The Transformers franchise is full of several iconic Robots in Disguise, with most iterations featured in the Autobots’ continuing battle to destroy the evil forces of the Decepticons. Usually leading the heroic faction of Transformers is Optimus Prime, with characters such as Bumblebee also frequently seen. Other Autobots aren’t quite as well-known, but they’re still incredibly cool characters and integral parts of the franchise.
From Dinobot Grimlock to Optimus Prime’s underrated replacement, several Autobots have added depth to their side’s ranks with their layered characterizations. This goes beyond Generation 1, with the best takes on “classic” characters sometimes found in completely different versions of the Transformers franchise. Some may be better examples of heroes than even Optimus himself.
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Updated on January 30, 2025, by Christopher Raley: The Autobots are Earth’s plucky, steadfast, and loyal defenders in the Transformers franchise. Whatever iteration they are portrayed in, the Autobots go beyond rank-and-file soldiering to become great heroes. Even more of the best Autobots have been added to this list which has also been updated to conform to CBR’s current publishing standards.
15
Metroplex Is A Humble And Powerful Autobot
He Forms a Subsection Of Autobot City
Metroplex is the largest of the Autobots, towering over the others at 700 feet. He first appears in the G1 cartoon, The Transformers: The Movie, where he forms a subsection of Autobot City on Earth. When the Decepticons attack, they damage Metroplex’s transforming cog, which means that fans watching the show in order have to wait for “The Five Faces of Darkness, Part 5” to see Metroplex transform into robot mode and kick the pants off Trypticon.
Metroplex is one of the most humble and helpful Autobots in the whole cast of characters. He is certainly the most powerful, able to make himself into a city. But he can also fight hard when called to it and is the one who can face down the Decepticon’s biggest robot, Trypticon. While his size makes him slow, his loyalty is unmatched, so he starts the rankings at number 15.
14
Superion Is the First Autobot Combiner
But His Combiner Mode Compromises His Mental Abilities
Superion is the first Autobot Combiner, comprising five Aerialbots: Silverbolt, Slingshot, Air Raid, Fireflight, and Skydive. The Autobots of the G1 continuity first see the combiner fight in “The Key to Vector Sigma, Part 2,” where he helps reverse the battle against Menasor. But even he is eventually overwhelmed by Menasor’s reckless attack.
The problem with Superion is not his allegiance to the cause or his power but his inability to fully meld the five personalities that make him. As a result, he sometimes borders on insanity and experiences compromised cognitive function. To counter this, he shuts down everything except what he needs to fight a battle. Despite this handicap, he proves a valuable warrior.
13
Ultra Magnus Is a Powerful Autobot Soldier
He Also Has Leadership Qualities
Ultra Magnus is a powerful Autobot featured in many Transformers platforms, including the G1 cartoon, comics, and other continuities. He is renowned for his battle prowess and skills as a soldier. He is tough and loyal and will put his life on the line to save others fighting with him.
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In The Transformers: The Movie, Ultra Magnus is given command of Autobot City. And while many of his comrades fall, he is resolute in his command at a moment when even the weakest Autobots have an important role to play. Though he steps aside from leadership roles, this Autobot has a bone to pick with Megatron/Galvatron. Together with Optimus Prime, Galvatron is Ultra Magnus’ arch-enemy.
12
Omega Supreme Is a Super Powerful Guardian
He Is the Last Line Of Defense In Battle
In the G1 continuity, Omega Supreme is one of the ancient Guardians, who, millions of years ago, was tasked with defending the Crystal City, one of the most beautiful cities on Cybertron. But he was duped by the Constructicons (who had their programming changed by the Decepticons), who told him they would watch the city while he defended the capital.
They ended up destroying the city, and although Omega Supreme tried to reprogram them, he failed and was betrayed by them a second time. The battle-hardy Omega Supreme doesn’t think much of the Constructicons. Throughout all the cartoons and comics in which he has appeared, Omega is a quiet but wary fighter, one the Autobots are lucky to have on their side.
11
Jetfire Was Once a Decepticon
His Compassion Made Him Switch Sides
Jetfire (Skyfire in the G1 continuity) was once a Deception but eventually switched sides to join the Autobots. This basic scenario plays out differently in the various continuities. In the G1 cartoon, he can’t abide by the Decepticon’s methods on Earth, so he betrays them. In the G-2 continuity, he betrays them while still on Cybertron, and in the Marvel Comics continuity, his change comes about through Buster Witwicky wielding the Creation Matrix.
However the story is told, Jetfire is a bot of science. He is dedicated to cutting-edge technology, which he studies with single-minded devotion. And yet, he is not cold-hearted but compassionate, a virtue that always plays a role in his decision to join the Autobots. If science is the pursuit of truth, Jetfire believes that liberty is the result.
10
Jazz Is a Hip, Fun-Loving Autobot
He Loves Earth’s Music
One of the stars of Generation 1, Jazz is a fun-loving, hip Autobot like Blaster, who was voiced by the smooth Scatman Crothers. His musical name isn’t just a catchy moniker. He’s usually equipped with sonic stereo blasters in either robot mode or sports car mode (with the latter originally portrayed as a Porsche 935).
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He is one of the few original Autobots of the G1 cartoon to survive the events of The Transformers: The Movie. Jazz also got several new toys in the “Classic Pretenders” subline, the Transformers: Generation 2 line, and later entries. Essentially, all new versions of Jazz have been based on G1, from his design and color scheme to his bubbly personality, earning him the 10th entry.
9
Grimlock Is a Fierce Dinobot
He’s Stubborn But Respects Optimus Prime
The Dinobot faction was one of the most iconic parts of the original Transformers cartoon. Leading these prehistorical-style Autobots was Grimlock, whose persona was as violent and dense as his tyrannosaurus rex alternate mode. Originally voiced by Gregg Berger, Grimlock was most famous for having a simplistic speech pattern modeled on a stereotypical caveman or even Marvel’s Hulk.
His design and personality definitely contrast with the more peaceful Optimus Prime. Even though Marvel Comics had him attempting to replace the venerable Autobot leader, Prime is one of the few Autobots that Grimlock respects. Since G1, he’s remained a highlight of the franchise and its many permutations.
8
Arcee Gives the Franchise Girl Power
She Debuted in The Transformers: The Movie
Though Arcee wasn’t the first female Transformer, she’s easily the most iconic. A sharpshooter who debuted in the G1 movie, Arcee has been adding girl power to the franchise since 1986. Her design perfectly embodied the distinctive Floro Dery designs from the film that moved away from the block aesthetics of the toys. Said form also embraced the movie’s Star Wars inspiration, with Arcee’s head resembling Princess Leia’s bun hairstyle.
Except for Transformers: Prime and her ignominious presence in the Michael Bay Transformers movies, Arcee’s design has remained somewhat close to the G1 take. While she’s sometimes reduced to a “den mother” character for the Autobots’ human allies, this portrayal – combined with her battlefield expertise – gives her a lot of duality and depth.
7
Kup Is the Old Man Autobot
He Becomes a Mentor Of Hot Rod
At first, it’s easy to dismiss Kup as a stock grumpy old man Autobot. Nevertheless, he played an integral part in helping Hot Rod grow to become the new leader of the Autobots. He was also more fit for the “old man” role than Ironhide or Ratchet, with the latter only portrayed as such in more recent media.
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Season 3 of The Transformers expanded upon Kup’s backstory, showing that the old codger had seen a lot of trauma and tragedy. This made his war stories more visceral and relatable, allowing his words to drip with wisdom, not just ornery rhetoric. Sadly, he’s mostly only shown up in G1, though that’s partially due to Hasbro losing the rights to his name. This led to workarounds such as his toys being released as “Sergeant Kup,” perfectly befitting his curmudgeonly drill sergeant characterization.
6
Fortress Maximus Is In the Japanese Continuity
Transformers: The Headmasters Anime Featured Fortress Maximus Heavily
Fortress Maximus was one of the last major releases in the American G1 Transformers line, but his Japanese counterpart was much different. The leader of the Autobot Headmasters, Fortress Maximus’ head was a smaller robot combined with a gigantic “Transtector” battleship. Using the power of the mystical Master Sword, he was able to transform into his massive robot mode and fight his Decepticon Headmaster rival, Scorponok.
The Master Sword and this particular characterization were exclusive to the anime series Transformers: The Headmasters, which marked a departure from the U.S. continuity in Japan. Such elements gave the franchise an anime makeover, complete with a bizarre pose that Fortress Maximus struck after transforming. Nevertheless, it’s easily his best portrayal due to how much focus he gets in the series.
5
Bumblebee Is the Plucky Autobot Volkswagen
He Embodies the Autobot Aesthetic
Now one of the most mainstream Autobots, Bumblebee was once mainly known for his G1 counterpart. There, the diminutive Transformer (who had the ability to speak) was known for his friendship with Spike Witwicky and his Volkswagen Beetle alternate mode. The latter made him one of the most notable Transformers in the original toy line.
Bumblebee embodies the Autobot ethic because of how small and weak he is. Despite these weaknesses, he always courageously fights against the Decepticons. Although his power level has been upgraded in recent continuities, he remains a firm friend of the Autobots’ human allies. This tenacity and personality prove that the least likely can be the most dangerous, which is why he’s fifth on the list.
4
Prowl Was a Highlight Of Transformers: Animated
He Is a Cyber-Ninja Outfitted For Combat
Prowl’s been around since the days of Generation 1, but the most remarkable thing about him back then was his Nissan 280ZX alt mode. The best version of the character is seen in Transformers: Animated. Here, Prowl is a cyber-ninja who studies under Yoketron and is the only one on Optimus Prime’s team suited for combat.
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Animated Prowl trades his police car form for a police motorcycle, although his robot-mode head still resembles the Autobot symbol. Prowl’s heroic sacrifice in the series finale was a bittersweet highlight of the show, proving how much he had developed in wanting to preserve life and defeat the Decepticons. Recently, this take on the character received a new toy in the Transformers: Legacy toy line.
3
Punch/Counterpunch Is an Autobot Spy
His Unique Ability Is Rarely a Narrative Focus
An incredibly underrated yet interesting Autobot is Punch, who can transform into both a car and a “Decepticon” robot mode: Counterpunch. This ability makes him one of the Autobots’ best spies and one of the most unique Transformers ever. Unfortunately, his constantly switching personas can sometimes leave him dazed and confused, with Counterpunch occasionally taking over completely.
Sadly, this narrative potential has rarely been taken advantage of. Punch has mainly appeared in G1 and continuities based on it, with G1 Transformers comic books being some of the only places he receives focus. Still, he has one of the best gimmicks in the entire franchise, and the dedication to his sometimes detrimental function proves his usefulness and valor.
2
Optimus Prime Is the Iconic Autobot
As The Bot’s Leader, He Is Tough And Fierce
The iconic leader of the Autobots, Optimus Prime valiantly defends freedom as a right of all sentient beings. Standing against the Decepticons and their leader, Megatron, Prime is more than just a blaster and energy ax. He also mourns the destruction of the Transformers’ home of Cybertron and wishes to keep their war from harming the human race.
Prime’s original toy-based design has remained mostly the same for nearly four decades, as has his dedication to peace. Many fans see the original Optimus Prime as an almost fatherly figure. Completing this characterization is the deep voice of Peter Cullen, who based his portrayal on advice from his brother.
1
Hot Rod/Rodimus Prime Is Now a Fan Favorite
But He Didn’t Start That Way
Although some fans disliked him, there’s no denying that Hot Rod and his later form, Rodimus Prime, were the most developed characters in the original cartoon. The young, impetuous Hot Rod was fated to replace Optimus Prime as the Autobots’ leader, although it wasn’t a role he relished. Instead, he constantly doubted himself and feared he’d never fill the shoes of his predecessor.
This gave him two distinct personas: one as a turbo-revving young punk and the other as a heroic yet unsure Autobot leader. The return of Optimus circumvented this finality and growth, although fans cooled off on Rodimus years later. Now, he and his initial forms are considered fan favorites, especially with their sleek and colorful looks, making him the number one Autobot.
Transformers
Transformers is a media franchise produced by American toy company Hasbro and Japanese toy company Takara Tomy. It primarily follows the heroic Autobots and the villainous Decepticons, two alien robot factions at war that can transform into other forms, such as vehicles and animals.
