Michael Bay‘s Transformers (2007) gets a lot of criticism, but the Transformers themselves are really well-written and surprisingly well-designed. While that’s merely by perspective, I think it’s about time we pay some respect to the Transformers, and specifically the Autobots. With that said, here are the 5 Autobots of Transformers (2007) ranked from worst to best!
5. Ratchet
Voiced by: Robert Foxworth
Sadly, someone has to be the worst, and Ratcher doesn’t stak up well against the other, more interesting, Autobots. While he serves as the Medical Officer of the original 5 Autobots that, he does little to showcase his role and quality in combat. With only a few mediocre scenes to his name, Ratchet pales in comparison to other Transformers, who shine brighter and do more. In turn, out Medical Officer ends up being one of the most bland Transformers in Bay’s saga.
The best quality: Robert Foxworth’s voice acting is the best thing going for Ratcher. It’s fitting and adds to his stern, yet professional, nature.
The worst quality: His lack of easily identifiable and unique qualities. He’s simply the Medical Officer, and that’s it.
4. Jazz
Voiced by: Darius McCrary
Jazz is difficult to like and hard to hate, isn’t he? On one hand, his obnoxious personality and over-the-top behavior make him pretty irritating. It’s like he’s trying too hard to be cool. But on the other hand, his silky smooth movement and crazy manouvers make him entertaining to watch. Seeing this silver devil move around is like watching figure skating. With that being said, Jazz is equally as good as he’s bad. Well, it all depends on where you stand personally? While I enjoy his silky smooth movement, his crazy personality hinders me from placing him higher. It’s that simple.
The best quality: Movement. The way in which Jazz manouvers around is smooth like a well oiled machine. His movements could only be called smooth as jazz!
The worst quality: The cringey behavior. It’s like Jazz is trying too hard to be cool. While it’s not something that ruins the character, it just makes him hart to like.
🥉 Ironhide
Voiced by: Jess Harnell
Ironhide’s a bonafied badass, who looks like a jacked up bodybuilder, willing to blast away anybody and everybody! It’s not just a personality trait, but his way of life. It’s like Ironhide was created to kill evil Decepticons, throw out one-liners, and get rid of “rodent” infestations. Well, I wouldn’t consider Mojo and Frankie to be rodents, but I won’t argue with Ironhide. Thus, I’ll give him respect and credit for being one of the best Autobots in Transformers (2007).
The best quality: His “ready to kill” mentality. It’s what makes Ironhide stand out so much, as his hardened personality makes you drawn to him. I mean, he’s the only Transformer who’s an open book in what he wants to do, and he isn’t afraid of saying it out loud. So, this mindset of his is special. It makes him so fun to watch, while also giving him a “no F’s given” personality. It’s simply what makes him so badass.
The worst quality: The lack of spotlight. It’s hard to stand out next to Optimus Prime and the adorable Bumblebee, but it’s still sad that we didn’t see more of Ironhide. If only he would’ve gotten more screentime!
🥈 Optimus Prime
Voiced by: Peter Cullen
Optimus Prime is an admirable Autobot, with a sense for justice! He’s the exemplary Autobot, who others respect and follow, and for good reason. It’s not about fear, but honest admiration and belief in Optimus Prime’s abilities and capabilities. But it’s about his leadership and cunning, his big heart and caring ways. In combination with his badass ability in combat and cool look, Optimus Prime is arguably the greatest Transformers character of all time!
I showered Optimus Prime with compliments, yet he stands at the #2 spot on my list? Simply put, there was one Autobot that journeyed close to my heart, and that’s the Autobot I deem to be the best in Transformers (2007). However, if you have Optimus Prime as #1, I’d fully and wholeheartedly understand.
The best quality: His leadership. It’s on full display, and it’s a quality well shown throughout the film. It doesn’t matter what the Autobots are doing, they respect and follow Prime without question, as they admire him and believe him to be their rightful leader. This is a quality that makes Optimus Prime who he is, and I love it!
The worst quality: NONE. Optimus Prime is perfectly balanced in Transformers (2007).
🥇 Bumblebee
Voiced by: Mark Ryan
Struggle to speak like you’re bumbling, and shoot huge cannons like a bee! Well, Muhammad Ali‘s original quote is a lot better, but my description fits Bumblebee well, don’t you think? My ridiculous joke aside, I honestly think that Bumblebee is the showstealer in Transformers. It’s not just about his warm and welcoming design, but his cute and heartwarming personality. I guess it has a lot to do with his role in the story too; being Sam Witwicky’s first car and also his protector. The bond they develop helps to appreciate Bumblebee, and his child-like behavior makes him very endearing. It’s like his a loyal dog, who’s willing to fight for your life and also cuddle afterwards. I mean that as a huge compliment, by the way. Bumblebee is simply THE best of the best in Transformers (2007)!
The best quality: His endearing and heartwarming personality. It’s what makes him so damn cute! And yes, I said that he’s “cute”. I didn’t see myself using that word to describe a machine before I watched Transformers, but it is what it is!
The worst quality: NONE. Bumblebee acts as Sam’s protector and loyal friend beautifully. It is a match made in heaven, a friendship amplified by Shia LaBeouf‘s excellent performance.
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