': Vlad can turn into animals like rats, and also mist.
* In ''Film/{{Eternal}}'', Elizabeth's RightHandAttackDog is actually her maid Irina who can transform into a Rottweiler.
* ''Film/DungeonsAndDragonsHonorAmongThieves'': Doric is able to morph into an owlbear.
becoming larger.



[[folder:Gamebooks]]
* ''Literature/LoneWolf'':
** The Helghasts from the gamebook series (and its spin-off ''Legend of Lone Wolf'' novels) are undead able to take human shape, making them perfect spies and assassins for the Darklords.
** The Nadziranim ("dark sorcerers") can turn into vicious monsters when they have to fight. Their {{familiar}}s the Liganim also seems to have many shapes.
** The Deathstalker [[spoiler:and its mate]], introduced in the New Order Kai series, went on a killing spree in a city and used its shapeshifting abilities to evade detection. Its natural form is some sort of horrible ape-like ''thing''.

to:

[[folder:Gamebooks]]
[[folder:Roleplay]]
* ''Literature/LoneWolf'':
** The Helghasts
''Roleplay/FireEmblemOnForums'': Laguz characters and the monster classes from the gamebook series (and its spin-off ''Legend ''Clashing Ideals'' possess this as part of Lone Wolf'' novels) their class abilities.
* Indiana Jones in ''Roleplay/WeAreOurAvatars'' could do this with a [[VideoGame/NetHack Wand of Polymorph and Ring of Polymorph Control]], however there
are undead able to take human shape, making them perfect spies and assassins for the Darklords.
** The Nadziranim ("dark sorcerers") can turn into vicious monsters when they have to fight. Their {{familiar}}s the Liganim also seems to have many shapes.
** The Deathstalker [[spoiler:and its mate]], introduced in the New Order Kai series, went on
limits: it must be organic, can't exceed a killing spree in a city and used its shapeshifting abilities to evade detection. Its certain natural form is some sort of horrible ape-like ''thing''.power, and if a polymorph immune form, he'll be stuck in it.



[[folder:Literature]]
* The entire point of ''Literature/TheImmortals'' quartet by Creator/TamoraPierce. Daine has Wild Magic, allowing her to communicate with, heal, command, and change into animals. Stemming from her [[spoiler:minor god of a father]], the books deal with her bringing her powers under control. She can also partially shapeshift, doing things like putting her human head on an eagle's body. Though sometimes her clothes go with her when she shifts, [[ShapeshiftingExcludesClothing and sometimes not]].
%%* ''Literature/TheDarkHunters'': The Were Hunters.%%ZCE
* Two prominent examples in ''Literature/HarryPotter'': [[{{Animorphism}} Animagi]] use a complicated spell to turn into a specific animal at will. Animagi are supposed to be registered with the government, but there only 7 such registered individuals, only one of whom appears in the story. Four unregistered individuals either appear or are mentioned in the story, so it seems likely the actual number is considerably higher. By contrast, [[{{Humanshifting}} metamorphmagi]] have an inherited at-will ability to change their appearance any way they wish, but with limitations on shape, so changing species is out of the question. Talented wizards and witches in general can transform themselves on a more temporary basis. There are spells and potions for shape-shifting -- their mastery is required for becoming an Auror.
* ''Literature/{{Discworld}}'':
** [[OurWerewolvesAreDifferent Werewolves]] can shift between human and lupine shapes at will, although during nights of full moon they're forced into their wolf shapes.
** Many vampires can change into a bat, a number of bats, or a number of magpies (in the case of the de Magpyr family). Some (again, the de Magpyr family) can also become a sort of gaseous form. Whether they keep their clothes or not depends on their sex, due to the fact that RuleOfSexy, like many other tropes, is a kind of natural law on the Discworld... as is, apparently, the MaleGaze.
* In the ''Literature/{{Hurog}}'' duology, [[spoiler:dragons]] have this ability.
* The protagonists of ''Literature/{{Animorphs}}'' have the ability to transform into any animal (or alien) they touch thanks to ImportedAlienPhlebotinum.
* Franchise/TolkiensLegendarium:
** Beorn from ''Literature/TheHobbit'' can transform into a bear at will.
** In ''Literature/TheSilmarillion'', Finrod Felagund disguises himself, Beren and their companions as orcs, probably by singing (which is how Sauron later strips them of their disguise). A little later, Lúthien turns Beren into a werewolf and herself into a bat-like creature.
** This is a standard ability of all [[PhysicalGod Ainur]] with a couple of exceptions. The wizards gave it up as part of the limiting of their powers, and [[GodOfEvil Morgoth]] was {{Shapeshifter Mode Lock}}ed into his EvilOverlord form because he became too attached to it. Sauron was noted to have a particularly strong talent at this himself, being able to even deceive elves or Númenóreans, though after the Downfall of Númenor he lost the ability to conceal his true nature.
%%* ''Literature/{{IT}}'': [[MonsterClown Pennywise the Clown]].%%ZCE
* ''Franchise/StarWarsExpandedUniverse'':
** The race known as the Shi'ido can shape-shift into humanoids of any species, including specific individuals, as well as animals of various sizes.
** Clawdites can also shapeshift, but it's less effortless.
** The 2012 ''Essential Guide to Warfare'' states that [[spoiler:the [[{{Precursors}} Celestials]]]] were "of malleable form".
* Tofu from ''Literature/SuperMinion''. His [[NanoMachines micro units]] can reshape his flesh at will, allowing him to repair injuries and shapeshift into any roughly-biological form.
%%* ''Literature/TheMagicPudding'': Albert from the book and the animated movie adaptation.%%ZCE
* ''Literature/KieshaRa'': Shapeshifters, known as Elavie, usually have the ability to change into only one animal, sometimes with a half-form as well. Particularly strong vampires can shapeshift as well, but unless the vampire was Elavie before being turned (such as [[spoiler:Jaguar]]), it's more a case of having a very good sense of self and an understanding of one's own shape and the shape of the animal.
* Many creatures in the ''Literature/MercyThompson'' series can change shape voluntarily. The titular character can turn into a coyote at will, there are werewolves aplenty, and all fae can disguise themselves with basic illusion magic.
* Saint Dane in ''Literature/ThePendragonAdventure'' can shift into nearly any form suited for any Territory, even if the Territory is inhabited by [[MegaNeko cat people]] (which Eelong is). Sometimes he creates an alias, sometimes he steals one, sometimes he even changes genders. He also has the form of a black crow for quick movement. If it weren't for his [[RedRightHand icy-blue eyes]] and tendency to want to reveal himself, [[VillainsBlendInBetter he'd be near-impossible to find]].
* ''Literature/JourneyToTheWest'': Sun Wukong the magic monkey has among his many powers the seventy-two transformations, which allows him to transform into absolutely anything. Also worth mention is Zhu Bajie (aka Pigsy) who only knows thirty-six transformations, half as many as Sun Wukong. He makes up for it with being better at fighting underwater (despite being a PigMan).
* The main characters of ''Literature/{{Switchers}}'', by Kate Thompson, have the ability to transform into any animal they wish at will... at least until [[GrowingUpSucks they turn 15]].
* Creator/HPLovecraft's Nyarlathotep is an interesting case. He has over 1000 different forms, although it's never really made clear whether he can switch between forms or is he stuck to the one he manifests in. It might also be possible for him to manifest in more than one form at once (being the herald and soul of the Outer Gods means he can ignore pesky things like the laws of our space-time continuum). While it's not quite clear whether or not he can switch between forms, some of his forms are able to shapeshift.
* Many characters in Creator/JohnCWright's ''Literature/ChroniclesOfChaos'' -- by many different techniques.
* In the novel "Shifting" by Bethany Wiggins, both Maggie Mae and Bridger can voluntarily turn into animals. Bridger can turn only into a golden eagle, and the eagle's love instinct remains. Maggie Mae can turn into virtually any warm-blooded, carnivorous animal because her mother was a shifter, but her father was a skin walker. Since one of Bridger's parents was a shifter and the other one was normal, if he tries to turn into anything besides a golden eagle, he will die. Their clothes don't change with them, so this causes many problems, especially for Maggie Mae.
* Creator/TomHolt has a few examples:
** The goblins in the ''Literature/JWWellsAndCo'' books can shift instantaneously into any human form, although whether they can take other forms has not been mentioned. The vainer goblins in the series, such as Rosie Tanner, enjoy transforming into a different supermodel-gorgeous human every day, wearing bodies the way some Hollywood film stars wear clothes -- always the best, and never the same outfit twice. It is emphasized that while goblins actually change the structure of their bodies, other creatures like the Fey prefer the simpler methods of glamour and illusion, which take less magical strength than actual shapeshifting.
** In ''Literature/ExpectingSomeoneTaller'', Malcolm Fisher receives the [[PublicDomainArtifact Tarnhelm]] from Norse/Germanic mythology, which allows him to take on any shape he desires.
** The Eastern-style Dragons in ''Nothing But Blue Skies'' can shapeshift to become human, or, um, goldfish.
** In ''Literature/FallingSideways'', the super-intelligent alien frogs can take on human shape at will.
* The character of Emma Anyanwu from Octavia Butler's ''Literature/{{Patternist}}'' series has total conscious control of her body at a cellular level. She can regenerate from any injury, stop herself from aging, alter her DNA at will, and take the form of any human or animal regardless of gender. Although she can mimic the outward appearance of any creature she sees, to become a truly accurate replica of another living organism she has to ingest and analyze a sample of that organism's DNA, e.g. through a bite of animal meat or a drop of blood.
* ''Literature/MemorySorrowAndThorn'': Geloë is a practitioner of what might be regarded as druidic magic, including the ability to shapeshift, primarily into birds. Handled fairly realistically in that it does not affect her clothing.
* Shapeshifting is a standard ability of sorcerers in Creator/DavidEddings' ''Literature/TheBelgariad'' and ''Mallorean'' series. Their version conveniently incorporates a form of {{Hammerspace}} for clothing and held items and also confers some of the personality traits of the assumed shape. Transformation, being directed inwardly, doesn't trigger SupernaturalSensitivity. Changing into an animal gives the ability to [[SpeaksFluentAnimal speak that animal's language]], but doesn't give the [[RequiredSecondaryPowers innate knowledge to use their forms]], meaning that Garion has to learn to fly through extensive practice.
* Happens a few times in ''Literature/FableHaven''. Unicorns and dragons are known for taking human form, and potions can shrink people down to doll-like size. And the Eternal's eternal guardians, ageless sentient talking animals that can sense their charge's location, turn into any animal with approximately the same mass, and can only be killed by powerful magic, such as phoenix flame, dragon fire(or bones), and other such weapons.
* Dax Jones from ''Literature/TheShapeshifter'' series can take multiple animal forms, like his [[spoiler:alien mother's species]] and has to regularly or suffer stroke like symptoms.
* The Kandra from ''Franchise/{{Mistborn}}'' can change into anything they want -- but they can't produce a rigid skeleton. Because it's almost impossible for them to replicate an individual's features without digesting them first, they generally just use the original bones anyway. Among themselves they use metal, stone, or wooden skeletons called "true bodies" which particularly creative Kandra often make into wild and fanciful shapes to show off their abilities.\\
\\
They aren't limited to humanoid shapes, either; it's just something of a taboo, because they consider it extremely demeaning to be forced to wear nonhuman bones. One of them is forced for a time to wear the bones of a wolfhound, and he eventually grows rather fond of the form, mostly because of the physical advantages (speed, natural weapons) of being in the body of a big damn dog.
* The Dutch YA novel ''De Wortels Van Het Woud'' (''The Roots of the Forest'', by Tais Teng) has a main character who can modify his body with various animal characteristics. It turns out that he and his sister are among the last of a race of shamans. Although his sister (whose powers are not related to shapeshifting) is utterly freaked out by the revelation, the boy eventually chooses to stay in the world of magic and live his life in the Forest in millions of animal forms.
* The [[PunctuationShaker si'lura]] in ''Literature/TheBannedAndTheBanished'' by James Clemens are a race of Shapeshifters that are able to take the form of any living creature. They are also able to communicate in any form through an image based telepathy that requires eye to eye contact. Spending too long in one form can cause the shifter to settle and be unable to change again.
* ''Literature/WildCards'': Several Aces, such as Mr. Nobody, gain the ability to shapeshift to a greater or lesser degree.
* In ''Literature/TheDresdenFiles'', when self-inflicted this is the only type of shapeshifting that doesn't violate the second Law of magic. Any transformation of another, either by force or benign, is not allowed. Among the non-violators are [[OurWerewolvesAreDifferent the Alphas]], who have the ability to turn into wolves voluntarily (in contrast to the loup-garou, which transform involuntarily, and the hexunwulf, which is reliant on an ArtifactOfDoom). [[spoiler:Also [[EldritchAbomination the skinwalker]] and [[MagicalNativeAmerican Listens to Wind]].]]
* ''Literature/MalazanBookOfTheFallen'':
** The Soletaken are individuals with the ability to assume animal form. Most assume mundane forms, such as wolves or bears, but Eleint Soletaken possess the rare ability to assume the form of a dragon. There also exist the D'ivers Soletaken, who can split their mind into several transformed bodies.
** Azathanai don't have a fixed physical form, so they can change their appearance at will. Skillen Droe in ''Literature/TheKharkanasTrilogy'' takes the form of a flying raptor, while K'rul seems to change his gender every few hundred years.
* In ''Literature/KingdomKeepers'', Maleficent transformed into a crow and an eel in the first book. In [[WesternAnimation/SleepingBeauty her debut movie]], she transformed [[ScaledUp into a dragon]], so this is likely a natural extension of that.
* Literature/{{The Guardians|MeljeanBrook}} and demons can change their appearance at will. Demons usually shapeshift into [[ManOfWealthAndTaste men of wealth and taste]] and both sides use it to disguise themselves.
* In Creator/RobertEHoward's Literature/ConanTheBarbarian story "Literature/BlackColossus", Natohk is served by an unnatural shape-shifter.
* In Creator/JosephaSherman's ''Literature/TheShiningFalcon'', every person with RoyalBlood in a certain city can assume bird form.
* Watercrafters in ''Literature/CodexAlera'' can change their appearance if they are skilled/powerful enough. It's limited to human forms, with it being difficult to hold a form with a significantly different height/build then the crafter, and generally used to maintain a youthful appearance.
* Shape-Shifters are a [[OurWitchesAreDifferent group of Wizards]] that can turn into animals or even trees in ''Literature/SeptimusHeap''.
* Immortals in ''Literature/TheMadnessSeason'' are able to transform into any creature that originates from Earth. The Marra are able to go one better and transform into any living thing that can exist, no matter what their biochemistry.
* "Demons" in ''Literature/TheBartimaeusTrilogy'' are actually spirits summoned from another plane of existence where there are no physical forms. While on Earth, they're constrained to a physical body of some kind, but it can be pretty much whatever they feel like. Generally they take humanoid or animal forms, whatever fits the situation, but there's plenty of examples of mythological creatures (phoenixes, ogres, etc.) or [[HybridMonster hybrids]] involving whatever body parts they feel like, and even the implication that they could probably take the form of inanimate objects, if they so desired. The only real limits are that excessive shifting will wear them out eventually. They also seem to be somewhat constrained by size, never getting much bigger than slightly bigger than human size (although the more powerful the demon, the larger they are).
* In the ''Literature/ApprenticeAdept'' series, all {{unicorn}}s can choose two other shapes they can change into at will. Most of them seem to pick human and a winged form.
* ''Literature/TheLastDove'': Every single character can do this. Some clans will shun those who can't.
* ''Literature/PercyJacksonAndTheOlympians'':
** Generally speaking, all gods can take whatever shape they please.
** In the ''Literature/TheHeroesOfOlympus'' series, Frank Zhang can turn into any living thing. He needs to know the animal well, though. He inherited his powers from his distant ancestor, the Greek hero Periclymenus, who was given the ability to take the shapes of animals by his father Poseidon.
* In the ''Literature/{{Xanth}}'' series, Prince Dolph's magical talent is being able to transform into any living thing (including borderline cases like zombies). Certain species of crossbreeds have this ability as well, but it's more limited. For example, a naga can shift from their default form of snake with human head to full human or full snake, and merpeople can turn their tail into legs. In one book there was a dragon/human girl who could shift from the default form of dragon with human head to full dragon or full human.
* The Proteids in the ''Literature/ArrivalsFromTheDark'' series are a race of shapeshifters whose normal form is a shapeless pile of flesh. Most are able to shift at will to mimic any race (down to internal structure to fool any scan) and even specific beings. Due to their nature, they are, essentially, immortal. After all, what is aging to someone who can simply turn into a younger version of himself? They are also able to recover from massive damage. They are pretty neutral and prefer to stay hidden. They still send out emissaries to secretly monitor a given race and, occasionally, help or subvert them for the good of the galaxy at large. One of the key characters is a Proteid with a birth defect. He can only morph into a species once, at which point he is stuck as that form for the rest of his life, able only to affect fairly minor changes (height, skin color, body shape). Even turning into a member of the opposite sex is impossible, as that involves major changes to internal structure. Named Exile for this defect, he chooses to go to Earth (in the 13th century) as an emissary, as his people see the potential in humanity. He assumes the form of a human male and begins to observe humanity.
* ''Literature/MajipoorSeries'': The Piurivar or Metamorphs, who are one of the native species of Majipoor, and have been at war with humanity for almost as long as humanity has been on the planet, can shapeshift to resemble almost any vaguely humanoid species. If it weren't for fairly reliable Metamorph detectors, humanity would probably never have had a chance.
* In ''Literature/DemonAMemoir'', demons can change shape. The titular character takes on the form of a different human every time he meets the narrator.
* In ''Satan's Diary'', the last of novel by L. Andreyev, the protagonist tries to take a human form for the first time.
* ''Literature/TheStormlightArchive'':
** The Parshendi have a minor version of this: they can shift between certain specific forms by bonding appropriate spren to their bodies. So far, they have learned how to assume dullform (weak and stupid, their baseline state), mateform (lust-crazed, capable of reproduction), workform (strong, but with a mental block against confrontation), warform (strong and aggressive, with natural armor plate growing from the skin), and nimbleform (dexterous and agile, useful for precise work). [[spoiler:And in ''Literature/WordsOfRadiance'', they learn how to assume stormform, which grants ShockAndAwe powers but leaves them AxCrazy. There are a number of other forms that appear in ''Oathbringer'' as well, although they're not all given names or explained in detail.]]
** Also, [[spoiler: once a Surgebinder has sworn enough oaths, their bonded spren can assume the form of a Shardblade. Or a Shardspear. Or whatever other metallic item their Radiant needs. Existing Shardblades are "dead" spren trapped in that form after their Radiant partners broke their oaths and walked away.]]
* The shapeshifters in several Creator/SharonGreen novels could shift into anything from animals to ''fruit'', given sufficient practice. Most people had a couple of basic forms, with full-range shifting or something close to it showing up more often in nobles and prostitutes. While you could change your size and shape, however, your mass remained exactly the same.
%%* Tessa Gray in ''Literature/TheInfernalDevices'', after she learns to control her powers.
* Both Werewolf and Bedlam in ''Literature/DevilsCape'' are able to do this as their primary superpower. Werewolf, as his name suggests, can turn into a wolf, human, or his preferred form, a hybrid of the two. Bedlam can either be human or take on a demonic-looking, superstrong form capable of flight.
* Shapeshifting in the ''Literature/ColdfireTrilogy'' is theoretically possible with the ''fae'', but no known humans have ever done it. It requires an insane amount of dedication and a willingness to cast aside your very nature as a human being. Senzei is both horrified and impressed when he watches [[spoiler:Gerald Tarrant the Hunter]] transform into a bird. It highlights both his genius and the fact that, appearances aside, he cannot really be considered ''human'' anymore.
* ''Literature/TheReynardCycle'': The Fetch are shapeshifting assassins originally created by the Demons. In their natural form they look like featureless, translucent humanoids with colorful luminescent fluids inside of them. One of them infiltrates the Quicksilver during ''Reynard the Fox''. It's unclear if there are others existent in the world, or if that one was the last of its kind.
* In ''Literature/PleaseDontTellMyParentsImASupervillain'', Claire "E-Claire" Lutra has some ability to alter her facial features, though the full extent is unknown. Enough that she doesn't have to worry about being recognized, though.
-->My stupid mouth acted on automatic. "She almost looks like Claire."\\
Dad just chuckled. "She does, doesn't she? I think it was a half-hearted attempt to frame Claire. The name is deliberate, and the costume is a reference to her power. I say 'half-hearted', because if E-Claire were really trying she would hide her face. The first words out of your mother's mouth were 'Her cheekbones are wrong', and her body language was wrong in the first video. She can't even claim to be Claire in makeup."\\
Claire Lutra, you little vixen. You knew all along your secret identity was completely safe. Your Mom must have known as well. And if E-Claire couldn't possibly be Claire, then her teammates couldn't be me and Ray. You devious shape-changing ''vixen'', Claire. You'd covered us all.
* Bora Horza Gorbachul in ''Literature/ConsiderPhlebas'' is a "Changer", who has limited (by the standards of this trope) shapeshifting powers, as did his whole race. Which is why they were wiped out.
* ''Literature/{{Somewhither}}'': The world of Cainem is inhabited by immortals whose wounds and all damage heal quickly on their own. Experienced inhabitants of Cainem can control this process and thus manipulate their body in any way they wish, including detaching limbs and bones and using them as weapons, or growing bone-armor over their skin, or even dispersing all mass of their tissues over a large volume to become a hard-to-spot cloud of thick mist.
* ''Literature/StarTrekTheEugenicsWars'' has Isis, who can can turn into an (apparently) human woman, though she stays in cat form most of the time. [[spoiler:She spends most of the second volume pretending to be Ament, one of Khans most trusted advisers.]]
* ''Literature/MasqueradeOfTheRedDeath'': The Children of Dreadful Night have the ability to take on the form of any vampire they've met. The mechanics aren't clear, but apparently the shift can be made permanent — when two of the Children are tricked into burning through all their energy, they still retain the forms of the two vampires they're impersonating.
* ''Franchise/TheWitcher'' series has a race known as "dopplers", who can assume the form of anyone (including clothing and physical accessories carried on the person) after the briefest of analysis. This ability inspires paranoia and suspicion amongst the public, but in reality dopplers are actually good-natured and are not prone to KillAndReplace schemes (though they are not above replacing someone who has already died).
* ''Literature/WarrenTheThirteenth'': The three witches have "spirit animals" that they can transform into at any time: Scalene turns into a wolf, Isosceles turns into a vulture, and Annaconda turns into [[spoiler:a snail]].
* The short story "Shape" by Creator/RobertSheckley is about an alien race which can shift into pretty much any form they want--but their society is extremely rigid and strict, and shifting into shapes which are not approved for your caste is a major taboo.
* ''Literature/TheCrimsonShadow'': Greensparrow made a pact with a dragon to share his body in return for magical powers. Most of the time he can control this, but the dragon forces him to transform occasionally.
* ''Literature/TheTraitorSonCycle'':
** Thorn eventually learns how to change into different forms, ranging from real animals to made up creatures -- though it seems he's either unable or unwilling to mimic appearance of others.
** Dragon, while naturally giant winged lizards, often interact with others as humans, irks or BodyHorror-ridden humanoids.
* ''Literature/{{Mindwarp}}'': Primarily the shtick of the villainous alien killers, but Todd Aldridge also has this power.
* In ''Literature/VoidCity'', this is a standard vampire power. Stronger vampires can transform into a variety of shapes such as bats, cats, and rats, while weaker vampires are limited to a single transformation. Froggy, for instance, got her nickname because the only animal she can shift into is a frog.
* ''Literature/RoguesOfTheRepublic:'' Unicorns can take any animal shape, including human. Ululenia usually takes a snowy white form, but she can probably change the coloration.
* ''Literature/VillainsByNecessity'': Kaylana turns into a horse at one point as a disguise. Fenwick, thinking she's a real horse, tries to ride off on her. She bucks him off.
* ''Literature/TheMortalInstruments'' has many shapeshifters.
** The vampires can turn into small animals like rats and bats, but also in fog and dust.
** Werewolves can turn from their human to their animal form whenever they want it. You can only turn certain body parts.
** There are also demons, they are called [[OurDemonsAreDifferent Eidolon Demons]], which have the ability to look like humans.
* All of the Aesir and Vanir in ''Literature/{{Runemarks}}'' can shapeshift, [[ShapeshiftingExcludesClothing though they tend to lose their clothes after they shift back to human form.]]
* [[MeaningfulName Meta Morfoss]] from the same-titled children book of GDR author Peter Hacks. Entirely harmless, she can turn into ''anything''... and can be a royal pain in the butt when she turns into an angel scaring a pilot, and other assorted shenanigans.
* The vampire-like MageSpecies of ''Literature/TheShadowspawn'' can assume the form of any creature (the individual, as well as the species) whose DNA they have ingested, which has given rise to the werewolf and vampire myths of Europe.
* ''Literature/OperationChaos'' has Steven Matuchek, a Special Forces operative who is a werewolf. He carries a small polarized light generator that simulates moonlight so that he can transform as necessary for his work.
* In ''Literature/{{Renegades}}'', the Anarchist Phobia can transform into various fears, ranging from swarms of bugs to jets of fire.
* In keeping with ''Literature/DragonPearl'''s roots in Korean myth, this is a thing that animal spirits can do. Gumiho (fox spirits) can shift into basically anything, including inanimate objects and other people; dragon spirits and tiger spirits can only switch between their animal forms and their human ones.
* ''Literature/{{Woodwalkers}}: Woodwalkers can choose any time if they walk around in their human or in their animal form [[spoiler: although there is a secret technique which forces said shapeshifter to stay in one form. Luckily only a few people know that it exists and only around half of them knows how to use is.]]
* During the fourth year at Brakebills in ''Literature/TheMagicians'', students learn how to transform into animals of their own accord, and once they get the hang of controlling the ShapeshifterBaggage, it's comparatively easy to turn into geese, polar bears and arctic foxes. However, [[BadassBookworm Alice]] is the only member of the main cast that goes on to make practical use of this skill: during the final battle with the Beast, she transforms into a lion, an anaconda, an eagle, a bear, a giant scorpion, and even a dragon.
* In ''LightNovel/IveBeenKillingSlimesFor300YearsAndMaxedOutMyLevel'', demons and dragons have the capability to switch between their more monstrous (and oftentimes, much more massive) forms, and humanoid shapes with clothes included.
* In the ''Literature/SplinteredSeries'', several of the humanoid netherlings have an alternate animal form they can shift into, such as Morpheus's moth or Ivory's swan. Alyssa doesn't have one since her human form is her alternate form.
* In Creator/SheriSTepper's ''Literature/TheTrueGame'', where everybody has some kind of magical Talent, there is a class of people with this ability. The Shifters are introduced as, essentially, werewolves: clans of people whose Talent is to shift at will between human form and the form of a large predator that is this world's equivalent of a wolf. The sequel trilogy, which has a Shifter protagonist, reveals that they can actually shift into any form imaginable (and frequently hold shape-shifting competitions among themselves) but have a tradition of pretending to outsiders that they each have only one alternate form so that their enemies will underestimate them.
* ''Literature/{{Barbapapa}}'': The Barbapapas are a family of [[BlobMonster colorful blobs]] who can turn into any shape. They can take the shape of animals or objects, but their colour and face stays the same.
* ''Literature/APieceInTheGameOfGods'': When assuming a suspected shapeshifter can voluntarily remove their disguise:
--> “She must have some kind of shapeshifter ability,” Cassandra answered grimly, before ordering me, “Drop it.”\\\
“I wish I could,” I responded, still keeping my eyes locked on that arrow, which was aimed at my chest. “But I can’t.”
* In ''Literature/FengshenYanyi'', many characters can transform in one way or another, but TheAce in this technique is Yang Jian (Erlang Shen), who has mastered the 72 Transformations and can turn himself into any person or animal, as well as turning his body into iron, copper, gold or stone as needed and even regrow a heart and close a fatal wound like nothing and become immune to plague.
* Creator/MercedesLackey's ''{{Literature/Firebird|Lackey}}'':The Firebird can take the form of a striking bird with HotWings, a beautiful woman with a cloak of feathers, or an unearthly melding of both.
* ''Literature/TheChroniclesOfAlice'' [[spoiler: A power Hatcher gains in The Red Queen.]]
* ''Literature/BruceCovillesBookOf Nightmares'': The dragon of ''The Boy Who Cried Dragon'' has this power, and disguises itself as a cat around normal humans.
* ''Literature/OfFireAndStars'': Karov, a Zumordan merchant and magic user, can turn himself into a bird. It later turns out it's common magic in Zumorda, with many Zumordans commonly becoming animals. Their particular animal form is called a person's "manifest", which they're magically bonded to.
* Holo from ''Literature/SpiceAndWolf'' is a wolf spirit who can change forms between her true form of a giant wolf and a teenage, human girl with wolf ears and a tail.

to:

[[folder:Literature]]
[[folder:Tabletop Games]]
* ''TabletopGame/DungeonsAndDragons'' is filled with creatures, races, classes, spells, and items that allow characters to shapeshift.
** Dopplegangers can only take humanoid forms, but can mimic any individual or type of humanoid they please, including clothes.
** Changelings (theorized to be descended from dopplegangers) can likewise assume other humanoid forms. Changeling wizards can confer a shapeshifting power to their {{Familiar}}s.
** True lycanthropes (i.e. born, not infected) can switch between humanoid and bestial forms at will. Infected lycanthropes can learn to control their shifting to an extent, but voluntarily changing into hybrid or animal form automatically changes their alignment based on which variety they are.
** Deep dragons are natural shapeshifters, and gain a number of alternate forms as they age.
The entire point first is that of ''Literature/TheImmortals'' quartet by Creator/TamoraPierce. Daine has a winged snake, and they later gain access to a humanoid shape.
** Druids'
Wild Magic, allowing her Shape ability allows them to communicate with, heal, command, and change into take the form of wild animals. Stemming from her [[spoiler:minor god The prestige class "Master of Many Forms" focuses pretty much on that ability alone.
** Primevals can take the form
of a father]], the books deal with her bringing her powers under control. She single animal species at will, although it must be a prehistoric beast such as a dinosaur, megafauna or dire animal. They can also partially shapeshift, doing only do this once daily when starting out, but gain additional daily uses as they level up.
** The ''Polymorph'' subschool of spells focuses on turning living
things like putting her human head on an eagle's body. Though sometimes her clothes go with her when she shifts, [[ShapeshiftingExcludesClothing and sometimes not]].
%%* ''Literature/TheDarkHunters'': The Were Hunters.%%ZCE
* Two prominent examples in ''Literature/HarryPotter'': [[{{Animorphism}} Animagi]] use a complicated spell to turn
into a specific animal at will. Animagi are supposed to be registered with the government, but there only 7 such registered individuals, only one other sorts of whom appears in the story. Four unregistered individuals either appear or are mentioned in the story, so it seems likely the actual number is considerably higher. By contrast, [[{{Humanshifting}} metamorphmagi]] living things.
%%** The ''mask of many faces''.
* ''TabletopGame/{{Exalted}}'':
** The Lunar Exalted
have an inherited at-will the ability to change into animals that they have eaten. [[ImAHumanitarian Also humans]], though they can eventually learn to add new human forms to their appearance any way they wish, but with limitations repertoire non-lethally. There aren't really all that many limits on shape, so changing species is out what a Lunar can and can't turn into, as some of their Knacks allow them to acquire the forms of plants, elementals, ''demons'', ''gods'', [[TheFairFolk raksha]], and even ''geography''.
--->"Hey, guys, I was just wondering -- was this mountain always here? Because I distinctly remember a lake which used to be here..."
** The Lunars' patron Luna, the shapeshifting god/dess
of the question. Talented wizards and witches moon, is able to take virtually any form in general can transform themselves on existence (and some that aren't).
* ''TabletopGame/{{Paranoia}}''. The Polymorphism mutant ability allows
a character to change his shape enough to another humanoid form (for example, to impersonate another human being), but no more temporary basis. than that.
* ''TabletopGame/GoldenSkyStories''. Being that the players are magical animals (called henge), they can take on multiple forms such as TalkingAnimal, LittleBitBeastly and fully human.
* ''TabletopGame/{{GURPS}}'' has lots of ways to do this but the Morph version of Shapeshifting allows the user to become virtually anything they have seen before (within point limits).
There are numerous spells and potions for shape-shifting -- that allow the user to alter their mastery is required shape as well.
* ''TabletopGame/HeroSystem'' does this with the Shape Shift power. This in and of itself only allows "cosmetic" changes (that may not even affect all senses), however --
for becoming an Auror.
* ''Literature/{{Discworld}}'':
** [[OurWerewolvesAreDifferent Werewolves]] can shift between human and lupine shapes at will, although during nights of full moon they're forced into their wolf shapes.
** Many vampires can
the shapeshifter to be able to significantly change into size and/or mass as well they would have to pick up RequiredSecondaryPowers like Growth, Shrinking, Density Increase, or Stretching, and a bat, shapeshifter who is also supposed to be able to adopt actual ''traits'' of multiple mimicked forms would be a prime candidate for a Variable Power Pool.
* ''TabletopGame/NightWizard'' as
a number of bats, or a number of magpies (in playable classes which can do this, most notably the case of Tamer/Magic Beast User, whose main gimmick is transforming body parts into various forms to grant himself various abilities.
* ''TabletopGame/SentinelsOfTheMultiverse's'' The Naturalist can change between three animal forms at will, gaining a fourth during
the de Magpyr family). Some (again, the de Magpyr family) can also become a sort of gaseous form. Whether [=OblivAeon=] event.
* ''TabletopGame/TheSplinter'': All avatars have this ability. Each race has three forms that
they keep their clothes or not depends on their sex, due to can switch between. In fact, beings in the fact Realm that RuleOfSexy, like many other tropes, is a kind of natural law on the Discworld... as is, apparently, the MaleGaze.can't shapeshift aren't even considered truly sapient.
* In %%* ''TabletopGame/{{Talislanta}}'': Manra shapechangers seem to be the ''Literature/{{Hurog}}'' duology, [[spoiler:dragons]] have only beings with this ability.
power.
* ''Franchise/{{Warhammer}}'': The protagonists Changeling, a powerful Daemonic Herald of ''Literature/{{Animorphs}}'' have the Chaos God of Magic, is able to alter its form at will, using this ability to transform into any animal (or alien) they touch thanks to ImportedAlienPhlebotinum.
advance the plots of its nefarious master and generally spread as much chaos and misdirection as possible. It is said that the Changeling has taken on so many forms over the course of its existence that it has forgotten its original form.
* Franchise/TolkiensLegendarium:
** Beorn
''Franchise/Warhammer40000'': Vampires from ''Literature/TheHobbit'' early editions can transform into a bear at will.
** In ''Literature/TheSilmarillion'', Finrod Felagund disguises himself, Beren and
alter their companions as orcs, probably by singing (which is how Sauron later strips them of their disguise). A little later, Lúthien turns Beren into a werewolf shape and herself into a bat-like creature.
** This is a standard ability of all [[PhysicalGod Ainur]] with a couple of exceptions. The wizards gave it up as part of the limiting of their powers, and [[GodOfEvil Morgoth]] was {{Shapeshifter Mode Lock}}ed into his EvilOverlord form because he became too attached
appearance in order to it. Sauron was noted to have a particularly strong talent at this himself, being able to even deceive elves or Númenóreans, though after the Downfall of Númenor he lost the ability to conceal his true nature.
%%* ''Literature/{{IT}}'': [[MonsterClown Pennywise the Clown]].%%ZCE
* ''Franchise/StarWarsExpandedUniverse'':
** The race known as the Shi'ido can shape-shift into humanoids of any
resemble other alien species, including specific individuals, as well as animals which they use to infiltrate their societies.
* ''TabletopGame/TheWorldOfDarkness'': Multiple games include variants
of various sizes.
this.
** Clawdites can also shapeshift, but it's less effortless.
** The 2012 ''Essential Guide to Warfare'' states that [[spoiler:the [[{{Precursors}} Celestials]]]] were "of malleable form".
* Tofu from ''Literature/SuperMinion''. His [[NanoMachines micro units]] can reshape his flesh at will, allowing him to repair injuries and shapeshift into any roughly-biological form.
%%* ''Literature/TheMagicPudding'': Albert from the book and the animated movie adaptation.%%ZCE
* ''Literature/KieshaRa'': Shapeshifters, known as Elavie, usually have the ability to change into only one animal, sometimes with a half-form as well. Particularly strong vampires
''TabletopGame/MageTheAscension'': Mages can shapeshift as well, but unless the vampire was Elavie before being turned (such as [[spoiler:Jaguar]]), it's more a case of having a very good sense of self and an understanding of one's own shape and the shape of the animal.
* Many creatures in the ''Literature/MercyThompson'' series can change shape voluntarily. The titular character can turn into a coyote at will, there are werewolves aplenty, and all fae can disguise themselves with basic illusion magic.
* Saint Dane in ''Literature/ThePendragonAdventure'' can shift into nearly any form suited for any Territory, even if the Territory is inhabited by [[MegaNeko cat people]] (which Eelong is). Sometimes he creates an alias, sometimes he steals one, sometimes he even changes genders. He also has the form of a black crow for quick movement. If it weren't for his [[RedRightHand icy-blue eyes]] and tendency to want to reveal himself, [[VillainsBlendInBetter he'd be near-impossible to find]].
* ''Literature/JourneyToTheWest'': Sun Wukong
depending on the magic monkey has among his many powers the seventy-two transformations, used. Life is a pretty common one.
** ''TabletopGame/VampireTheMasquerade'' and ''TabletopGame/VampireTheRequiem'' have a vampiric discipline known as Protean,
which allows him to transform into absolutely anything. Also worth mention is Zhu Bajie (aka Pigsy) who only knows thirty-six transformations, half as many as Sun Wukong. He makes up for it with being better at fighting underwater (despite being a PigMan).
* The main characters of ''Literature/{{Switchers}}'', by Kate Thompson, have
limited shapeshifting. Though the ability to transform into any animal they wish at will... at least until [[GrowingUpSucks they turn 15]].
* Creator/HPLovecraft's Nyarlathotep is an interesting case. He has over 1000 different forms, although it's never really made clear whether he can switch between forms or is he stuck to
first few levels allow the one he manifests in. It might also be possible for him to manifest in more than one form at once (being the herald changing of a single feature (eyes, claws, get fur and soul of the Outer Gods means he can ignore pesky things like the laws of our space-time continuum). While it's not quite clear whether or not he can switch between forms, some of his forms are able to shapeshift.
* Many characters in Creator/JohnCWright's ''Literature/ChroniclesOfChaos'' -- by many different techniques.
* In the novel "Shifting" by Bethany Wiggins, both Maggie Mae and Bridger can voluntarily turn into animals. Bridger can turn only into
such), higher levels allow a golden eagle, and the eagle's love instinct remains. Maggie Mae can turn into virtually any warm-blooded, carnivorous animal because her mother was a shifter, but her father was a skin walker. Since one of Bridger's parents was a shifter and the other one was normal, if he tries to turn into anything besides a golden eagle, he will die. Their clothes don't change with them, so this causes many problems, especially for Maggie Mae.
* Creator/TomHolt has a few examples:
** The goblins in the ''Literature/JWWellsAndCo'' books can shift instantaneously into any human form, although whether they can take other forms has not been mentioned. The vainer goblins in the series, such as Rosie Tanner, enjoy transforming into a different supermodel-gorgeous human every day, wearing bodies the way some Hollywood film stars wear clothes -- always the best, and never the same outfit twice. It is emphasized that while goblins actually change the structure of their bodies, other creatures like the Fey prefer the simpler methods of glamour and illusion, which take less magical strength than actual shapeshifting.
** In ''Literature/ExpectingSomeoneTaller'', Malcolm Fisher receives the [[PublicDomainArtifact Tarnhelm]] from Norse/Germanic mythology, which allows him to take on any shape he desires.
** The Eastern-style Dragons in ''Nothing But Blue Skies'' can shapeshift to become human, or, um, goldfish.
** In ''Literature/FallingSideways'', the super-intelligent alien frogs can take on human shape at will.
* The
character of Emma Anyanwu from Octavia Butler's ''Literature/{{Patternist}}'' series has total conscious control of her body at a cellular level. She can regenerate from any injury, stop herself from aging, alter her DNA at will, and take the form of any human or animal regardless of gender. Although she can mimic the outward appearance of any creature she sees, to become a truly accurate replica of another living organism she has to ingest and analyze a sample of that organism's DNA, e.g. through a bite of animal meat or a drop of blood.
* ''Literature/MemorySorrowAndThorn'': Geloë is a practitioner of what might be regarded as druidic magic, including the ability to shapeshift, primarily into birds. Handled fairly realistically in that it does not affect her clothing.
* Shapeshifting is a standard ability of sorcerers in Creator/DavidEddings' ''Literature/TheBelgariad'' and ''Mallorean'' series. Their version conveniently incorporates a form of {{Hammerspace}} for clothing and held items and also confers some of the personality traits of the assumed shape. Transformation, being directed inwardly, doesn't trigger SupernaturalSensitivity. Changing into an animal gives the ability to [[SpeaksFluentAnimal speak that animal's language]], but doesn't give the [[RequiredSecondaryPowers innate knowledge to use their forms]], meaning that Garion has to learn to fly through extensive practice.
* Happens a few times in ''Literature/FableHaven''. Unicorns and dragons are known for taking human form, and potions can shrink people down to doll-like size. And the Eternal's eternal guardians, ageless sentient talking animals that can sense their charge's location, turn
shift into any animal form normally associated with approximately the same mass, vampires (i.e. wolves, bats, [[SuperSmoke mist]]).
** ''TabletopGame/WerewolfTheApocalypse''
and can only be killed by powerful magic, such ''TabletopGame/WerewolfTheForsaken'' have you play as phoenix flame, dragon fire(or bones), and other such weapons.
* Dax Jones from ''Literature/TheShapeshifter'' series can take multiple animal forms, like his [[spoiler:alien mother's species]] and has to regularly or suffer stroke like symptoms.
* The Kandra from ''Franchise/{{Mistborn}}'' can change into anything they want -- but they can't produce
a rigid skeleton. Because it's almost impossible for them to replicate an individual's features without digesting them first, they generally just use the original bones anyway. Among themselves they use metal, stone, or wooden skeletons called "true bodies" which particularly creative Kandra often make into wild and fanciful shapes to show off their abilities.\\
\\
They aren't limited to humanoid shapes, either; it's just something of a taboo, because they consider it extremely demeaning to be forced to wear nonhuman bones. One of them is forced for a time to wear the bones of a wolfhound, and he eventually grows rather fond of the form, mostly because of the physical advantages (speed, natural weapons) of being in the body of a big damn dog.
* The Dutch YA novel ''De Wortels Van Het Woud'' (''The Roots of the Forest'', by Tais Teng) has a main character who can modify his body with various animal characteristics. It turns out that he and his sister are among the last of a race of shamans. Although his sister (whose powers are not related to shapeshifting) is utterly freaked out by the revelation, the boy eventually chooses to stay in the world of magic and live his life in the Forest in millions of animal forms.
* The [[PunctuationShaker si'lura]] in ''Literature/TheBannedAndTheBanished'' by James Clemens are a race of Shapeshifters that are able to take the form of any living creature. They are also able to communicate in any form through an image based telepathy that requires eye to eye contact. Spending too long in one form can cause the shifter to settle and be unable to change again.
* ''Literature/WildCards'': Several Aces, such as Mr. Nobody, gain the ability to shapeshift to a greater or lesser degree.
* In ''Literature/TheDresdenFiles'', when self-inflicted this is the only type of shapeshifting that doesn't violate the second Law of magic. Any transformation of another, either by force or benign, is not allowed. Among the non-violators are
[[OurWerewolvesAreDifferent the Alphas]], who have the ability to turn into wolves voluntarily (in contrast to the loup-garou, which transform involuntarily, and the hexunwulf, which is reliant on an ArtifactOfDoom). [[spoiler:Also [[EldritchAbomination the skinwalker]] and [[MagicalNativeAmerican Listens to Wind]].]]
* ''Literature/MalazanBookOfTheFallen'':
** The Soletaken are individuals
werewolf]] with the ability to assume animal form. Most assume mundane forms, such as wolves or bears, but Eleint Soletaken possess the rare ability to assume the form of a dragon. There also exist the D'ivers Soletaken, who can split their mind into several transformed bodies.
** Azathanai don't have a fixed physical form, so they can change their appearance at will. Skillen Droe in ''Literature/TheKharkanasTrilogy'' takes the form of a flying raptor, while K'rul seems to change his gender every few hundred years.
* In ''Literature/KingdomKeepers'', Maleficent transformed into a crow and an eel in the first book. In [[WesternAnimation/SleepingBeauty her debut movie]], she transformed [[ScaledUp into a dragon]], so this is likely a natural extension of that.
* Literature/{{The Guardians|MeljeanBrook}} and demons can change their appearance at will. Demons usually shapeshift into [[ManOfWealthAndTaste men of wealth and taste]] and both sides use it to disguise themselves.
* In Creator/RobertEHoward's Literature/ConanTheBarbarian story "Literature/BlackColossus", Natohk is served by an unnatural shape-shifter.
* In Creator/JosephaSherman's ''Literature/TheShiningFalcon'', every person with RoyalBlood in a certain city can assume bird form.
* Watercrafters in ''Literature/CodexAlera'' can change their appearance if they are skilled/powerful enough. It's limited to human forms, with it being difficult to hold a form with a significantly different height/build then the crafter, and generally used to maintain a youthful appearance.
* Shape-Shifters are a [[OurWitchesAreDifferent group of Wizards]] that can turn into animals or even trees in ''Literature/SeptimusHeap''.
* Immortals in ''Literature/TheMadnessSeason'' are able to transform into any creature that originates from Earth. The Marra are able to go one better and transform into any living thing that can exist, no matter what their biochemistry.
* "Demons" in ''Literature/TheBartimaeusTrilogy'' are actually spirits summoned from another plane of existence where there are no physical forms. While on Earth, they're constrained to a physical body of some kind, but it can be pretty much whatever they feel like. Generally they take humanoid or animal forms, whatever fits the situation, but there's plenty of examples of mythological creatures (phoenixes, ogres, etc.) or [[HybridMonster hybrids]] involving whatever body parts they feel like, and even the implication that they could probably take the form of inanimate objects, if they so desired. The only real limits are that excessive shifting will wear them out eventually. They also seem to be somewhat constrained by size, never getting much bigger than slightly bigger than human size (although the more powerful the demon, the larger they are).
* In the ''Literature/ApprenticeAdept'' series, all {{unicorn}}s can choose two other shapes they can change into at will. Most of them seem to pick human and a winged form.
* ''Literature/TheLastDove'': Every single character can do this. Some clans will shun those who can't.
* ''Literature/PercyJacksonAndTheOlympians'':
** Generally speaking, all gods can take whatever shape they please.
** In the ''Literature/TheHeroesOfOlympus'' series, Frank Zhang can turn into any living thing. He needs to know the animal well, though. He inherited his powers from his distant ancestor, the Greek hero Periclymenus, who was given the ability to take the shapes of animals by his father Poseidon.
* In the ''Literature/{{Xanth}}'' series, Prince Dolph's magical talent is being able to transform into any living thing (including borderline cases like zombies). Certain species of crossbreeds have this ability as well, but it's more limited. For example, a naga can shift from their default form of snake with human head to full human or full snake, and merpeople can turn their tail into legs. In one book there was a dragon/human girl who could shift from the default form of dragon with human head to full dragon or full human.
* The Proteids in the ''Literature/ArrivalsFromTheDark'' series are a race of shapeshifters whose normal form is a shapeless pile of flesh. Most are able to shift at will to mimic any race (down to internal structure to fool any scan) and even specific beings. Due to their nature, they are, essentially, immortal. After all, what is aging to someone who can simply turn into a younger version of himself? They are also able to recover from massive damage. They are pretty neutral and prefer to stay hidden. They still send out emissaries to secretly monitor a given race and, occasionally, help or subvert them for the good of the galaxy at large. One of the key characters is a Proteid with a birth defect. He can only morph into a species once, at which point he is stuck as that form for the rest of his life, able only to affect fairly minor changes (height, skin color, body shape). Even turning into a member of the opposite sex is impossible, as that involves major changes to internal structure. Named Exile for this defect, he chooses to go to Earth (in the 13th century) as an emissary, as his people see the potential in humanity. He assumes the form of a human male and begins to observe humanity.
* ''Literature/MajipoorSeries'': The Piurivar or Metamorphs, who are one of the native species of Majipoor, and have been at war with humanity for almost as long as humanity has been on the planet, can shapeshift to resemble almost any vaguely humanoid species. If it weren't for fairly reliable Metamorph detectors, humanity would probably never have had a chance.
* In ''Literature/DemonAMemoir'', demons can change shape. The titular character takes on the form of a different human every time he meets the narrator.
* In ''Satan's Diary'', the last of novel by L. Andreyev, the protagonist tries to take a human form for the first time.
* ''Literature/TheStormlightArchive'':
** The Parshendi have a minor version of this: they can shift between certain specific
five forms by bonding appropriate spren ranging through man to their bodies. So far, they have learned how to assume dullform (weak and stupid, their baseline state), mateform (lust-crazed, capable of reproduction), workform (strong, but with a mental block against confrontation), warform (strong and aggressive, with natural armor plate growing from the skin), and nimbleform (dexterous and agile, useful for precise work). [[spoiler:And in ''Literature/WordsOfRadiance'', they learn how to assume stormform, which grants ShockAndAwe powers but leaves them AxCrazy. There are a number of other forms that appear in ''Oathbringer'' as well, although they're not all given names or explained in detail.]]
** Also, [[spoiler: once a Surgebinder has sworn enough oaths, their bonded spren can assume the form of a Shardblade. Or a Shardspear. Or whatever other metallic item their Radiant needs. Existing Shardblades are "dead" spren trapped in that form after their Radiant partners broke their oaths and walked away.]]
* The shapeshifters in several Creator/SharonGreen novels could shift into anything from animals to ''fruit'', given sufficient practice. Most people had a couple of basic forms, with full-range shifting or something close to it showing up more often in nobles and prostitutes. While you could change your size and shape, however, your mass remained exactly the same.
%%* Tessa Gray in ''Literature/TheInfernalDevices'', after she learns to control her powers.
* Both Werewolf and Bedlam in ''Literature/DevilsCape'' are able to do this as their primary superpower. Werewolf, as his name suggests, can turn into a wolf, human, or his preferred form, a
hybrid of the two. Bedlam can either be human or take on a demonic-looking, superstrong form capable of flight.
*
to wolf. Shapeshifting is controlled by the player for the most part. The game is based on werewolves, but sourcebooks allow players in the ''Literature/ColdfireTrilogy'' is theoretically possible with the ''fae'', but no known humans have ever done it. It requires an insane amount ''Old World of dedication and a willingness Darkness'' to cast aside your very nature as play a human being. Senzei is both horrified and impressed when he watches [[spoiler:Gerald Tarrant the Hunter]] transform into a bird. It highlights both his genius and the fact that, appearances aside, he cannot really be considered ''human'' anymore.
* ''Literature/TheReynardCycle'': The Fetch are shapeshifting assassins originally created by the Demons. In their natural form they look like featureless, translucent humanoids with colorful luminescent fluids inside
variety of them. One of them infiltrates the Quicksilver during ''Reynard the Fox''. It's unclear if there are others existent in the world, or if that one was the last of its kind.
* In ''Literature/PleaseDontTellMyParentsImASupervillain'', Claire "E-Claire" Lutra has some ability to alter her facial features, though the full extent is unknown. Enough that she doesn't have to worry about being recognized, though.
-->My stupid mouth acted on automatic. "She almost looks like Claire."\\
Dad just chuckled. "She does, doesn't she? I think it was a half-hearted attempt to frame Claire. The name is deliberate, and the costume is a reference to her power. I say 'half-hearted', because if E-Claire were really trying she would hide her face. The first words out of your mother's mouth were 'Her cheekbones are wrong', and her body language was wrong in the first video. She can't even claim to be Claire in makeup."\\
Claire Lutra, you little vixen. You knew all along your secret identity was completely safe. Your Mom must have known as well. And if E-Claire couldn't possibly be Claire, then her teammates couldn't be me and Ray. You devious shape-changing ''vixen'', Claire. You'd covered us all.
* Bora Horza Gorbachul in ''Literature/ConsiderPhlebas'' is a "Changer", who has limited (by the standards of this trope) shapeshifting powers, as did his whole race. Which is why they were wiped out.
* ''Literature/{{Somewhither}}'': The world of Cainem is inhabited by immortals whose wounds and all damage heal quickly on their own. Experienced inhabitants of Cainem can control this process and thus manipulate their body in any way they wish, including detaching limbs and bones and using them as weapons, or growing bone-armor over their skin, or even dispersing all mass of their tissues over a large volume to become a hard-to-spot cloud of thick mist.
* ''Literature/StarTrekTheEugenicsWars'' has Isis, who can can turn into an (apparently) human woman, though she stays in cat form
were-animals (big cats, ravens, rats, coyotes, bears, foxes, hyenas, spiders, snakes, crocodiles, lizards, sharks), most of the time. [[spoiler:She spends most of the second volume pretending to be Ament, one of Khans most trusted advisers.]]
* ''Literature/MasqueradeOfTheRedDeath'': The Children of Dreadful Night
which have the ability to either five or three available forms. ''New World of Darkness'' sourcebooks open up an even wider range of shapeshifters.
* ''TabletopGame/WorldTreeRPG'': Bonstables can
take on the form of any vampire they've met. The mechanics aren't clear, but apparently the shift can be made permanent — when two of the Children are tricked into burning through all their energy, they still retain the forms of the two vampires they're impersonating.
* ''Franchise/TheWitcher'' series has a race known as "dopplers", who can assume the form of anyone (including clothing and physical accessories carried on the person) after the briefest of analysis. This ability inspires paranoia and suspicion amongst the public, but in reality dopplers are actually good-natured and are not prone to KillAndReplace schemes (though they are not above replacing someone who has already died).
* ''Literature/WarrenTheThirteenth'': The three witches have "spirit animals" that they can transform into at any time: Scalene turns into a wolf, Isosceles turns into a vulture, and Annaconda turns into [[spoiler:a snail]].
* The short story "Shape" by Creator/RobertSheckley is about an alien race which can shift into pretty much any form they want--but their society is extremely rigid and strict, and shifting into shapes which are not approved for your caste is a major taboo.
* ''Literature/TheCrimsonShadow'': Greensparrow made a pact with a dragon to share his body in return for magical powers. Most of the time he can control this, but the dragon forces him to transform occasionally.
* ''Literature/TheTraitorSonCycle'':
** Thorn eventually learns how to change into different forms, ranging from real animals to made up creatures -- though it seems he's
either unable or unwilling to mimic appearance of others.
** Dragon, while naturally giant winged lizards, often interact with others as humans, irks or BodyHorror-ridden humanoids.
* ''Literature/{{Mindwarp}}'': Primarily the shtick of the villainous alien killers, but Todd Aldridge also has this power.
* In ''Literature/VoidCity'', this is a standard vampire power. Stronger vampires can transform into a variety of shapes such as bats, cats, and rats, while weaker vampires are limited to a single transformation. Froggy, for instance, got her nickname because the only animal she can shift into is a frog.
* ''Literature/RoguesOfTheRepublic:'' Unicorns can take
any animal shape, including human. Ululenia usually takes a snowy white form, but she can probably change the coloration.
* ''Literature/VillainsByNecessity'': Kaylana turns into a horse at one point as a disguise. Fenwick, thinking she's a real horse, tries to ride off on her. She bucks him off.
* ''Literature/TheMortalInstruments'' has many shapeshifters.
** The vampires can turn into small animals like rats and bats, but also in fog and dust.
** Werewolves can turn from their human to their animal form whenever they want it. You can only turn certain body parts.
** There are also demons, they are called [[OurDemonsAreDifferent Eidolon Demons]], which have the ability to look like humans.
* All
Prime species or of the Aesir and Vanir in ''Literature/{{Runemarks}}'' can shapeshift, [[ShapeshiftingExcludesClothing though they tend to lose their clothes after they shift back to human form.]]
* [[MeaningfulName Meta Morfoss]] from the same-titled children book of GDR author Peter Hacks. Entirely harmless, she can turn into ''anything''... and can be a royal pain in the butt when she turns into an angel scaring a pilot, and other assorted shenanigans.
* The vampire-like MageSpecies of ''Literature/TheShadowspawn'' can assume the form of any creature (the individual, as well as the species) whose DNA they have ingested, which has given rise to the werewolf and vampire myths of Europe.
* ''Literature/OperationChaos'' has Steven Matuchek, a Special Forces operative who is a werewolf. He carries a small polarized light generator that simulates moonlight so that he can transform as necessary for his work.
* In ''Literature/{{Renegades}}'', the Anarchist Phobia can transform into various fears, ranging from swarms of bugs to jets of fire.
* In keeping with ''Literature/DragonPearl'''s roots in Korean myth, this is a thing that animal spirits can do. Gumiho (fox spirits) can shift into basically anything, including inanimate objects and other people; dragon spirits and tiger spirits can only switch between their animal forms and their human ones.
* ''Literature/{{Woodwalkers}}: Woodwalkers can choose any time if they walk around in their human or in their animal form [[spoiler: although there is a secret technique which forces said shapeshifter to stay in one form. Luckily only a few people know that it exists and only around half of them knows how to use is.]]
* During the fourth year at Brakebills in ''Literature/TheMagicians'', students learn how to transform into animals of their own accord, and once they get the hang of controlling the ShapeshifterBaggage, it's comparatively easy to turn into geese, polar bears and arctic foxes. However, [[BadassBookworm Alice]] is the only member of the main cast that goes on to make practical use of this skill: during the final battle with the Beast, she transforms into a lion, an anaconda, an eagle, a bear, a giant scorpion, and even a dragon.
* In ''LightNovel/IveBeenKillingSlimesFor300YearsAndMaxedOutMyLevel'', demons and dragons have the capability to switch between their more monstrous (and oftentimes, much more massive) forms, and humanoid shapes with clothes included.
* In the ''Literature/SplinteredSeries'', several of the humanoid netherlings have an alternate animal form they can shift into, such as Morpheus's moth or Ivory's swan. Alyssa doesn't have one since her human form is her alternate form.
* In Creator/SheriSTepper's ''Literature/TheTrueGame'', where everybody has some kind of magical Talent, there is a class of people with this ability. The Shifters are introduced as, essentially, werewolves: clans of people whose Talent is to shift at will between human form and the form of a large predator that is this world's equivalent of a wolf. The sequel trilogy, which has a Shifter protagonist, reveals that they can actually shift into any form imaginable (and frequently hold shape-shifting competitions among themselves) but have a tradition of pretending to outsiders that they each have only one alternate form so that their enemies will underestimate them.
* ''Literature/{{Barbapapa}}'': The Barbapapas are a family of [[BlobMonster colorful blobs]] who can turn into any shape. They can take the shape of animals or objects, but their colour and face stays the same.
* ''Literature/APieceInTheGameOfGods'': When assuming a suspected shapeshifter can voluntarily remove their disguise:
--> “She must have some kind of shapeshifter ability,” Cassandra answered grimly, before ordering me, “Drop it.”\\\
“I wish I could,” I responded, still keeping my eyes locked on that arrow, which was aimed at my chest. “But I can’t.”
* In ''Literature/FengshenYanyi'', many characters can transform in one way or another, but TheAce in this technique is Yang Jian (Erlang Shen), who has mastered the 72 Transformations and can turn himself into any person or animal, as well as turning his body into iron, copper, gold or stone as needed and even regrow a heart and close a fatal wound like nothing and become immune to plague.
* Creator/MercedesLackey's ''{{Literature/Firebird|Lackey}}'':The Firebird can take the form of a striking bird with HotWings, a beautiful woman with a cloak of feathers, or an unearthly melding of both.
* ''Literature/TheChroniclesOfAlice'' [[spoiler: A power Hatcher gains in The Red Queen.]]
* ''Literature/BruceCovillesBookOf Nightmares'': The dragon of ''The Boy Who Cried Dragon'' has this power, and disguises itself as a cat around normal humans.
* ''Literature/OfFireAndStars'': Karov, a Zumordan merchant and magic user, can turn himself into a bird. It later turns out it's common magic in Zumorda, with many Zumordans commonly becoming animals. Their particular animal form is called a person's "manifest", which they're magically bonded to.
* Holo from ''Literature/SpiceAndWolf'' is a wolf spirit who can change forms between her true form of a giant wolf and a teenage, human girl with wolf ears and a tail.
silver-winged birds.



[[folder:Live-Action TV]]
* ''Series/TenMilesOfPeachBlossoms'': Most of the characters have animal forms that they can change into at will. Bai Qian can turn into a nine-tailed fox while Ye Hua can turn into a dragon.
* ''Series/LoveAndDestiny'': Ling Xi can turn into a phoenix and Jiu Chen can turn into a dragon.
* ''Series/AshesOfLove'':
** Tai Wei and his son Run Yu can both turn into dragons, while his other son Xu Feng turns into a phoenix instead.
** Yan You can turn into a snake.
* ''Series/IceFantasy'': Ying Kong Shi can turn into anyone he wants to, including Lan Shang and Ka Suo. [[spoiler: That last one causes an awful lot of trouble for the real Ka Suo.]]
* Flabber from ''Series/{{Beetleborgs}}'' has this as one of his powers, being that he's a magical Phasm and all (and a rather obvious Genie/Mask CaptainErsatz, with the looks of the Joker). Early on in ''Beetleborgs Metalix'', the kids get the ability to turn into ''actual beetles'' by shouting "Bug Out!" to turn into bugs and "Bug back!" to turn back into themselves.
* ''Series/GameOfThrones'': Faceless Men like Jaqen H'ghar can change their faces at will.
* The main character in ''Series/{{Manimal}}'': any animal, though he seems to fixate on a panther, a hawk, a snake, and other creatures for which the producers had sufficient stock footage. The transformations into a bull or cat were done off-screen, though. Also a dolphin. And when he transformed back into his human form, he was always inexplicably fully clothed.
* ''Franchise/StarTrek'':
** The changelings, including main ensemble member Odo, from ''Series/StarTrekDeepSpaceNine'' have a very flexible and almost undetectable transformation power. Their natural state is a viscous fluid with a density comparable to battery acid. Given how those who reside on Odo's planet of birth, though not Odo himself (Odo is noted as inferior at the art compared to those shifters, and unlike them cannot mimic faces just right), manage to actually replace "solids" and impersonate them successfully even in interactions with those who know the real person well (e.g. fooling the [=DS9=] crew when taking Bashir's form, and Gowron when taking Martok's form), they somehow must have the very powerful ability to even access many of the memories of those whose forms they take. Odo himself manages some complex transformations later on, though -- you'd think ''light'' is tougher than a face. Maybe he keeps his default appearance just because it's the one everyone's gotten used to.
** Also Allasomorphs, featured in ''Next Generation'' episode "[[Recap/StarTrekTheNextGenerationS2E10TheDauphin The Dauphin]]".
** There are also the Chameloids, only really seen in ''Film/StarTrekVITheUndiscoveredCountry''.
* ''Franchise/{{Buffyverse}}'':
** It can be argued that the ''Game Face'' presented by vampires is their real appearance (after all, they're demons!) and they "shape-shift" to appear as normal humans as necessary.
** In an interesting twist on this trope, The First Evil implies that it doesn't merely make itself look like the person it impersonates, it actually ''becomes'' them, at least partially. (When it appears to Faith as Mayor Wilkins, it says something to the effect of "I am The First Evil, but I am also the man himself.")
** Toru has this ability, which he stole from Dracula, along with several other abilities.
** Some demons have the ability to transform into a human form. Even among [[HalfHumanHybrid half-demons]], this ability is widespread, as shown by Doyle, Ruby, Whistler, and Mal Fraser.
** The witch Amy can turn in the comics at will into a rat or cat.
** The [[http://buffy.wikia.com/wiki/New_vampire new race of vampires]] also has the ability to turn into animals. However, only at night, during the day they can not transform.
* ''Series/MetalHeroes''
** Series/SpaceSheriffGavan's partner Mimi had shapeshifting powers through a device around her neck, but she only used it to turn into a bird and occasionally alter her clothing.
** Likewise, Sharivan's partner Lily was able to perfectly impersonate one of the female villains down to voice and face, though that might have been due to makeup.
* Most Time Lords from ''Series/DoctorWho'' appear able to exert some measure of control over regeneration: choosing their next form, forcing a regeneration, or refusing to regenerate (which results in death). The Doctor himself, however, seems unable to control his regenerations. {{Fanon}} has it that traumatic regenerations such as the Doctor's cannot be controlled; because after all, when you've been submitted to radiation poisoning/a fall from a great height or another blunt trauma/cellular degeneration your least worry is whether your next incarnation will have any dress sense.
* Series/{{Raven}} from the kids TV game show of the same name. Guess what he transforms into?
* Meego, from the short-lived TV series of the same name, possesses shape-shifting abilities, although they were only seen in the first episode. To prove to one of the main characters that he was an alien, Meego transformed from his normal, humanoid form into a bug-eyed furry monster, a sumo wrestler, then into an attractive blonde in a bathing suit before changing back to normal.
* In ''Series/{{Fringe}}'', we have the second season's antagonists, [[AGoodNameForARockBand Newton and His Shapeshifters]], {{cyborg}} soldiers from an AlternateUniverse who can mimic the appearance of others (essentially [[BodySnatcher switching bodies]], but only after killing the subject and only with the aid of a special device).
* ''Series/RedDwarf'''s Polymorph is a genetically engineered super-soldier that feeds on negative emotions by transforming into objects or people that trigger them. A tamed version called the Emohawk appears later on.
* In ''Series/{{Lost}}'', [[spoiler:the smoke monster can take the form of several people, but they have to be dead first. He takes the place of John Locke midway through season five.]]
* Primator, a ''Series/MightyMorphinPowerRangers'' MonsterOfTheWeek. He could become any Ranger in civilian or morphed form.
** Body Switcher from ''Series/PowerRangersInSpace'' could not only alter his own form, but ''others.'' Little do the Rangers know that it's not the Yellow Ranger who returned with them, but the BigBad having been disguised as her.
** Slate from ''Series/PowerRangersSPD'' could take on the form of past monsters whose DNA patterns he'd been given by Broodwing. For the final round with him, Morgana split him into ''all'' the forms he'd taken.
** Many monsters and major villains throughout the franchise have the ability to disguise themselves as humans (or were humans who had been altered and could take on monster forms) even if shapeshifting is not otherwise part of their arsenal. Some random shady dude turning into the MOTW is a common way to introduce it.
* ''Series/TheXFiles'':
** Shapeshifting aliens are a recurring menace, though they don't need to kill someone to take their shape, they often do to avoid complications. The alien bounty hunter is probably the most notable example.
** "[[Recap/TheXFilesS04E20SmallPotatoes Small Potatoes]]" features a man who can shapeshift and uses the ability [[ShapeshiftingSeducer to sleep with women]] [[BedTrick while disguised as their husbands]]. His natural form is ugly and comes complete with tail, and his children retain these traits, much to the horror of the women who have essentially been unknowingly raped. He then locks up Mulder and takes his form to elude capture, and then, understandably, tries to get it on with Scully.
* Maya, the Metamorph in ''Series/Space1999''.
* In Volume Four of ''Series/{{Heroes}}'', [[YouWillBeAssimilated Sylar]] tracks down and kills a man who can change his form to look like any other human being, and thus claims the power for himself.
* [[RogerRabbitEffect Ttark]] from ''Series/KrattsCreatures''.
* Pilgrim Boy from ''Series/TheAquabatsSuperShow''
* A few monsters from ''Series/{{Supernatural}}'': [[ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin Shapeshifters]], Leviathan, Jefferson Starships, Eve, Changelings, Sirens, Wraiths.
* A lot of monsters and aliens in the ''Franchise/UltraSeries'' can do this, but some have this as their defining trait. Often overlaps with EvilKnockoff.
** The original ''Series/{{Ultraman}}'' gives us the first and most famous of these in Zarab, an alien invader who delights in sowing discord and break trusts through the impersonation of others. His favourite tactic is to transform himself into a sinister-looking duplicate of Ultraman and then go on a rampage.
** Another famous shapeshifting alien is Babalou from ''Series/UltramanLeo'', who likes to do much of the same thing as Zarab. The difference is that his disguises are 100% perfect in appearance, allowing him to even fool the Ultras.
** One episode of ''Series/UltramanTiga'' featured a race of aliens called the Menjura, who kidnapped various members of GUTS and impersonated them to cause havoc around their base. However, instead of transforming into lookalikes of Tiga to fight him, they perform a FusionDance.
** The alien brawler Gregorl-Man of ''Series/UltramanDyna'' took the form of an evil-looking version of Ultraman Dyna, but rather than using it to make it seem as if the Ultra had turned his back of humanity, it was solely to fight him on an equal footing.
** ''Series/UltramanGaia'' featured [[SiliconBasedLife organisms made of liquid metal]] that took on humanoid forms to battle the Ultra heroes. Apatee was the first of these, taking on the form of a knight-like being to battle Gaia. Its successors Algyuros and Meemos were far more advanced though, impersonating Ultraman Agul and Gaia respectively and only taking on others forms once the disguises stopped working.
** The ''Series/UltramanCosmos'' monster Gelworm is a tiny insect-like creature that can absorb the DNA of any lifeform in order to take their shape and size, meaning that it can turn into a human or even Ultraman Cosmos. The good news is that it's a completely harmless creature, only using its abilities to get around, as well as fight Cosmos when provoked.
** In ''Series/UltramanMebius'', Yapool uses a smoke-like Choju named Gadiba that assimilates other creatures and their DNA in order to take on their forms, as it does to [[Series/{{Ultraman}} Gomora and Red King]] to battle Mebius.
* A VillainOfTheWeek on ''Series/{{Misfits}}'' uses this ability to get revenge on Simon by [[DivideAndConquer turning the Misfits against each other]].
* ''Series/TheMessengers'': This is Kao Lin's ability, and she can apparently acquire knowledge from the people she's impersonated as well (learning martial arts through doubling a man when he he had [[AttemptedRape attempted to rape her]], for instance).
* In ''Series/{{Shadowhunters}}'', demons are capable of changing their appearance at will. The demon Jace, Izzy, and Alec hunt in "The Mortal Cup" changes it's appearance to that of whomever it bumps into. [[spoiler:Later, a demon impersonates a family friend of Clary's, Dot]].
* ''Series/TerminatorTheSarahConnorChronicles'' has the shapeshifting liquid-metal Terminator (according to AllThereInTheManual, a T-100'''1''') known as [[spoiler:Weaver]], who becomes a major character in the show's second season.
* ''Series/LegendOfTheSeeker'': It turns out that both Shota and Zedd can make their bodies young again. Only Shota is vain enough to do this all the time. Zedd only does when he's bewitched by her. When her magic is taken, she's revealed to be old like him.
* ''Series/KingdomAdventure'': Dagger demonstrates the ability to change into the form of a vulture, allowing him to travel distances quickly. [[CaptainCrash He's not mastered landing, though]].
* ''Series/TheOuterLimits1995'':
** In "[[Recap/TheOuterLimits1995S1E11UnderTheBed Under the Bed]]", the child-snatching creatures can shapeshift. One changes into a teddy bear in order to lure Andrew Rosman to his doom.
** In "[[Recap/TheOuterLimits1995S4E14ToTellTheTruth To Tell the Truth]]", the native population of Janus Five possess this ability.
** In "[[Recap/TheOuterLimits1995S5E19Stranded Stranded]]", Tyr'Nar is a member of a species of shapeshifters.
** In "[[Recap/TheOuterLimits1995S6E2TheGun The Gun]]", the alien calling himself Donald Finley seemingly belongs to a race of shapeshifters.
** In "[[Recap/TheOuterLimits1995S6E16Revival Revival]]", Luke and Serena are members of a race of shapeshifters.
** In "[[Recap/TheOuterLimits1995S7E3ANewLife A New Life]]", the alien merchants who deceived people into joining the religious community are shapeshifters. There are at least seven of them, all of whom assume the form of the community's leader Father.
** In "[[Recap/TheOuterLimits1995S7E9AlienShop Alien Shop]]", the shopkeeper belongs to a species of shapeshifters and assumes multiple forms in his dealings with Andy Pace.
** In "[[Recap/TheOuterLimits1995S7E20DarkChild Dark Child]]", TheGreys who abducted Laura Sinclair in 1984 are shapeshifters.
* ''Series/{{Gotham}}'': Jane Doe has this ability as a result of experiments performed on her by Dr. Strange. She's capable of taking any person's form simply by touching them.
* ''Series/TheBoys2019'': Doppleganger has this power, being able to assume other forms and impersonate people perfectly by doing so.
* ''Series/TheTwilightZone1959'':
** In "[[Recap/TheTwilightZoneS1E13TheFourOfUsAreDying The Four of Us Are Dying]]", the con man Arch Hammer has the ability to alter his face so that he can imitate anyone that he chooses.
** In "[[Recap/TheTwilightZoneS3E90TheFugitive The Fugitive]]", Ben can change his shape into anything that he can imagine. Aside from the old man shape that he has been using since he met Jenny, he turns into a [[UsefulNotes/{{Mars}} Martian]], a mouse, a fly and Jenny herself. [[spoiler:His [[ShapeShifterDefaultForm true form]] is that of a handsome young man who looks completely human.]]
* ''Series/TheTwilightZone1985'': In "Stranger in Possum Meadows", Scout belongs to a race of shapeshifters. In his report to his home planet, he says that it was easy for him to assume a human form.
* ''Series/LovecraftCountry'': Ruby's transformations are willing after the first one, as she comes to enjoy having greater privilege in a white form. [[spoiler:Christina has also been turning into William all this time.]]
* ''Series/OddSquad'': The aptly named Shapeshifter is a villainess who can shapeshift into anything she desires, from people to inanimate objects. While it is stated that a downside to the ability is that whatever she turns into will always remain the same weight, it's often not represented continuously, with her shapeshifting into things that are easy for agents to pick up, such as pies. The Form Changer, Shapeshifter's twin sister, also has the same ability.
* ''Series/InFromTheCold'': Jenny has some kind of implants inside her body which let her "morph" into a new body, which is discovered after she's changed into an older man in the prison. However, this is a bit more realistic as it puts an incredible strain on her internal organs, so much that she risks death through even using it and can only "copy" a body whom she's already touched. After using it she craves foods which have a lot of iron too since morphing costs this. She can only control this for so long, and it sometimes reverts on its own after a time.
* ''Series/OctoberFaction'': Alice can take on the form of people she encounters.
* ''Series/{{Creepshow}}'': In "[[Recap/CreepshowS3E6OkayIllBite Okay I'll Bite]]" Elmer uses the ritual detailed on the scroll he receives to transform himself into a giant spider and exact revenge on his primary tormentor.
* Sam Merlotte from ''Series/TrueBlood'' is a shapeshifter and there are others as the series goes on.

to:

[[folder:Live-Action TV]]
[[folder:Theme Parks]]
* ''Series/TenMilesOfPeachBlossoms'': Most of the characters have animal forms that they can change into at will. Bai Qian can turn into a nine-tailed fox while Ye Hua can turn into a dragon.
* ''Series/LoveAndDestiny'': Ling Xi can turn into a phoenix and Jiu Chen can turn into a dragon.
* ''Series/AshesOfLove'':
** Tai Wei and his son Run Yu can both turn into dragons, while his other son Xu Feng turns into a phoenix instead.
** Yan You can turn into a snake.
* ''Series/IceFantasy'': Ying Kong Shi can turn into anyone he wants to, including Lan Shang and Ka Suo. [[spoiler: That last one causes an awful lot of trouble for the real Ka Suo.]]
* Flabber
Waldo from ''Series/{{Beetleborgs}}'' has this as one of his powers, being that he's a magical Phasm and all (and a rather obvious Genie/Mask CaptainErsatz, with the looks of the Joker). Early on in ''Beetleborgs Metalix'', the kids get the ability to turn into ''actual beetles'' by shouting "Bug Out!" to turn into bugs and "Bug back!" to turn back into themselves.
* ''Series/GameOfThrones'': Faceless Men like Jaqen H'ghar can change their faces at will.
* The main character in ''Series/{{Manimal}}'': any animal, though he seems to fixate on a panther, a hawk, a snake, and other creatures for which the producers had sufficient stock footage. The transformations into a bull or cat were done off-screen, though. Also a dolphin. And when he transformed back into his human form, he was always inexplicably fully clothed.
* ''Franchise/StarTrek'':
** The changelings, including main ensemble member Odo, from ''Series/StarTrekDeepSpaceNine'' have a very flexible and almost undetectable transformation power. Their natural state is a viscous fluid with a density comparable to battery acid. Given how those who reside on Odo's planet of birth, though not Odo himself (Odo is noted as inferior
''Ride/MuppetVision3D'' at the art compared to those shifters, and unlike them cannot mimic faces just right), manage to actually replace "solids" and impersonate them successfully even in interactions with those who know the real person well (e.g. fooling the [=DS9=] crew when taking Bashir's form, and Gowron when taking Martok's form), they somehow must have the very powerful ability to even access many of the memories of those whose forms they take. Odo himself manages some complex transformations later on, though -- you'd think ''light'' is tougher than a face. Maybe he keeps his default appearance just because it's the one everyone's gotten used to.
** Also Allasomorphs, featured in ''Next Generation'' episode "[[Recap/StarTrekTheNextGenerationS2E10TheDauphin The Dauphin]]".
** There are also the Chameloids, only really seen in ''Film/StarTrekVITheUndiscoveredCountry''.
* ''Franchise/{{Buffyverse}}'':
** It can be argued that the ''Game Face'' presented by vampires is their real appearance (after all, they're demons!) and they "shape-shift" to appear as normal humans as necessary.
** In an interesting twist on this trope, The First Evil implies that it doesn't merely make itself look like the person it impersonates, it actually ''becomes'' them, at least partially. (When it appears to Faith as Mayor Wilkins, it says something to the effect of "I am The First Evil, but I am also the man himself.")
** Toru has this ability, which he stole from Dracula, along with several other abilities.
** Some demons have the ability to transform into a human form. Even among [[HalfHumanHybrid half-demons]], this ability is widespread, as shown by Doyle, Ruby, Whistler, and Mal Fraser.
** The witch Amy can turn in the comics at will into a rat or cat.
** The [[http://buffy.wikia.com/wiki/New_vampire new race of vampires]] also has the ability to turn into animals. However, only at night, during the day they can not transform.
* ''Series/MetalHeroes''
** Series/SpaceSheriffGavan's partner Mimi had shapeshifting powers through a device around her neck, but she only used it to turn into a bird and occasionally alter her clothing.
** Likewise, Sharivan's partner Lily was able to perfectly impersonate one of the female villains down to voice and face, though that might have been due to makeup.
* Most Time Lords from ''Series/DoctorWho'' appear able to exert some measure of control over regeneration: choosing their next form, forcing a regeneration, or refusing to regenerate (which results in death). The Doctor himself, however, seems unable to control his regenerations. {{Fanon}} has it that traumatic regenerations such as the Doctor's cannot be controlled; because after all, when you've been submitted to radiation poisoning/a fall from a great height or another blunt trauma/cellular degeneration your least worry is whether your next incarnation will have any dress sense.
* Series/{{Raven}} from the kids TV game show of the same name. Guess what he transforms into?
* Meego, from the short-lived TV series of the same name, possesses shape-shifting abilities, although they were only seen in the first episode. To prove to one of the main characters that he was an alien, Meego transformed from his normal, humanoid form into a bug-eyed furry monster, a sumo wrestler, then into an attractive blonde in a bathing suit before changing back to normal.
* In ''Series/{{Fringe}}'', we have the second season's antagonists, [[AGoodNameForARockBand Newton and His Shapeshifters]], {{cyborg}} soldiers from an AlternateUniverse who can mimic the appearance of others (essentially [[BodySnatcher switching bodies]], but only after killing the subject and only with the aid of a special device).
* ''Series/RedDwarf'''s Polymorph is a genetically engineered super-soldier that feeds on negative emotions by transforming into objects or people that trigger them. A tamed version called the Emohawk appears later on.
* In ''Series/{{Lost}}'', [[spoiler:the smoke monster can take the form of several people, but they have to be dead first. He takes the place of John Locke midway through season five.]]
* Primator, a ''Series/MightyMorphinPowerRangers'' MonsterOfTheWeek. He could become any Ranger in civilian or morphed form.
** Body Switcher from ''Series/PowerRangersInSpace'' could not only alter his own form, but ''others.'' Little do the Rangers know that it's not the Yellow Ranger who returned with them, but the BigBad having been disguised as her.
** Slate from ''Series/PowerRangersSPD'' could take on the form of past monsters whose DNA patterns he'd been given by Broodwing. For the final round with him, Morgana split him into ''all'' the forms he'd taken.
** Many monsters and major villains throughout the franchise have the ability to disguise themselves as humans (or were humans who had been altered and could take on monster forms) even if shapeshifting is not otherwise part of their arsenal. Some random shady dude turning into the MOTW is a common way to introduce it.
* ''Series/TheXFiles'':
** Shapeshifting aliens are a recurring menace, though they don't need to kill someone to take their shape, they often do to avoid complications. The alien bounty hunter is probably the most notable example.
** "[[Recap/TheXFilesS04E20SmallPotatoes Small Potatoes]]" features a man who can shapeshift and uses the ability [[ShapeshiftingSeducer to sleep with women]] [[BedTrick while disguised as their husbands]]. His natural form is ugly and comes complete with tail, and his children retain these traits, much to the horror of the women who have essentially been unknowingly raped. He then locks up Mulder and takes his form to elude capture, and then, understandably, tries to get it on with Scully.
* Maya, the Metamorph in ''Series/Space1999''.
* In Volume Four of ''Series/{{Heroes}}'', [[YouWillBeAssimilated Sylar]] tracks down and kills a man who can change his form to look like any other human being, and thus claims the power for himself.
* [[RogerRabbitEffect Ttark]] from ''Series/KrattsCreatures''.
* Pilgrim Boy from ''Series/TheAquabatsSuperShow''
* A few monsters from ''Series/{{Supernatural}}'': [[ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin Shapeshifters]], Leviathan, Jefferson Starships, Eve, Changelings, Sirens, Wraiths.
* A lot of monsters and aliens in the ''Franchise/UltraSeries'' can do this, but some have this as their defining trait. Often overlaps with EvilKnockoff.
** The original ''Series/{{Ultraman}}'' gives us the first and most famous of these in Zarab, an alien invader who delights in sowing discord and break trusts through the impersonation of others. His favourite tactic is to transform himself into a sinister-looking duplicate of Ultraman and then go on a rampage.
** Another famous shapeshifting alien is Babalou from ''Series/UltramanLeo'', who likes to do much of the same thing as Zarab. The difference is that his disguises are 100% perfect in appearance, allowing him to even fool the Ultras.
** One episode of ''Series/UltramanTiga'' featured a race of aliens called the Menjura, who kidnapped various members of GUTS and impersonated them to cause havoc around their base. However, instead of transforming into lookalikes of Tiga to fight him, they perform a FusionDance.
** The alien brawler Gregorl-Man of ''Series/UltramanDyna'' took the form of an evil-looking version of Ultraman Dyna, but rather than using it to make it seem as if the Ultra had turned his back of humanity, it was solely to fight him on an equal footing.
** ''Series/UltramanGaia'' featured [[SiliconBasedLife organisms made of liquid metal]] that took on humanoid forms to battle the Ultra heroes. Apatee was the first of these, taking on the form of a knight-like being to battle Gaia. Its successors Algyuros and Meemos were far more advanced though, impersonating Ultraman Agul and Gaia respectively and only taking on others forms once the disguises stopped working.
** The ''Series/UltramanCosmos'' monster Gelworm is a tiny insect-like creature that can absorb the DNA of any lifeform in order to take their shape and size, meaning that it can turn into a human or even Ultraman Cosmos. The good news is that it's a completely harmless creature, only using its abilities to get around, as well as fight Cosmos when provoked.
** In ''Series/UltramanMebius'', Yapool uses a smoke-like Choju named Gadiba that assimilates other creatures and their DNA in order to take on their forms, as it does to [[Series/{{Ultraman}} Gomora and Red King]] to battle Mebius.
* A VillainOfTheWeek on ''Series/{{Misfits}}'' uses this ability to get revenge on Simon by [[DivideAndConquer turning the Misfits against each other]].
* ''Series/TheMessengers'': This is Kao Lin's ability, and she can apparently acquire knowledge from the people she's impersonated as well (learning martial arts through doubling a man when he he had [[AttemptedRape attempted to rape her]], for instance).
* In ''Series/{{Shadowhunters}}'', demons are capable of changing their appearance at will. The demon Jace, Izzy, and Alec hunt in "The Mortal Cup" changes it's appearance to that of whomever it bumps into. [[spoiler:Later, a demon impersonates a family friend of Clary's, Dot]].
* ''Series/TerminatorTheSarahConnorChronicles'' has the shapeshifting liquid-metal Terminator (according to AllThereInTheManual, a T-100'''1''') known as [[spoiler:Weaver]], who becomes a major character in the show's second season.
* ''Series/LegendOfTheSeeker'': It turns out that both Shota and Zedd can make their bodies young again. Only Shota is vain enough to do this all the time. Zedd only does when he's bewitched by her. When her magic is taken, she's revealed to be old like him.
* ''Series/KingdomAdventure'': Dagger demonstrates the ability to change into the form of a vulture, allowing him to travel distances quickly. [[CaptainCrash He's not mastered landing, though]].
* ''Series/TheOuterLimits1995'':
** In "[[Recap/TheOuterLimits1995S1E11UnderTheBed Under the Bed]]", the child-snatching creatures can shapeshift. One changes into a teddy bear in order to lure Andrew Rosman to his doom.
** In "[[Recap/TheOuterLimits1995S4E14ToTellTheTruth To Tell the Truth]]", the native population of Janus Five possess this ability.
** In "[[Recap/TheOuterLimits1995S5E19Stranded Stranded]]", Tyr'Nar is a member of a species of shapeshifters.
** In "[[Recap/TheOuterLimits1995S6E2TheGun The Gun]]", the alien calling himself Donald Finley seemingly belongs to a race of shapeshifters.
** In "[[Recap/TheOuterLimits1995S6E16Revival Revival]]", Luke and Serena are members of a race of shapeshifters.
** In "[[Recap/TheOuterLimits1995S7E3ANewLife A New Life]]", the alien merchants who deceived people into joining the religious community are shapeshifters. There are at least seven of them, all of whom assume the form of the community's leader Father.
** In "[[Recap/TheOuterLimits1995S7E9AlienShop Alien Shop]]", the shopkeeper belongs to a species of shapeshifters and assumes multiple forms in his dealings with Andy Pace.
** In "[[Recap/TheOuterLimits1995S7E20DarkChild Dark Child]]", TheGreys who abducted Laura Sinclair in 1984 are shapeshifters.
* ''Series/{{Gotham}}'': Jane Doe has this ability as a result of experiments performed on her by Dr. Strange. She's capable of taking any person's form simply by touching them.
* ''Series/TheBoys2019'': Doppleganger has this power, being able to assume other forms and impersonate people perfectly by doing so.
* ''Series/TheTwilightZone1959'':
** In "[[Recap/TheTwilightZoneS1E13TheFourOfUsAreDying The Four of Us Are Dying]]", the con man Arch Hammer has the ability to alter his face so that he can imitate anyone that he chooses.
** In "[[Recap/TheTwilightZoneS3E90TheFugitive The Fugitive]]", Ben can change his shape into anything that he can imagine. Aside from the old man shape that he has been using since he met Jenny, he turns into a [[UsefulNotes/{{Mars}} Martian]], a mouse, a fly and Jenny herself. [[spoiler:His [[ShapeShifterDefaultForm true form]] is that of a handsome young man who looks completely human.]]
* ''Series/TheTwilightZone1985'': In "Stranger in Possum Meadows", Scout belongs to a race of shapeshifters. In his report to his home planet, he says that it was easy for him to assume a human form.
* ''Series/LovecraftCountry'': Ruby's transformations are willing after the first one, as she comes to enjoy having greater privilege in a white form. [[spoiler:Christina has also been turning into William all this time.]]
* ''Series/OddSquad'': The aptly named Shapeshifter is a villainess who can shapeshift into anything she desires, from people to inanimate objects. While it is stated that a downside to the ability is that whatever she turns into will always remain the same weight, it's often not represented continuously, with her shapeshifting into things that are easy for agents to pick up, such as pies. The Form Changer, Shapeshifter's twin sister, also has the same ability.
* ''Series/InFromTheCold'': Jenny has some kind of implants inside her body which let her "morph" into a new body, which is discovered after she's changed into an older man in the prison. However, this is a bit more realistic as it puts an incredible strain on her internal organs, so much that she risks death through even using it and can only "copy" a body whom she's already touched. After using it she craves foods which have a lot of iron too since morphing costs this. She can only control this for so long, and it sometimes reverts on its own after a time.
* ''Series/OctoberFaction'': Alice can take on the form of people she encounters.
* ''Series/{{Creepshow}}'': In "[[Recap/CreepshowS3E6OkayIllBite Okay I'll Bite]]" Elmer uses the ritual detailed on the scroll he receives to transform himself into a giant spider and exact revenge on his primary tormentor.
* Sam Merlotte from ''Series/TrueBlood'' is a shapeshifter and there are others as the series goes on.
Ride/DisneyThemeParks.



[[folder:Music]]
* Music/BlueOysterCult: The titular character of Music/{{Imaginos}} is a skilled shapeshifter, with examples given of him turning into a buzzard, a pony, and a ''pinwheel'', as well as imitating various humans.
* Music/TearsForFears: One of the ''Film/{{Sybil}}'' dialogue samples from "The Big Chair" (the BSide of "Shout") is "The devil has the power to assume a pleasing shape".
* Music/TheyMightBeGiants: The song "Shape Shifter" is sung from the perspective of a person who suspects that multiple people and things around him are changing their appearance. Considering TMBG's love of the UnreliableNarrator trope, however, this may just be a metaphor.

to:

[[folder:Music]]
[[folder:Toys]]
* Music/BlueOysterCult: The titular character of Music/{{Imaginos}} ''Toys/{{Bionicle}}'' has quite a few. One example is Krahka, a skilled shapeshifter, with examples given of him turning into a buzzard, a pony, Rahi who can transform, perfectly imitate and a ''pinwheel'', as well as imitating various humans.
* Music/TearsForFears: One
even gain some memories of any living thing she sees. Another example is the ''Film/{{Sybil}}'' dialogue samples from "The Big Chair" (the BSide Makuta, a race of "Shout") evil beings, one of which is "The devil has the power to assume a pleasing shape".
* Music/TheyMightBeGiants: The song "Shape Shifter" is sung from the perspective of a person who suspects
BigBad, that multiple people are [[spoiler:made of energy]] and things around him are changing their appearance. Considering TMBG's love of the UnreliableNarrator trope, however, this may just be a metaphor.have shapeshifting armor.



[[folder:Myths & Religion]]
* Quite a few dragons have this ability, [[OurDragonsAreDifferent depending on the story]].
* In Myth/JapaneseMythology, {{tanuki}} ("raccoon dogs") usually have this ability; often [[AsianFoxSpirit kitsune]] (foxes), jorogumo (spiders), and housecats (bakeneko and nekomata) can do this as well.
* Happens in Myth/CelticMythology too from time to time.
* Loki, the [[Myth/NorseMythology Norse god]] of mischief, and to a lesser extent, Odin. Both gods held the power to change shape at will, and most of Loki's stories hinge on this ability.
* Proteus from Myth/GreekMythology was a demi-god that specialized in shifting his shape, most likely to hide how horrifically ugly he was.
* Selkies have the ability to change from seals into humans, then back again with the use of their coats.
* Pookas and kelpies both have the ability to shapeshift, with their defaults being yellow eyed horses living in marshes and swamps. (The difference being that Pookas are generally more benevolent than kelpies, who are just mythological douchebags).
** A similar Scandinavian water spirit known as the nøkken (in Norway at least; the name varies from region to region) could also transform into a horse, but his signature form was that of a handsome man with a violin. Its enchanting music would lure victims into the water, causing them to drown.
* Various African myths and legends include shapeshifters (almost invariably AlwaysChaoticEvil cannibalistic witches) who take the forms of lions, leopards, hyenas, jackals, crocodiles, snakes, bats, dogs, pigs, water buffalo, geese, grasscutter rats, wildcats, and sharks. They use these shapes to kill and eat people, dig up graves, destroy crops, and other heinous acts.
* Voluntary weretigers feature in the myths of China, Thailand, Bali, Java, and India.
* In the Balkans, there are legends of weather-controlling sorcerers who can turn into snakes, eagles, or other animals. Usually these are good guys who protect their home villages, but then they're also prone to attacking neighboring villages.
* In Mesoamerican folklore, the ''nahual'' is a person with the power to turn into an animal, usually a jaguar or puma.
* In many Chinese legends, certain taoists, Immortals and demons can perform the so called "72 Transformations" to transform into anything they like, change size or even turn their bodies into elements such as stone and metal. The name doesn't actually refer to the number of transformations, but refers to the fact that 72 is considered the number of perfection, as it's obtained by multiplying 9 and 8, the two highest single-digit numbers of Yang and Yin, respectively.

to:

[[folder:Myths & Religion]]
[[folder:Web Animation]]
* Quite a few dragons have this ability, [[OurDragonsAreDifferent depending on The Imposter from the story]].
''WebAnimation/Supermarioglitchy4sSuperMario64Bloopers'' episode of the same name can shapeshift into anyone. He has even tricked [=SMG4=] and [=Starman3=] into believing that [=MarioMario54321=] was acting weird and Mario was dancing to a JustForFun/{{Rickroll}}.
* In Myth/JapaneseMythology, {{tanuki}} ("raccoon dogs") usually have this ability; often [[AsianFoxSpirit kitsune]] (foxes), jorogumo (spiders), and housecats (bakeneko and nekomata) can do this as well.
* Happens
Appisote 19 of ''WebAnimation/DaAmazinOTAdvenchr'', Lite lands on Pluto after getting kicked in Myth/CelticMythology too from time to time.
* Loki,
the [[Myth/NorseMythology Norse god]] of mischief, and to a lesser extent, Odin. Both gods held the power to change shape at will, and most of Loki's stories hinge on this ability.
* Proteus from Myth/GreekMythology was a demi-god that specialized in shifting his shape, most likely to hide how horrifically ugly he was.
* Selkies have the ability to change from seals
ass BY an ass, where an alien shapeshifts into humans, then back again with Nascar to fool him.
* ''WebAnimation/HomestarRunner'': In
the use of their coats.
* Pookas and kelpies both have
WebAnimation/StrongBadEmail [[Recap/StrongBadEmailE192Shapeshifter "shapeshifter"]], Strong Bad points out all the ability downsides to shapeshift, with their defaults being yellow eyed horses living in marshes and swamps. (The difference being that Pookas are generally more benevolent than kelpies, who are just mythological douchebags).
** A similar Scandinavian water spirit known
shapeshifting, such as the nøkken (in Norway at least; restrictive rules like only being able to turn into balloon animals, or half of a person, and the name varies from region to region) could also transform unintended consequences, like turning into a horse, but his signature form was $100 bill, being picked up in the wind, and being stuffed in someone's sweaty pocket. Another "rule" that of a handsome man with a violin. Its enchanting music would lure victims into the water, causing them to drown.
* Various African myths and legends include
he points out is that all shapeshifters (almost invariably AlwaysChaoticEvil cannibalistic witches) who take need to have a cool shapeshifting sound effect, such as "[[UnsoundEffect DWAYNE]]!"
* ''WebAnimation/{{RWBY}}'': On
the forms world of lions, leopards, hyenas, jackals, crocodiles, snakes, bats, dogs, pigs, water buffalo, geese, grasscutter rats, wildcats, and sharks. They use these shapes to kill and eat people, dig up graves, destroy crops, and other heinous acts.
* Voluntary weretigers feature in the myths of China, Thailand, Bali, Java, and India.
* In the Balkans, there are legends of weather-controlling sorcerers who can turn into snakes, eagles, or other animals. Usually these are good guys who protect their home villages, but then they're also prone to attacking neighboring villages.
* In Mesoamerican folklore, the ''nahual'' is a person with the
Remnant, living beings possess Aura, spiritual power that allows them to turn into an animal, usually a jaguar or puma.
* In many Chinese legends, certain taoists, Immortals and demons can
perform super-powered feats known as Semblances, and which can be [[AmplifierArtifact amplified]] through the so use of a substance called "72 Transformations" [[PowerCrystal Dust]]. However, [[MagicAIsMagicA it's not magic]], which everyone knows is just a fairy tale. What people don't know is that there's a [[BenevolentConspiracy secret brotherhood]] of very powerful people working very hard to make sure the world doesn't find out [[WrongContextMagic magic really exists]]. One member of this group, Qrow Branwen, has the ability to transform into anything they like, change size or even turn their bodies into elements such as stone and metal. The name doesn't actually refer to the number of transformations, but refers to the fact that 72 is considered the number of perfection, as a crow. Because it's obtained by multiplying 9 a magical ability, he keeps it secret and 8, only a select few people know about it; those that learn about the two highest single-digit numbers of Yang ability tend to get freaked out about it, strongly implying that the world views shapeshifting as impossible. Qrow's twin sister Raven, who abandoned the brotherhood long ago, has the same ability. Qrow has greyish-red eyes and Yin, respectively.Raven has ruby-red eyes; their bird forms retain these colours, giving away their identities to those who know what to look for. [[spoiler:The twins were not born with this magical ability, but were [[SuperEmpowering granted it]] by the leader of the brotherhood, [[BigGood Professor Ozpin]], who once possessed vast magical power that he claims has been dwindling over the [[ReallySevenHundredYearsOld many thousands of years]] that he has walked the earth; whether or not he can shapeshift or only pass on the ability to others is unknown.]]
* ''WebAnimation/{{Dreamscape}}'': Keedran can change between an angelic and a monstrous form.



[[folder:Podcasts]]
* ''Podcast/MetamorCity'', the non-canon spinoff to ''Literature/MetamorKeep'', takes place after the curse has been manipulated to the point where the cursed can assume their pre-curse forms for up to twelve hours at a time, but they need to spend an equal amount of time in their fully cursed form.
* Shapeshifting is the hat of Jupiter spies in ''Podcast/TheThrillingAdventureHour'' "Sparks Nevada, Marshal on Mars" episodes. On multiple occasions, Jupiter spy Jib Janeen infiltrates the group by posing as one of the main characters with the rest none the wiser until it's too late. This being a comedy series, the joke comes from the fact that the the characters are fooled despite the fact that Jib Janeen makes absolutely ''zero'' effort to hide his voice and mannerisms while in disguise. His initial appearances feature him singing the Sparks Nevada theme song as either Sparks or Croach and, in the latter case, being so hammy as Croach that Sparks' actor Marc Evan Jackson can't help {{Corpsing}}.
* Void from ''The Chimera Program'' arc of ''Podcast/CoolKidsTable'' can reshape their body however they want, including becoming larger.

to:

[[folder:Podcasts]]
[[folder:Web Original]]
* ''Podcast/MetamorCity'', the non-canon spinoff to ''Literature/MetamorKeep'', takes place after the curse has been manipulated to the point where the cursed can assume their pre-curse forms for up to twelve hours at a time, but they need to spend an equal amount A lot of time in their fully cursed form.
* Shapeshifting is the hat of Jupiter spies in ''Podcast/TheThrillingAdventureHour'' "Sparks Nevada, Marshal on Mars" episodes. On multiple occasions, Jupiter spy Jib Janeen infiltrates the group by posing as one of the main characters with the rest none the wiser until it's too late. This being a comedy series, the joke comes from the fact that the
the characters are fooled despite the fact that Jib Janeen makes absolutely ''zero'' effort to hide his voice and mannerisms while in disguise. His initial appearances feature him singing the Sparks Nevada theme song as either Sparks or Croach and, in the latter case, being so hammy as Croach webfiction ''Literature/WhateleyUniverse'' have this.
** While WordOfGod states it is a relatively uncommon power, especially at higher levels, given the size of the [[SuperheroSchool Whateley Academy]] student body by the early 2000s,
that Sparks' actor Marc Evan Jackson still means about a dozen or so in any given graduating class (not counting those who have a limited form of it as a {{Required Secondary Power|s}}). This can range from "minor cosmetic changes" (Vamp) or "can only copy other people" (Bogus and Chaney) over "can turn into any natural predatory animal" (Feral) and super-stretchy abilities (Plastic Girl and Reach) to "any viable biological form in a range between 50-500Kg" (Reinforce) to "[[SuperpowerLottery can change into almost anything you can think of without regard to size]]" (Jimmy Trauger). Jimmy T can turn into an 80-foot-giant, or 300 pounds of carnivorous protoplasm, or something from ''Alien''. He just can't help {{Corpsing}}.
control what shape he'll be when he wakes up, and it takes him hours to revert back to his real form.
** And those are just some of the ''mutants''. The universe also features lycanthropes (like the tribe whose land the school itself stands on) and shapeshifting spirits and demons. For example, Carmilla's father Gothmog is normally an EldritchAbomination...but he's also quite capable of taking human form when interacting with humans.
* Void Facsimile of ''Literature/TheDescendants'' has no known limits on her powers, and has been implied to have given up on 'real' clothing in favor of creating it all with her shapeshifting.
* Many Nanocyborgs in ''WebOriginal/OrionsArm'' are capable of shapeshifting, but like everything else in that universe they're limited by the laws of physics.
* All weres in ''Literature/AboveGround'' can shapeshift voluntarily after they become adults -- being able to control the change is a sign of maturity. However, in moments of strong emotion, or with child weres, accidental shifting may occur.
* Two of the heroes in ''Literature/TheQuestportChronicles'' do this: one transforms into a dragon, the other into a vicious demon.
* ''Literature/{{Elcenia}}'': Elcenia-native dragons have this as one of the abilities they develop as they reach adulthood, and can transform into animals, though cannot control what they look like within a species.
* Jaza
from [[http://chimerabazaar.blogspot.com/ The Chimera Bazaar]] is a shape-shifting being, but has forgotten its original form, which makes its gender questionable.
* In the ''Literature/MetamorKeep'' shared universe, those afflicted with the curse of Metamor can adjust the degree to which the curse transforms them to a degree. Age regressed can look like they're any age below twelve, the genderbent can alter the size of their "endowments", and theriomorphs can be anthropomorphic animals or feral animals, sometimes taurs. But at the time they can't return to their pre-cursed state.
* Called the Morphing power in ''Literature/{{Brennus}}'', coming in different strengths: Mindstar can just do cosmetic things; Bakeneko can change into anything organic, but cannot change her mass; Hemming can change into anything organic or inorganic within a range of one-tenth to fifty times his own mass.
* ''Website/SCPFoundation'':
** [[http://www.scp-wiki.net/scp-040 SCP-040 ("Evolution's Child")]]. SCP-040-1a was created by SCP-040. It has polymorphic abilities and can change its size, shape, color, and texture as necessary to act as outer clothing (e.g. a sweater) for SCP-040.
** [[http://www.scp-wiki.net/scp-424 SCP-424 ("Nanomimes")]]. SCP-424 can take the form (but not the coloration) of any object or creature it has ever seen.
** [[http://www.scp-wiki.net/scp-523 SCP-523 ("The Most Unhelpful Object On Earth")]]. When SCP-523 escapes from containment, it changes its form to that of a useful object. When someone tries to use it for a specific purpose, it changes to another form that's not useful at all for that purpose.
** [[http://scp-wiki.net/scp-845 SCP-845 ("Liquid Polecat")]]. SCP-845 is a polecat that can change into a light brown liquid similar to water.
** [[http://scp-wiki.net/scp-929 SCP-929 ("The Cuckoo")]]. When SCP-929 comes within three meters of an animal it will rapidly change into a younger version of the animal. It will stay in that form until the animal it's imitating dies or it's attacked.
** [[http://scp-wiki.net/scp-953 SCP-953 ("Polymorphic Humanoid")]]. SCP-953 normally has the form of a small Red Fox, but can take the form of objects and living creatures, including that of an attractive Korean woman.
** [[http://www.scp-wiki.net/scp-1536 SCP-1536 ("Doppelgängers")]]. SCP-1536 can transform itself into any moving object or animal it sees, once every 16 minutes. SCP-1536 cannot be distinguished from what it copied by any known test.
** [[http://www.scp-wiki.net/scp-1537 SCP-1537 ("Akul'hil")]]. SCP-1537-A can change into an almost limitless variety of shapes. They can also increase their mass to up 3 times normal and make their skin as strong as steel.
** [[http://www.scp-wiki.net/scp-1961 SCP-1961 ("Transformation Booth")]]. SCP-1961-1 can take the form of any living creature of the same mass, including non-humans and SCP objects. They can retain human form for up to 4 hours but any kind of shock or strong emotions will cause them to melt down.
** [[http://www.scp-wiki.net/scp-2054 SCP-2054 ("The Double")]]. SCP-2054 is an entity capable of duplicating the form of a human being so completely that all of the science and technology of the Foundation can't tell the duplicate from the original. SCP-2054 is also able to copy the mind of the target well enough to convincingly impersonate them.
** [[http://www.scp-wiki.net/scp-2750 SCP-2750 ("Navajo Skinwalkers")]]. All member of the original SCP-2750 could change into at least five different animals found in the southwest U.S., such as crows, wolves, coyotes, eagles and foxes. Some members could change into nine or more types of animals.
** [[http://www.scp-wiki.net/scp-2757 SCP-2757 ("Dr. Wondertainment's Projector Fantastico™")]]. When the SCP-2757 projector is used with the film SCP-2757-1e
''The Chimera Program'' arc Valiant Crusaders'', one of ''Podcast/CoolKidsTable'' the powers gained by the experimental subjects is shapeshifting.
* It's revealed early on in ''Literature/RunningWithRats'' that [[spoiler:Alix]] is a shapeshifter.
* The Yao Fei Beastmen in ''Literature/WayOfChoices''
can reshape their body however they want, including becoming larger.each shift back and forth between a human and a beast form.
* ''Website/ScrubClub'':
** Played straight for Gel-Mo, who can shapeshift into anything he likes (although he's still see-through and gooey).
** Downplayed for Squeaks who can turn into different kinds of soap, but only soap.
** Even more downplayed for the rest of the Scrub Clubbers, who can only turn into one thing (Taki always turns into a clock, Hot Shot and Chill always turn into faucets, etc).



[[folder:Roleplay]]
* ''Roleplay/FireEmblemOnForums'': Laguz characters and the monster classes from ''Clashing Ideals'' possess this as part of their class abilities.
* Indiana Jones in ''Roleplay/WeAreOurAvatars'' could do this with a [[VideoGame/NetHack Wand of Polymorph and Ring of Polymorph Control]], however there are limits: it must be organic, can't exceed a certain natural power, and if a polymorph immune form, he'll be stuck in it.

to:

[[folder:Roleplay]]
[[folder:Web Videos]]
* ''Roleplay/FireEmblemOnForums'': Laguz characters and the monster classes Morphman from ''Clashing Ideals'' possess ''WebVideo/SaveTheSupers'' has this as part power, except that he always takes the shape of objects, still recognizable by their class abilities.
* Indiana Jones
color scheme. This means (beyond an extra in ''Roleplay/WeAreOurAvatars'' could the first episode) that there is no actor playing him; all his appearances are as (mostly) inanimate objects the rest of the cast interact with.
* ''WebVideo/CellSpex'' can switch from her human avatar to her pony avatar at will, when she reviews an episode of ''WesternAnimation/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagic''. Though she apparently had to learn how to
do this with a [[VideoGame/NetHack Wand of Polymorph and Ring of Polymorph Control]], however there are limits: at will at some point, as the first time it must be organic, can't exceed a certain natural power, and if a polymorph immune form, he'll be stuck in it.happened, it just sort of... happened.
--> '''Cell Spex:''' Really? So this is mandatory for anyone who wants to analyse an episode? (sighs) Whatever.



[[folder:Tabletop Games]]
* ''TabletopGame/DungeonsAndDragons'' is filled with creatures, races, classes, spells, and items that allow characters to shapeshift.
** Dopplegangers can only take humanoid forms, but can mimic any individual or type of humanoid they please, including clothes.
** Changelings (theorized to be descended from dopplegangers) can likewise assume other humanoid forms. Changeling wizards can confer a shapeshifting power to their {{Familiar}}s.
** True lycanthropes (i.e. born, not infected) can switch between humanoid and bestial forms at will. Infected lycanthropes can learn to control their shifting to an extent, but voluntarily changing into hybrid or animal form automatically changes their alignment based on which variety they are.
** Deep dragons are natural shapeshifters, and gain a number of alternate forms as they age. The first is that of a winged snake, and they later gain access to a humanoid shape.
** Druids' Wild Shape ability allows them to take the form of wild animals. The prestige class "Master of Many Forms" focuses pretty much on that ability alone.
** Primevals can take the form of a single animal species at will, although it must be a prehistoric beast such as a dinosaur, megafauna or dire animal. They can only do this once daily when starting out, but gain additional daily uses as they level up.
** The ''Polymorph'' subschool of spells focuses on turning living things into other sorts of living things.
%%** The ''mask of many faces''.
* ''TabletopGame/{{Exalted}}'':
** The Lunar Exalted have the ability to change into animals that they have eaten. [[ImAHumanitarian Also humans]], though they can eventually learn to add new human forms to their repertoire non-lethally. There aren't really all that many limits on what a Lunar can and can't turn into, as some of their Knacks allow them to acquire the forms of plants, elementals, ''demons'', ''gods'', [[TheFairFolk raksha]], and even ''geography''.
--->"Hey, guys, I was just wondering -- was this mountain always here? Because I distinctly remember a lake which used to be here..."
** The Lunars' patron Luna, the shapeshifting god/dess of the moon, is able to take virtually any form in existence (and some that aren't).
* ''TabletopGame/{{Paranoia}}''. The Polymorphism mutant ability allows a character to change his shape enough to another humanoid form (for example, to impersonate another human being), but no more than that.
* ''TabletopGame/GoldenSkyStories''. Being that the players are magical animals (called henge), they can take on multiple forms such as TalkingAnimal, LittleBitBeastly and fully human.
* ''TabletopGame/{{GURPS}}'' has lots of ways to do this but the Morph version of Shapeshifting allows the user to become virtually anything they have seen before (within point limits). There are numerous spells that allow the user to alter their shape as well.
* ''TabletopGame/HeroSystem'' does this with the Shape Shift power. This in and of itself only allows "cosmetic" changes (that may not even affect all senses), however -- for the shapeshifter to be able to significantly change size and/or mass as well they would have to pick up RequiredSecondaryPowers like Growth, Shrinking, Density Increase, or Stretching, and a shapeshifter who is also supposed to be able to adopt actual ''traits'' of multiple mimicked forms would be a prime candidate for a Variable Power Pool.
* ''TabletopGame/NightWizard'' as a number of playable classes which can do this, most notably the Tamer/Magic Beast User, whose main gimmick is transforming body parts into various forms to grant himself various abilities.
* ''TabletopGame/SentinelsOfTheMultiverse's'' The Naturalist can change between three animal forms at will, gaining a fourth during the [=OblivAeon=] event.
* ''TabletopGame/TheSplinter'': All avatars have this ability. Each race has three forms that they can switch between. In fact, beings in the Realm that can't shapeshift aren't even considered truly sapient.
%%* ''TabletopGame/{{Talislanta}}'': Manra shapechangers seem to be the only beings with this power.
* ''Franchise/{{Warhammer}}'': The Changeling, a powerful Daemonic Herald of the Chaos God of Magic, is able to alter its form at will, using this ability to advance the plots of its nefarious master and generally spread as much chaos and misdirection as possible. It is said that the Changeling has taken on so many forms over the course of its existence that it has forgotten its original form.
* ''Franchise/Warhammer40000'': Vampires from early editions can alter their shape and appearance in order to resemble other alien species, which they use to infiltrate their societies.
* ''TabletopGame/TheWorldOfDarkness'': Multiple games include variants of this.
** ''TabletopGame/MageTheAscension'': Mages can shapeshift depending on the magic used. Life is a pretty common one.
** ''TabletopGame/VampireTheMasquerade'' and ''TabletopGame/VampireTheRequiem'' have a vampiric discipline known as Protean, which allows for limited shapeshifting. Though the first few levels allow the changing of a single feature (eyes, claws, get fur and such), higher levels allow a character to shift into any form normally associated with vampires (i.e. wolves, bats, [[SuperSmoke mist]]).
** ''TabletopGame/WerewolfTheApocalypse'' and ''TabletopGame/WerewolfTheForsaken'' have you play as a [[OurWerewolvesAreDifferent werewolf]] with five forms ranging through man to hybrid to wolf. Shapeshifting is controlled by the player for the most part. The game is based on werewolves, but sourcebooks allow players in the ''Old World of Darkness'' to play a variety of were-animals (big cats, ravens, rats, coyotes, bears, foxes, hyenas, spiders, snakes, crocodiles, lizards, sharks), most of which have either five or three available forms. ''New World of Darkness'' sourcebooks open up an even wider range of shapeshifters.
* ''TabletopGame/WorldTreeRPG'': Bonstables can take on the form of either any Prime species or of silver-winged birds.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Theme Parks]]
* Waldo from ''Ride/MuppetVision3D'' at the Ride/DisneyThemeParks.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Toys]]
* ''Toys/{{Bionicle}}'' has quite a few. One example is Krahka, a Rahi who can transform, perfectly imitate and even gain some memories of any living thing she sees. Another example is the Makuta, a race of evil beings, one of which is the BigBad, that are [[spoiler:made of energy]] and have shapeshifting armor.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Video Games]]
* In ''VideoGame/RaidouKuzunohaVsKingAbaddon'', demons of the Skill Order have the Investigation Skill Transform, which allows Raidou to transform into other people [[SympatheticMagic as long as he procures a hair from the target]]. This is naturally a tremendously useful skill for a detective. He can even shapeshift into a dog or [[spoiler: LouisCyphre]].
* The main characters from ''VideoGame/DigitalDevilSaga'' have the power to transform into powerful demons, but at the cost of [[HorrorHunger gaining an insatiable hunger for human flesh]]. Trying to resist this hunger results in the human mind being eroded, and eventually overwritten by the personality of the mythological being the demon represents. All enemies you fight are also on the same boat. Gameplay-wise, characters start every battle in demon form unless they were ambushed, and a turn must be spent to switch forms. Human forms lack all the powers and elemental resistances demons have, but they're immune to Expel spells, and attack with guns that certain enemies are weak to. The second game also has the Berserk Mode, which is a partial transformation that randomly occurs at certain Solar Noise phases.
* ''VideoGame/EXTRAPOWERGiantFist'': Blackberry is able to transform herself into a small mouse, both as her version of combat dodging and for infiltration. When in mouse form, she's even dark blue like her normal hair colour and has mouse-sized versions of her hair decorations.
* Ditto from ''Franchise/{{Pokemon}}''. In the game it can only transform into whichever Pokémon it is facing at the time with a purple tint (this was later removed in newer games, where the transformed Ditto was simply a lighter tint of normal Pokémon). In the anime, they can transform into all different things including Pokémon, but some of them keep the creepy looking face of the original. The Mythical Pokémon Mew also possesses this ability both in the games and shown in one of the movies.
** Zoroark, being based on a kitsune, can imitate the appearance of other Pokemon, but this is merely an Illusion and not a true transfiguration.
* Shang Tsung in the ''Franchise/MortalKombat'' series has the ability to shapeshift. In the first game during his battle, he would change randomly into any of the characters. In the second game, he could only transform into Kintaro as a fatality. The third game (and its editions) marks the only time he could transform into any of the characters as a playable feature (though it took loading time). While it was limited gameplay wise, it's implied storywise that he could transform into anyone he wishes to.
** The [[Film/MortalKombatTheMovie film]] limits his ability to only be able to morph into someone whose soul he absorbed. Then again, we only really see him do it twice. First, when he pretends to be Johnny Cage's sensei (presumably, he killed the real one), and at the end, when he turns into [[spoiler:Liu Kang's brother, whom he kills at the start of the film]].
* The title character in the [=PlayStation=] game ''VideoGame/MuppetMonsterAdventure'' is Kermit's nephew Robin. In it, Kermit, Miss Piggy, Fozzi, Gonzo and Clifford have been turned into the following monsters: Frankenstein-like thing, Bride Of Frankenstein-like thing, werebear, vampire, and muck monster, and in the game, you can get the powers of those monsters after collecting amulet pieces -- Robin takes on a form similar to that of the monster his powers are from.
* SNES video game ''VideoGame/SuperMorph'' featured a ball-like thing with shapeshifting powers: main forms include a raincloud and a few others.
* Samus in the ''Franchise/{{Metroid}}'' series gets to transform into a "Morph Ball" form to fit into tight spaces, set bombs, activate switches, and even roll up magnetic walls. In ''VideoGame/MetroidPrimeHunters'', other {{bounty hunter}}s appear, who have their own "alt forms". Gandrayda in ''VideoGame/MetroidPrime3Corruption'' is a more traditional version.
* Jenova from ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyVII'' (and anything with its cells) is essentially a semi-sentient viral colony that can read people's minds and assume the form, voice, and memories it finds there. The Jenova-infused protagonist, Cloud Strife, [[spoiler:is a coalescence of himself, his best friend and his girlfriend's memories]]. Jenova was eventually defeated by the Cetra, stuck in the half-gnarled appearance of the last person it tried to imitate.
** Liquid Flame, a fire-type boss from ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyV'' has 3 forms: a human, a hand, and a flame tornado.
** ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyIV'' and ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyV'' feature an enemy called Metamorpha, a wizard who can shapeshift into other enemies, including Summons.
* In ''VideoGame/DCUniverseOnline'', characters of the [[GreenThumb Nature]] power set have several {{Limit Break}}s where they take the form of a wolfman, a gorilla, or a humanoid insect. [[BlackMagic Sorcery]] characters, meanwhile, can enhance their abilities by temporarily turning into a giant bat.
* ''VideoGame/DevilMayCry4'' has the Gladius type of demon, a [[GoddamnedBats horribly annoying]] thing that shifts between a sword and a flying reptile form.
* ''VideoGame/DrMuto'' has a shapeshifter for a main character.
* ''VideoGame/{{Primal}}'' has a female main character who can shapeshift into unique monster-like forms.
* ''VideoGame/{{Tekken}}'' has quite a few including Ogre. Also in ''Tekken Tag Tournament'' Kazuya can turn into Devil.
* ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfDragoon'' had this with most of the members of your character's team.
* ''VideoGame/BloodyRoar'' is based around characters with {{Animorphism}}.
* ''Virtual Bart'' has this in a few levels with Bart in them.
** Also in ''VideoGame/TheSimpsonsGame'', Homer can transform into Homer Ball, Gummi Homer, and Helium Homer. A few of the other family members have transformations too, including Bart.
* The game ''[[Literature/TheDeathGateCycle Death Gate]]'' features Sang-Drax, a dragon who uses shapeshifting as defence. Whenever you try to attack, he simply changes to a form that is invulnerable to it. You can either catch him off-guard or get some world-shaking magic that no one is invulnerable to. The latter happens, taking the form of the force of the Interconnection spell, which throws Sang-Drax deep into The Vortex.
* ''VideoGame/SoManyMe'': The {{Mes|acrowd}} have the power to change into things that are required to bypass obstavles in the game. The first thing they can turn into is floating blocks that [[PlayerCharacter Filo]] can stick to.
* ''Franchise/SuperMarioBros'' [=RPGs=]:
** Mario in ''VideoGame/SuperMarioRPG''. At least, [[NarrativeShapeshifting that's how he explains to other characters what's going on]], because [[HeroicMime he won't talk]].
** Moreso in ''VideoGame/PaperMarioTheThousandYearDoor'', where he can take the form of various papery things like a paper plane to fly over gaps or a paper ship to move across water. The water is itself made of paper. [[MST3KMantra Don't ask how that works]].
** The ''VideoGame/PaperMario'' series also has shapeshifter characters: Duplighosts from ''VideoGame/PaperMario64'', including [[spoiler:Doopliss]] from ''VideoGame/PaperMarioTheThousandYearDoor'' (who can also apparently [[spoiler:steal the body/physical appearance of another character, leaving them a blank shadow,]] and Mimi from ''VideoGame/SuperPaperMario'' who can take the form of various characters as well as become some horrifying [[Film/TheThing1982 Thing-esque]] spider monster.
** Tanoombas in the first two ''VideoGame/MarioAndLuigi'' games are Goombas with tanuki tails that attack by taking the forms of Mario and Luigi in [[VideoGame/MarioAndLuigiSuperstarSaga the first]] and a Thwomp in [[VideoGame/MarioAndLuigiPartnersInTime the second]].
* ''VideoGame/{{Warcraft}}'':
** Druids in the series are pretty much defined by this ability. The player version in ''VideoGame/WorldOfWarcraft'' can change into a bear, a panther/lion, a cheetah (for faster movement), a sea lion, or a bird, as well as an owlbear or a treant if properly specialized. Non-playable druids can sometimes take other forms as well, such as a serpent.
** The Shaman class also has the ability to shapeshift into a wolf for faster movement, while Warlocks can temporarily turn into a demon. Lesser forms include the dwarven racial Stoneform, the Death Knight Lichborne ability (which grants them immunity to many status effects) and the Priest abilities Shadowform and Dispersion.
** Shapeshifting into a humanoid form (usually human or elf) is a common ability among dragons in the series. Some demons can do this too.
** Player-character [[OurWerewolvesAreDifferent worgen]] have the ability to revert to their previous human forms after a certain quest. However, if they're ever in combat, they automatically shift into [[GameFace worgen form]].
** Draconic {{NPC}}s of the major dragonflights have this ability, though a number of them such as Alexstrasza and Ysera [[RedRightHand still have horns in humanoid form]].
* Kheldians in ''VideoGame/CityOfHeroes'' are symbiotic alien energy beings that grant their hosts various powers, including the ability to assume the forms of their previous hosts. In practice, this allows their human hosts to assume two different forms: [[http://wiki.cohtitan.com/wiki/Category:Kheldian_Images "nova" and "dwarf"]].
* Axl had this and served as a plot point for both ''VideoGame/MegaManX7'' and ''VideoGame/MegaManX8''.
** Played straight as the main gimmick of ''VideoGame/MegaManZX Advent'', with Model A being able to take on the shapes of previously defeated bosses.
* ''VideoGame/{{Prototype}}'' has Alex Mercer, whose main power is this and includes shifting his body into weapons or armor -- and becoming people he has [[ImAHumanitarian absorbed]], complete with their [[InstantExpert memories and skills]].
* ''VideoGame/FireEmblem'':
** The Laguz from the ''VideoGame/FireEmblemPathOfRadiance'' and ''Videogame/FireEmblemRadiantDawn'' are able to transform into their respective animals (be they beast, bird or dragon) for offensive purposes, so long as the on-screen laguz transformation gauge is full (in ''Path of Radiance''), or has any points in it at all (in ''Radiant Dawn''). They are forced back into their humanoid form once the gauge depletes. The [[AsskickingEqualsAuthority rulers of the tribes]] can stay in their animal forms indefinitely.
** The Manaketes of the rest of the series can transform into dragons, albeit with the use of a Dragonstone. It is also possible for them to lose their ability to transform, as shown by [[VideoGame/FireEmblemShadowDragonAndTheBladeOfLight Gotoh and Xane]], although Xane makes up for it by virtue of being able to transform into anything ''except'' a dragon.
** ''VideoGame/FireEmblemAwakening'' has not only Manaketes [[spoiler:including the now-adult Tiki from ''VideoGame/FireEmblemShadowDragonAndTheBladeOfLight'' and ''VideoGame/FireEmblemMysteryOfTheEmblem'']], but also [[http://fireemblem.wikia.com/wiki/Taguel Taguels]], a humanoid race that can use Beaststones to turn themselves into [[HairRaisingHare sleek rabbit beasts with some wolf-like characteristics]] (though Panne's support with the Avatar indicates that more varieties of Taguel used to exist before they were all but wiped out). In-game, the Taguels are talented at taking down ground cavalry, and focus more on speed and skill than the Manaketes.
** ''VideoGame/FireEmblemFates'' has the [[MedievalEuropeanFantasy Nohr]]-exclusive [[OurWerewolvesAreDifferent Wolfskin]] (who can transform into ogre-like werewolves) and the [[{{Wutai}} Hoshido]]-exclusive Kitsune (basically, well, [[AsianFoxSpirit Kitsune]]). The player avatar, [[spoiler:a [[HalfHumanHybrid half-dragon]], and their child Kana]] can also transform into a dragon.
* ''VideoGame/DragonQuest'':
** The spell Morph allows characters to shapeshift into other characters from the party to copy their skills. A few enemies, like Admirers and Float-o-copiers can use the spell to shapeshift into the player characters, giving you a change to see their battle sprites. The spell Puff! allows a character to transform into a fire-breathing dragon, while Kaclang turns the entire party into steel statues, making them immune to damaga but unable to act.
** ''VideoGame/DragonQuestIII'': The Mod Rod lets you randomly change to different forms. Including monsters. NPC's react accordingly to this. Except for faeries, who can see right through most disguises… Yet will still sell to you if you transform into a dwarf or other creature they're friendly with.
** ''VideoGame/DragonQuestIV'':
*** Elisa, TheHero's best friend. Thanks to her magic, she's able to take different forms, something she uses to play pranks... [[spoiler:and make a HeroicSacrifice via DeathFakedForYou.]]
*** Maya's Puff spell lets her transform into a fire-breathing dragon.
** ''VideoGame/DragonQuestV'': Madchen learns Puff!/[=BeDragon=], letting her transform into a fire-breathing dragon during battle.
** ''VideoGame/DragonQuestVI'' has [[spoiler:Amos, if he is given the Seeds of Reasoning to control his monster transformation]].
* The Harmonixers from the ''VideoGame/ShadowHearts'' series have this as their main ability. Yuri, from the first and second games, is the most versatile, being able to take at least 20 forms. Shania's more oriented towards [[MsFanservice fanservice]].
* ''Franchise/{{Kirby}}'':
** Kirby's most well-known characteristic is the ability to [[PowerCopying copy the abilities of his foes]], changing his appearance in the process.
** Only a few copy abilities (Wheel, U.F.O.), since generally it's just PowerCopying. Though ''VideoGame/KirbysEpicYarn'' seems to focus more on this instead. And non-platformers often feature him in a ball shape, if that counts. ''VideoGame/KirbyAndTheRainbowCurse'' appears to be a combination of both.
* Morrigan in ''VideoGame/DragonAgeOrigins'' has this power, and can teach it to other mages in the party, as well. Her mother Flemeth is even better at it. Interestingly, neither of them is able to turn into another human (or elf, dwarf, qunari, darkspawn) due to the nature of learning how to do it.
* [[EldritchAbomination Crazen]] of ''VideoGame/{{Lusternia}}'' uses this ability to ''extremely creepy'' effect, as Krokano can attest:
-->I roared and tried to fling Thalrinda from me, but her arms locked around my neck, becoming a loop of flesh that tightened around me like a noose. Her mouth pressed up against my face as she leaned forward, her lips scraping against my eyelids. Her tongue split in two and [[EyeScream plunged into my eye sockets]]. Any semblance of form was all but gone, now, melted away like wax: revealing itself to be a the tip of one of Crazen's huge tendrils.
* ''Franchise/TheLegendOfZelda'':
** In ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaMajorasMask'', Link can become Deku Link, Goron Link, or Zora Link using magical soul-trapping masks.
** In ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaTwilightPrincess'', Link initially experiences {{Involuntary Shapeshift|er}}ing into a wolf in Twilight-covered areas. After getting the [[SwordOfPlotAdvancement Master Sword]], however, he gains the ability to turn into a wolf whenever he needs to.
** ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaALinkBetweenWorlds'' lets Link turn into a 2D painting on flat surfaces.
** It's ambiguous if it's this or LieToTheBeholder, but in ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaBreathOfTheWild'', the Yiga Clan will try to get the jump on him by disguising themselves as Hylian travelers.
* In ''VideoGame/YsIIAncientYsVanishedTheFinalChapter'', the Transform magic turns Adol into a gremlin-like demon, allowing him to talk to other monsters. Later in the game, he is subject to {{Involuntary Shapeshift|er}}ing by the wizard Dalles, regardless of whether he's in human or demon form.
* Orochi, Magaki and Saiki from ''VideoGame/TheKingOfFighters'' series. They shift their form when in combat.
* The ''VideoGame/QuestForGlory'' series has Leopardmen and Gypsies (who turn into wolves) in games 3 and 4 respectively. Unfortunately for the latter, the easily spooked townsfolk buy into all the old [[OurWerewolvesAreDifferent Werewolf]] legends, which is what sets off the first big plot event of the game.
* Polymorphing in ''VideoGame/NetHack'' is one of the most complex and difficult aspects of the game, that can lead to major benefits if done well. A character has several ways to self-polymorph, such as a [[spoiler:wand, spellbook, ring, trap, potion, eating a polymorphing monster]], and more. Most of these are uncontrolled without some form of polymorph control, such as a [[spoiler:ring or an intrinsic]]. Incidentally, polymorph control also lets you choose whether or not to accept shapeshifting due to [[OurWerebeastsAreDifferent lycanthropy]]. Polymorphing can be very useful or detrimental, depending on if the new form destroys armor or if it can handle what the character is already carrying. (Weirdly, MagicPants is only played straight with the character's pants, as there are none equippable in game and there are [[DevelopersForesight ways the player should die if they aren't wearing pants]].)
* In ''Franchise/{{Castlevania}}'', Dracula and Alucard embody this trope more than any other character in the series. Alucard, being a playable example, can morph into the classic mist, bat and wolf forms at will.
* Mamizou Futatsuiwa from the ''Franchise/TouhouProject'' series, what with being a {{Tanuki}} and all. She even takes the form of [[TheHero Reimu]] for one of her Spell Cards.
** This applies to the other tanuki as well (and the ones we've seen have fewer give-aways than Mamizou), they just don't have names. Additionally, [[CatGirl Orin]] is capable of reverse-{{animorphism}}, taking a human-like form in addition to her natural cat body. The same is believed to apply to the other beast type youkai, though it hasn't been confirmed.
* The Darloks of the ''VideoGame/MasterOfOrion'' series have this trait, which manifests as a bonus to espionage.
* [[DoubleReverseQuadrupleAgent The Spy]] from ''VideoGame/TeamFortress2'' has a device that allows him to disguise as any playable character on any team. Some items like the Your Eternal Reward put a spin on this ability, forcing you to require and consume full cloaking energy for normal disguising but allowing you to backstab someone and almost instantly disguise as them.
%% * [[spoiler:Neo Metal Sonic]] has this ability in ''VideoGame/SonicHeroes''.
* All the Fables who wear (and are freely able to enable/disable) Glamours in ''VideoGame/TheWolfAmongUs''. This includes Jersey, Grendel and Holly. Note that some characters, Beast and Bigby, have transformational abilities that are innate and aren't the result of glamours.
* ''VideoGame/Disgaea4'' show that many humanoid demons take their form as a matter of convenience and that their true forms look quite a bit differently, though it's unclear if this applies to characters from earlier games. Hugo is a reaper that looks like a muscular old man, but can transform multiple time when he's at full power, though we only see him turn into a normal reaper. Valvatorez is a giant black dragon, which he displays in several skills, including one where he transforms only his arm to swipe at people. Emizel is a massive green creature that looks like a jester with a skeletal tail while Desco is really an EldritchAbomination far larger than she appears, despite looking like a little girl in strange clothing who just happens to be able to grow tentacles.
* ''Franchise/{{Splatoon}}'':
** Inklings can transform between a human form capable of using weapons and a squid form that can hide in and rapidly swim through ink. They share this ability with their Octarian counterparts, Octolings, who turn into octopuses instead.
** In a blink-and-you'll-miss-it example, Sheldon will quickly transform from his hermit crab form to his humanoid one whenever you enter his shop.
* The {{Druid}}s of ''VideoGame/TreeOfSavior'' can shapeshift into a targeted plant, insect, or animal, as well as return to the form of one they targeted previously, giving them some adaptability.
* This is the central mechanic of ''VideoGame/JimmyAndThePulsatingMass''. Jimmy is such an empathetic person that by imagining what it's like to be certain enemies, he can transform into them, altering his stats and giving him different abilities.
* ''Franchise/TheElderScrolls'':
** This is a trait of the [[OurGodsAreDifferent Daedric Princes]]. They are not bound to any one physical form and can manifest in whatever form they wish. Most stick to [[AFormYouAreComfortableWith one humanoid form]] when dealing with mortals, though a few are known to [[OtherworldlyAndSexuallyAmbiguous change the gender]] of that form between appearances.
** Hircine, the Daedric Prince of [[EgomaniacHunter the Hunt]], possesses this ability like all Daedric Princes, but he has several different forms which he uses to present himself to mortals, each of which represents a different aspect of his. These include "[[PhysicalGod The Hunter]]" (also known as Guile), the "Quick Fox" (also known as Speed, and sometimes taking the form of a [[SavageWolves Savage Wolf]] instead), the "[[BearsAreBadNews Mighty Bear]]" (also known as Strength), the "[[OurWerewolvesAreDifferent Manbeast]]", and the "[[TheMarvelousDeer Great Stag]]".
* Revenants in ''VideoGame/NexusClash'' are a mashup of [[OurVampiresAreDifferent vampire]] and [[OurWerewolvesAreDifferent werewolf]] tropes and are implied to be the common origin of both in-universe. Most of their powers revolve around turning into a whole collection of different dangerous forms depending on the needs of the battle.
* ''VideoGame/TheSecretWorld'':
** [[CoolOldLady Cucuvea]], on top of being an immensely powerful WhiteMage, can transform herself into an owl -- and is commonly known as "the owl" for this very reason. In fact, she rarely leaves her secluded home except in owl form, and the only way you can actually find her to begin with is by following the owl back to her den.
** Elder vampires can transform themselves into bats, though they usually only do so in dire emergencies, usually in order to escape being staked by the players. Naturally, the key goal is to catch up and kill them before they can recover their health.
** The mysterious Dark Woods Horror is eventually revealed to be a form of this: [[spoiler: basically, the Orochi Group have been kidnapping children and infecting them with Lycanthropy, believing that werewolves only become wolves due to the subconscious influence of thousands of years of folklore; unfamiliar with the legends, children would be free of this tendency. As a result, the Dark Woods Horror is able to shapeshift into a form fitting his own anger and rage. For good measure, unlike werewolves, [[ThisWasHisTrueForm he really does transform back into his old self at the moment of death]].]]
** The mysterious Faust Capital CEO is able to take on humanoid forms at well, being initially encountered in the form of a small child. [[spoiler: He's really a [[OurGeniesAreDifferent Jinn]] known as Mephistopheles.]]
* ''VideoGame/BoxxyQuestTheGatheringStorm'':
** Arianna is capable of changing her avatar at will, and initially sports a different form each time you see her. She eventually settles on a permanent look, but still uses shapeshifting to trick the heroes at one point.
** One sidequest involves a tribe of amorphous “Phishers,” who kidnap and try to impersonate your party members. Eventually you have to face the [[PunnyName Phisher King]], who cycles freely between all of them during the battle.
* In ''VideoGame/AlnamNoKiba'' there are 12 tribes of people that can transform into humanoid animals from the EasternZodiac. The 12 main characters are members of these tribes.
* ''VideoGame/TheWolfAndTheWaves'': The player character can shift between human, wolf, and ghost form. At the end of the game, they craft a potion that transforms them into a bird.
* ''VideoGame/TrickOrTreatBeat'': The vampire costume allows the PlayerCharacter to turn into a bat and fly over trees and ledges.
* In ''[[Franchise/SpongeBobSquarePants SpongeBob's]] Truth or Square'', [=SpongeBob=] turns into several objects in order to attack; he can become a spatula to slam his foes (or a [[DropTheHammer hammer]] with the [=SpongeBuff=] or [[AssistCharacter Patrick]] powerups), a ship wheel or fan blades to [[SpinAttack spin]] and hit all around him, a pair of karate gloves for Sandy to wield while also spinning, a cannon to shoot projectiles, or a clarinet which Squidward uses to spam {{Spread Shot}}s.
* The Mimics from ''VideoGame/Prey2017'' have the ability to transform into inanimate objects. Their advanced variants supposedly have the ability to copy complex machinery like turrets and operators, and Morgan can learn to do the same by installing Typhon neuromods. [[spoiler: In TheStinger, the PlayerCharacter transforms into a human form when taking Alex's hand; it's unclear whether this is something all Typhon can do (as this is the only time we ever see one do it) or if it's a [[HumanityIsInfectious side effect]] of the human neuromods that Alex installed in it.]]
* Mimit from ''VideoGame/{{Temtem}}'' was created to be able to breed with any species, and has a "genomic reservoir" in its tail that allows it to transform. In battle, Mimit with the Landing Transmog trait transform into the next Temtem in clockwise order when it enters the battle, while ones with Striking Transmog transform into any Temtem they hit with a physical move.
* ''VideoGame/ShadowCaster'': Via arrangements with beings from other worlds, the protagonist's people can exchange forms with those beings. There are six such available to the player, gained over the course of the game. The main villain, being of the same people as the player-character, evinces the same power, with their own set of forms, during the final battle.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Web Animation]]
* The Imposter from the ''WebAnimation/Supermarioglitchy4sSuperMario64Bloopers'' episode of the same name can shapeshift into anyone. He has even tricked [=SMG4=] and [=Starman3=] into believing that [=MarioMario54321=] was acting weird and Mario was dancing to a JustForFun/{{Rickroll}}.
* In Appisote 19 of ''WebAnimation/DaAmazinOTAdvenchr'', Lite lands on Pluto after getting kicked in the ass BY an ass, where an alien shapeshifts into Nascar to fool him.
* ''WebAnimation/HomestarRunner'': In the WebAnimation/StrongBadEmail [[Recap/StrongBadEmailE192Shapeshifter "shapeshifter"]], Strong Bad points out all the downsides to shapeshifting, such as the restrictive rules like only being able to turn into balloon animals, or half of a person, and the unintended consequences, like turning into a $100 bill, being picked up in the wind, and being stuffed in someone's sweaty pocket. Another "rule" that he points out is that all shapeshifters need to have a cool shapeshifting sound effect, such as "[[UnsoundEffect DWAYNE]]!"
* ''WebAnimation/{{RWBY}}'': On the world of Remnant, living beings possess Aura, spiritual power that allows them to perform super-powered feats known as Semblances, and which can be [[AmplifierArtifact amplified]] through the use of a substance called [[PowerCrystal Dust]]. However, [[MagicAIsMagicA it's not magic]], which everyone knows is just a fairy tale. What people don't know is that there's a [[BenevolentConspiracy secret brotherhood]] of very powerful people working very hard to make sure the world doesn't find out [[WrongContextMagic magic really exists]]. One member of this group, Qrow Branwen, has the ability to transform into a crow. Because it's a magical ability, he keeps it secret and only a select few people know about it; those that learn about the ability tend to get freaked out about it, strongly implying that the world views shapeshifting as impossible. Qrow's twin sister Raven, who abandoned the brotherhood long ago, has the same ability. Qrow has greyish-red eyes and Raven has ruby-red eyes; their bird forms retain these colours, giving away their identities to those who know what to look for. [[spoiler:The twins were not born with this magical ability, but were [[SuperEmpowering granted it]] by the leader of the brotherhood, [[BigGood Professor Ozpin]], who once possessed vast magical power that he claims has been dwindling over the [[ReallySevenHundredYearsOld many thousands of years]] that he has walked the earth; whether or not he can shapeshift or only pass on the ability to others is unknown.]]
* ''WebAnimation/{{Dreamscape}}'': Keedran can change between an angelic and a monstrous form.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Webcomics]]
%%* Luna in ''Webcomic/SailorMoonCS''.
* Myan in ''Webcomic/CatNine'' can turn into any animal by using her magic collar.
* Jillian from ''Webcomic/{{Zoophobia}}''. Several animal characters have human forms (and vice versa), particularly deer and underwater creatures.
* Rachael from Webcomic/SilverBulletNights can shift her hands into claws and her boyfriend shifts between a solid form and a spirit one at will.
* In ''Webcomic/HolidayWars'', AprilFoolsDay is a shapeshifter who can take any form he wants. We first see him swap forms in [[http://www.th3rdworld.com/web-comic/Holiday-Wars/episode/Holiday-Wars-Episode-42 this strip.]]
%%* The Amoeba in ''Webcomic/TheIncredibleAndAweInspiringSerialAdventureOfTheAmazingPlasmaMan''.
* Grace in ''Webcomic/ElGoonishShive:'' an escaped [[HalfHumanHybrid partly alien]] [[TykeBomb lab experiment]], she can assume several human or part-human forms. While she can only take on forms she has had before, or combinations thereof, she can effectively create new forms whenever she needs to by means of her MadScientist boyfriend's [[TransformationRay Transformation Gun]]. Several other characters in the series are also shapeshifters (either naturally or using the TFG -- especially the [[GenderBender gender-swapping]] settings), Grace is the more effective and flexible of the main cast.
** Ellen recently got a form of this. She can zap someone (animals included) with an invisible beam and turn into a perfect replica of it. Elliot also has voluntary GenderBender abilities, but he often is [[DoesThisRemindYouOfAnything forced to transform himself when his magical energy builds up too much]].
** Elliot's basically a semi-voluntary shapeshifter. ''Someday'' he'll be able to control it but for now if he doesn't shapeshift briefly every few hours when he gets the opportunity, he'll build up an excess of magical energy and [[InvoluntaryShapeshifter shapeshift at inopportune times]]. [[DoesThisRemindYouOfAnything Did we mention he's a teenage boy]]?
* Brian Parker from ''Webcomic/AbstractGender'' can [[GenderBender change his sex]] whenever he likes. His friend Ryan, who was in the same experiment, wasn't quite so lucky -- he also became a girl, but can't change back.
* ''Webcomic/GunnerkriggCourt'' has a few. Mort is a [[OurGhostsAreDifferent ghost]] who can change his form at will. Reynardine can currently alter the shape of the stuffed toy he's possessing. Ysengrin received new arms from Coyote: arms that he can [[ShapeshifterWeapon shape into weapons]]. [[TricksterGod Coyote's]] size and proportions are constantly changing.
* Schlock of ''Webcomic/SchlockMercenary'' is one, although unlike some of the other examples possessing no fixed form, he's not good at bipedal motion.
* The Dragon and Cubi races in ''Webcomic/DanAndMabsFurryAdventures'' are all natural shapeshifters, though learning to use it effectively takes practice. In addition MadScientist Jyrras invents "patches" (a pun on the use of software patches in the original ''VideoGame/{{Furcadia}}'') which can modify one's appearance.
* [[InformedAbility Supposedly]] an angelic ability in ''Webcomic/{{Misfile}}'', only Cassiel has used it so far on screen and she isn't so great at it.
* Felucca's power in ''Webcomic/{{Earthsong}}''. She shapeshifts into a huge dragon.
* Lisa from ''[[Webcomic/TsunamiChannel Experimental Comic Kotone]]'', a fox-girl, has this ability. According to a legend among her people, a fox-person's [[OneTruePairing true love]] should be able to see through their disguises. This has caused her much consternation and confusion, since ''everyone'' has seen through her disguises.
* Princess Voluptua in ''Webcomic/TheInexplicableAdventuresOfBob'' uses a shapeshifting device to appear human, her natural form being [[https://bobadventures.thecomicseries.com/comics/21 insectoid.]] It has been stated that the unrealistic curvaceousness of her assumed form was [[https://bobadventures.thecomicseries.com/comics/85/ unintentional]] on her part, but she shows no signs of wanting to reprogram the device to correct the error.
* ''Webcomic/TheOrderOfTheStick'' has as a prime example with Sabine the Succubus, who can take various humanoid forms.
** Since the webcomic is based on ''D&D'', you can easily find other examples, such as the [[http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0353.html druidic]] and [[http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0638.html magical]] versions.
* Drel from ''Webcomic/CornerAlley13'' is a magically altered werewolf with this ability. The prequel ''Weakness'' reveals that he must remain at a set mass while transforming.
* Decoy Octopus from ''Webcomic/TheLastDaysOfFoxhound'' can take on the shape of anyone. However, to do so, he needs to drink some of their blood (with a special ingredient added).
* Ariel from ''Webcomic/{{Drowtales}}'' not only has PrehensileHair but the ability to completely copy a person's shape and voice. She once used this this power to diguise herself as [[spoiler:Faen]], get captured and then release everyone inprisoned with her.
* Kieri from ''Webcomic/SlightlyDamned'' was cursed into a form of a snow bunny, however, the being responsible was in too much of a hurry to do a particularly good job of it and now she has a limited ability to shift between the two forms at will.
* Ghosts get this power in ''Webcomic/OneOverZero''. Though [[spoiler:Mock]] is the only one who uses it.
* ''Webcomic/FamiliarGround'': The horse. At first, only with the help of his paladin, but later he acquires it independently.
* ''Webcomic/ThistilMistilKistil'': Loki has it, and uses it.
* In ''Webcomic/{{Endstone}}'', [[http://endstone.net/comic/issue-1-page-25/ one of Cole's powers from her over-stone.]]
* In ''Webcomic/BeyondTheCanopy'', Jojo is a semi-solid being who can alter his shape and proportions at will.
* In ''Webcomic/TheKingfisher'' some vampires can turn into animals, animalistic monster forms, mist, and/or some kind of shadowy form. These abilities are all at will and seem limited by the vampire's lineage.
* The students in ''Webcomic/WizardSchool'' play a magical sport called Transmogritus, a version of capture the flag in which the students [[http://www.meetmyminion.com/?p=1418 "transform into something useful"]] and get the flag.
* The {{Mon}}s in ''Webcomic/ButImACatPerson''. Unless ordered by their Master to take a specific form, they can shift freely. Available forms include any kind of human and any variation on their particular animal.
* ''Webcomic/DarthsAndDroids'' mentions that there is shape shifting in the SW universe. Zam is a shape shifter, but they don't use that device after she dies at all!
* ''Webcomic/OwMySanity'' has a [[Creator/HPLovecraft Shoggoth]] and several {{Eldritch Abomination}}s who manifest in whatever form they please.
* ''Webcomic/TheSenkari'' can change their forms to a limited degree. This appears to be limited to their wings and certain wounds so far.
* In ''Webcomic/CaseyAndAndy'', {{Satan}} "has many forms".
* In ''Webcomic/SonicTheComicOnline'' a few characters can do this, first the Nightmare Creature who changes into Johnny and Johnny as a zombie, then the Neo Metallix who can change his form and assume other identities such as Sonic or Tails which he uses to frame Sonic for his crimes, there is also the Gizoid which has the ability to perfectly mimic the appearance and fighting style of its adversaries.
* Catan from ''Webcomic/TowerOfGod'', in his ShapeshifterDefaultForm a black blob with the silhouette of a bell curve, can transform free and uses that ability to fight. This also becomes his downfall, as Khun sucks him up with his BagOfHolding while he is in between forms.
* Isla Grace from ''Webcomic/ProfessorAmazingAndTheIncredibleGoldenFox'': receives a fox-shaped engagement ring from her husband-to-be, Parker, which gifts her with the ability to transform into a fox (both anthropomorphic and full fox versions). She then feels it's only appropriate to put her new powers to use in the service of her community.
%%* ''Webcomic/{{Nimona}}'': Nimona. Later more thoroughly explored as other characters start to figure out that a teenage girl [[HumanoidAbomination isn't actually]] [[ShapeshifterDefaultForm her default form...]]%%ZCE. How is this shapeshifting?
%%* ''Webcomic/{{Harbourmaster}}'': The Yogzarthu.
* In ''Webcomic/DoctorWhoRegenerated'' we are informed of a huge group of aliens who can do this, but as of yet, we've only met one of them, whose default form resembles a [[InsectoidAliens beetle]].
* ''Webcomic/PebbleAndWren'': Pebble can shapeshift, but whatever he turns into still has his stripes.
* ''Webcomic/ReversedStar'': In a mock article, some aliens are stated to be able to do this.
* ''Webcomic/ScoobAndShag'': Courage's Ballyhoo, "On Demand", allows him to transform into different objects, including weapons. Strip 108 reveals that this is not limited to inanimate objects: for example, he can turn into a human.
* In ''Webcomic/YokokasQuest'', the beast/demon and demon/beast characters are able to switch between a demon (person) form and a beast form. They mostly appear to be able to do this freely, though Kalliv said he's [[https://yokokasquest.com/comic/chapter-7-page-41/ unable to switch to his demon form when scared]]. Misha is also able to shapeshift into a [[PantheraAwesome big sabre-tooth cat]].
* Animal people in ''Webcomic/WildeLife'' can transform between human and animal forms. Cliff, one of the main characters, can turn into a wolf. Raven [[spoiler:can also turn into other kinds of humans; he can transform into a boy and even into a girl once, or into a monster]].
* A few characters in ''{{Webcomic/Imaginatives}}'' can change their form at will, such as Excalibur, who can change into his lycanthropic anthro wolf form at will, and the sentient plush Squeaky, who can change into any dinosaur or dinosaur-like (such as pterosaurs for flight) as he pleases.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Web Original]]
* A lot of the characters in the webfiction ''Literature/WhateleyUniverse'' have this.
** While WordOfGod states it is a relatively uncommon power, especially at higher levels, given the size of the [[SuperheroSchool Whateley Academy]] student body by the early 2000s, that still means about a dozen or so in any given graduating class (not counting those who have a limited form of it as a {{Required Secondary Power|s}}). This can range from "minor cosmetic changes" (Vamp) or "can only copy other people" (Bogus and Chaney) over "can turn into any natural predatory animal" (Feral) and super-stretchy abilities (Plastic Girl and Reach) to "any viable biological form in a range between 50-500Kg" (Reinforce) to "[[SuperpowerLottery can change into almost anything you can think of without regard to size]]" (Jimmy Trauger). Jimmy T can turn into an 80-foot-giant, or 300 pounds of carnivorous protoplasm, or something from ''Alien''. He just can't control what shape he'll be when he wakes up, and it takes him hours to revert back to his real form.
** And those are just some of the ''mutants''. The universe also features lycanthropes (like the tribe whose land the school itself stands on) and shapeshifting spirits and demons. For example, Carmilla's father Gothmog is normally an EldritchAbomination...but he's also quite capable of taking human form when interacting with humans.
* Facsimile of ''Literature/TheDescendants'' has no known limits on her powers, and has been implied to have given up on 'real' clothing in favor of creating it all with her shapeshifting.
* Many Nanocyborgs in ''WebOriginal/OrionsArm'' are capable of shapeshifting, but like everything else in that universe they're limited by the laws of physics.
* All weres in ''Literature/AboveGround'' can shapeshift voluntarily after they become adults -- being able to control the change is a sign of maturity. However, in moments of strong emotion, or with child weres, accidental shifting may occur.
* Two of the heroes in ''Literature/TheQuestportChronicles'' do this: one transforms into a dragon, the other into a vicious demon.
* ''Literature/{{Elcenia}}'': Elcenia-native dragons have this as one of the abilities they develop as they reach adulthood, and can transform into animals, though cannot control what they look like within a species.
* Jaza from [[http://chimerabazaar.blogspot.com/ The Chimera Bazaar]] is a shape-shifting being, but has forgotten its original form, which makes its gender questionable.
* In the ''Literature/MetamorKeep'' shared universe, those afflicted with the curse of Metamor can adjust the degree to which the curse transforms them to a degree. Age regressed can look like they're any age below twelve, the genderbent can alter the size of their "endowments", and theriomorphs can be anthropomorphic animals or feral animals, sometimes taurs. But at the time they can't return to their pre-cursed state.
* Called the Morphing power in ''Literature/{{Brennus}}'', coming in different strengths: Mindstar can just do cosmetic things; Bakeneko can change into anything organic, but cannot change her mass; Hemming can change into anything organic or inorganic within a range of one-tenth to fifty times his own mass.
* ''Website/SCPFoundation'':
** [[http://www.scp-wiki.net/scp-040 SCP-040 ("Evolution's Child")]]. SCP-040-1a was created by SCP-040. It has polymorphic abilities and can change its size, shape, color, and texture as necessary to act as outer clothing (e.g. a sweater) for SCP-040.
** [[http://www.scp-wiki.net/scp-424 SCP-424 ("Nanomimes")]]. SCP-424 can take the form (but not the coloration) of any object or creature it has ever seen.
** [[http://www.scp-wiki.net/scp-523 SCP-523 ("The Most Unhelpful Object On Earth")]]. When SCP-523 escapes from containment, it changes its form to that of a useful object. When someone tries to use it for a specific purpose, it changes to another form that's not useful at all for that purpose.
** [[http://scp-wiki.net/scp-845 SCP-845 ("Liquid Polecat")]]. SCP-845 is a polecat that can change into a light brown liquid similar to water.
** [[http://scp-wiki.net/scp-929 SCP-929 ("The Cuckoo")]]. When SCP-929 comes within three meters of an animal it will rapidly change into a younger version of the animal. It will stay in that form until the animal it's imitating dies or it's attacked.
** [[http://scp-wiki.net/scp-953 SCP-953 ("Polymorphic Humanoid")]]. SCP-953 normally has the form of a small Red Fox, but can take the form of objects and living creatures, including that of an attractive Korean woman.
** [[http://www.scp-wiki.net/scp-1536 SCP-1536 ("Doppelgängers")]]. SCP-1536 can transform itself into any moving object or animal it sees, once every 16 minutes. SCP-1536 cannot be distinguished from what it copied by any known test.
** [[http://www.scp-wiki.net/scp-1537 SCP-1537 ("Akul'hil")]]. SCP-1537-A can change into an almost limitless variety of shapes. They can also increase their mass to up 3 times normal and make their skin as strong as steel.
** [[http://www.scp-wiki.net/scp-1961 SCP-1961 ("Transformation Booth")]]. SCP-1961-1 can take the form of any living creature of the same mass, including non-humans and SCP objects. They can retain human form for up to 4 hours but any kind of shock or strong emotions will cause them to melt down.
** [[http://www.scp-wiki.net/scp-2054 SCP-2054 ("The Double")]]. SCP-2054 is an entity capable of duplicating the form of a human being so completely that all of the science and technology of the Foundation can't tell the duplicate from the original. SCP-2054 is also able to copy the mind of the target well enough to convincingly impersonate them.
** [[http://www.scp-wiki.net/scp-2750 SCP-2750 ("Navajo Skinwalkers")]]. All member of the original SCP-2750 could change into at least five different animals found in the southwest U.S., such as crows, wolves, coyotes, eagles and foxes. Some members could change into nine or more types of animals.
** [[http://www.scp-wiki.net/scp-2757 SCP-2757 ("Dr. Wondertainment's Projector Fantastico™")]]. When the SCP-2757 projector is used with the film SCP-2757-1e ''The Valiant Crusaders'', one of the powers gained by the experimental subjects is shapeshifting.
* It's revealed early on in ''Literature/RunningWithRats'' that [[spoiler:Alix]] is a shapeshifter.
* The Yao Fei Beastmen in ''Literature/WayOfChoices'' can each shift back and forth between a human and a beast form.
* ''Website/ScrubClub'':
** Played straight for Gel-Mo, who can shapeshift into anything he likes (although he's still see-through and gooey).
** Downplayed for Squeaks who can turn into different kinds of soap, but only soap.
** Even more downplayed for the rest of the Scrub Clubbers, who can only turn into one thing (Taki always turns into a clock, Hot Shot and Chill always turn into faucets, etc).
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Web Videos]]
* Morphman from ''WebVideo/SaveTheSupers'' has this power, except that he always takes the shape of objects, still recognizable by their color scheme. This means (beyond an extra in the first episode) that there is no actor playing him; all his appearances are as (mostly) inanimate objects the rest of the cast interact with.
* ''WebVideo/CellSpex'' can switch from her human avatar to her pony avatar at will, when she reviews an episode of ''WesternAnimation/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagic''. Though she apparently had to learn how to do this at will at some point, as the first time it happened, it just sort of... happened.
--> '''Cell Spex:''' Really? So this is mandatory for anyone who wants to analyse an episode? (sighs) Whatever.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Western Animation]]
* In ''WesternAnimation/AbbyHatcher'', Grumbles can shapeshift into almost anything. This even extends to other Fuzzlies as well.
* In ''WesternAnimation/AdventureTime'', Jake the Dog can alter just about every aspect of his physical being except for his coloring and in one episode he was even able to get around this limitation to pretend that part of himself was an ''entirely different person''. One of his children, Jake Jr., has a lesser version of this power which is limited to her hair. [[spoiler:Jake inherited this power from an alien shapeshifter who [[FaceFullOfAlienWingWong implanted an egg]] in Jake's dad Joshua's head, which resulted in Jake's birth.]]
* D.U.F.U.S., Dr. Quark's robot from the ''WesternAnimation/AdventuresOfSonicTheHedgehog'' episode, "Robotnik's Rival" has this ability. At one point in the episode, he uses this ability to transform into Sonic and Tails and trick Robotnik and Quark when the real Sonic and Tails escape from Robotnik's dungeon. He feels guilty about tricking his master afterwards...but he gets over it, about ten seconds later.
* ''WesternAnimation/TheAmazingWorldOfGumball'' has Clayton and [[spoiler:Penny]]. The former can take whatever form he wants because he's made out of clay. The latter's transformations are based on [[PsychoactivePowers her emotions]].
* To a very limited extent, Meatwad from ''WesternAnimation/AquaTeenHungerForce''. He can form a hotdog (made out of meat), or an igloo (made out of meat). Occasionally he takes other forms (meat bridge, Samurai Lincoln). And in TheMovie an office park complex.
* Clayface from ''WesternAnimation/BatmanTheAnimatedSeries'' could assume human forms, and then change to a blob to attack if he is found out.
* Inque from ''WesternAnimation/BatmanBeyond'' had a body made of a black viscous fluid, and could shape herself at will.
* ''WesternAnimation/{{Beetlejuice}}'', as with his film version.
* Ben Tennyson from the ''Franchise/Ben10'' series can change into almost any alien using the Omnitrix and Ultimatrix. He can transform into aliens, originally choosing from a set of ten, [[ArtifactTitle with later additions]]. A future, 30-year-old incarnation of the character is stated to have 10 ''thousand'' aliens to choose from.
** It was taken ''much'' further in ''WesternAnimation/Ben10AlienForce''. In addition to a completely different set of ten aliens from the original series, the season 2 finale has the Omnitrix's creator, Azmuth, activate the ''true'' Master Control function, allowing Ben to choose from 1,000,903 total alien species' from across the Milky Way galaxy.
* The 2006 revival of ''WesternAnimation/BikerMiceFromMars'' featured Catatonian shape-shifters, who were Catatonians with the power to change their physical appearance. One notable member of them was Catalina Cat-A-Call, who tried to lure the Biker Mice into a trap by assuming the form of a Martian mouse and claiming to be Stoker's niece in "A Better Mouse Trap" and later infiltrated the Martian military in an attempt to get to Carbine and impersonate her to deceive Throttle in the ClipShow episode "Carbine's Conundrum".
* Klone from ''WesternAnimation/{{Blackstar}}'' is a rare example of a good-aligned shapeshifter, using his powers to combat the forces of evil and once to even sneak into the BigBad's hideout.
* The Fleeblebroxians from the ''WesternAnimation/ChipNDaleRescueRangers'' episode "Dale Beside Himself" can shapeshift into whatever they want to. One of them spends half of the episode as a Dale {{Doppelganger}}.
%%* The Polymorphic Specters from ''WesternAnimation/CodeLyoko''.
* Courage from ''WesternAnimation/CourageTheCowardlyDog'' would often assume different forms when trying to explain to the Bagges that they're in danger or the person/monster/supernatural being/whatever they're dealing with can't be trusted, though it may just be done as a visual gag. However, there are times when Courage's shapeshifting proves to be very useful in tough situations.
* Two episodes of ''WesternAnimation/ExoSquad'' feature a Neosapien who was transformed into a [[BlobMonster blobish creature]] that could shapeshift by Automutation Syndrome and medical experiments.
* ''WesternAnimation/TheFairlyOddParents'' has mainly all of the fairies in fairyworld who can shapeshift at will due to their magic powers. Cosmo and Wanda can also do this -- except in one episode where Cosmo's fagiggly gland acts up causing [[InvoluntaryShapeshifter just the opposite]] to happen to him.
* Peter Griffin develops this in the ''WesternAnimation/FamilyGuy'' episode Viewer Mail 1# in the segment Super Griffins.
* Every member of Oberon's Children from ''WesternAnimation/{{Gargoyles}}'' is a Shapeshifter. Heck, "changeling" was another name for them used by the title characters.
* The shapeshifter experiment from the ''WesternAnimation/GravityFalls'' episode "[[Recap/GravityFallsS2E2IntoTheBunker Into the Bunker]]".
* Nergal Jr from ''WesternAnimation/TheGrimAdventuresOfBillyAndMandy'' effects this when he assumes teacher Miss Butterbean's form and gives the bully Sperg a good going over.
* Goo from ''WesternAnimation/{{Gumby}}'' was the most clay-like of the {{Claymation}} characters therein.
* In the ''WesternAnimation/HeckleAndJeckle'' cartoon "The Power of Thought," the two birds realize they can change into anything they want simply by invoking cartoon physics.
* ''WesternAnimation/TheHerculoids'' episode "The Mutoids". The title characters can assume the form of any humanoid or change themselves into solid rock.
* According to WordOfGod, Heloise on ''WesternAnimation/JimmyTwoShoes'' is "a bit of a shapeshifter". Exactly what this implies is vague, but it certainly [[InformedAbility isn't used very obviously on the show]]. "The Hooded Chicken" reveals that it's just her feet. Whenever she ''has'' feet, that is.
* [[PunnyName Camille Leon]] in ''WesternAnimation/KimPossible''. Via an experimental plastic surgery she can look like any human being she wants.
* The shapeshifting experiment Morpholomew from the ''WesternAnimation/LiloAndStitchTheSeries''.
* Several aliens in ''WesternAnimation/MenInBlack: The Series'' could alter their forms to conform to life amongst earthlings. An interesting case is a sociopathic alien that could willingly change forms, yet another member of his race was shown using a special suit like many OTHER aliens in the show.
* ''WesternAnimation/MiddlemostPost'': Parker can do this. Comes with being a cloud, supposedly. Makes sense, as clouds don't have much of a consistent shape.
* Chameleon from ''WesternAnimation/MightyDucksTheAnimatedSeries'', he can shapeshift into nearly any sort of humanoid, even ones larger than himself. More importantly, he can disguise himself as a human to go where the other Saurians can't.
* The luchadores from ''WesternAnimation/MuchaLucha''. At first it seemed like it was just to illustrate their attacks, but it turned out they actually do this real time.
* ''Franchise/MyLittlePony'':
** ''WesternAnimation/MyLittlePonyEscapeFromCatrina'': Catrina's henchman Rep can change his shape on a whim, although he doesn't seem to be able to change his color scheme. Generally, he only briefly takes other shapes in order to deal with particular situations, such as by turning into a bird to rescue a falling bushwoolie or into a bull to charge down Catrina.
** ''WesternAnimation/MyLittlePonyAndFriends'': Penna birds can change their shape at will. Over the course of "The Gost of Paradise Estate", Pluma takes on the forms of a ghost, a monstrous bat, a GiantSpider, a living mirror and a living prism.
** ''WesternAnimation/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagic'':
*** Nightmare Moon can turn into a thorn, a cloud of starry mist, and even several ponies at once.
*** [[EmotionEater The changelings]] are a race that are capable of changing their form using innate magic. They are more-or-less pony-shaped in their natural state and are commonly seen copying the appearance of ponies -- doing so convincingly enough to fool their friends. Their shapeshifting is more versatile than just that, however, and they can mimic other creatures such as dragons, and even inanimate objects like rocks.
*** In "[[Recap/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagicS4E16ItAintEasyBeingBreezies It Ain't Easy Being Breezies]]", Twilight Sparkle demonstrates a new spell she found in the Castle of the Two Sisters that lets her transform herself and her friends into Breezies in order to help Seabreeze and his friends get home.
*** In "[[Recap/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagicS4E25TwilightsKingdomPart1 Twilight's Kingdom, Part 1]]", Discord once again demonstrates this power, both for the sake of puns, and to lure Tirek into a trap by turning into a unicorn stallion.
*** ''WesternAnimation/MyLittlePonyTheMovie2017'' introduces the hippogriffs, who can change into seaponies and back thanks to a magic pearl.
* Newton, the big humanoid newt from ''WesternAnimation/NedsNewt'', can turn into pretty much anyone and anything (as long as he is fed with the special "Zippo" food; when he's not, he's just an ordinary boring newt). He is fond of shortly turning into a random celebrity to provide a joke, but often also uses this for his {{Zany Scheme}}s.
* The ''WesternAnimation/OhYeahCartoons'' short "Kameleon Kid" was about a boy who gained the power to change into animals and inanimate objects after a lab accident.
* ''WesternAnimation/RainbowButterflyUnicornKitty'': Felicity (who normally appears as a horned cat with a rainbow color palette) can transform into four other forms (rainbow, butterfly, unicorn, kitty) with unique powersets.
* Franchise/FantasticFour-like superhero ImagineSpot episode of ''WesternAnimation/{{Rugrats}}'' has this with Tommy able to shape-shift into animals.
* Aku from ''WesternAnimation/SamuraiJack'', who even refers to himself as "the shape-shifting Master of Darkness". He can change his shape, size, or appearance to pretty much anything he wants, even creating multiple copies of himself. Luckily, [[MorphicResonance he never got the hang of changing his color-motif along with his shape]].
* Double Trouble's M.O. in ''WesternAnimation/SheRaAndThePrincessesOfPower''. They treat shapeshifting as an art, completely dedicating themselves to becoming their target both physically and emotionally. They use their skills as a shapeshifter, TheSocialExpert, and a MasterActor to perfectly impersonate nearly everyone on the show, to devastating effect, before [[spoiler:using their newly acquired knowledge of Catra's character to deliver a brutal BreakingSpeech]].
* Hordak, the main villain of ''WesternAnimation/SheRaPrincessOfPower'', uses cybernetics to transform either parts of or his whole body into different weapons and vehicles as he needed. Typically his transformations are all metal and some form of his face is present on the vehicle he turns into.
** Similarly, his sidekick Imp can change shapes as well, utilizing his abilities to spy on the Great Rebellion. He also doesn't have the same limitations as his master, able to conceal his features, and even his color scheme in a chosen form. (Interestingly he can also manifest his face on a shape if he wants to, allowing him to communicate with others.) His only limitation seems to be he can only become something that approximate his physical size (i.e. he cannot become a giant ''T. rex'' or shrink down to be a lethal virus).
* ''WesternAnimation/ShaggyAndScoobyDooGetAClue'': Scooby-Doo change into whatever shape a situation calls for after eating the special Scooby Snacks that Shaggy's reclusive uncle Albert had been developing. Once it metabolizes and he burps, Scooby returns to normal.
%%* Replicon from ''WesternAnimation/SkysurferStrikeForce''.
* In an episode of ''WesternAnimation/SouthPark'', the kids are captured by aliens. Their leader is a shapeshifter who initially takes the form of Stan's dad. The kids denounce this as stupid (a TakeThat against ''Film/{{Contact}}''), and he goes on to take a variety of forms ripped from pop culture, all of which the kids reject. Finally, he asks them what they want -- and they settle on "a taco...that craps ice cream", a form he [[SugarWiki/FunnyMoments assumes for the remainder of the episode]].
* ''WesternAnimation/SpongeBobSquarePants'' has the main character often transforming into a variety of different shapes and forms, such as in the episode "Gone" where after everyone in Bikini Bottom disappears he takes on the forms of several characters to replicate interactions with them. Patrick also seems to occasionally transform.
* ''WesternAnimation/StarTrekTheAnimatedSeries'' episode "[[Recap/StarTrekTheAnimatedSeriesS1E6TheSurvivor The Survivor]]". After the Enterprise crew rescues the philanthropist Carter Winston, he turns out to be a shapeshifter alien called a Vendorian.
* In ''WesternAnimation/StevenUniverse'', all gems have shapeshifting powers, but the most common shapeshifter is Amethyst, who can shapeshift similar to Jake -- transform into anyone or anything, except her color.
* The Wondertwins of ''WesternAnimation/SuperFriends''. They even had [[ByThePowerOfGreyskull catchphrases for their transformations]] too!
** Played with in an older Creator/CartoonNetwork commercial. Zan and Jana are there to present to the child viewers the difference between real and imaginary scenarios, but the PSA is cut just short of revealing their "simple phrase" when Zan realizes (and begins complaining about) how he's always turning into something water-related, regardless of the situation at hand.
** In one ''WesternAnimation/HarveyBirdmanAttorneyAtLaw'' episode, Zan could vouch for Franchise/WonderWoman's whereabouts because he was her bathwater at the time.
* Uni the Sea Urchin from ''WesternAnimation/SushiPack'' uses this ability which makes him one of the Sushi Pack's biggest threats.
* Beast Boy from ''WesternAnimation/TeenTitans2003'', of course, can change himself into [[{{Animorphism}} any animal that has ever lived]], earth-based or alien -- he just seems to need to know what it looks like. Being exposed to some chemicals in "The Beast Within" gave Beast Boy a powerful Werebeast form. While the transformation was involuntary in that episode, he shows the ability to transform into the Werebeast at will in "The End". Madame Rouge, one of the main villains from the fifth season, however, puts him to shame, being able to transform into ''anything'', period, in addition to the ability to reform herself if killed. Heat's her only weakness, and once away from it she just shifts back into an undamaged form like with every other form of punishment that's been tried against her, to the point that even a character [[ManOfKryptonite with magma powers]] was no match. She can also transform fast enough to stretch and grab ''Kid Flash.'' She's generally considered to be ''the'' deadliest one-on-one opponent in the show, barring the [[TheLegionsOfHell demon characters]].
* In ''WesternAnimation/TeenageMutantNinjaTurtles2012'', [[spoiler:Karai]] can eventually transform between her serpent and human form at will.
* There was shapeshifting of the "aquatic" kind in the 80's cartoon ''[[WesternAnimation/TheComicStrip Tiger Sharks]]''. The main characters could turn into human-fish hybrids when they entered the machine known as the Fish Tank.
* Gogo Dodo from ''WesternAnimation/TinyToonAdventures'' has this ability.
* WesternAnimation/TomTerrific can change into any shape he wants, simply because he can. As he states in his theme, "How I do it puzzles me!"
* Technically, Franchise/{{Transformers}}, [[WesternAnimation/ChallengeOfTheGoBots GoBots]] and other TransformingMecha: one or a few "alt-modes", usually turning into a vehicle or an animal.
** Worth noting is that the Franchise/{{Transformers}}, at least, tend to choose new alt modes to blend in with new surroundings.
** A special mention goes to [[spoiler:Shockwave]] from ''WesternAnimation/TransformersAnimated'', who has the ability to [[spoiler:disguise himself/shape-change into another robot form, going under the alias 'Longarm Prime'.]]
* Music/DavidBowie (yes, ''that'' [[NoCelebritiesWereHarmed David Bowie]]) has shapeshifting powers in ''WesternAnimation/TheVentureBrothers'' world. In one scene he transforms into a bird and flies away, prompting Hank to comment that "the guy from ''Film/{{Labyrinth}}'' turned into a bird and flew away!" A later episode reveals that he's not ''actually'' David Bowie, but is a big enough fan that he likes using David Bowie's appearance.
* The [[OurDragonsAreDifferent Dragons]] in ''WesternAnimation/{{Wakfu}}'' are master shapeshifters, though all of their forms tend to share [[MorphicResonance certain traits]]. Adamai for example favors a short humanoid form when not in his natural dragon form, but has also taken on the form of a little bird and a giant rock golem during combat.
* Morph by Aardman, the creators of ''WesternAnimation/WallaceAndGromit''. Those skits aired on Nickelodeon during the '90s. Originally part of the ''Take Hart'' art show hosted by Tony Hart.
* Widget from the ''WesternAnimation/WidgetTheWorldWatcher'' series can shapeshift to pretty much anything as long as he isn't upside down.
* ''WesternAnimation/WinxClub'':
** The prof Wizgiz, as the professor of Metamorphosymbiosis, is able to shape shift his body into form he requires.
** In the fourth season ofthere's the shapeshifter Duman, one of the Wizards of the Black circle, who can turn into creatures, other people, and even water. [[spoiler:Later on his powers became unstable, which eventually killed him]]. Oh, and Darcy can also turn into other people with her illusion powers. Professor Wizgiz at Alfea is the transformation teacher, and he can turn into various creatures.
%%* Chase Young in ''WesternAnimation/XiaolinShowdown''.
* WesternAnimation/YamRoll and his mentor Katcho Miso can both transform into a variety of objects, along with possessing [[StockSuperpowersIndex a slew of other special powers]].
* Heisenberg in ''Westernanimation/{{Phantom 2040}}'' is a collections of billions of [[{{nanotechnology}} microscopic]] fractal biots whose control module accidentally gained self-awareness. He can take any form, and even change colors at will, but his external "brain" is rigid and must be kept close (which usually means surrounded by his 'body').
* The ''WesternAnimation/ZigAndSharko'' episode "Magical Jellyfish" features a jellyfish that can transform into any creature it sees; what set it apart from the originals is its aqua blue color and pink lips. At one point, Zig has it assume Marina's form so he can replace her with the jellyfish; because of the color issue he has to paint it to look like her.
* Old 1960s cartoon ''WesternAnimation/TheMightyHercules'' featured a beast called The Chameleon Creature, which could transform into anything it wanted, even new forms it invented on the spot. An exiled Olympian named Otis gained its powers and becamse known as The Chameleon Man, and he could likewise turn into anything he wanted, often disguising himself as harmless normal animals until transforming into a giant monster to attack.
[[/folder]]

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*** Traditionally, he also has FlyingBrick powers (at a similar level to Superman) ''and'' powerful telepathic abilities, making him one of the most powerful characters in the DCU overall.



* There was shapeshifting of the "aquatic" kind in the 80's cartoon ''[[WesternAnimation/TheComicStrip Tiger Sharks]]''. The main characters could turn into human-fish hybrids when they entered the fish tank.

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* There was shapeshifting of the "aquatic" kind in the 80's cartoon ''[[WesternAnimation/TheComicStrip Tiger Sharks]]''. The main characters could turn into human-fish hybrids when they entered the fish tank.machine known as the Fish Tank.


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* Old 1960s cartoon ''WesternAnimation/TheMightyHercules'' featured a beast called The Chameleon Creature, which could transform into anything it wanted, even new forms it invented on the spot. An exiled Olympian named Otis gained its powers and becamse known as The Chameleon Man, and he could likewise turn into anything he wanted, often disguising himself as harmless normal animals until transforming into a giant monster to attack.
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* On ''Series/{{Fringe}}'', we have the second season's antagonists, [[AGoodNameForARockBand Newton and His Shapeshifters]], {{cyborg}} soldiers from an AlternateUniverse who can mimic the appearance of others (essentially [[BodySnatcher switching bodies]], but only after killing the subject and only with the aid of a special device).

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* On In ''Series/{{Fringe}}'', we have the second season's antagonists, [[AGoodNameForARockBand Newton and His Shapeshifters]], {{cyborg}} soldiers from an AlternateUniverse who can mimic the appearance of others (essentially [[BodySnatcher switching bodies]], but only after killing the subject and only with the aid of a special device).



** In "Small Potatoes", a man can shapeshift, and uses the ability [[ShapeshiftingSeducer to sleep with women]] [[BedTrick while disguised as their husbands]]. His natural form was ugly and came complete with tail, and his children retained these traits, much to the horror of the women who had essentially been unknowingly raped. He then locks up Mulder and takes his form to elude capture, and then, understandably, tries to get it on with Scully.

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** In "Small Potatoes", "[[Recap/TheXFilesS04E20SmallPotatoes Small Potatoes]]" features a man who can shapeshift, shapeshift and uses the ability [[ShapeshiftingSeducer to sleep with women]] [[BedTrick while disguised as their husbands]]. His natural form was is ugly and came comes complete with tail, and his children retained retain these traits, much to the horror of the women who had have essentially been unknowingly raped. He then locks up Mulder and takes his form to elude capture, and then, understandably, tries to get it on with Scully.



* A few monsters from ''{{Series/Supernatural}}'': [[ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin Shapeshifters]], Leviathan, Jefferson Starships, Eve, Changelings, Sirens, Wraiths.

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* A few monsters from ''{{Series/Supernatural}}'': ''Series/{{Supernatural}}'': [[ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin Shapeshifters]], Leviathan, Jefferson Starships, Eve, Changelings, Sirens, Wraiths.



** In "To Tell the Truth", the native population of Janus Five possess this ability.
** In "Under the Bed", the child snatching creatures can shapeshift. One changes into a teddy bear in order to lure Andrew Rosman to his doom.
** In "Stranded", Tyr'Nar is a member of a species of shapeshifters.
** In "The Gun", the alien calling himself Donald Finley seemingly belongs to a race of shapeshifters.
** In "Revival", Luke and Serena are members of a race of shapeshifters.
** In "A New Life", the alien merchants who deceived people into joining the religious community are shapeshifters. There are at least seven of them, all of whom assume the form of the community's leader Father.
** In "Alien Shop", the shopkeeper belongs to a species of shapeshifters and assumes multiple forms in his dealings with Andy Pace.
** In "Dark Child", TheGreys who abducted Laura Sinclair in 1984 are shapeshifters.

to:

** In "To Tell "[[Recap/TheOuterLimits1995S1E11UnderTheBed Under the Truth", Bed]]", the native population of Janus Five possess this ability.
** In "Under the Bed", the child snatching
child-snatching creatures can shapeshift. One changes into a teddy bear in order to lure Andrew Rosman to his doom.
** In "Stranded", "[[Recap/TheOuterLimits1995S4E14ToTellTheTruth To Tell the Truth]]", the native population of Janus Five possess this ability.
** In "[[Recap/TheOuterLimits1995S5E19Stranded Stranded]]",
Tyr'Nar is a member of a species of shapeshifters.
** In "The Gun", "[[Recap/TheOuterLimits1995S6E2TheGun The Gun]]", the alien calling himself Donald Finley seemingly belongs to a race of shapeshifters.
** In "Revival", "[[Recap/TheOuterLimits1995S6E16Revival Revival]]", Luke and Serena are members of a race of shapeshifters.
** In "A "[[Recap/TheOuterLimits1995S7E3ANewLife A New Life", Life]]", the alien merchants who deceived people into joining the religious community are shapeshifters. There are at least seven of them, all of whom assume the form of the community's leader Father.
** In "Alien Shop", "[[Recap/TheOuterLimits1995S7E9AlienShop Alien Shop]]", the shopkeeper belongs to a species of shapeshifters and assumes multiple forms in his dealings with Andy Pace.
** In "Dark Child", "[[Recap/TheOuterLimits1995S7E20DarkChild Dark Child]]", TheGreys who abducted Laura Sinclair in 1984 are shapeshifters.



* ''Series/OddSquad:'' The aptly-named Shapeshifter is a villainess who can shapeshift into anything she desires, from people to inanimate objects. While it is stated that a downside to the ability is that whatever she turns into will always remain the same weight, it's often not represented continuously, with her shapeshifting into things that are easy for agents to pick up, such as pies. The Form Changer, Shapeshifter's twin sister, also has the same ability.

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* ''Series/OddSquad:'' ''Series/OddSquad'': The aptly-named aptly named Shapeshifter is a villainess who can shapeshift into anything she desires, from people to inanimate objects. While it is stated that a downside to the ability is that whatever she turns into will always remain the same weight, it's often not represented continuously, with her shapeshifting into things that are easy for agents to pick up, such as pies. The Form Changer, Shapeshifter's twin sister, also has the same ability.
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* Sam Merlotte from ''Series/TrueBlood'' is a shapeshifter and there are others as the series goes on.
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* ''Wiki/SCPFoundation'':

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* ''Wiki/SCPFoundation'':''Website/SCPFoundation'':
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Hot Scientist is no longer a trope


** In "Small Potatoes", a man can shapeshift, and uses the ability [[ShapeshiftingSeducer to sleep with women]] [[BedTrick while disguised as their husbands]]. His natural form was ugly and came complete with tail, and his children retained these traits, much to the horror of the women who had essentially been unknowingly raped. He then locks up Mulder and takes his form to elude capture, and then, understandably, tries to get it on with [[HotScientist Scully]].

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** In "Small Potatoes", a man can shapeshift, and uses the ability [[ShapeshiftingSeducer to sleep with women]] [[BedTrick while disguised as their husbands]]. His natural form was ugly and came complete with tail, and his children retained these traits, much to the horror of the women who had essentially been unknowingly raped. He then locks up Mulder and takes his form to elude capture, and then, understandably, tries to get it on with [[HotScientist Scully]].Scully.
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* ''LightNovel/RebuildWorld'': The Rebuild Institute TykeBomb Haruka, due to a {{Nanomachine}} SuperSerum derived from LostTechnology, is able to freely shapeshift between being a group of spider like monsters with an EnergyWeapon, or two extra versions of herself, capable of PullingThemselvesTogether and regenerating FromASingleCell. She also disguises herself as furniture in a SensorSuspense scene.

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* ''LightNovel/RebuildWorld'': ''Literature/RebuildWorld'': The Rebuild Institute TykeBomb Haruka, due to a {{Nanomachine}} SuperSerum derived from LostTechnology, is able to freely shapeshift between being a group of spider like monsters with an EnergyWeapon, or two extra versions of herself, capable of PullingThemselvesTogether and regenerating FromASingleCell. She also disguises herself as furniture in a SensorSuspense scene.
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* In ''WesternAnimation/TurningRed'', after her initial PowerIncontinence, Mei learns to control the panda transformation and use it to her advantage.
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* ''VideoGame/SoManyMe'': The [[MesACrows Mes]] have the power to change into things that are required to bypass obstavles in the game. The first thing they can turn into is floating blocks that [[PlayerCharacter Filo]] can stick to.

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* ''VideoGame/SoManyMe'': The [[MesACrows Mes]] {{Mes|acrowd}} have the power to change into things that are required to bypass obstavles in the game. The first thing they can turn into is floating blocks that [[PlayerCharacter Filo]] can stick to.
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* In ''Fanfic/ZeroNoTsukaimaSaitoTheOnmyoji'', [[HornyDevils Emereldas]], one of Saito's {{familiar}}s, has the ability to transform into any being she has seen or touched.

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* In ''Fanfic/ZeroNoTsukaimaSaitoTheOnmyoji'', [[HornyDevils [[SuccubiAndIncubi Emereldas]], one of Saito's {{familiar}}s, has the ability to transform into any being she has seen or touched.
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* ''TabletopGame/SentinelsOfTheMultiverse's'' The Naturalist can change between three animal forms at will, gaining a fourth during the [=OblivAeon=] event.

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* Holo from ''LightNovel/SpiceAndWolf'' can change forms between a wolf-eared and tailed girl in her late teens and a giant wolf larger than an elephant. The latter is her "true" form.


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* Holo from ''Literature/SpiceAndWolf'' is a wolf spirit who can change forms between her true form of a giant wolf and a teenage, human girl with wolf ears and a tail.
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* ''Literature/OfFireAndStars'': Karov, a Zumordan merchant and magic user, can turn himself into a bird. It later turns out it's common magic in Zumorda, with many Zumordans commonly becoming animals. Their particular animal is called a person's "manifest", which they're magically bonded to.

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* ''Literature/OfFireAndStars'': Karov, a Zumordan merchant and magic user, can turn himself into a bird. It later turns out it's common magic in Zumorda, with many Zumordans commonly becoming animals. Their particular animal form is called a person's "manifest", which they're magically bonded to.
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* ''Literature/OfFireAndStars'': Karov, a Zumordan merchant and magic user, can turn himself into a bird. It later turns out it's common magic in Zumorda, with many Zumordans commonly becoming animals. Their particular animal is called a person's "manifest", which they're magically bonded to.
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None


* Courage from ''WesternAnimation/CourageTheCowardlyDog'' would often assume different forms when trying to explain to the Bagges that they're in danger or the person/monster/supernatural being/whatever they're dealing with can't be trusted, though it may just be done as a sight gag.

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* Courage from ''WesternAnimation/CourageTheCowardlyDog'' would often assume different forms when trying to explain to the Bagges that they're in danger or the person/monster/supernatural being/whatever they're dealing with can't be trusted, though it may just be done as a sight gag.visual gag. However, there are times when Courage's shapeshifting proves to be very useful in tough situations.

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