Take The Transformers Quiz To See Who's An Autobot And Who's A Decepticon
- by William Caruana
- – on
- in Movies and TV
The Transformers series and characters have had a notable impact on popular culture since their introduction to the world in the 1980s. Since that fateful day, people around the world have been engaged by thrilling stories, fallen in love with the heroic Autobots and the nefarious Decepticons, seen more explosions on screen than a pyrotechnic has seen in their lifetime, and, of course, purchased many of the great toys that impressively transform before our very eyes. Yes, needless to say, Transformers has had an abundant impact on popular culture around the world, and it is safe to say that we will be seeing more of them in the near future. Heck, a movie based on the beloved Autobot Bumblebee was released into cinemas just in time for the holiday season!
However, one of the most pressing questions lifted by the franchise (besides why it took 6 movies to get somebody new in the director's chair) is what character best represents us. Are we more like a loyal Autobot, or is a more crafty and intelligent Decepticon a better fit. We are here to answer this exact question! Over the next 50 questions, players will be asked to pick or pass on 20 Autobots, 20 Decepticons, and 10 movies/tv shows to truly find out if they are more of an Autobot or a Decepticon.
Optimus Prime:
What else can honestly be said about Optimus Prime: we know him, and most us of certainly love him. The leader of the Autobots, Optimus is kind, selfless and a skilled leader. He can transform into a large truck with relative ease and is among the wisest transformers out there. He is also incredibly kind not only to his fellow Autobots but also the people of the planet's he and his friends protect (i.e. Earth). Is he worth a pick, or is a pass better suited for him?
Bumblebee:
Bumblebee is another of the kindest and most gentle Transformers out there. A member of the Autobots, Bumblebee was among the first sent to Earth, and he has made a number of life-long friendships with his fellow Autobots as well as Earth's inhabitants. He is unfortunately mute, but thanks to the technology of Earth, he is able to communicate by scanning the radio for appropriate lines. Is he worth a pick, or is a pass better suited for him instead?
Rodimus Prime:
Rodimus Prime, or as he is also known, Hot Rod, is one of the more beloved Transformers from the G1 era. In many regards designed as a replacement for Optimus, he features many of the same traits such as kindness and selflessness. However, the proverbial passing of the torch to him was short-lived, as fan demand put Optimus back into the lead role. Rodimus made his first live action appearance last year in the fifth Transformers movie (Wikipedia). Is he worth a pick or a pass?
Arcee:
Arcee is notable for being one of the few female members of the Autobots, a statistic that many certainly hope will change in future. However, despite her status, she is a great character, serving as a positive role model for both women and men with her kindness, courage and overall skills as a fighter. In some iterations, she is depicted as having sisters, in others, she does not. Her colors often change too (Wikipedia). Is she worth a pick or a pass?
Ratchet:
Ratchet is one of the most heroic Autobots out there, although he is not the most competent of fighters. Instead of fighting on the frontlines with his brothers and sisters in arms, he is a combat medic and pacifist. People can sometimes underestimate just how vital medics are, and Ratchet is among the best in the series. Fittingly, he has the ability to transform into an ambulance (Wikipedia). Is he worth a pick, or is a pass better suited for him instead?
Hound:
Hound is a weapons specialist, who has been known to take on the role of a medic when needed. He made two notable appearances in Transformers: Age of Extinction and Transformers: The Last Knight. His body is decked out in casings and other materials, reflecting his status as the weapons specialist. In the movies, he was voiced by legendary actor John Goodman, who is also known for voicing Sully in Monsters Inc., among many other notable roles (Wikipedia). Is he worth a pick or a pass?
Ironhide:
Ironhide is one of the coolest Transformers out there. His design is sleek and memorable, he is often portrayed as a knowledgeable veteran, and he plays a vital role in many of the Autobots' largest successes. Like Hound, he is a weapons specialist, with a great deal of knowledge on the best tool for the best situation. He was replaced by Hound in the film continuity in the fourth film in the series (Wikipedia). Is Ironhide worth a pick, or is a pass better suited for him instead?
Jetfire:
Jetfire is another of the coolest Transformers out there. One look at his design is all that it takes to realize that there is more to this fellow than meets the eye. Whereas many other Transformers transform into land vehicles, Jetfire, as his name implies, is able to transform into a super powerful Jet. One of the most intelligent Transformers, it is hard not to respect him (Wikipedia). The question is: is he worth a pick, or, perhaps, is a pass better suited for him instead?
Mirage:
Mirage is another Transformer with a notable design. We mean, just look at him. He is so sleek, so modern, so new. If we had to take a ride with one of the Transformers, he would probably be our first choice! He can transform into a Formula One racing car and was considered something of an aristocrat on his home of Cybertron (Wikipedia and Transformers Wikia). Boy, how times have changed for the poor bloke! Is he worth a pick or a pass?
Wheeljack:
Wheeljack is another of the most intelligent Transformers, as well as one of the riskiest to work with. His intentions are positive, he is a member of the Autobots after all, but his results can be... difficult to control. Take, for example, the Dinobots. Those are his creation (at least in G1) and are some of the most intense Transformers out there (Wikipedia). Autobots love him, Decepticons revere him, but what about you? Do you believe he is worth a pick, or is a pass better suited for him?
Leadfoot:
Leadfoot is one of the most important members of the Autobots. He has played a vital part in many of their most daring missions, and as such, must be treated with the utmost respect. He is considered among the calmest Transformers out there, always staying level-headed even during some of the riskiest missions. The most notable aspect of his design is easily the target on his torso (Wikipedia). Is he worth a pick or is a pass better suited for him instead?
Roadbuster:
Roadbuster is another of the coolest Transformers out there, and that is due in no small part to his design. He resembles a formula racing car, and his body is adorned with many different symbols. A member of the Autobots, Roadbuster works closely with his peers to fend off the Decepticons. He derives much joy from these moments but is less socially adept than many of his fellow Autobots (Wikipedia). Is he worth a pick, or is a pass better suited for him instead?
Drift:
Not all Autobots are inherently good, and not all Decepticons are inherently bad. Drift is living proof of this. A proud member of the Decepticons for a long while, Drift had a change of heart and has since worked to repent for his past mistakes by working alongside the Autobots. His design is similar to a Samurai, and he is quite good with his blades. Beloved actor Ken Watanabe voiced him in the movies (Wikipedia). Is he worth a pick or a pass?
Crosshairs:
Crosshairs is another of the most skilled Transformers. A member of the group of the Autobots referred to as Targetmasters, Crosshairs is one of the most skilled marksmen out there. He is often careful when making the decision to shoot, and has a great record of always staying on target. He appeared in live action in the fourth Transformers movie Transformers: Age of Extinction (Wikipedia/Google). Is he worth a pick, or is a pass better suited for him instead?
Grimlock:
Grimlock is one of the most iconic members of the Dinobots. The Dinobots, as their name and designs imply, are a synthetic merge between Transformer and Dinosaur DNA. Grimlock can be very unhinged and is one of the more unpredictable Transformers out there, but often fights on the side of good. Optimus has even been known to use him as a steed on a couple of occasions (Wikipedia). Is he worth a pick or is a pass better suited for him?
Ultra Magnus
Ultra Magnus is one of the most loyal AUtobots that one can find. He is a kind and dutiful soldier who works best under orders, but is willing to be a leader if absolutely necessary. A fun fact that many may not know about Ultra Magnus, he was the protagonist of one of the first Transformers video games. The game, however, was Japan exclusive and was considered to be highly difficult (Wikipedia). Is Ultra Magnus worth a pick, or is a pass better suited for him instead?
Cogman:
Cogman is one of the more interesting Transformers out there, as he is not from the original generation of Transformers, nor from Beast Wars, or any other spin-off for that matter. No, Cogman made his first-ever appearance in the fifth Transformers movie Transformers: The Last Knight, where he acts alongside beloved actor Anthony Hopkins. He is known to be a bit more intense than one may expect (Transformers Wiki). Is he worth a pick or is a pass better suited for him?
Canopy:
Similar to Cogman, Canopy is also not from the original generation of Transformers nor the main-line continuity. He was introduced in Transformers: The Last Knight where he played a small but vital role. He is a very large Transformer who disguises himself as a patch of rubble and protects the many humans around him. While not an Autobot in the conventional sense, he is most certainly a hero (Transformers Wiki). Is he worth a pick or is a pass the best fit?
Daytrader:
Another creation of Transformers: The Last Knight, Daytrader is another large Transformer. He was voiced by hilarious actor Steve Buscemi who is also known for his roles in movies such as Fargo and some Adam Sandler comedies. Daytrader is the supplier of necessities to the Autobots, and although their thoughts on him have been known to be a bit mixed, he is still an important ally to the team. Is he worth a pick or is a pass a better fit?
Trench:
The final character introduced in Transformers: The Last Knight that can be found on our list of Autobots, Trench is a Constructicon who can transform into a Caterpillar excavator. He shares a number of similarities in appearance to that of the Decepticon Scrapper, but he is actually a heroic force. It just goes to show how we should not judge a book by its cover (Transformers Wiki). Anyhow, is Trench worth a pick or is a pass better suited for him instead?
Megatron:
Megatron is the Decepticon that springs to mind when they are mentioned. He is to Optimus Prime what The Joker is to Batman, what The Mandarin is to Iron Man, Darth Vader to Luke Skywalker, The... well, you get the point. He can transform into a large gun and is one of the most powerful foes that the Transformers have faced off against (Wikipedia). The big question after all this: is he worth a pick or is a pass a better fit for him?
The Fallen:
The Fallen is another Decepticon with more to him than meets the eye. In canon, he is one of the original Primes. However, unlike some of the others, he became corrupt and fought alongside the Decepticons. He serves as the main antagonist of the second film, evening having his name dropped in the title (for those who need a refresher, the title is Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen). He is one of the most powerful Transformers out there... period (Wikipedia). Is he worth a pick or a pass?
Starscream:
Starscream is one of the most beloved Decepticons, as well as one of the most feared. He can transform into a jet, giving him a major edge over many of his Autobot foes. He is in many regards the Decepticon equivalent to Bumblebee. However, while Bumblebee is fiercely loyal to Optimus Prime, Starscream is less than loyal to Megatron and genuinely wishes to overtake him (Wikipedia). Is he worth a pick, or is a pass better suited for him instead?
Soundwave:
Soundwave is one of the most beloved Decepticons and has made a number of appearances in many different stories, including a notable role in the recently released Bumblebee movie. In contrast to Starscream, he is incredibly loyal to Megatron. His Transformation is a bit odd. He transforms into a cassette recorder, which is especially strange in our digital world (Wikipedia). Anyhow, is Soundwave worth a pick, or is a pass a better fit for him? Is it time to get out with the old and in with the new?
Blackout:
Blackout is one of the most notable Decepticons out there and is certainly not one to be taken lightly. He has appeared in many different forms and in many different continuities. Most notably, he appeared in a major antagonistic role in the first Transformers movie released in 2007. In that film, he can transform into a Helicopter, which gave him a major advantage over some of his grounded foes (Wikipedia). Is he worth a pick or is a pass a better fit for him in the end?
Brawl:
No, this character is not the third installment in the Super Smash Bros. series (and yes, this author most certainly does apologize for that groaner of a joke). No, Brawl is one of the fiercest Decepticons out there, and he poses a major threat to the Autobots in many different battles. He appeared in the first Transformers live action film (the one released in 2007) and can transform into a tank. This makes him a visually striking villain (Wikipedia). Is he worth a pick or a pass?
Barricade:
Barricade is another of the most popular Decepticons. True to their name, the Decepticons can be quite... deceptive. This fact was even lampshaded by John Cena's character in Bumblebee. Barricade is a perfect example of this, as he has been known to transform into a police car, a fact that makes him even more deceptive than some of the others. Any chance he can be charged on account of impersonating an officer? Anyhow, is he worth a pick or a pass?
Demolisher:
Demolisher is one of the most powerful Decepticons out there. His power should not be taken lightly, and his smaller size makes him a hard target to hit. However, he is not the brightest bulb, and can even be a bit cowardly at times. Alas, it seems even Demolisher has an Achilles Heel, and the Autobots are more than happy to take advantage of it (Wikipedia). Is he worth a pick or is a pass better suited for him instead?
Overload:
Overload is certainly one of the most intimidating Decepticons out there. We mean, just look at him! He certainly strikes an intimidating figure... or does he? Yes, more than any other character in the series, Overload varies from portrayal to portrayal. WHile many Decepticons share the name Overload, there are many key differences between them (Transformers Wiki). Anyhow, is he (or should we say they) worth a pick or is a pass better suited for him (or them)? Be sure to choose wisely?
Scalpel:
Scalpel is easily one of the smallest Transformers out there. We mean, just look at him! Whereas Overload was a hulking beast of a Decepticon, this little fella almost looks kind of cute. However, be sure to not under-estimate him. While he is small, he is powerful where it counts. A skilled medic, he knows how to use his size to his advantage... and his enemy's disadvantage (Transformers Wiki)! Is he worth a pick, or is a pass better suited for the small fella?
Sentinel Prime:
Sentinel Prime is one of the most complex Transformers characters out there. His portrayal varies from source to source, although his best-known incarnation is likely in Transformers: Dark of the Moon. In that film, he goes from an Autobot to a Decepticon to an independent party. He is self-centered, corrupt, but not always that way, making him much more of a tragic figure than most in the series (Wikipedia). Is he worth a pick or a pass? Feel free to take your time, this one can be tough!
Grindor:
After Sentinel Prime, we are glad to say that Grindor is much more of an outright Decepticon. Like many of the Decepticons, there is more to him than meets the eye. Namely, he can transform into a Helicopter which makes navigating obstacles easier, and gives him a key advantage over many of his Autobot foes. He is also highly intelligent, serving as a tactician (Transformers Wiki). Is he worth a pick or is a pass a better fit for him?
Shockwave:
Shockwave is another beloved Decepticon, as well as a highly regarded character in the Transformers franchise in general. He is something of a mad scientist and is often cold and uncaring. This is in stark contrast to characters such as Ratchet and Wheeljack, which, while they may get out of hand with their experiments, are still more than good at heart. Shockwave is a foe that should not be taken lightly (Wikipedia). Is he worth a pick or is a pass better suited for him?
Igor:
Igor is a bit of a small player in the Decepticons... literally. He made his first appearance in Transformers: Dark of the Moon, and as his name implies, is very similar to Dr. Frankenstein's hunchback servant. Igor is a bit more twisted than some of the other Decepticons, deriving joy from fairly joyless situations. This makes him a bit more of a comedic figure than many of the other Decepticons (Transformers Wiki). Is he worth a pick or is a pass better suited for him instead?
Devcon:
Devcon is the name of a number of different characters, with a number of key differences between them. Devcon in the first generation of Transformers (or G1) was a bounty hunter not dissimilar from say, Boba Fett. In the live action movies, Devcon only shares the name with his G1 counterpart and is otherwise a tarantula-like Decepticon. That version of Devcon is the one pictured (Transformers Wiki). Is he worth a pick, or is a pass better suited for him?
Galvatron:
Galvatron is a difficult character to define that varies from portrayal to portrayal. In many instances, after the demise of Megatron, the Decepticons go in search for a leader. They ultimately decide to revive Megatron, turning him into Galvatron in the process. In some other instances, however, Galvatron is a fully unique character and not the evolved form (for lack of a better phrase) of Megatron. Regardless, is he worth a pick, or is a pass better suited for him instead?
Unicron:
Unicron is one of the most dangerous forces out there. He is revered by both the Autobots and Decepticons. He served as the main villain of the first Transformers film (the animated one from the 1980s), and was portrayed as having destructive levels of power. Notably, Unicron was voiced by the late Orson Welles, a trailblazing actor and director who made and starred in Citizen Kane often considered one of the best films ever made. Is Unicron worth a pick or a pass?
Nitro Zeus:
Nitro Zeus is one of the more interesting characters out there in the Transformers mythos, and it all starts with that name. Nitro... Zeus? That is so awesome! Like the Greek God of Transforming speed, so cool! Anyhow, he is not a character from the main series of Transformers (i.e. G1). He is actually a character created for Transformers: The Last Knight and is easily one of the best parts of a very... lets say divisive film. Is he worth a pick or is a pass better suited for him?
Onslaught:
Onslaught has changed a lot over the years, with different appearances across the generations. One thing certainly remains: he is one of the most powerful Decepticons. he is not afraid to cross any line (except one key one) in order to get his way, making him one of the most unhinged characters in the franchise. However, he is powerful in a different sense, as he rarely joins the battle, and makes his cronies do the hard work for him. Is he worth a pick or is a pass better suited for him?
Blitzwing:
Blitzwing is the last Decepticon in this quiz, and one of the coolest ones out there. He can transform into not one, but two different forms. Typically, he can take on a humanoid form, a tank form and the form of a jet. This makes him a very cinematic villain, and Paramount noticed this, making him one of the lead antagonists in the recently released Bumblebee. Is he worth a pick, or, perhaps, is a pass the better choice for him?
Pick or Pass on The Transformers: The Movie:
This movie was released in the 1980s and continued the first generation (G1) of the Transformers. A darker and more mature film, it was controversial upon release. Featuring a strikingly high body count, many fan favorites did not make it out of this film, leading to a large outcry from older fans and saddened younger ones. After the outcry settled, many came to appreciate the film for the same reasons it was off-putting. Is this film worth a pick or a pass?
Transformers 2007:
The first live-action Transformers film, this movie reinvented the characters in a number of key ways. The focus was shifted from the Transformers themselves to human characters. This choice was contentious but served an important purpose as it allowed new and returning viewers to witness the world of Transformers from human eyes. The film was a massive box office success and received decent reviews, especially surprising given director Michael Bay's mixed track record. Is this film worth a pick or a pass?
Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen:
The second film in the series, this epic directed by Michael Bay doubled down on pretty much every aspect of the original. Whether this was for better or for worse depends on who you ask, but let's just say this is one of the most contentious Transformers movies. Featuring more Transformers than ever, a globe-trotting adventure, CGI, Megan Fox, Explosions and... a unique sense of humor, this movie just screams Michael Bay. The question is: does it deserve a pick or a pass?
Transformers: Dark of the Moon:
This movie was a lot less divisive than Revenge of the Fallen and was seen by many as a course correction. Some even consider it the best of Michael Bay's efforts. The conclusion to the first trilogy, Sam Witwicky is back, but Michaela Watkins aka Megan Fox is not. Rosie Huntington Whitely has taken her place, and she is far from a bad choice. Featuring breathtaking action scenes, an intriguing story, and yes, CGI and explosions, there is a lot to like and dislike here. It is all a matter of preference. So, pick or pass?
Transformers: Age of Extinction:
Transformers: Age of Extinction was the first film to reboot the series, and did so to mixed results. Michael Bay and all his explosiony glory is back, but Shia Labeouf is gone. In his place is Mark Wahlberg playing a genius scientist who is totally from Texas despite the thick New England accent. Just go with it! Anyhow, the film was a massive box office success, and it introduced the Dinobots to the live-action world, so there is certainly a lot to love. Is it worth a pick or a pass?
Transformers: The Last Knight:
The last film to be released under Michael Bay's direction, Transformers: The Last Knight turns it up so far past 11, the blinking dial is broken! Featuring King Arthur, a World War II revised history, an apocalypse, Cybertron, CGI, explosions... it is a lot to take in. Mark Wahlberg is back, but the rest of his supporting cast from the prior film is pretty much missing! Many new Transformers are introduced and frankly, they can be pretty cool. Not so cool for some: the long runtime, clocking in over two and a half hours! Is this film worth a pick or a pass?
Bumblebee the Movie:
Talk about a breath of fresh air! Director Travis Knight, who was best known for being the son of Nike CEO Phil Knight and running his own studio of stop-motion animated films (including the excellent Kubo and the Two Strings which he directed), steps into Michael Bay's shoes to tell a more grounded and emotional story. It is full of heart, character and a genuine love for the source material. If you haven't seen it yet, please check it out! It's currently in theaters! Is the film worth a pick or a pass?
Transformers The Animated Series:
This is where it all began! The first generation of Transformers started here, and many children woke up early, their eyes glued to the TV to see the latest in the adventures of the Autobots. Considered a classic today, there is a lot to love about this animated series. However, for newer eyes, it may be a bit dated. Full of thrilling moments, great characters and iconic voice acting, there is still a lot to love today. Is this show worth a pick, or is a pass better suited for it?
Beast Wars: Transformers:
This show is very, very different from others in the Transformers universe. Firstly, it is a fully computer-animated series, a rarity for the time it was made. This is thanks to Rainmaker Animation (at the time known as Mainframe Entertainment) who also worked on the groundbreaking series ReBoot. Secondly, in the series, characters transform into beasts and are less mechanical (Wikipedia). Is the series worth a pick, or is a pass better suited for it instead? Be sure to pick wisely!
Transformers Prime:
This television series brought the Transformers back to the small screen, and in CGI to boot! The series only ran for three years, but it certainly made an impression in that small window of time. The series was developed with the help of some people who worked on the movies and represented the best of the old and the new. It received positive responses from both critics and fans alike but was prematurely canceled to make room for more series. Is this tv show worth a pick or a pass?
