Best Transformers Series

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Summary

• Transformers: Victory offers a unique take on the franchise with its anime-like episode approach and emphasis on new robots and transformations.
• Titans Return may not set itself apart from other Transformers series, but its extended fight against Trypticon and multiple subplots make it deeper and more engaging.
• Transformers: Rescue Bots provides a kid-friendly format that explores the Autobots’ experiences and talents in helping others, dialing down the violence for a younger audience.

When one thinks of Transformers, one often remembers the timeless conflict between Optimus Prime and the Autobots, as well as Megatron and his Decepticons. Surprisingly enough, this conflict didn’t just last in one particular outing and instead lasted throughout various Transformers series. This isn’t quite surprising, considering how relentless Megatron is towards conquering Earth and how Optimus just couldn’t let this happen to their new home.

Surprisingly enough, no matter how seemingly repetitive things got, there were quite a lot of landmark Transformers series that stood out among the rest. In fact, some fans might argue that certain Transformers series really set the standards concerning the creation of Transformers stories. Just which Transformers series was a cut different from the rest?

Updated January 6, 2025 by Rhenn Taguiam: As Transformers One gave fans of the franchise a look back into the roots of the historic rivalry between Optimus Prime and Megatron – back then Orion Pax and D-16, those who love the Robots in Disguise might be compelled to watch even more Transformers series.

However, it seems the vast library of the Transformers series means there are must-watches that fans should try to give a shot. These include the Japanese-exclusive “sequel” to Beast Wars, the sequel to Armada, and even a comedic slice-of-life take on the franchise.

21

Transformers: Energon

Certainly The Best At Being The Worst

Hyped as the much-awaited sequel to Armada, it’s not surprising for fans to feel supremely disappointed as they go to Transformers: Energon with high hopes… only for the show to prove what a mess it could do to Armada’s potential legacy. Set a decade after the Autobots and the Decepticons’ war for the Mini-Cons and destruction of Unicron, a new threat named Alpha Q upsets the fragile peace between the two factions. While the Autobots see this as yet another chance to defend the Earth from the new threat, other Decepticons – especially those re-risen such as Megatron and Starscream – see this as a chance to exact vengeance against the Autobots.

As a whole, it can be quite an interesting point of analysis to see where Energon goes wrong in developing the world and its new cast of characters post-Armada, specifically setting the stakes for Alpha-Q as a threat. Animation and art suffer in the attempt to balance 2D and make use of 3D cel-shaded animation, which can be disappointing due to the series’ promising concepts.

Why Watch Transformers: Energon

Although nowhere near the “best” in terms of Transformers series, Energon is certainly an intriguing watch due to its infamous reputation. Should Transformers fans and completionists get past its flaws, Energon can make for an interesting dissection as to where things can go wrong in a Transformers series.

Being the second part to what would be known as the Unicron trilogy of shows, Energon being a somewhat “integral” part of a franchise subseries can be a worthwhile exercise for fans to backtrack which parts of Energon “made” sense and how its messier parts will be resolved by its sequel Cybertron – at least if fans consider even finishing Energon and completing the trilogy.

20

Beast Wars 2: Super Life-Form Transformers

A Lackluster Light-Hearted Beast Wars Spin-Off Sequel

Fans of Beast Wars: Transformers will have a blast knowing they can “choose” two sequels to this fully 3D series – the acclaimed and close-to-the-source Beast Machines: Transformers or the even wilder Beast Wars 2: Super Life-Form Transformers. Unlike its predecessor, this Japan-only show is a much more light-hearted take on the series. Set on the planet Gaia, Beast Wars 2 chronicles the battle between Lio Convo’s Cybertrons and Galvatron’s Destrons for the energy source known as Angolmois Energy. Although the first half of the series focuses more on establishing the lore and the many animal Transformer factions like the Jointrons, Insectrons, Autorollers, and Seacon Space Pirates, the latter half of the series establishes a more serious threat that reveals the hunt for Angolmois as something more sinister than what fans are led to believe.

Unfortunately for this setup, Beast Wars 2 wasn’t able to pull off its epic story as the series is hastily created as a setup to its sequel: Super Life-Form Transformers: Beast Wars Neo. As a result, a lot of the storylines are often left unresolved or quickly finished, with the many animation studios involved resulting in rather so-so or middling graphics.

Why Watch Beast Wars 2: Super Life-Form Transformers

Fans looking for a change of pace away from the darker Beast Wars: Transformers can go to Beast Wars 2 for more comedic effect – especially if they want to see how Japan handles the introduction of completely new characters and concepts, starting with Maximal stand-ins Cybertrons and Predacon stand-ins known as the Destrons. The traditional hero versus villain dynamic of Lio Convoy and Galvatron is certainly refreshing, especially if fans want a lighter show before going back to the darker Beast Machines.

19

Transformers: BotBots

The First Comedic Transformers Series

The story of Transformers: BotBots is loosely based on the BotBots toy line, where even mundane items can become Transformers. In Transformers: BotBots, it’s a mall that is struck by an Energon lightning bolt and converts its stock of items into Transformers. Now known as BotBots, these machines have to hide in plain sight while they operate in squads during the night. Much of the series’ plot involves the Lost Bots of the Lost and Found, whose discovery by Dave the Night Shift Guard has forced them to be shunned by the rest of BotBot society.

Unlike other Transformers series, Transformers: BotBots focuses less on having continuity and more on being an introduction to both kids and adults new and/or remotely familiar with the franchise. Comedy takes center stage in BotBots, focusing more on hijinks among BotBots while having an engaging script despite their short episode runtimes.

Why Watch Transformers: BotBots

Being the first comedy series of the Transformers franchise, Transformers: BotBots is a much-needed break from the more traditional good versus evil notes of its core series. Despite its child-like undertones, fans will appreciate its rather smartly written script, witty banter, and even decent take on overall visuals. While certainly not the best in terms of story (well, due to its lack thereof), finishing BotBots might have the Transformers fan and newcomer craving for more.

18

Transformers: Robots In Disguise (2001)

Decent Story Amid A Surprising Aesthetic Change

The Transformers franchise adapted the rivalry between Fire Convoy and Gigatron in Japan’s Transformers: Car Robots, this time forming a revival of the rivalry between Optimus Prime and Megatron in Transformers: Robots in Disguise. Essentially a follow-up to the continuity set up by Beast Machines, RID 2001 once again pits Autobots against Predacons, but now Optimus has the assistance of the human child Koji, as he tries to rescue his scientist father, Dr. Onishi, as the Predacons want his knowledge of an ancient Cybertronian secret.

While the anime aesthetic of Robots in Disguise was new to fans at the time, some viewers may feel a bit let down with the overall flow of the story compared to the narrative cohesion in the previous franchise entries. Thankfully, relationships between its cast are easily highlighted in every episode, especially hijinks involving Sky-Byte, the revived Decepticons led by Scourge, and even the assortment of sub-teams on each side.

Why Watch Transformers: Robots In Disguise (2001)

Despite its rather middling production quality, Robots in Disguise can become a worthwhile series for fans who are especially curious about how Transformers tries to resolve narrative and continuity differences across its series. The original dynamics between new characters Fire Convoy and Gigatron are serviceable in Car Robots, so retreating to an Optimus Prime and Megatron dynamic in the Western iteration can be a sight to see. Moreover, vehicle designs in RID 2001 have got to be among the most sophisticated in the franchise, especially with the return to form towards automobiles, but with robot forms that don’t immediately follow the blocky design features that G1 established.

17

Transformers: Robots In Disguise (2015)

Bumblebee Takes The Helm

Following the rebuilding of Cybertron in the events of Transformers: Prime, the unexpected crashing of a prison ship on Earth causes a massive jailbreak of Decepticon criminals. In Transformers: Robots in Disguise, street cop Bumblebee is called back to Earth to round up the Decepticon criminals – all the while more sinister forces seem to be afoot. Despite this interesting premise, Robots in Disguise ended up as one of the more polarizing pieces of modern Transformers media due to its approach.

At its core, being a kid-oriented show did reflect in much of Robots in Disguise’s approach to its production: animations are more flexible, plotlines seem less convoluted, and the series at some point began to follow a Monster of the Week format. Fans coming from Prime who want to experience more Transformers media can see RID 2015 as a more lighthearted series, while those looking forward to a continuation of Prime’s riveting story may be disappointed in the shallower storytelling of RID 2015.

Why Watch Transformers: Robots In Disguise (2015)

Bumblebee taking a leadership role in Robots in Disguise can make for an interesting change of pace for his character, especially when his more laid-back approach has to contend with the likes of free-spirited Sideswipe and by-the-books Strongarm. The series being Bumblebee-centric has become the perfect avenue to balance lighthearted stories and the eventual inclusion of Prime-centric content in the later seasons. Some fans might find it contentious that Optimus Prime has taken the role of the more “aged and weary leader” that Bumblebee’s youthful vigor will “eventually replace,” but this new dynamic has at least provided the franchise with much-needed new tension in their relationship.

16

Transformers: Victory

Episodic Approach That Introduces New Characters To The Lore

One of the more interesting aspects of the classic Transformers era is its connection to its American and Japanese counterparts. While the Japanese had largely adapted the original Generation 1 animated series, they also created their spin-offs, such as Transformers: The Headmasters. It was Transformers: Victory, released in 1989, that serves as perhaps the most radical in terms of its differences compared to the original series.

In this series, Autobot Supreme Commander Star Saber is an adamant defender of Earth against Deathsaurus, the new Emperor of Destruction of the villainous Decepticons. It’s up to Star Saber and his allies to stop Deathsaurus from using Earth’s energy to reawaken his planet-destroying fortress. This series is known to take an anime-like episode approach, where stories don’t always change the status quo, and the transformations are seldom but emphasized whenever important. Fans looking for a cult classic that shows the immense creativity surrounding the Japanese’s take on Transformers may appreciate Victory.

Why Watch Transformers: Victory

Despite its rather poor reception among viewers, Victory remains worth the watch for Transformers fans who want to immerse themselves in this part of the “evolution” of the television series within the franchise. While character development suffers from both Autobots and Decepticons having rather bland personalities, seeing the likes of the Autobots’ Star Saber and the Decepticons’ Deszaras attempt to form a similar yet somewhat different take on the Optimus Prime versus Megatron formula is at least worth evaluating. Moreover, seeing new robots and transformations via the Brainmasters, Multiforce, Micromasters, Beastmasters, and Dinoforce adds some variety to classic Transformers materials.

15

Transformers: Titans Return

Adds More Depth To The Franchise

Serving as the second installment of the Prime Wars alternate Generation 1 timeline, Titans Return gives a rather wild take on fan-favorite characters after the devastating events of Combiner Wars. With Cybertron on the path of being rebuilt, a dead Starscream manages to revive into the deadly Trypticon.

Such was its power that Windblade was forced to make uneasy allies of ages-old enemies, including Optimus Prime and Megatron, as they made their way to resurrect the only powers capable of matching Trypticon – the Titans. Unfortunately for Windblade and her team, reviving them may have put Cybertron in more peril. Fans who want to see Optimus and Megatron team up with unlikely allies may appreciate Titans Return.

Why Watch Transformers: Titans Return

Unlike other Transformers series, Titans Return being the second part of the Prime Wars Trilogy doesn’t do anything to set itself “apart” from its other components. At first glance, this makes Titans Return difficult to appreciate as its own entity. However, Titans Return does have the potential to impress in its format, especially when the series is one extended fight against Trypticon with all factions working behind the scenes to secure the upper hand. This approach opens multiple subplots and makes progress with others established in the first season, making this series boast more depth compared to other Transformers cartoons.

14

Transformers: Rescue Bots

A Fun Kids Show Featuring Transforming Robots

Given the popular acclaim of Transformers and the appeal of transforming toy cars to children, it makes sense for the franchise to try and create a kids show. While Robot Heroes already existed back then, Transformers: Rescue Bots was created as a direct successor, again featuring a new team of Autobots dedicated to teaching children about safety and hazards.

However, Rescue Bots isn’t just a run-of-the-mill children’s show with funny Transformers elements, as its premise is rather heavy. In it, the Rescue Bots respond to Optimus Prime’s original message for active Autobots in space to come to Earth. While the Rescue Bots had arrived on Earth after stasis, they were fortunate to have been away when Cybertron was destroyed by war long ago. With Heatwave, Boulder, Blades, and Chase being the only Rescue Bots remaining, Optimus Prime assigned them to the Burns Family of first responders to help the community of Griffin Rock near Maine.

Why Watch Transformers: Rescue Bots

Despite the demographic of Rescue Bots catering primarily to children, it’s interesting to find out how the Transformers could dial down its ages-old conflict between the Autobots and the Decepticons in a format that isn’t too violent for children. The titular Rescue Bots focusing on a younger generation of Autobots as they’re trained to do good allows younger audiences to relate to their experiences, especially when it’s emphasized throughout the series that Rescue Bots, like children, have talents they can use to help others.

13

Transformers: Combiner Wars

Seeing Transformers Combine Into An Even Bigger Robot Is Always Cool

Due to the expanded nature of the Transformers universe, it makes sense for some stories to explore the lives of specific characters and alternate takes on their series. For instance, the Shattered Glass series gives an inverted take on the franchise’s factions, with Decepticons being good and Autobots being evil. This time around, the 2016-2018 Prime Wars trilogy gives an alternate take on the Generation 1 story, albeit more subtly.

Starting with Combiner Wars, this story involves an uneasy peace in Cybertron created after the mysterious disappearances of Optimus Prime and Megatron. With the Enigma of Combination creating Combiners such as the powerful Victorion that led into the Combiner Wars, it’s up to Windblade, discontent with the inaction of the new Cybertronian Council, to take matters into her own hands – all with intense Transformers action scenes. Fans looking for a Transformers series that Optimus Prime and the Autobots don’t necessarily headline may appreciate Combiner Wars.

Why Watch Transformers: Combiner Wars

The idea of Combiners being Transformers fusions was unprecedented even during the original toys’ release, making Combiner Wars a worthwhile watch to see how a show could adapt these new robots in a modern-day format. Its premise of a Transformers sequel without Optimus Prime and Megatron, as well as introducing lore in the form of the Mistress of Flame, Rodimus Prime, and even the “threat” of Combiners adds some variety to the classic Autobots versus Decepticons formula.

12

Transformers: Power Of The Primes

A Worthwhile Ending To A Trilogy

It’s not all the time that a third season neatly wraps around a short miniseries, and Transformers: Power of the Primes gets the job done for retelling the Generation 1 story as the last entry in the Prime Wars trilogy. In it, the rest of the Transformers team, led by Windblade and Transformers villain Megatron, need to cope with the fact that Optimus Prime has died. In contrast, the immensely powerful Fallen (Megatronus) has a nefarious plan to bring Cybertron under his control.

This part of the Prime Wars series explores the Dinobots and a slight retelling of the Beast Wars story, with Optimus Primal eventually proving himself to be one worthy of being Optimus Prime’s successor. Fans looking for a straight-to-the-action take on the Transformers franchise won’t feel lost, with Power of the Primes, with its extremely entertaining take on the sci-fi action adventure.

Why Watch Transformers: Power Of The Primes

This final third of the Prime Wars Trilogy makes it evident that Transformers as a franchise is allowed to set stakes with world-ending consequences, character deaths, and the horrifying realization that Autobots can’t always be the “winners” of their war against the Decepticons. While hardcore fans may feel disappointed in the way Power of the Primes approaches certain set lore in the franchise, being set in its own universe can help to forgive the miniseries for its rather surprising takes on classic plotlines.

11

Triple Combination: Transformers Go!

A Fantasy-Esque Take On Transformers

Anime fans might be surprised to know that there’s actually a Transformers anime out there, one of them taking the form of Triple Combination: Transformers Go!, which was launched alongside the Swordbot toylines. The anime takes place in Japan, where Predacon minions try to acquire the Legendiscs to awaken Dragotron, their evil Demon Emperor. However, two separate Autobot combiner teams, the Swordbot Samurai Team, and the Swordbot Shinobi Team, team up with two kids to fight this new threat.

Despite its short run of only ten episodes, the show does exemplify the lengths a Transformer series could go to in order to promote a new team. The Swordbot Shinobi and Samurai Teams are Combiners, with its three-bot teams capable of transforming into awesome forms. Aside from a heavy emphasis on action, the time travel premise of acquiring the Legendiscs adds a unique spin to this miniseries.

Why Watch Triple Combination: Transformers Go!

The heavy emphasis that Triple Combination provides with its Combiners and Predacons makes for interesting interactions, especially in terms of combat. It’s always a delight to see how the Swordbots bond with their kid companions, giving the series its shonen-meets-aliens spin that isn’t always tackled with the humans in other series. Despite its rather kid-friendly premise, Triple Combination’s fantasy-esque take on Transformers’ esthetics may be worth the look for robot enthusiasts.

10

Transformers: Earthspark

Featuring A Worthwhile Ambitious Setup

What makes Transformers: Earthspark a standout among recent Transformers media lies in its premise. When the Malto family’s move to Pennsylvania came with the arrival of Earth-born Transformers called Terrans, they become involved in the lives of Autobots and Decepticons after the end of their civil war. This came with some surprises: the Terrans become a part of the Malto family, Bumblebee becomes their Earth-based mentor, the mysterious organization known as GHOST has begun looking into the Cybertronians’ involvement in Earthly affairs, and Megatron has officially renounced his evil ways.

The wild premise of Earthspark resulted in an interesting action-adventure comedy series, where the Transformers often end up being in the middle of a Malto family crisis while the Earth’s fate lies in the hands of the Terrans and the new villains that try to move behind the scenes. The family-oriented show doesn’t hinder opportunities for any of the Transformers to shine in their relationships, as this new setup does provide room for character development not often seen in other series.

Why Watch Transformers: Earthspark

Among the more modern Transformers series, Earthspark is a must-watch solely for its intriguing premise. This is, by far, among the most ambitious setups Transformers has provided viewers so far, especially with the number of Generation One-esque premises across various media. The family-oriented nature of the Maltos can provide younger audiences with relatable figures, especially with kids Robby and Morgan. Likewise, new interactions and plots with the likes of the reformed Megatron, the Decepticons being disappointed in him, and even how the Autobots are trying to navigate this new status quo.

9

Transformers: War For Cybertron

A More Mature Take On The Franchise

Given the interrelated stories between the original The Transformers cartoons and the likes of Beast Wars, it can get difficult for viewers to get a full grasp of the franchise’s core narrative if they had to watch a couple hundred episodes’ worth of stories. Thankfully, the Transformers: War For Cybertron series resolves this by packing quite an intense Transformers story into a neat 18-episode format, each split into three chapters.

Primarily made to support the launch of the three-part War For Cybertron Trilogy toy line, the War For Cybertron also happens across the span of three chapters. Fans love War For Cybertron, in particular, for its decent narrative revolving around the Cybertronian Civil War that had the Autobots and Decepticons flee Cybertron for Earth, as well as the introduction of the Maximals and Predacons. Uniquely enough, its final chapter culminates in an epic finish, ending itself by introducing fresh new faces, new connections, and a villain looming over the horizon.

Why Watch Transformers: War For Cybertron

Compared to more action-packed Transformers series, War for Cybertron is a more mature take on the franchise that almost falls into drama. Action is more spread out across the series, making these scenes all the more worthwhile whenever tension leads to climactic chases and fights. While War for Cybertron could use more action, its take on a grittier Transformers story isn’t always seen in its more hopeful, Earth-set counterparts.

8

Transformers: Armada

Brought Transformers To Mainstream Anime

Of all the Transformers series to grace television, it’s perhaps Transformers: Armada that may be part of the most memorable for fans and newcomers alike. While it generally has the same premise of Autobots and Decepticons warring in Cybertron, this time, the conflict revolves around the mysterious Mini-Cons, smaller Transformers capable of providing their users with great power. Newcomers might appreciate the appeal of Powerlinxing Mini-Cons and, eventually, Transformers Super Weapons and Fusions. Meanwhile, hardcore fans may also remember Armada, particularly for the lack of Bumbelee, who was this time replaced by the over-eager Hot Shot.

Despite its mixed reception, Armada helped bring the Transformers to a more modern audience, incorporating multiple concepts in the franchise into its rather expansive narrative. And given its take as a cross between a conventional anime and a Western cartoon, Armada provides a unique flavor to the entire Transformers franchise, especially considering the visual appeal of 2D transformations compared to the grand 3D effects of more recent media.

Why Watch Transformers: Armada

Among Transformers titles to grace television, Armada may have encapsulated how “robots in disguise” would work in the context of a shonen anime series. On top of faithful adaptations of Optimus Prime and Megatron’s evolving conflict, the inclusion of Minibots as a neutral sought-after faction gives an additional layer of strategy to both the Autobots’ and Decepticons’ movements. Moreover, eventual tugs of war involving legendary objects such as the Star Saber add much-needed depth to the Transformers mythos that younger fans may appreciate.

7

Transformers: Cybertron

Boasts A More Cohesive Plot, But Not Enough To Repair Armada And Energon

Franchise fans who remember the adventures of Optimus Prime and the Mini-Cons in Armada will experience an even bigger adventure this time with the entire universe hanging in the balance. In Transformers: Cybertron, a massive black hole threatens to devour Cybertron and other nearby worlds. And while Primus’s essence in the Omega Lock has enough power to stop it, the Lock needs four Keys, scattered across the galaxy, to open it. In a race against time, Optimus and his team of Autobots will have to get to the Keys before Megatron, utterly consumed by a thirst for power, gets his hands on them.

Despite the initial negative reception, Cybertron tries to remedy the problems of its predecessors, Energon and Armada. This time around, the basic plot of Cybertron helped facilitate a more cohesive plot, giving more than enough room to establish the series’ core mythos and attachment to characters. Moreover, with Cybertron being the most recent Transformers series at the time, the show didn’t hesitate to fill its episodes with multiple references and Easter Eggs, adding to its major appeal.

Why Watch Transformers: Cybertron

Unlike the middling Armada and Energon, Cybertron sets itself apart as an anime series with its more rhythmic pacing and better take on character development. Its story arcs were adapted from the comics, giving the Transformers room to breathe in various character progression moments while at the same time anchoring their moments to shine in decently spaced-out multi-episode arcs. The anime appropriately transitions from a lighthearted first half on Earth to a much darker second half set in space, all without losing its “rule of cool” across both the Autobots and the Decepticons.

6

Transformers: Animated

An Entertaining Take On The Autobots-On-Earth Formula

The series experiences a return to form of sorts thanks to Transformers: Animated, which at its release steered clear of the grand opera-esque stories of its predecessors and instead focused on standalone episodes. In Animated, Optimus Prime and the Autobots end up making a base in Detroit after possessing the AllSpark artifact and would now have to adjust to life as Robots in Disguise. Here, they meet new friends, and new superhuman villains, and witness the repercussions of a world that managed to begin reverse-engineering technology from a dormant Megatron.

Despite its episodic approach, a lot of the background details in Animated eventually blossom into full story arcs, bringing quite a flavorful finish to the rather simple nature of the show. Thanks to its straightforward narrative and focus on G1 characters, Animated easily becomes a good gateway into the Transformers series without dropping lore on the viewers.

Why Watch Transformers: Animated

Despite the lackluster animation (ironically), Transformers: Animated does boast quite a likable cast of characters, especially for franchise fans who just want something not too serious to sink their teeth into. The premise of a maintenance crew having to deal with high-level threats due to bad luck adds tension to every story. And while the good guys always win in this kid-oriented show, this predictable ending interspersed with different takes on storylines still makes for an entertaining experience.

5

Transformers: Prime

A Compelling, Family-Friendly Narrative

People who want a unique take on the Transformers concept might want to look into Transformers: Prime, especially since it begins on Earth on the get-go and not a prologue happening in Cybertron. This time around, Optimus Prime and his Team Prime are staying in Nevada, hiding their true natures while eventually meeting and befriending various humans. Meanwhile, Megatron has been steadily gaining new members to his forces and has the Decepticons search for the unstable Dark Energon, capable of giving him more power.

While the series does succeed in giving a new dimension to the Transformers series, it does lack a bit in terms of the character development scene. The desire to feature multiple Autobots and Decepticons proved well in exposing them to a new audience. Unfortunately, the focus on an overarching plot and renewed mythos did compromise some opportunities for character development.

Why Watch Transformers: Prime

Despite having the familiar plot of “Transformers arriving on Earth,” this time in a secret war for Energon, Prime immediately sets itself apart from most Transformers series for being rather dark for modern animation. Its more compact cast boasts more fluid character development throughout the season, fleshing out the motivations of Autobots and Decepticons as well as the social maneuvering of Transformers with each others’ presence. Its action scenes remain spectacles to look at, especially when the story elements leading up to these confrontations are compelling modes of character development.

4

Beast Machines: Transformers

A Darker Contrast To Light-Hearted Series

Serving as a direct sequel to Beast Wars, the Beast Machines: Transformers cartoon continued the adventures of Optimus Primal and the Maximals after arriving back in Cybertron. However, instead of seeing a flourishing paradise, they encounter a barren wasteland populated by Vehicon drones controlled by Megatron. Through the intervention of the Oracle supercomputer, the Maximals are “reprogrammed” to have techno-organic bodies, helping them survive a lethal virus and giving them a fighting chance as they’re vastly outnumbered by Megatron and the Vehicons.

Contrary to the Beast Wars series, Beast Machines definitely had a darker tone for a Transformers cartoon. Viewers will almost immediately see the disadvantage in terms of numbers and how the Maximals will have to rely on their wit and guerilla warfare to use Cybertron’s environment against their enemy. And while Beast Machines wasn’t very well received due to this change of tone, it did show the potential of the Transformers franchise having a more mature story.

Why Watch Beast Machines: Transformers

Despite Beast Machines having its fair share of flaws, it’s precisely due to these perceived errors that the show shines as a unique take on the Transformers franchise. Viewers who want to look at Transformers beyond “robots in disguise” will have Beast Machines ask them why “robots” have to be “in disguise” in the first place, where philosophical undertones of the perceived conflict between technology and nature aren’t always black and white. This more mature take on Transformers concepts adds more nuance to characters, especially when both the Maximals and the Predacons were developed as cast members that aren’t necessarily hard good or hard evil.

3

Beast Wars: Transformers

A Stellar Take On A Non-OG Story

Fans of the Transformers series would be surprised to see none of the Autobots and the Decepticons in Beast Wars: Transformers. Rather, they get a rag-tag team of Transformers who can shift into animals in a relatively unknown time and era. Led by Optimus Primal, the Maximals will have to defend their home against the Predacons, who want to dominate all life.

Although not necessarily liked by a lot of fans when it first aired, Beast Wars: Transformers earned itself a cult following as its three seasons worked well in introducing a new cast of interesting Transformers as well as successfully managing to tie it to the rest of the community.

Why Watch Beast Wars: Transformers

The leap to 3D graphics and a story set centuries after the original Transformers cartoon added a lot of expectations to Beast Wars, all of which the cartoon manages to deliver. Its focus on character development as a means to propel the plot forward served as a great way to reintroduce both fans and newcomers to the “future” of the Transformers mythos. And while fans may miss Optimus Prime and the original Autobots, Beast Wars manages to transform both Maximals and Predacons into characters worth investing in, especially with the different cruxes of their stories.

2

Transformers: Cyberverse

Incredible Tension While Expanding The Lore

Newcomers to the franchise who want a completely fresh take on the Transformers franchise may appreciate Transformers: Cyberverse. Set in its own continuity and featuring new evergreen designs, Cyberverse is a retelling of the Great War in Cybertron and its aftermath, this time around focusing on a brand new mythology. In the story, when the Autobots venture to Earth, the newcomer Windblade must help an amnesiac Bumblebee regain his memories while locating both Optimus Prime and the AllSpark.

However, fans would love Cyberverse for its interesting take on the narrative, especially as tensions rise. Aside from the hunt for the AllSpark, Cyberverse will introduce unique civilizations that would threaten the Transformers, as well as multiple instances of both Autobots and Decepticons questioning their role in the war.

Why Watch Transformers: Cyberverse

While its episode runtime is rather short, episodes in Cyberverse are packed with content that ensures viewers receive just enough character development, story progression, and action scenes. Unlike other reboots, Cyberverse’s more condensed take on the Transformers story gives it a lot of room to diversify in narrative progression, making this series more appreciable compared to other material in the franchise.