Read update
- Updated on June 24, 2023, by C.M Edwards:
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.
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.
UPDATE: 2023/06/29 15:34 EST BY JAKE FILLERY
Updated on June 24, 2023, by C.M Edwards:
The crown jewel of the Transformers universe are the Autobots, the heroes of all heroes who go from one end of the galaxy to the next to protect the universe from the sinister deeds of their rival factions, the Decepticons.
The massive roster of the Autobots is filled with powerful fighters who stand for the good of all; many of these mechanical protectors have appeared multiple times in the myriad of television cartoons, feature films, and video games that have been released over the years. For fans and newcomers to the franchise, here are more of the best Autobots in Transformers.
17 Grimlock
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.
16 Inferno
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.
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.
15 Grindcore
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.
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.
14 Longarm Prime
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.
13 Ironhide
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.
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.
12 Jetfire
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 places him at number seven on the list.
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.
11 Wheeljack
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.
10 Omega Supreme
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.
9 Arcee
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.
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.
8 Bumblebee
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.
7 Hotrod
Hotrod makes it to the number two spot as one of the most significant original series members. His appearance doubles as a sometimes young and reckless Autobot and other instances as a seasoned veteran and confident leader. Originally, Hotrod was the successor to Optimus Prime, becoming a prime using the Matrix of Leadership.
While his popularity faltered due to the circumstances of Optimus Prime being mortally wounded by Megatron, Hotrod led the Autobots for quite some time. He accomplished a significant amount during his era of leadership.
6 Optimus Prime
There is no question that the Autobot that has stood the test of time makes it to the number one spot on the list. Optimus Prime has given everything to the Autobot cause more than once and has come back to aid his comrades in almost every form of Transformers media.
Optimus has faced the like of Megatron, Starscream, and Unicron with unflinching bravery. Highly considered the prime of primes, Optimus is the most loved and celebrated member of the Autobots and stands at the top of the Transformers legacy.
5 Jolt
Jolt is a fairly new addition to the Autobot family, and he first appeared in the second live-action film, Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen. Jolt garnered a decent amount of popularity in the film which prompted his appearance in a string of comics published by IDW Publishing.
Jolt became the “class clown” archetype in the book's run and was a mainstay character throughout. In the IDW comic run that followed the movies, Jolt is a member of a special team that is set off to round up Decepticons after the defeat of The Fallen. Originally, Jolt was not scheduled to be in the Revenge of the Fallen movie but was added last second by director Michael Bay.
4 Drift
Drift is a dedicated and loyal warrior of the Autobot cause; He has had many years in battle and is nigh unstoppable on the battlefield with expert hand-to-hand and sword combat techniques. However, Drift, in a past life, was a Decepticon that prided himself on the amount of Autobots that he’d dismantled. It wasn't until he saw the Autobot war for what it truly was that he defected from the Decepticons and changed his name and joined the rival faction serving under Optimus Prime.
The dark and twisted cause of the Decepticons set Drift railing against himself, and what he had done, while previously an energetic battle junkie, he now presents a more reserved personality trying to atone for his past sins. Drift shines particularly bright in the comics, where he even got his miniseries.
3 Prowl
If there was an Autobot that demands as much respect as Optimus Prime it would be Prowl. Prowl serves as a strategist for the Autobots and Optimus Prime's second-in-command on numerous occasions.
A quiet and stoic Autobot amongst many more energetic types, prowl is a machine of patience. Prowl appeared for the first time in the Generation 1 Transformers cartoon and has made additional appearances in other series and comics over the years; he held a popular role in the crossovers Transformers Vs. G.I Joe and Transformers Vs. The Terminator.
2 Smokescreen
Smokescreen is a jack of all trades and a master of none; for the Autobots, his job is to ensure enemy failure and mislead the Decepticons to keep the Autobot missions a mystery. Smokescreen excels in his job, doing everything he can, including outright lying and spying to keep the Decepticons oblivious to the true motives of his team.
Smokescreen originally appeared in the Generation 1 Transformers cartoon and has appeared on and off ever since. As of late, Smokescreen has had a main role in the recent Transformers series Transformers: Prime and is among the most discussed characters of the show.
1 Sentinel Prime
Like Optimus, Sentinel Prime is a former leader of the Autobots and one of the strongest Autobots; he is quite often depicted as an “elder” or generational Autobot that is past his prime. While a mighty leader and indispensable warrior on the battlefield in his time, sentinel prime is a shadow of his former self as many times over he is bested when he appears in a Transformers series.
Regardless of Sentinel Prime's shortcomings, his undying loyalty and dedication to the Autobot cause set a strong example that all Autobots, including Optimus, strive to resemble. Sentinel Prime has a somewhat different presence in the IDW comics, as he is a revitalized and vital member of the team.