Summary
Warning! This article contains spoilers for the Transformers movies.
TheTransformersmovies are full of Autobot heroes, from the recognizable silhouettes of the franchise’s flagship characters to the obscure background extras with little screentime. The crux ofthe Transformers movies' conflict centers around the war between Autobots and Decepticons, the two biggest remaining factions from the planet Cybertron after the planet’s collapse. Compared to their rivals, the Autobots are more compassionate, caring of humans, and more likely to take utilitarian land-based forms like cars and trucks.
Some of the most prominent Autobots re-appear several times throughout the series, getting both physical makeovers and major personality changes in the transition fromthe old Transformers timelineto the new one established withBumblebee.In addition to these main characters, there are also a horde of lesser-known Autobots who only make brief appearances, mainly existing to pad out Hasboro’s toy aisle. It’s also worth mentioning that not every heroic Transformer is an Autobot, with other factions like the Maximals and Dinobots existing in the cinematic universe.
28Optimus Prime
The face of the Transformers franchise
Far and away the most recognizable Transformer, the Autobots' steadfast leader is none other than Optimus Prime. Appearing in some capacity in every single Transformers film, Optimus is a staple in the movies, leading the charge with his bravery, impressive combat skills, and signature semi-truck alternate mode. The Autobot leader has seen quite a few variations in appearance over the years, getting some drastic re-designs between movies even set within the same timeline.
Optimus Prime is usually voiced by the legendary Peter Cullen, whose caring yet steadfast delivery exemplifies the Cybertronian’s ideals. However, Chris Hemsworth takes over forTransformers OneasOrion Pax, Optimus' previous title, exploring the Autobot leader’s origins before becoming a Prime. Even if he has some violent tendencies in the live-action movies compared to his animated counterparts, Optimus Prime is easily recognizable as the most famous Autobot.
27Jazz
The first Autobot to die on-screen
The Autobot’s wise-cracking lieutenant in the firstTransformers, Jazz has the unfortunate honor of being the first Autobot to perish in a live-action Transformers movie. A fast-talker with a penchant for Earth slang, Jazz might have been a motormouth, but was undeniably brave, taking his battles pridefully and without fear. Jazz was known for his alternate mode as a silver Pontiac Soltice and his unique weapon, a rotary cannon integrated into a shield that allowed him to shoot and defend himself at the same time.
Jazz meets his demise at the hands of Megatron in the final Battle for Mission City at the end ofTransformers.Defiant to the very end, Jazz screams at Megatron, asking if he wants a piece of him, only for the Decepticon leader to declare “No! I want two!” before ripping him in half. Beyond that, Jazz is also famous for appearing in a30 Rockbit, endorsing Mitt Romney for president alongside Don Cheadle.
26Ironhide
The Autobots' heavy weapons specialist
Even if he was never the most important Autobot, Ironhide’s presence quickly made him a fan-favorite among the original core squadron introduced inTransformers.The Autobots' heavy weapons specialist, Ironhide is known for his gung-ho personality, quick to shoot first and ask questions later. Hoisting two massive cannons capable of firing a wide variety of ammunition types, Ironhide is easily-spotted by his alternate mode as a heavy-duty GMC pickup truck.
As one of the best fighters of the original Autobots lineup, Ironhide got to enjoy some of thebest combat scenes of the Transformers movies, tanking some grisly-looking wounds from Decepticons without a care in the world. Unfortunately, his loyalty ultimately gets the better of him, as he is eventually betrayed by Sentinel Prime inTransformers: Dark of the Moon, being literally stabbed in the back. It speaks volumes to Ironhide’s capabilities that Sentinel is afraid to engage him head-on, relying on the element of surprise for an easy kill instead.
25Ratchet
Chief medical officer of the Autobots
Every good team of freedom fighters needs a combat medic, and the Autobots had none other than the steadfast Ratchet in the role. Another inclusion in the original lineup of Autobots inTransformers, Ratchet kept his fellow Cybertronians ticking through many harrowing battles, though he himself was no slouch in a fight, carving up Decepticons with his rotary saw. His alternate mode is a utilitarian Hummer H2 emergency search and rescue vehicle, keeping in the theme of a combat doctor.
Ratchet survives the longest out of the original core group of Autobots introduced in the first movie outside of Optimus Prime and Bumblebee. Sadly, inTransformers: Age of Extinction, Ratchet is hunted down and killed by the vicious bounty hunter Lockdown after the Autobots are forced to go into hiding. Ratchet also briefly re-appears in the new continuity, showing up in a white design calling back to his appearance in the G1 cartoon in the Cybertron sequence of Bumblebee.
24Bumblebee
Optimus Prime’s trusty second-in-command
The second-most recognizable Autobot outside of Optimus Prime himself, the steadfast scout of the group has had major appearances in every single Transformers movie. Known for his child-like personality and bonds with human characters, Bumblebee’s inability to speak ironically gives him tons of personality, forced to piece together radio clips in order to communicate.Bumblebee’s many weapons and powershe’s accrued over the years speak to his popularity and importance, but his most famous alternate modes are his bright-yellow Chevy Camaro or Volkswagen Beetle.
Bumblebee has the rare honor of being the only Autobot to receive a spin-off film with his eponymous movie, kickstarting the new Transformers continuity. The new timeline sees him once again lose his speech synthesizer, once again forcing him to speak via radio broadcasts. Though never the most powerful Autobot, Bumblebee is brave, fiercely loyal, and tough, able to keep fighting no matter how stacked against him the odds may seem.
23Sideswipe
A speedy showboating swordsman
A warrior through and through, Sideswipe was one of the most intriguing Autobots introduced inTransformers: Revenge of the Fallen.Described as an adrenaline chaser who detests war, but loves the thrill of battle, Sideswipe is known for his proficiency with his trademark blades and unique mode of transport, rolling along like roller derby skater with his wheeled feet. Somehow, Sideswipe was able to get his hands on a rare Corvette “Stingray” concept for his alternate mode, giving him one of the flashiest car forms in the Autobots' roster.
Sideswipe is active through the events of the original timeline throughTransformers: Dark of the Moon, in which he sustains heavy injuries but ultimately survives combat. Puzzlingly, Sideswipe is nowhere to be seen fromTransformers: Age of Extinctiononward, with no explanation given for his absence. Hopefully, the new Transformers series can bring the daring Autobot melee specialist back, possibly in a form more similar to his original appearance in the 80s cartoon.
22Jolt
An electricity-based Autobot recruit
Thebest scene ofTransformersjust might be the closing scene, in which Optimus Prime puts out a call for all remaining Autobots to converge on Earth following Megatron’s defeat as Sam and Mikaela embrace on Bumblebee’s hood to the tune of Linkin Park’sWhat I’ve Done. InTransformers: Revenge of the Fallen, it’s revealed that this message was heard loud and clear by a number of new Autobots, including Jolt.
A Cybertronian with electricity-based powers, Jolt appropriately takes the alternate mode of a Chevy Volt, the American manufacturer’s all-electric car. To supplement his shocking abilities, Jolt uses two flashy whip-like weapons that extend from his arms. Sadly, like Sideswipe, Jolt is one of the new Autobots introduced inTransformers: Revenge of the Fallento be immediately sidelined by the third installment, with his debut appearance being his only one to-date.
21Arcee, Chromia & Elita-One
The Autobots' female triple threat
Michael Bay made the curious choice to introduce three of the most famous female Autobots, Arcee, Chromia, and Elita-One, at the same time inTransformers: Revenge of the Fallen.Introduced as a trio of triplet siblings, the three battle sisters each have flashy motorcycle alternate modes, complete with holographic human riders to help them blend in. While the three aren’t ultimately given much to do in their only appearance in the original timeline, they do at least feture heavily in the exciting opening chase of the second film.
Arcee appears with an updated design inTransformers: Rise of the Beasts, in which she’s given a little bit more development as a capable field commander for the Autobots, wielding her dual blasters with impunity. Once again, she has a motorcycle alternate mode, making her among the more diminutive Autobots. Elita-One is also a major player inTransformers One, being there from the beginning alongside Orion Pax to form the Autobots in the first place.
20Mudflap & Skids
Two of the most unfortunate Transformers ever created
ByTransformers: Rise of the Beasts,Micheal Bay’s unfortunate sense of humor began to seep in further to the designs of the Autobots. This is most evident with the introduction of Skids and Mudflap, another pair of Cybertronian siblings that get an upsetting amount of screentime. First disguising themselves with a combined alternate mode as an ice cream van, Mudlfap and Skids later get upgraded into a pair of Chevy Spark hatchbacks.
While Jazz toed the line of being a harmful African American stereotype, Mudflap and Skids are full-blown racist caricatures, speaking with exaggerated slang while showing off their generally obnoxious and annoying personalities. The two are even implied to be illiterate, making them one of thehardest realities of re-watching the Transformers movies. Thankfully, Mudflap and Skids don’t make a major re-appearance afterTransformers: Revenge of the Fallen,only being on-screen for a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it cameo in vehicle form in the next installment.
19Jetfire
The ancient Decepticon turncoat
Unusually for a Decepticon, the old and crotchety Transformer Jetfire boasts an airborne alternate mode, transforming into the infamous sleek stealth plane, the SR-71 Blackbird. Originally serving the first Decepticon leader, The Fallen, Jetfire eventually saw the error of his ways, defecting to the Autobots by the time of the modern day despite the Decepticon insignia still etched into his chassis. Though his personality is birstly, Jetfire ends up being an invaluable ally for the Autobots inTransformers: Revenge of the Fallen.
Because of his advanced age, Jetfire’s combat abilities aren’t what they used to be, and he decides to contribute his own life to the cause rather than fight himself. His sacrifice wasn’t in vain, however, as he’s able to donate his parts to Optimus Prime to give the Autobot leader a dramatic, if temporary, boost in power, granting him flight and some powerful weaponry. Even if Jetfire didn’t begin life as an Autobot, he went out as one of the most invaluable additions to their forces in the live-action films.
