The image forming method of the present invention includes imparting ink to form an image on a recording medium, drying the image, and curing the image after the drying process, wherein the recording medium has one or a plurality of pigment layers on at least one surface of a support with cellulose pulp as a main component, and a transference amount of pure water into the recording medium is specific value, and the ink composition includes a pigment, water, and a water soluble polymerizable compound where the content ratio is equal to or more than 15 mass % and less than 40 mass %, and the content of a water soluble organic solvent is less than 3 mass %.