10 Best Transformers Battles From The Movies & TV Shows

The Transformers franchise has been a huge part of pop culture since its inception in 1984, and that includes having some memorable fights in different media. Originally a line of toys, a cartoon show followed suit to bring some much-needed backstory to these alien robots. Since then, more animated Transformers properties followed, as well as a multi-billion dollar film franchise, which has seen multiple entries. From Michael Bay’s first live-action Transformers in 2007 to the 2024 animated reimagination, the interest in the Transformers ​​​​​​franchise has not waned.

In addition to heroic characters, physics-defying visual effects, and incredibly high stakes, there have been a host of impressive fight scenes. Whether animated, live-action, or both, the clash of metal has brought a lot of high-octane action to the screens. With bitter rivalries going all the way back to the beginning and newer additions to the franchise, seeing the Autobots face off against the Decepticons will always be explosive and thrilling.

10

Optimus Prime, Arcee, and Bumblebee vs. Megatron

Transformers Prime (2010-2013)

An animated reboot, Transformers Prime brought back many of the beloved Transformers characters and introduced them to a whole new generation. With more advanced techniques than the 1980s cartoons, the animation was solid and made the characters feel more fresh and powerful.

The moment viewers realize Optimus is back is incredibly satisfying and changes the whole trajectory of the fight.

Throughout its three seasons, the story arcs lasted longer than a regular monster of the week format, and this particular fight came after a three-part opener to season 2. With Optimus Prime wiped of all his memories and controlled by Megatron, a search party is sent to retrieve the fearless leader of the Autobots.

As a fight between Arcee and Megatron ensues, Jack helps restore him to his full powers with the information obtained from Vector Sigma. As Prime becomes himself again, he joins in on the fight, assisted by Bumblebee, and takes down Megatron, leaving him screaming “No” as they exit through the portal. The moment viewers realize Optimus is back is incredibly satisfying and changes the whole trajectory of the fight.

9

Bumblebee vs. Blitzwing

Bumblebee (2018)

The first Autobot to get their very own standalone movie, Bumblebee saw the beloved yellow Transformer find himself alone on Earth, with no voice and no memories. He forms a sweet friendship with a teenager (Hailee Steinfeld) in his VW Beetle form and communicates through the radio.

The two inevitably bond and save the world together, but, the reason how he ended up in such a lonely and disheveled state was both dramatic and brutal. While on a mission back in the 1980s, Bumblebee crashes to Earth. Blitzwing ambushes him, as he attacks from the sky with full force and no mercy.

The battle looks extremely impressive, as Blitzwing keeps coming at the Autobot, even eviscerating his voice box so he can no longer speak. But, despite taking a huge beating, Bumblebee manages to sneak in one of Blitzwing’s own missiles, thus destroying him. It sets up the rest of the movie in a very thrilling way while providing enough backstory for audiences to know exactly what’s going on.

8

Dinobots vs. Galvatron’s Forces

Transformers: Age of Extinction (2014)

Another live-action offering, Transformers: Age of Extinction, shifted the focus to new characters and brought in an ancient type of live-action Transformer. With the world having changed after the battle of Chicago, humans fear these alien beasts, and there’s even a special agency set up to hunt them down.

With the help of Galvatron, who is searching for Optimus Prime, things naturally escalate, and end up in a huge battle involving the Autobots and a group of humans taking on Galvatron’s evil forces. All is not looking well for the heroes as they’re outnumbered and start lagging. Despite their valiant efforts, the tide is not on their side, until something extraordinary happens.

Optimus Prime, having convinced the Dinobots to fight alongside them, arrives while riding Grimlock, the massive fire-breathing T-Rex. This shift ensures the Autobots win, and features so many iconic fight moments. From Bumblebee being lifted by a robot-pterodactyl, to the triceratops bulldozing their enemies, it’s a feast for the eyes and ears.

7

Optimus Prime vs. The Fallen & Megatron

Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (2009)

This sequel to the original live-action reboot put the humans front and center with the Autobots, as they worked together to protect the world. Shia LaBeouf and Megan Fox returned in their respective roles as they teamed up with Optimus Prime et al. to defeat the Decepticons once and for all, or at least until next time.

It made over $100 million in its opening weekend, and that was likely due to how the battles didn’t disappoint and build up from the previous film. In this climactic scene, both Sam and Optimus are presumed dead, but as soon as Sam awakens, he powers up the Autobot and implores him to fight on.

That he does, with a heartfelt sacrifice that allows him to take on more armor and more energy. What ensues is a thrilling and vicious battle between the two powerful Transformers, set near picturesque Egyptian pyramids. With both human lives on the line, as well as the fate of the world at stake, this is one of the most impressive fights in the series.

6

Rodimus Prime vs. Galvatron

The Transformers: The Movie (1986)

Already a successful animated program for younger audiences, Transformers followed many other franchises and created a full-length motion picture. The film included voice talents from Orson Welles and Leonard Nimoy and is now considered a cult classic of the franchise. It was the first movie, and set up the universe even more, introducing new characters and bigger threats.

As Megatron takes on the more powerful form of Galvatron, he is challenged by Hot Rod, who would ultimately become Rodimus Prime. The fight is incredibly important at the point of the film, as it’s near the very climax, and sets up the importance of the Leadership Matrix, and the succession of power within the Autobot ranks.

Galvatron leads with arrogance and brute force, while Rodimus’ intentions are more of a protector and leader, which allows him to gain the upper hand. It was one of the first huge-scale fights of the franchise, and the ’80 animation just adds to the atmosphere.

5

Autobots vs. Decepticons

Transformers: Dark of the Moon (2011)

The third Michael Bay installment earned over a billion dollars worldwide and featured the likes of Frances McDormand, John Malkovich, and even Buzz Aldrin. Following the defeat of the Fallen in the previous film, Transformers: Dark of the Moon sees Sam and Optimus Prime try and stop the Decepticons from retrieving a Cybertronian spacecraft from the Earth’s Moon.

After Sentinel Prime’s betrayal and only a handful of Autobot resistance left, those who remained made their way to Chicago for one last stand. This was a spectacular battle that featured most of the fan favorites, including Ratchet, Sideswipe, and, of course, Bumblebee.

As they take on the likes of Starscream and Shockwave, there are many ups and downs to this brutal fight. Optimus and Bumblee eventually take out Shockwave and Soundwave and set the scene for the final face-off between Prime and Megatron. With so much death and destruction, this has to be one of the most ruthless battles of the series.

4

Megatron vs. Optimus Prime

Transformers: The Movie (1986)

The first Transformers movie served as a template for many to come, and featured many high-stake battles, both one-to-one and in bigger groups. While trying to protect Autobot City, Optimus Prime arrives to reinforce his flailing army as they’re under Decepticon siege.

The rivalry between Prime and Megatron had already been established as a long-running and cold-blooded one, and the result of this fight proved just how dangerous this world was. As the two fierce opponents battle, audiences do not know what they are in for. As Megatron uses all the deceptive and dirty tricks he can, Optimus Prime holds his own until one very badly misjudged moment of compassion.

While he manages to retaliate and weaken Megatron severely, he finally succumbs to his wounds, leaving the Autobots without their fearless leader.

Megatron, pretending to beg for his life, shoots Optimus, fatally wounding him. While he manages to retaliate and weaken Megatron severely, he finally succumbs to his wounds, leaving the Autobots without their fearless leader. It was a shock to fans at the time and still feels raw all these years later.

3

Optimus Prime vs. Sentinel Prime & Megatron

Transformers: Dark of the Moon (2011)

This film marked the last in the trilogy that followed Sam Witwicky, so the final battle was bound to feel big. With it taking place in the rubble of what was once a great city, and having many of the Autobots in a weakened state, the odds were not in their favor. However, after an epic show of force from Bumblebee and Ratchet to name but a few, it finally comes down to Optimus Prime and the two main antagonists of the movie. One being a long-standing, bitter opponent, the other being his traitorous former mentor.

As Sentinel Prime advances, it may seem he is about to deliver the last hit. Until Megatron intervenes. He decides he does not want to be second best to Sentinel, and in the process saves Optimus. With so much politics at play, it is clear that these three will never see eye to eye, so there must be one victor. And, with a great emotional toll, Optimus Prime does what needs to be done. It’s probably the most deadly he has been throughout the films, but with so much on the line, it was the only way.

2

Optimus Prime vs. Megatron

Transformers (2007)

Optimus Prime and Megatron have faced off a lot. They had taken their war from their own planet, all the way to Earth through countless projects. From the cult cartoons of the 1980s to video game arcades, and many children’s rooms as they fought their own Transformers toys against each other.

But, this was the first instance that such lifelike versions of the legendary Optimus Prime and Megatron fought each other on the big screen. In a true clash of the titans type scene, Megatron arrives, tearing through the military and Autobots alike. As the two huge machine-like beings tear into each other, the visual impact of it was incredibly influential at the time and still looks good to this day.

The fight reinforced this age-old rivalry and saw Sam, a human intervene to help the Autobots’ side. It reinforced their connection to humans and made them want to protect Earth, their new home. It was Megatron’s first huge irreversible defeat, even though it turned out not to be so irreversible after all.

1

Unicron vs. Cybertron

The Transformers: The Movie (1986)

The climax of The Transformers: The Movie set the bar extremely high for all future projects. Having already lost Optimus Prime earlier in the film, audiences then saw Megatron transform into an even more powerful being than Galvatron, who now has control of Cybertron.

But, Unicron is unsatisfied with the use of the Matrix of Leadership and decides to invade the planet in his own gigantic robot form. As carnage ensues, and he destroys entire cities with his huge claws and fire breath, it seems there is no hope. But, the Autobots and the fearless Hot Rod, hatch a clever plan to infiltrate the giant from within.

As Rodimus seizes control of the Matrix he is able to cause a power surge that blows up Unicron, leaving just his giant head floating around in space. The artistry of the animation is truly beautiful and there is so much terror in the image of him standing on a planet as if it was merely a hill. Then there’s the heroic ’80s music that swells as the Autobots and Dinobots take on Unicron. This fight had everything Transformers fans needed.