Highlights

• Jolt supercharges Optimus Prime's fusion with Jetfire, showcasing his expertise in Cybertronian physiology and electric control.
• Elita-One, a former Autobot leader, wields bladed weapons and a gun to fight, showcasing her combat experience and leadership skills.
• Sideswipe, the combat specialist, adapts to any situation in battle, leading his own missions and holding his own in combat scenarios.

In The Transformers movies, the Autobots are known as defenders of the Earth to some people but to others, they pose a threat to human civilization. The latter set of people however is proven wrong time and time again whenever the Autobots face down foes that really want to destroy the planet and vanquish those enemies in an all-out battle. Thanks to their vehicular modes as Transformers, Autobots continue to prevail against their enemies.

During all their fights, certain Autobots in the Transformers movies stand out with the impact their presence has in a fight. The following strongest Autobots possess incredible skills and battle prowess that can quickly turn the tide of battle in favor of the heroes upon their arrival.

Updated by Rhenn Taguiam on April 7, 2024: With Transformers One having a September 2024 release window, fans of the Transformers franchise still have time to rewatch their favorite Transformers films before checking out this prequel to the beloved series. It’s rumored that Transformers One will focus on the relationship of Optimus Prime and Megatron before the fated Cybertronian civil war, which could make it quite interesting for fans to their relationship deteriorate, leading them to become rivals. However, for fans of Optimus Prime and his Autobots, they may get excited about seeing just how Optimus’ first companions would fare against the ones he brought to Earth. Among the more powerful Autobots to ally themselves with Prime include a female combat specialist who was Prime’s girlfriend in the original anime, an electricity master, and an aged veteran who combines his body with Prime to fight the Fallen. All of these Autobots, and others, have been added to this list in its latest update.

24 Jolt

The Electricity Specialist Of The Autobots

In Revenge of the Fallen, Jolt led the Autobot team responding to a sudden Decepticon activity spike. When the subsequent events led to the death of Optimus Prime, Jolt was among the loyal Autobots who remained vigilant in their mission to defend Earth from the new threat of the Fallen.

When Sam Witwicky manages to use the Matrix of Leadership to resurrect Optimus Prime, Jolt uses his control over electrical fields to supercharge the process of Optimus Prime’s fusion with the aging Jetfire. Not only did this process pave the way for a flight-enabled form, it helped the Autobot leader secure victory. Cybertronian fusion isn’t a common concept among the species, which means Jolt also possesses significant knowledge and know-how of Cybertronian physiology and electric control to facilitate such a fusion.

Combat Performance

Many of Jolt’s appearances in the films are minor, as he’s often seen shooting at random Decepticons with no relevant combat screen time. However, perhaps more interesting for the character is the demonstration of his control over electrical currents - both from his dual electrically charged whips and his ability to release surges. Jolt is powerful enough to give Optimus and Jetfire the necessary juice to perform one of the rare instances of Cybertronian fusion, which is a testament to the Autobot’s overall power output.

23 Elita-One

A Sharpshooter With A Disabling Field

In the Generation One cartoons, Elita-One was once an ordinary Cybertronian named Ariel who had a boyfriend named Orion Pax, who eventually became Optimus Prime. During the conflict against the Decepticons, Ariel adopts the persona Elita-One and becomes a skilled Autobot leader—a trait she carries in the films. In the original timeline, Elita-One accompanies Arcee and Chromia as a trio of female Autobots serving under Optimus Prime.

During Revenge of the Fallen, Elita-One is among the Autobot casualties in the fight between NEST and the Fallen. However, it’s implied that Elita-One is still alive in the upcoming Transformers One film, although it’s yet to be seen if this is a retcon, or if there’s a story reason behind her survival. She retains her alternate sports bike form, giving Elita-One a bit of finesse in terms of overall appearance compared to the other bulkier Autobots.

Combat Performance

Despite her short stay in the Transformers films, Elita-One is a formidable combatant in the scenes where she is present. Being considered one of Optimus Prime’s officers means she has significant combat experience and is worthy of leading others. In her robot form, Elita-One boasts a bladed hand and a wheel hand she can use to fight up close. However, she can also use a gun to hit foes from more than four miles away. She has a natural “attraction field” that can cause other machines to overheat - a useful ability she hasn’t used often in her appearances.

22 Sideswipe

Adaptable Combat Specialist

Considered the team’s combat specialist, Sideswipe is said to be capable of adjusting to any combat situation with whatever tools he possesses. Although pragmatic and merciless to a fault, Sideswipe remains dedicated to the Autobots’ cause of defeating the Decepticons and maintaining peace on Earth. Such was his skill and potential that Optimus Prime assigned him as his second-in-command after the death of Ironhide.

Sideswipe often provides backup to the Autobots, or conducts missions on his own to spy on Decepticons. He was once caught spying on Decepticons, but was rescued by his fellow Autobots. In Dark of the Moon, Sentinel Prime is seen firing a cannon at Sideswipe, shooting him down, but it’s unknown whether he survived.

Combat Performance

Sideswipe demonstrates his combat prowess as soon as he first appears in Revenge of the Fallen. The Autobot is seen self-propelling through his sword and firing his back-mounted guns to attack his foes. He’s present in many of the Autobots’ larger fights, where he’s often shot at but manages to push back with returning fire. Not much is seen from Sideswipe after that, although as Optimus’ second in command, it’s implied that he’s capable of holding his own in combat and skilled enough to lead a platoon of his own.

21 Jetfire

An Aged Warrior Who Combines With Optimus Prime

Originally a servant of the Fallen, Jetfire begins Revenge of the Fallen as a Decepticon. Being an older Cybertronian, Jetfire is known for being sarcastic and rather vain about his appearance. His alternate form of a Lockheed Martin SR-71 Blackbird is a callback to his Transformers animated series appearance, and the surprise reveal that he was a Decepticon all along made it difficult for the Autobots to fight the Fallen.

Near the film's climax, Jetfire is seen with the Autobots in Egypt, where both sides fight for the Star Harvester and the Matrix of Leadership. Upon realizing the disastrous implications of what the Fallen would bring to Earth, Jetfire defects to the Autobots. With his dying breath, he encourages Optimus Prime to take his parts to receive enhanced abilities. Jolt assists in this process, giving Optimus Prime a flight-enabled form powerful enough to defeat the Fallen.

Combat Performance

Despite his frail nature, Jetfire is by no means a weak combatant. While wielding a cane, Jetfire easily decapitates the large Mixmaster and crushes the head of Scorponok despite receiving a lethal wound. Thanks to his encouragement, Optimus manages to get a significant flight-enabled upgrade to defeat the Decepticons. Jetfire’s knowledge of the potential to strengthen Optimus Prime with his parts means he has a remarkable knowledge of Cybertronian anatomy and unique features of their biology, such as fusion.

20 Cheetor

Speedster Scout Of The Maximals

Despite having a limited presence in the Transformers film, Cheetor demonstrates the same cheery yet light-hearted vibe he’s been known to have in the original Beast Wars series. Much of his appearances throughout Rise of the Beasts have him accompany Optimus Primal, denoting his loyalty to the Maximals and their mission in guarding the Transwarp Key.

However, Cheetor's limited presence in the film doesn’t make him less of a likable character. Alternate to his slender cheetah Beast Mode is an athletic Transformer Mode, bearing similarities to his Beast Wars counterpart but with the bulkier feel of the new films’ aesthetic.

Combat Performance

Cheetor's little screen time in the film is compensated with his combat prowess. Aside from being the fastest among the Maximals, Cheetor can contend with the speed of other Transformers who typically rely on wheeled alternate modes. Despite his size, he can sneak up on Mirage from behind trees. He’s also no slouch in combat, demonstrating skill in using the spear even against multiple foes and hitting a flying target as he’s being tackled.

19 Rhinox

Tanky Protector Of The Maximals

A Maximal of few words, Rhinox bests Cheetor as the Maximal with the fewest lines in the Transformers film. That aside, Rhinox boasts quite a hulking body - both as a Transformer and in his Beast Mode - and is the muscle among the Maximals.

Rhinox’s loyalty to Optimus Primal and the Maximals is no question, as he’s always seen following Optimus Primal in even the direst of situations. He’s highly protective of his fellow Maximals and the Transwarp Key, always willing to fight to communicate his point.

Combat Performance

Considered the stereotypical muscle of the Maximals, Rhinox has chosen a rhino for Beast Mode. This juggernaut of a form allows him to plow through enemies with ease and can become a powerful force of nature when tackling opponents with the right momentum. As a Transformer, Rhinox pummels foes with his hammer and quickly spins it to multiple enemies simultaneously. Such is his control over his body that he’s able to balance carrying Arcee as she shoots opponents while he also bulldozes through Terrorcons at the same time.

18 Airazor

The Fastest Flier Among The Maximals

Among the friendliest and most compassionate of the Maximals is Airazor, the one most committed to embodying its mission to protect life throughout the universe. She could bridge alliances between the Maximals, Autobots, and their new human friends. Sadly, the corruption she experienced at the hands of Scourge also led to her ultimate demise.

Throughout her presence in the film, Airazor demonstrated the capabilities of an excellent negotiator and communicator. She can establish trust with the wary Autobots by offering condolences for the loss of Bumblebee, and can even establish rapport with Elena Wallace and Noah Diaz.

Combat Performance

Although she dies around the middle part of the film, Airazor has demonstrated some of the most complex arsenal of weapons as a Transformer. Her chosen Beast Mode is the peregrine falcon, with the beast’s prominence as the fastest animal on the planet is evident in her combat speed. On top of sharp beaks and talons are feathers she can sharpen at will, transforming her wings into bladed weapons or even throwing them as projectiles. Lastly, she can unleash a flamethrower that on more than one occasion has staved Terrorcon attacks. She is strong enough to pose a threat to multiple Terrorcons and even Optimus Primal during her final fight.

17 Apelinq

Former Leader Of The Maximals

Although not much of Apelinq is shown in Rise of the Beasts, having survived with his team up to the last moment of Unicron’s full-blown assault in their Jungle World is a testament to his capacity as a leader and strength as a fighter. After all, Apelinq understanding of the importance of guarding the Transwarp Key against the likes of Unicron hints at a capacity to have organized (and succeeded) in obtaining knowledge against this ancient enemy.

Beyond his knowledge of Unicron, the implication that Apelinq and the Maximals have used the Transwarp Key to help usher life to other planets implies a vast understanding of space travel and biology.

Combat Performance

Like his original counterpart in the main Transformers continuity, Apelinq is similar to Optimus Primal in appearance. Also based on the gorilla, Apelinq is a juggernaut with a massive body and uses arm blades in combat. When Unicron sent the Terrorcons in their siege of their Jungle World, Apelinq could contend with the likes of Terrorcon leader Scourge, demonstrating some degree of combat expertise. While Scorge does kill Apelinq, the latter’s strength being only bested by another leader-type Transformer shows a lot about his combat prowess.

16 Optimus Primal

The Vigilant Leader Of The Maximals

Ever the vigilant leader of the Maximals in the Transformers film, Optimus Primal found himself the leader of his group when Unicron destroyed their Jungle World and forced them to go into hiding on Earth. He’s tasked the Maximals with protecting the Transwarp Key with their lives, cautiously awaiting the time Unicron sets his sights on Earth.

Optimus Primal protects the Maximals as a leader while remaining steadfast in their mission to save the Transwarp Key. He doesn’t hesitate to fight to accomplish their task, as he’s willing to fight Optimus Prime during their encounter.

Combat Performance

Optimus Primal has chosen the gorilla as his Beast Mode, similar to his predecessor. He possesses innate strength, durability, and even combat prowess. Optimus Primal shares a knack for dual blades like his original Beast Wars counterpart. Being the equivalent of a Prime, Optimus Primal is implied to possess the same combat characteristics as Optimus of the Autobots, sans the preference for guns.

15 Strafe

Two-Headed Pterodactyl Can Fight At Any Range

Strafe, also known as Swoop, is one of the newer characters to appear in the Transformers movie franchise. Appearing in Age of Extinction, Strafe becomes one of the Dinobots to serve under the leadership of Optimus Prime. Unlike other Dinobots, Strafe has quite a friendly, gentle, and calm personality. These qualities allowed him to make fast friends, particularly with Bumblebee.

As a robot, Strafe takes the form of one of the Arthurian Knights, wielding a sword and a crossbow. However, his dinosaur mode gives him the form of a mechanized, two-headed pterodactyl. This form may be a callback to his Generation 1 original appearance, which was that of a two-nosed jet.

Combat Performance

Despite his friendly nature, Strafe is no slouch in combat. In his Dinobot form, Strafe is a two-headed pterodactyl capable of dispatching opponents with brutal blows up close. When taking the form of an Arthurian Knight, Strafe equips a sword and crossbow, proving capable of doing battle at any range.

14 Scorn

Resident Strategist Of The Dinobots

Despite his menacing name, Scorn, or Spike, is one of the Dinobots in the Transformers franchise who became an Autobot. Although larger than other Dinobots, Scorn boasts a tactician’s mind and high intellect. With these qualities and his military knowledge, Scorn also serves as the demolition expert of the team.

As a robot, Scorn has a knightly appearance with a spear-whip attached to his arm as a weapon. When he becomes a dinosaur, Scorn takes the form of a mechanized Spinosaurus with multiple sails. This form allows him to wreak havoc with his sheer size.

Combat Performance

While brutal as his namesake, demolition expert Scorn is also the smartest among the Dinobots. As a dinosaur, he becomes a Spinosaurus with extremely sharp claws and talons. His spiky tail becomes an asset in his Arthurian Knight form, where it transforms into a thick and spiked whip.

13 Dragonstorm

A Combined Form That Has The Ferocity Of A Dragon

Due to the threat of Cybertronian creator Quintessa, the 12 Knights of Iacon not only actively oppose her but can also form the fearsome Dragonstorm. This three-headed Dragonstorm is a massive dragon bot that has the abilities of flight and energy projection in the form of breath attacks. In the movies, Optimus Prime managed to ride Dragonstorm during his assault against the Decepticons.

However, one of the most interesting qualities of Dragonstorm is its various forms. Aside from its base form that comes from the 12 Knights, just the presence of Knight Dragonicus and Knight Stormreign can form Dragonstorm. In other instances, Dragonstorm also appears as its own entity. Whether or not these instances are canon or plot holes are yet to be revealed.

Combat Performance

As an amalgamation of the twelve Knights of Iacon, Dragonstorm doesn’t possess another form except for its three-headed monstrous dragon visage. Its transformed state allows Dragonstorm to unleash extremely hot fire from its mouths. Not only that, the Dragonstorm fusion isn’t dependent on the complete set of Knights, seeing as both Dragonicus and Stormreign were enough to transform into the juggernaut.

12 Slug

A Brutal Melee Combatant With A Heavy-Hitting Dino Form

Slug is another Dinobot that allies himself with Optimus Prime in the Transformers movies. In his robot form, Slug boasts a chubby appearance while carrying a lance in each hand. Meanwhile, his dinosaur form is a robotic version of an Apatosaurus.

However, what’s perhaps remarkable about Slug is his possible inspiration: Sludge. While also a Dinobot, Sludge - unlike Slug - is the most slow-witted amongst his brethren. Moreover, Sludge has a dinosaur form based on the “brontosaurus,” which shouldn’t exist due to a skeletal misidentification.

Combat Performance

Hot-headed and stubborn Slug reasonably has a Triceratops Dinobot form, with a spiky tail and a pair of spiky horns being prevalent in its transformation. While his Arthurian Knight form also provides him with weapons, Slug has the more brutal morningstar and lance combo to pair perfectly with his bulky nature. It seems both weapons were chosen to allow him to brutally kill Decepticons, which is the only kind of order he acknowledges.

11 Grimlock

Leader Of The Dinobots

Serving as the Dinobot’s leader, Grimlock possesses the strength and power of an ancient warrior in the Transformers franchise. Being a talented fighter, Grimlock possesses remarkable skills, particularly with his club and spike-ball weapons. As a robot, Grimlock possesses perhaps the most stylish appearance among the Dinobots. Moreover, his dinosaur form is that of a robotic Tyrannosaurus rex, befitting his fierce nature.

In the original franchise, Grimlock also serves as the leader of the Dinobots strike squad. Unlike his movie counterpart, Grimlock is rather dimwitted like his other Dinobot brethren. However, this isn’t to say that Grimlock should be taken lightly. His battle prowess and durability allow him to be one of the few to be able to fight Optimus Prime and Megatron if necessary.

Combat Performance

Grimlock possesses an unconventional fighting style that often involves brutal swings from both his spiked staff and spike-ball, seemingly designed to damage opponents to submission or get the job done as soon as possible. Aside from boasting an already-humongous T-Rex form, Grimlock also possesses a powerful flamethrower.

10 Jazz

First Lieutenant Of The Autobots

Jazz was among the first Autobots Sam Witwicky ever saw. He was the First Lieutenant of the Autobots and a very competent and brave fighter. The fact that he was Optimis' second in command speaks volumes of his strength.

He's very capable and very brave in the face of danger. He fought bravely to save Sam and other humans and also to keep the cube safe. Even upon his death, he fought Megatron to the very end.

Combat Performance

Prior to his death, Jazz is a rather mobile Autobot capable of dispatching opponents as quickly as possible. His preferred vehicle of choice is a sleek Pontiac Solstice, which is a decent alt form for his quick nature. Jazz uses both a Crescent Cannon and Magnetic Claw in combat, allowing him to adjust to any threat despite the range.

9 Ratchet

Reliable Medical Officer Of The Autobots

Ratchet is the medical officer of the Autobots but that doesn't mean he doesn't get his fair share of fights. He's been seen protecting Sam on many occasions and even fighting alongside US soldiers to save the world from Megatron's evil schemes.

He's skilled with guns as well as treatment. He fell victim to the paranoia of humans and was slain but mostly because he probably refused to fight.

Combat Performance

Medical officer Ratchet is more of a support unit than a skilled combatant in encounters, making his choice of the Hummer Rescue Vehicle as an alt form perfect for his specialization. While equipped with a standard set of missiles, Energon guns, and machine guns for offense, Ratchet’s most unique asset is his healing laser, cementing his role as the go-to doctor of the Autobots.

8 Hot Rod

Can Slow Down Time To Enhance His Combat Prowess

Hot Rod was introduced as an Autobot with a French accent and while he seemed goofy at first, his battle prowess was shown later on. He assisted the soldiers in their assault on Cybertron and even managed to inflict damage on the imposing Decepticon known as Infernocus.

He also led the way into the ignition chamber on Cybertron as they battled Megatron and Quintessa. His weapon has the ability to slow down time to a crawl and on different occasions, it proved vital to the Autobots.

Combat Performance

It makes sense for arrogant and brash Hotrod not to be content with just a “single” alt form, having had many of them throughout the films. After spending time as a Lamborghini Centenario, Hotrod has also chosen a Citroen DS and Steyr-Daimler-Puch 2000 truck as his alt forms - all showcasing his preference for getting up close and personal. His personal weapons of choice are his shotgun blasters and WW2-routed machine guns, all capable of dishing out heavy damage. His combat prowess is so good that he becomes Rodimus Prime, Optimus Prime’s successor, in the latter’s death at the hands of Megatron in an alternate timeline.

7 Drift

Samurai Autobot Who Is A Skilled Swordsman

Viewers were introduced to Drift in the 4th installment of the franchise and since then, he's proven his worth in many battles. His preferred weapons are swords and he seems to be influenced by the samurai's way of life.

This is reflected greatly in his fighting as he employs his two swords in battle along with his martial arts to dominate his opponents. Even Bumblebee found himself in a sticky situation when the two had a little scuffle.

Combat Performance

The samurai Drift prefers a straightforward combat style, evidenced in his choice of alt forms that are both functional and sleek: the Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse, a Sikorsky S-97 Raider chopper, and even a 2017 Mercedes-AMG GT R. When in his robot form, his appearance as a samurai isn’t just for show. Compared to other Autobots, Drift is much more disciplined. He’s both an expert hand-to-hand combatant and a skilled swordsman when handling his personal katana. His status as a formidable tactician also impressed Optimus Prime quickly.

6 Crosshairs

The Weapons Master Of The Autobots

Crosshairs was introduced along with drift when they went to welcome Optimus Prime who had reunited with his Autobot brothers. He employs submachine guns in combat and poses a threat to any Decepticon with the way he uses them.

The first time viewers saw him in action, they were left speechless because of the ease with which he took down two enemy aircraft. He once served as a reinforcement to the Autobots fighting in a city and he along with Optimus and Drift quickly turned the tide of battle and gave the Autobots the upper hand.

Combat Performance

Crosshairs is most notable for choosing a Corvette Stingray C7 as his alt form, with its loud green aesthetic intentionally declaring his position on the battlefield. When in his robot form, Crosshairs is unique in that he possesses a mechanical “cape” that flows like cloth, again for the fashion statement. In combat, he uses a pair of turbo guns with unique efficiency, with his brand of combat involving using parachutes to ambush enemies from any vertical position.

5 Hound

Master Gunslinger Of The Autobots

Hound was yet another strong Autobot to be introduced in the 4th installment of The Transformers franchise. He's a plumpy-looking Autobot with a huge bullet for a cigarette stick. He may be on the bulky side, but he's an expert gunslinger.

He's brave and he doesn't know when to give up. He uses gun after gun as he decimates his enemies with relative ease. He also has a tough hide that makes him impervious to attacks with small bullets. He has an intimidating presence and is ruthless in battle.

Combat Performance

Despite his burly appearance, Hound’s hidden history with humanity made him one of the most experienced Autobots out there. His alt forms of choice were all trucks, such as the Oshkosh Defense Medium Tactical Vehicle, and the Medical 2016 Mercedes Benz Unimog. These fit his specialization as the Autobots’ new medical officer, and especially more so as an armaments supplier. Compared to other Autobots, Hound has one of the most expansive arsenals out there, boasting weapons such as machine guns, large cannons, ion guns and quad guns, various barreled guns, and even multiple pistols.