From making G.I. Joe, the world’s first action figure, to Mr. Potato Head, who has become a fan-favorite character in Pixar’s most famous franchise, Toy Story, Hasbro, has been a pioneer in toy manufacturing since its inception. One of its famous toys was first released almost four decades ago, in the form of action figures, Marvel comic books, and an animated television show. Ever since their introduction to the world in 1984, Transformers have been adored by fans for their unique design of changing from car to action figure.
Over the years, with games, the Transformers’ lore has grown with more comics, movies, and games. The most popular media adaptations are the Michael Bay movies from the late 2000s. While the first few were good, the later movies discouraged many viewers from watching more. More recently, Bumblebee (2018) was one of the movies from the last decade that turned out great despite low expectations, and the most recent Transformers One (2024) is a fun animated movie that was better than expected. Likewise, Transformers: Rise of the Beasts (2023) is also a good movie that had low expectations. The Autobots are rising in popularity again thanks to how cool some of them are.
10
Omega Supreme
The Largest Autobot
A quiet and hardy warrior, Omega Supreme is the Autobots’ last line of defense against threats. He was originally tasked with protecting Cybertron’s most beautiful city, Crystal City. He was betrayed by Constructicons, and has been wary ever since. His job and sense of responsibility make him a serious Autobot who knows he only gets called into action when many of his Autobot allies have fallen.
But this gravitas only makes him cooler. The last of the Guardian Robots, he towers over the average transformer, instilling fear in any Decepticon that dares attack him and his allies. Without the Devastator, no Decepticon would ever be able to match up to him in terms of strength. Even then, his superior battle intellect and immense firepower often put him over the edge. The huge shadow he casts feels like a safe space within his protection, and his towering frame is one of the coolest sights you can hope to see on your side during an intense battle.
9
Drift
A Samurai Autobot
When the Decepticon ᴅᴇᴀᴅlock encountered a few neutral Transformers during his mission to wipe out Autobots, his worldview was permanently changed. He realized the erroneous ways that the Decepticons had strayed into, and decided to change allegiances. He even abandoned his guns and trained in the art of sword-fighting. He believes he has a long way to go in redeeming himself for his acts as a Decepticon and thus lives a highly disciplined life.
Beyond his cool aesthetic, warrior abilities, and memorable choice of words, Drift is also a triple changer in the live-action movie – he can transform into a 2013 Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse and a Sikorsky S-97 Raider helicopter.
Modeled after the samurai, Drift’s appearance and dialect bear resemblance to the legendary Japanese warriors. Apart from the comics and the animated shows, his first live-action appearance was in the movie Transformers: Age of Extinction (2014). Not only is he a trusty warrior who has superior skills with a sword, he also rides a dinobot in the movie. Things don’t get much cooler than a grave samurai Autobot who can tame such a beast.
8
Arcee
The Most Iconic Female Transformer
While there may have been more female transformers to appear before her, Arcee is undoubtedly the most iconic of them all. An Autobot with a penchant for style, she has one of the coolest designs of all the Transformers. Her robot look, as a nod to Princess Leia, sports the same iconic bun hair that Carrie Fisher wore throughout the Star Wars franchise.
While she was around since 1986 in the G1 continuity movie, Arcee didn’t get major screen time in live-action until Transformers: Rise of the Beasts. She had a minor role in Revenge of the Fallen as well, where she transforms into a sleek pink motorcycle, a look that was kept for the 2023 film as well. A skilled battle commander and a talented warrior who is known for her compᴀssion for humanity and all living beings on Earth. Transformers‘ new continuity even changes Arcee’s origin story to make her more significant from the start.
7
Optimus Prime
The leader of the Autobots
He is the face of the Autobots and one of the most instantly recognizable transformers of all time. The blue and red fire truck design belongs in the Transformers’ Hall of Fame as one of the coolest looks for an Autobot. When Optimus Prime transforms into his robot form and sends out a message in the iconic commanding voice of Canadian voice actor Peter Cullen, it’s impossible not to feel inspired and get goosebumps.
You know things will be okay if he’s looking out for you.
Optimus Prime’s bravery and leadership skills put him a cut above the rest as he leads by example. Sword or ax in hand, he never shies from battle and always puts himself in the line of fire before anyone else. He’s a symbol of hope, because you know things will be okay if he’s looking out for you. He’s always pulling off death-defying maneuvers as well, like riding Grimlock, which looks very cool. As Transformers One, one of the best animated movies of 2024, explored, he’s defiant in the face of insurmountable odds, can perform cool stunts, and is committed to doing the right thing.
6
Alpha Trion
The wizard Autobot
Optimus Prime’s mentor, Alpha Trion, is one of the coolest Autobots in the franchise. He’s a guiding light to many Autobots, and while he no longer actively goes to war, he always has meaningful wisdom for the young commanders on the Autobots’ side. He was one of the greatest warriors of Cybertron at one point, and played a significant role in establishing Cybertron as an independent power in the galaxy.
His years have given him a comforting wise air, and today, as one of the oldest living Transformers, his presence serves as a reminder of Cybertron’s golden generation. There’s a certain mysticism to him, and he’s one of the few Autobots who even has magical powers. He is often portrayed as a guardian of Vector Sigma, and he’s a living legend with rumored links to Primus.
5
Mirage
The illusionist Autobot
Mirage has one of the most complicated characterizations in the original G1 continuity. He’s a suave transformer who deems himself above the pettiness and the brutality of war. His stylish design is derived from his high-society background, which makes him a connoisseur of the finer things in life. However, his distaste for fighting often gets him labeled as a Decepticon sympathizer, and it’s cool to see the development of such a conflicting character.
While it’s not as true to the G1 continuity, Transformers: Rise of the Beast‘s version of Mirage, his first live-action appearance, makes him more traditionally cool. He’s funny, a little full of himself, can be somewhat stupid at times, fiercely loyal, and is a brave fighter. Moreover, Mirage’s coolest ability is that he can create illusory duplicates of himself or go invisible to throw pursuers off his scent. The movie even gives him the ability to use parts of himself to create an exosuit for humans, which looks really cool!
4
Grimlock
A T. rex Dinobot
What could be cooler than a transformer? A transformer that can transform into a dinosaur! Not one for subtlety, Grimlock is one of the most H๏τ-headed Autobots ever, whose answer to any problem is to cut through it, shoot it, or even eat it! He’s a scruffy Autobot with little regard for human life, and his chaotic disposition makes for an interesting contrast to Autobots like Prowl, who is beyond methodical. Beyond the fact that his ultimate hatred for abusive power-holders makes him a dedicated Autobot, he is the leader of the Dinobots, who are a special sect of Autobots.
Not only does Grimlock take the form of the terrifying T. rex, because of the placement of his cannon, his dinosaur form can breathe fire out of its mouth.
He is huge, and incredibly strong, making him one of the few Autobots who can go toe to toe against Megatron, and maybe even come out victorious on a good day. But the coolest thing about him is obviously that he transforms into the most iconic dinosaur of all time, the T. rex. While his transformation and appearance are cool, Transformers: Age of Extinction, where he debuted in live-action, didn’t do him or the T. rex justice.
3
Prowl (Transformers: Animated)
A cyber ninja Autobot
The most popular Prowl from the Transformers franchise is one of Optimus Prime’s lieutenants, but the more traditionally cool Prowl is from the animated show. He has one of the best character designs in the entire franchise. With a golden and black color combination, his tall and lean build gives him a sleek appearance that is in contrast with the usual buffed and bulky builds of the most popular transformers.
He has adopted the way of the ninja, and often prefers to operate alone, using his stealth and agility to gain an advantage against opponents.
A cyber ninja, he is a skilled martial artist who can handle himself against multiple enemies at once. He has adopted the way of the ninja, and often prefers to operate alone, using his stealth and agility to gain an advantage against opponents. From his swift movement in various ninja stances and the expert throwing of projectiles at a blinding pace, to the unbelievably cool superbike he can transform into, and the fact that he’s the only Autobot with a jetpack – Prowl is the definition of cool.
2
Jazz
The hipster Autobot
Optimus Prime’s right-hand man, Jazz, might just be the coolest Autobot there is. A cool-headed Autobot with a penchant for improvisation, he’s always got a few tricks up his sleeve to take care of his Decepticon foes. While he works closely with Optimus Prime, his lifestyle is very different from Prime’s. He has a laid-back atтιтude towards life, and he loves having fun when he’s not on the battlefield, and sometimes even on it. He died too early in Michael Bay’s universe, and he’s one of the Autobots who should return to Optimus Prime’s team in Transformers 8.
Jazz’s name is an actual reference to his approach towards humanity. Jazz loves delving into the depths of human culture, and is a huge fan of music. He is appropriately fitted with a large speaker that lets him blast topical music at any point to create an ambiance. He’s hip and hilarious. He even speaks in human lingo, often using street slang, and he stays up-to-date on pop culture as well. If you’re looking to party with an Autobot, you need look no further than Jazz.
1
Bumblebee
The most loyal Autobot ever
From being your wingman to protecting your life at all costs, there are no limits to which Bumblebee won’t go for you if you give him reason to be loyal to you. His physical weakness often makes him self-conscious around the bigger warriors in the Autobot army, but he’s perhaps the most inspirational Autobot after Optimus Prime. He has proved his loyalty over and beyond, and his willingness to put himself in danger to protect others makes him the best friend one could ask for in an Autobot.
Bumblebee isn’t fearless – he often feels intimidated by the odds in a situation – but that only makes him cautious instead of cowardly. He puts his intelligence to use to figure out his way through seemingly impossible situations, and, despite being weak, he’s surprisingly capable at holding his ground until support arrives. His sweet demeanor also makes him the most friendly Autobot, and he is quick to befriend humans. From the iconic Chevrolet Camaro to the Volkswagen Beetle in Bumblebee, he always looks adorable and stylish. You’ll always sleep better and have better drives if your car is Bumblebee.
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