Top 10 Times Optimus Prime Went Beast Mode

Top 10 Times Optimus Prime Went Beast Mode

Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the Top 10 Times Optimus Prime Went Beast Mode.

For this list, we’ll be looking at the most epic, planet-shattering, and downright coolest moments of Optimus Prime’s storied life. We’ll be scouring through the franchise’s many films and TV shows, so consider this your spoiler warning. We won’t, however, be focusing on any extended material like video games or comics.

What are some awesome Optimus Prime moments YOU can think of? Roll out into the comments section and tell us!

#10: Dismantling a Sector 7 SUV

“Transformers” (2007)
In the franchise’s first live action adaptation, the Autobots and Decepticons continue their battle on Earth as they pursue the powerful Allspark. At one point, humans Sam Witwicky and Mikaela Banes are intercepted by a shadowy government organization known as Sector 7. They want to interrogate Sam about the mysterious alien robots. What follows next is both funny and scary as Sam and Mikaela are rescued by Optimus Prime and the Autobots. Optimus makes a big impression, ripping the top off an SUV like nothing. The Sector 7 agents buckle in fear as the tables are suddenly turned.

#9: Optimus vs. Galvatron

“Transformers: Cybertron” (2005)
This anime followed the Autobots as they rushed to save Cybertron from a black hole. The series only lasted one season, but comprised 52 episodes and was far from uneventful! Megatron ends up leveling up and becoming Galvatron. In the penultimate episode, Galvatron and Prime battle it out. After Galvatron slices Prime with a scimitar, the Autobot leader sees Vector Prime’s ghost and uses the Matrix of Leadership to get his own level up. He then stabs Galvatron with his sword. While Galvatron still sneaks a few lines in, his threat is at an end.

#8: One Shall Fall

“Transformers: Prime” (2010-13)
As we’re sure you know, Optimus Prime and Megatron fight. A lot. This entry’s no exception. In “Transformers: Prime” the Autobots and Decepticons continue their war. The Autobots are aided in their fight by three young humans: Jack, Miko, and Raf. Towards the end of the first season, Optimus and Megatron have a barnburner of a battle. Set amidst the backdrop of an active volcano, the two enemies put it all on the line. Punches, kicks, blasts, you name it, they did it! Seriously, Optimus even transforms into his classic truck form just so he can run Megatron over. Despite getting the better of him at several points, it’s Megatron who stands over Optimus, prepared to deliver the final strike as the episode ends on a cliffhanger.

#7: Almost Killing Bumblebee

“Transformers: The Last Knight” (2017)
We love you Bee, but you really didn’t have a chance. In “Transformers: The Last Knight”, Optimus gets mind controlled by Quintessa, the evil sorceress who created him. The brainwashed Optimus adopts the name Nemesis Prime. Nemesis attacks Earth and gets into a nasty fight with Bumblebee. It’s pretty one-sided, with Bumblebee on the receiving end of a brutal beatdown. It’s safe to say that we’ve never seen Optimus as ruthless as when he’s Nemesis Prime. He nearly killed Bumblebee. The only thing stopping him was Bumblebee finally speaking with his own voice. Hearing Bumblebee speak again was so shocking that it freed Optimus from Quintessa’s mind control. Words really do have power!

#6: Last Battle

“The Transformers: The Movie” (1986)
A continuation of the classic 80s show, “The Transformers: The Movie” featured another legendary duel between Optimus and Megatron. The stakes were never higher though, since in this movie’s continuity, it was the final fight between the two. It’s personal and explosive, as the two warriors leave everything on the battlefield. While a beaten Megatron is forced to retreat with the Decepticons, Optimus isn’t left unscathed. The Autobot leader’s injuries sadly catch up to him. Before his spark finally goes out, he still manages to deliver one last uplifting speech to his team.

#5: Flying Prime

“Transformers: Prime” (2010-13)
Fatally injured by a cannon blast, things were looking bleak for Optimus. Newest Autobot recruit Smokescreen rescued him. But with no access to medical supplies, time was running out. Over the span of several episodes, Optimus found solace from visions of his old mentor Alpha Trion. He was finally saved when Smokescreen managed to merge him with the Forge of Solus Prime. Now equipped with battle armor and a jetpack, Optimus took the fight straight to the Decepticons, charging into their base. His arrival had both style and substance, as he sent the Decepticons scrambling. Seriously, what’s cooler than Optimus with a jetpack?

#4: Slicing Infernocus

“Transformers: The Last Knight” (2017)
Having broken free from Quintessa’s control, Optimus looks to settle the score. Meanwhile, the humans are doing their best to hold back the enemy. Triumphantly entering the fray on Dragonstorm, a giant three-headed dragon transformer, Optimus makes light work of Infernocus. Infernocus tries to keep up with the legendary Autobot, even splitting into several smaller transformers to even the odds. But you didn’t forget who we’re talking about right? With one single, epic movement, Optimus slices all of their heads off. No big deal.

#3: Not Just A Rookie Anymore

“Transformers: Animated” (2007-09)
We love what a confident and inspiring leader Optimus Prime is. But what if he wasn’t any of those things? At least not yet. In “Transformers: Animated”, he’s still finding his feet. A rookie who flunked out of the Autobot Academy, this Optimus is young and inexperienced. It’s unorthodox, sure, but he’s still Optimus Prime. And he proves that when he fights Megatron in the series’ finale “Endgame.” Another unique change is their relationship. Here, Megatron sees Optimus less as his greatest rival and more as a giant pain in the butt. After gaining the Magnus Hammer, Optimus is finally able to take Megatron down. He has a chance to destroy him too, but ultimately refuses, arresting him instead.

#2: Three on One

“Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen” (2009)
If we were in the forest with three giant killer Decepticons chasing us, we’d run for our lives. Not Optimus though! Coming to Sam’s rescue, Optimus must battle Megatron, Starscream, and Grindor. Refusing to back down, he takes them all on at once. While he valiantly stands his ground, overpowering both Grindor and Starscream, he falls victim to Megatron. The evil Decepticon is able to sneak up on the distracted Prime and stab him through the chest. Of course, that clearly wouldn’t be the last we saw of him …

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

Battling on the Space Bridge, “Transformers: Prime” (2010-13)
Megatron Wanted to Rule Earth with a Dark Energon Army, But Not on Optimus’ Watch!

Enlisting the Dinobots, “Transformers: Age of Extinction” (2014)
You’re Either with Optimus or Against Him!

Defeating the Fallen, “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen” (2009)
Optimus Rises & the Fallen Falls

#1: Stopping Sentinel Prime

“Transformers: Dark of the Moon” (2011)
In the third film of the series, former Autobot leader Sentinel Prime is discovered on the Moon. Using the Matrix of Leadership, Optimus wakes Sentinel up from his deep sleep. But Sentinel betrays them, allying with the Decepticons to bring Cybertron to Earth. In their fight, Optimus pushes Sentinel to the limit, but Sentinel is no pushover, and slices off Optimus’ arm! In a surprising twist, Megatron saves Optimus, blindsiding Sentinel. Their alliance doesn’t last long though. Optimus, with one arm by the way, effortlessly decapitates Megatron. He then shoots Sentinel in the head. Optimus’ strength and resilience remain unmatched!