The 5 Greatest Transformers Deaths, Ranked

The Transformers the franchise has featured a huge number of deaths throughout its four-year history, which isn't necessarily surprising given that the series is based around giant robots fighting for the fate of entire worlds. Between the Autobots, Decepticons, Maximals, Predacons, and all sorts of other sub-factions, many characters have met tragic fates. Characters have been shot by Megatron, eaten by Sharkticons, and even blown up by members of the GI Joe team.

Some Transformers the deaths were relatively minor in the overall scheme of things, but a few select scenes stood out because they completely shocked viewers and readers. However, these deaths weren't just for shock value, as many character demises resulted in huge changes to the status quo of their respective series. Greatest Transformers the deaths permanently changed the direction of their media and left a lasting impact on audiences.

5

Cliffjumper was positioned as the main character

Happened in: Transformers: Prime

Image via Hasbro

When Transformers: Prime started in 2010 and introduced fans to a new take on Cliffjumper. Voiced in the original animated series by radio legend Casey Kasem, this version of Cliffjumper also had a big name: Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. Before the start of the series, Cliffjumper was positioned as the main character. However, in the very first episode Transformers: PrimeThe writers defied expectations as Cliffjumper was mercilessly killed by Starscream.

Cliffjumper's shocking and sudden death set the tone for the rest Transformers: Primewhich became popular Transformers show among the fans. Starscream murdering an Autobot showed fans that heroes are not invincible and anyone can die. It raised the stakes dramatically, and his death continues to affect the story, especially through Arcee's grief.

4

Ravage's Death was a sad scene

Happened in: Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye

IDW Transformers comic offered the best look at Megatron, the classic Decepticon leader. In one of the most surprising moments in the franchise, IDW had Megatron renounce the Decepticon cause after the war ended. However, this was not the end of Megatron's story, as he began wearing Autobot insignia and became one of the captains of the Lost Light. Everyone assumed that Megatron would eventually return to the Decepticon fold, including Ravage, who wanted Megatron back in his rightful place.

Megatron's devotion to the Autobots brought him into conflict with the Decepticon Justice Division, and the villainous Tarn tormented Megatron by tearing Ravage in half. Megatron managed to destroy the Tarn and save the crew of the Lost Light from DJD, but that moment could have easily brought Megatron back to his old ways. As Ravage lay dying, he changed his mind about his old leader and begged Megatron to “not change.”

3

Starscream died a hero

Happened in: Transformers Armada

Image via Hasbro

In different Transformers continuity, it is not uncommon to see Starscream die. Optimus Prime probably had the most deaths of any Transformer, but Starscream is a close second. It even got to the point where it shows like Beast Wars and Animated Transformers they provided an in-universe explanation for why Starscream is so hard to kill. With that history, it's no wonder you see the piece Transformers media where the character is killed but Transformers Armada are significantly different.

In most cases, Starscream's ambitions for power always lead to his demise, but in the 2002 animated series, he actually dies a hero. In an attempt to form an alliance between the Autobots and the Decepticons, Starscream directly attacks Unicron, resulting in his death. The ruse worked, convincing Megatron that Unicron's power required combining with Optimus Prime to save Cybertron. The moment completely redefines the character.

2

Dinobot's death turned him into an icon

Happened in: Beast Wars

Image via IDW, Hasbro

There was a lot Transformers cartoons and Beast Wars may be the best. This is partially due to “Code of Hero”, which is the highlight of the series as it features Dinobot's death. Dinobot is a tragic character and has been a staple of the series since the first episode. While it takes place after the original Transformers cartoon, beginning Beast Wars saw Maximals and Predacons sent through the Transwarp portal. As a result, the characters did not know where they were or what place in time they found themselves.

Eventually, the Maximals and Predakons discovered that they were on a prehistoric Earth, at the dawn of humanity. Megatron devised a plan to kill the early humans and thus change the history of planet Earth. Knowing the potentially disastrous consequences, Dinobot was forced to face his former team all alone. Faced with overwhelming odds, the hero managed to single-handedly defeat the entire Predacon team before succumbing to his injuries. His death was a shocking moment in a show that was largely marketed to younger viewers, but turned it from a franchise favorite into an icon. There is only one Transformer death that could top Dinobot's surprising fate.

1

Optimus Prime's resignation had the biggest impact

Happened in: Transformers: The Movie

Image via Hasbro

In 1986 Transformers: The Movie landed in theaters and had an unimaginable impact on the franchise. In an attempt to sell the new toys to children, the film mercilessly butchered some of the most popular characters from the first two seasons of the series. IN Transformers: The MovieIn the first half, favorites like Ironhide, Ratchet and Starscream were brutally killed. But the biggest shock came with the death of Optimus Prime, given that he was the face of the franchise and one of the most beloved Autobots.

While ads previously teased his death Transformers: The Movie came out, no one expected Optimus Prime to die after a brutal fight with Megatron. Apparently, the kids were so upset with how things turned out that Hasbro was receiving angry letters from parents demanding Prime's return. Optimus eventually returned, but his controversial and shocking death took a toll on him Transformers the franchise continues to this day.

television shows

The Transformers, Transformers: Prime, Transformers: BotBots, Transformers: Cybertron, Beast Wars: Transformers, Transformers: Rescue Bots, Transformers Robots in Disguise

Current series

Transformers: EarthSpark

Year of creation

1984

movies

Transformers, Transformers Revenge of the Fallen, Transformers: Dark of the Moon, Transformers: Age of Extinction, Transformers: The Last Knight, Bumblebee, Transformers: Rise of the Beasts, The Transformers: The Movie