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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 December 30, 2022, by Rhenn Taguiam: Autobots remain the heroic Cybertronians who seek to defend the Earth from the evil Decepticons, be it in the original and explosive Bayverse or the more recent series of films. And while Maximals, Predacons, and Terrorcons are just on the horizon for 2023’s Transformers: Rise of the Beasts, it may help for fans and newcomers to the franchise to learn more about the strongest of Earth’s protectors before the arrival of the likes of Optimus Primal. In the movie-verse, the strongest Autobots are often tactical and strategic in their approach to being robots in disguise. As observed throughout the films, most of the franchise’s strongest Autobots think about their chosen alternate forms thoroughly, with their vehicular forms often matching their roles in combat alongside their weaponry.
15 Strafe
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
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
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
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
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.
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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
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
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
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.
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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
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
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
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.
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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.
4 Iron Hide
Iron hide was introduced as Optimus’ weapon specialist and he does justice to this title as he is just what his designation says he is. He’s a walking ammo store and he’s an expert with his cannons.
He’s surprisingly acrobatic for his size and always knows how to make his presence felt in a fight. He fought in many battles alongside the Autobots and humans until his untimely death at the hands of Sentinel.
Combat Performance
Trigger-happy Ironhide is content with his alt form of choice, that being the GMC Topkick C4500. This is primarily because Ironhide prefers to have more weapons than anything else. Similar to Hound, Ironhide has boasted quite an expansive armory at his disposal. These include energy cannons, rocket cannons, missile launchers, arm guns, and shotguns, and replacements for these that may very well be enough for a small platoon.
3 Bumblebee
Ever since the first movie, viewers were always eager to see Bumblebee in action as he was obviously one of the most capable Autobot. He’s accomplished many impressive feats throughout The Transformers movies.
He took down many intimidating Decepticons, fought one on one with Lockdown, and even went toe to toe with Optimus when the latter was turned evil for a bit. Not many would have done all these and lived to tell the tale of any. His fight against Optimus cemented his place as one of the most powerful Autobots
Combat Performance
Being one of the most prominent members of the Autobots in the films, Bumblebee has amassed quite a number of alt forms. However, much of those forms were almost always a variant of the Chevrolet Camaro, giving him that signature bubbly look. However, his arsenal of weapons makes him suited for the reconnaissance role, with his ever-reliable plasma cannons and machine guns paired constantly with missile launchers and laser cannons. When in a pinch, Bumblebee also uses a crab claw and a battle hammer.
2 Sentinel Prime
Sentinel Prime was once the leader of the Autobots before his shocking betrayal. Besides his dastardly acts, he was more than a match for Optimus as their battle made it evident why he was once the Autobot leader.
He was able to fight Optimus on superior grounds until Megatron came along and complicated things. Ultimately Sentinel was killed but not before he proved his devastating might against his former comrades.
Combat Performance
Prior to his defection to the Decepticon ranks, Sentinel Prime remains one of the strongest Autobots out there. Possessing the name of Prime, Sentinel Prime possesses incredible strength, speed, durability, and reflexes. Moreover, having mentored Optimus, Sentinel Prime possesses all the leader’s skills. His staunch belief that Cybertronians are the most superior race in the universe gives him a brutal edge that Optimus lacks, something Sentinel demonstrates efficiently with his double-edged Primax Blade.
1 Optimus Prime
It shouldn’t come as a surprise when one names Optimus the strongest Autobot. His battles are too numerous to count. He’s defeated Megatron on multiple occasions and has taken down foes even Sentinel would have no chance against.
After all, he managed to kill both Megatron and Sentinel- with one good arm! He also fought Starscream, Grindor, and Megatron on superior ground, killing Grindor and maiming Starscream. Thanks to his fighting strength and his motivating speeches, he’s the undisputed leader of the Autobots.
Combat Performance
Possessing the Matrix of Leadership provides Optimus Prime with an incredible range of abilities, including superhuman physiology and even the powers of flight, holographic projection, and limited clairvoyance. However, Optimus is also extremely skilled in actual combat, trained by Sentinel Prime to use almost any weapon and adapt to circumstances. His arsenal in the film series includes his signature ion blaster, Energon swords, and even an assortment of energy-based armaments. When using the Sword of Judgment, Optimus can pierce through even the toughest of armors.
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