Summary
- Transformers franchise spans decades with diverse media presence creating a strong global fanbase.
- Autobots, including legendary members like Optimus Prime and Grimlock, have diverse personalities and iconic status.
- Characters like Ironhide, Arcee, and Jazz bring unique qualities to the Autobots, contributing to the franchise's enduring legacy.
The Transformers franchise has spanned nearly three decades. There have been numerous iterations in multiple mediums such as comics, animation, and live-action movies. With all of the available media, Transformers has one of the largest fan bases in pop culture.
Transformers: Best Optimus Prime Voice Actors, Ranked
Optimus Prime has a very iconic voice, but many different and talented voice actors have been able to do the role justice over the decades.
The franchise's "good guy" faction, called the Autobots, consists of multiple characters of various designs and personalities. Fans have their favorites of new and old generations over the years, but the list is more diverse than one might think. While many transformers, especially Autobots, see popularity, not all stand the test of time and remain on center stage. But from G1 to the current prime universe and everything in between (including the "hate it or love it" live-action universe), many Autobots have become legendary in the Transformers mythos.
Updated on January 3, 2025 by C.M. Edwards: The Transformers franchise continues to be a pillar of the world of entertainment. With a history that spans over forty years, Transformers have garnered a dedicated following thanks to their avenues in multiple media such as live-action films, video games, and even comic books. The decades-long war between Decepticons and Autobots has captivated thousands around the world and provided some of the best good-guy vs bad-guy stories currently. Having recently released their film Transformers One, the origin of some of the greatest Autobots in history, including Optimus Prime, was explored. There are endless soldiers when it comes to the mighty and righteous Autobots, but only a select few rise to the top. Here are more of the best Autobots in Transformers.
20 Grimlock
A Beast Among Mechs
- First Appearance: Transformers Generation 1
Grimlock's history with the Autobots is one of the most convoluted, which easily lands him a place on the list. He’s been a genius, a Neanderthal, an arrogant hothead, and a seasoned leader.
One of four Dinobots remaining in continuity from G1 forward, Grimlock is a fan favorite and a prominent member of the Autobots. He is powerful, albeit something of a loose cannon that no one ever wants to see coming their way. He has even bumped heads with even Optimus Prime himself.
19 Inferno
Never Runs From A Battle, Win Or Lose
- First Appearance: Transformers Generation 1
Inferno is often talked about as a fearless fighter who doesn't hesitate to aid his fellow Autobots and rush full speed into anger. Whether it be an actual blaze or a battle with Decepticons, Inferno wastes no time when danger lurks around the corner.
Most Powerful Transformers Villains, Ranked
There have been many villains in the Transformers series but some are far more powerful than the rest.
Appearing first in the G1 Transformers cartoon, Inferno was a fan favorite for his bright red fire truck design, where his hose switched to a mounted laser cannon that replaced his hand. Inferno is one of the most trusted and most dedicated Autobots in the franchise.
18 Grindcore
A Doer, Not A Thinker
- First Appearance: IDW Comic Series As An Autobot
Grindcore has appeared in multiple different mediums in the Transformers universe with multiple different stories but never in the Transformer films. While in the main Transformers continuity, such as the G1 cartoon, Grindcore is an unaligned transformer who usually ends up siding with the Decepticons.
Best Transformers Series, Ranked
The Transformers series has had plenty of TV series over the years. How do they stack up against each other?
However, in the IDW movie comics, Grindcore is a stand-up Autobot who loves to get his hands dirty. Taking the appearance of a tank with a barrel on each forearm, Grindcore is quick to rush in and cause a little chaos before thinking it through.
17 Longarm Prime
Loyal To A Fault And Invaluable To The Team
- First Appearance: 2007 Transformers Live Action Movie
Long arm is one of the most respected and highly decorated Autobots in history, having appeared multiple times throughout the franchise, most notably in Transformers Prime. Longarm rose through the ranks and now answers to the Ultra Magnus on Cybertron, leading their intelligence division.
All who have fought alongside Longarm are always welcome to his aid and his sunny disposition. Longarm takes the appearance of a silver and blue Autobot with a hulking size.
16 Ironhide
A Tough As Nails Classic Character
- First Appearance: Transformers Generation 1
Ironhide is one of the toughest and oldest Autobots that serves under Optimus Prime. He would describe himself as last year’s model but built to last. His humble nature may take a turn in live-action films, but he's an iconic Autobot.
Transformers One: Things The Movie Adds To The Lore
The origin movie of Optimus Prime and Megatron added some interesting aspects to the overall storyline and lore of the Transformers.
He’s grumpy and sarcastic, but will never leave a comrade behind; he’s also a force to be reckoned with on the battlefield. Ironhide is usually the heavy gunner of the squad and serves as a weapons specialist. His first appearance was in G1 Transformers, but he even appeared in the live-action movie alongside his fellow Autobots.
15 Jetfire
A Hot-Headed Ally
- First Appearance: Transformers Generation 1
Jetfire is an Autobot with a unique backstory, and one of the few modeled after an interstellar vehicle. He is an intelligent and advanced Autobot, but he is also the least trusted, which is why he doesn't rank as high as other Autobots.
Jetfire defected from the Decepticon faction because of its chaotic and destructive intent. He then joined Optimus Prime and has become one of his strongest warriors. He and Optimus Prime have even merged to create a new and near-unstoppable form of Optimus Prime, Jetpower.
14 Wheeljack
Never Afraid To Get Down And Dirty
- First Appearance: Transformers Generation 1
Wheeljack is a curious case. He has had various personality traits throughout the franchise and his appearances in multiple mediums. In G1, he was a tinkerer, building magnificent creations one second and catastrophic failures the next. In Transformers Prime, he is a seasoned warrior and former member of an Autobot battle unit called “wreckers.”
His design has also changed across types of media, being the most different in live-action films. But in every appearance, Wheeljack is a loyal and dedicated Autobot, making him one of the best.
13 Omega Supreme
A Mechanical Force Of Nature
- First Appearance: Transformers Generation 1
Omegas Supreme is a legendary Autobot; he is the largest Autobot and their last line of defense to protect Cybertron. He doesn’t talk much, but it's not hard to notice when he’s on the move. Omega Supreme is a force to be reckoned with, being matched by only the likes of Devastator, a Decepticon war machine.
However, not many can tend with Omega Supreme, as he is one of Cybertron's Guardian robots — colossal machines designed to protect the planet from interstellar disasters, and even the most powerful Decepticon villains. His power and presence place easily rank him among the best Autobots.
12 Arcee
The Originator Of Skill And Style
- First Appearance: Transformers Generation 1
Arcee is one of the few female Autobots and the best-known among them. She is a fierce warrior and fights against anything that stands in her way. An expert in hand-to-hand combat and a brilliant tactician, Arcee has been a long-time member of the Autobots, first appearing in G1.
Transformers: Optimus Prime's Best Friends and Closest Allies
The leader of the Autobots never has to work alone; he always has friends and allies at his side.
Her design has changed over the years, and her most recent appearance was in Transformers Prime, where she was a prominent member of the cast. Her accomplishments on the battlefield and the Autobots’ respect for her make her an important team member.
11 Bumblebee
The Most Loyal Autobot In History
- First Appearance: 2007 Transformers Live Action Movie
The best-known Autobot aside from Optimus Prime, Bumblebee is the prime example of what Autobots strive to be. His loyalty is unflinching, his skill in battle is unmatched, and his honor is solid through and through.
Meeting the bulk of his fame by appearing in the live-action movie as the voiceless Autobot, this spawned Bumblebee his solo film, and a more prominent role in future Transformer animations and comics. His major role in the franchise and his true Autobot nature have earned Bumblebee his spot as one of the best Autobots.