Every Transformers TV Show and Anime (In Chronological Order) (2024)

Since their debut in the 1980s — and even in the face of highly divisive live-action movies — the Transformers franchise keeps going strong. The war between the Autobots and Decepticons has been ongoing for decades, with no end in sight.

This conflict served as the inspiration for countless cartoons and anime of varying tones and animation styles. While the times and media may change, the rivalry between Optimus Prime and Megatron won’t. With so many TV shows and anime about the robots, it might be hard to keep up. Luckily, the release date of each installment makes it easy to follow all Transformers shows in order.

Updated by Timothy Blake Donohoo on July 17, 2024: There are numerous Transformers cartoons, with the franchise having had animated shows consistently since 1984. With the brand now celebrating its 40th anniversary, many fans want to watch all the Transformers shows in order. Doing so means separating them into different groups, as many of the different Transformers shows occupy divergent continuities.

1980s

The 1980s was the beginning of the Transformers dominating television. While initially an American production, the Japanese jumped on the bandwagon to promote its line of Transformers toys. The shows during this period heavily focused on the classic conflict between Autobots and Decepticons, but what made it different this time was the styling of the animation (especially for anime shows) and the creative use of different characters.

Challenge Of The GoBots (1984-1985)

Released at the beginning of the Transformers television era, Challenge of the GoBots is a 65-episode cartoon based on Bandai’s Machine Robo that was localized as GoBots. Notable for starring cyborgs instead of sentient robots, the series tracks the continuing conflict between the Guardians and the villainous Renegades. Tonka's Gobots was a rival franchise to Transformers, and whereas the latter was derived from the Japanese toyline Diaclone, Gobots was a repackaged version of Machine Robo. Hasbro later acquired the brand, with the names of Gobots characters even appearing in different Transformers continuities.

The Transformers (1984-1987)

Running for three full seasons and a truncated "fourth" season, the first of the Transformers shows was the original 98-episode cartoon that defined the franchise. It cemented the eternal rivalry of Optimus Prime and the Autobots versus Megatron and the Decepticons in pop culture, which is still a major conflict in current Transformers TV shows and movies today. It was almost entirely episodic, but several chief characterizations were established, including how legendary characters such as the Dinobots acted. Without this series, Transformers would likely not be as popular today.

Transformers: Scramble City (1986)

Transformers: Scramble City is a Japan-exclusive original video animation (OVA) made solely to promote the Scramble City toys, which were Transformers with interchangeable limbs. It also featured the city-sized Transformer Metroplex or the titular Scramble City. The OVA was criticized for never resolving the cliffhanger at the end, nor having a direct sequel produced to continue the saga. Instead, an extended commercial called Scramble City Toys retold the story and mistakenly depicted Galvatron as one of Megatron's troops. This was one of the many discrepancies between post-Season 2 in Japan and America, with the former not receiving The Transformers: The Movie until years after it was released. Nevertheless, Scramble City was meant to bridge the gap between that film and Season 3 of the Transformers cartoon.

Transformers: The Headmasters (1987-1988)

Told as a continuation of The Transformers series, The Headmasters is Japan’s alternate version of The Transformers Season 4. The original Season 4 was only three episodes long, while this 35-episode anime diverges into a darker war story. Of note are the Headmasters and Targetmasters, two new factions in the Transformers’ civil war. The season takes place six years after the battle against Unicron, with new and old characters joining forces once more. Eventually, characters such as Rodimus Prime were replaced with new Transformers entirely.

Transformers: Super-God Masterforce (1988)

The anime series Transformers: Super-God Masterforce was a major change of pace among Transformers cartoons. This series changed the status quo for the Transformers saga by having humans standing up for their home, rather than relying on the Transformers to do it for them. Inspired by their actions, the Transformers shrink down to human size to pass as them. The 42-episode anime sequel to Headmasters. Notable for heavily featuring the Pretenders (Autobots disguised as humans and Decepticons disguised as monsters) and having deep character development.

Transformers: Victory (1989)

The final series in the Generation 1 era, Transformers: Victory is the 44-episode anime sequel to Super-God Masterforce. Bringing Transformers back to basics by reigniting the war between Autobots and Decepticons, the series was created to advertise the Japanese Transformers toy line. It was the most un-American Transformers series to date, representing the stylistic art of traditional anime during this era. This made it more like a Super Robot anime than one of the Transformers cartoons.

1990s

The 1990s was the time when Transformers experimented heavily with the same conflict by breaking ground with new animation techniques and focusing on different characters. By the end of the decade, the Transformers franchise went from a children's toy line to a worldwide fan-favorite for all age groups.

Transformers: Zone (1990)

Off the hype of Victory, Transformers: Zone was an OVA that tried and failed to rekindle Transformers’ then-waning popularity in Japan. The story focuses on Violen Jiger, who aims to acquire the Zone Energy and find the powerful Zodiac. The new Autobot commander, however, had already claimed the Zodiac to defeat the Destrons. It was followed up by the toylines Return Of Convoy and Operation Combination, which were never animated. Thus, it was the last of the Generation 1 Transformers cartoons.

Transformers: Generation 2 (1993-1995)

Running in conjunction with the comic book series, Generation 2 is technically a rerun of The Transformers, but with new CG transformation sequences and ads featuring Transformers’ Marvel Comics run. The episodes were mostly abridged clip shows, framed as data stored in the Cybernet Space Cube. Thus, the Cube would act as a transition between scenes by displaying scenes on all six sides of the cube. It's hard to classify it as a truly new entry among the Transformers cartoons, especially since it didn't even feature the new characters from the toyline.

Beast Wars: Transformers (1996-1999)

Titled Beasties: Transformers in Canada, Beast Wars was Transformers’ 52-episode CG reboot with then-groundbreaking animation. Originally derided before it won audiences over, it spawned a television series sequel and a limited comic book series of the same name. Critics praised the solid writing and characterization, making it one of the best Transformers series of the decade.

Beast Wars II: Super-Life Transformers (1998)

Beast Wars II is the 43-episode Japan-only anime sequel to Beast Wars. Although it serves as filler between the CG Beast shows, it's a nice story with a lighter tone that kids will love, rather than the other more mature Beast Wars series. Here, the Maximals and Predacons continue their war after crash-landing on Gaea. It's one of the more unique Transformers cartoons due to how much it's clearly an anime.

Super Life-Form Transformers: Beast Wars Neo (1999)

In Super Life-Form Transformers: Beast Wars Neo, the next Japanese-exclusive anime, the Maximal and Predacon factions are at it again, this time to obtain the mysterious Angolmois Capsules. However, by the end of the series, both factions join forces to battle against Unicron. The series technically stands as a 35-episode continuation of Super-Life Transformers. It's notable for introducing Unicron and his loyal Blentrons into the Beast Wars canon.

Beast Machines: Transformers (1999-2000)

The last series of the 1990s, this 26-episode series is the sequel to Beast Wars. This Transformers series brought things back to Cybertron, with the Maximals fighting Megatron's Vehicon forces. By the middle of the series, Maximal leader Optimus Primal sought to turn Cybertron into an organic world, with only the villainous Megatron wanting to preserve its robotic status. Due to radical character changes and themes deemed preachy, Beast Machines remains one of the most divisive Transformers cartoons ever made.

2000s

During this decade, the Transformers series' were heavily inspired by the past shows and the film franchise that dominated the blockbuster industry. However, many shows flunked when it came to the story, rarely ever utilizing classic characters to put a fresh spin on the franchise. The real accomplishments were in the animation department, which improved with new technology.

Transformers: Robots In Disguise (2001)

Another Transformers reboot, Robots in Disguise was a 39-episode anime. Titled Car Robots in Japan and originally a Japan-only exclusive, it’s the first English-dubbed Transformers anime shown in America. It was originally hurriedly localized after Beast Machines’ failure to launch, but it went on to become a successful and beloved series. This Transformers cartoon was known for its humor, with the Predacons usually being defeated in a laughable nature.

Transformers: Armada (2002-2003)

Transformers: Armada is legendary for being the first co-production between America's Hasbro and Japan's Takara, beginning a new universe for the Transformers franchise and having no ties to previous shows. It was a 52-episode anime that rewrote the Transformers war. Here, the civil war was waged over the power-granting Mini-Cons, who escaped to Earth to stop the conflict. Instead, they inadvertently drag Cybertron’s war to a new planet. It's known as Micron Legend in Japan and was the first entry in the "Unicron Trilogy."

Transformers: Energon (2004)

As the 51-episode sequel to Armada, the Autobots and Decepticons join forces against Alpha Q and his Terrorcons. The anime features “Energon Stars,” which let the Transformers mix and match limbs and become even more powerful. It's known as Super Link in Japan and is the first Japanese show where the robots are computer-generated and look similar to the Zoids anime franchise. The follow-up Transformers series was Cybertron, which continued the computer-generated look of the Transformers.

Transformers: Robotmasters (2004-2005)

Robotmasters is a two-episode promotional short that can only be found on DVDs that come with Robotmasters toys, so it's not exactly required viewing for even dedicated fans. None of the voice actors returned to reprise their roles, and the cast was composed of soundalikes. The toys were little more than updated re-releases of classic Transformers models, and the cartoons were CG-animated.

Transformers: Cybertron (2005)

Known as Galaxy Force in Japan, the 52-episode-long Cybertron is considered to be the trilogy’s best in terms of story and production. Its connection to the trilogy is vague, as it was meant to be a stand-alone saga. The story received mixed reviews, with some praising it as the best show since Beast Wars for its plot and characterization. In contrast, others criticized the repetitive use of transforming sequences and video quality. It's also known for introducing the now iconic character Vector Prime.

Transformers: Animated (2007-2009)

At the time when Transformers was making big money in the film franchise, Cartoon Network followed up with a 42-episode reboot. The heavily stylized Transformers: Animated modernized the franchise with both Generation 1 and Michael Bay’s Transformers movies as inspiration. It enjoyed critical success as a stand-alone series (with Easter eggs thrown in every once in a while) but was canceled before a fourth, conclusive season could be made. Nevertheless, new action figures for Transformers: Animated characters are still being made.

2010s

The 2010s saw an improvement in the Transformers franchise, including new characters in storylines that would previously have been seen as just sidekicks. The new series also debuted on YouTube, reaching a wider audience than they ever have before. By the end of the decade, it was clear Transformers was heading in the right direction just before streaming kicked in.

Aligned ContinuityTransformers: Prime (2010-2013)

Airing on Hub network, Transformers: Prime was a 65-episode CG reboot that takes elements from all past Transformers shows. It retells the Transformers’ conflict on Earth as a covert proxy war that gradually escalates onto a planetary scale. The show was noted for being developed by Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci, who were screenwriters on the first two live-action films. The series was positively received by critics, who noticed an improvement from previous installments.

The Kre-O Transformers Shorts (2011-2015)

The Kre-O toyline resulted in one of the strangest Transformers cartoons. These shorts were an 18-episode collection of stop-motion shorts that retell Autobot and Decepticon stories using Kre-O’s Transformers toys. They can be viewed online through Kre-O’s YouTube channel and are only approximately a minute long each. These are mainly for the hardcore fans of the franchise, as they don't affect the continuity in any major way.

Transformers: Rescue Bots (2012-2016)

After releasing a few mature series, The Hub wanted to give kids a chance to enjoy the toys on the small screen. Rescue Bots was a 104-episode Transformers relaunch meant for young kids. The titular Rescue Bots are tasked by Optimus Prime to help humanity as first responders rather than Autobot soldiers. The series concluded after four seasons but was succeeded by Rescue Bots Academy. As part of the amorphous Aligned Continuity, it's actually in the same universe as the far darker Transformers: Prime.

Transformers Go! (2013)

Set within the same continuity as Prime, Transformers Go! is a 10-episode direct-to-DVD sequel to Prime that’s exclusive to Japan. Here, the Autobots’ Samurai and Shinobi teams travel to Feudal Japan to stop the Predacons’ plans. The series is noted to be the first in eight years to be produced in Japan, since the release of Transformers: Cybertron.

Transformers: Robots In Disguise (2015-2017)

As the 71-episode-long sequel to Prime, Robots in Disguise is set five years after Optimus Prime’s sacrifice. It's notable for being the first Transformers series to star long-time Autobot sidekick Bumblebee instead of Optimus Prime, changing up the usual storyline for the Transformers universe. It was the last major series in the Aligned Continuity, and though it had its detractors, it also had several fans.

The Prime Wars Trilogy (2016-2018)

The Transformers "Prime Wars" trilogy was a three-season spiritual sequel to Generation 1’s history made by Machinima and Tatsunoko Production. It was originally meant for the streaming service go90, but after its closure and Machinima’s fall, the CG-animated trilogy moved to Rooster Teeth’s official site. The trilogy comprises three seasons that are individually named "Combiner Wars," "Titans Return," and "Power of the Primes." Each episode is around five minutes long.

Transformers: Cyberverse (2018-2020)

A cel-shaded computer-animated series, Transformers: Cyberverse is a 62-episode Transformers series that's set in its own continuity. It focuses on the fan-favorite Autobot Bumblebee as he tries to recover his lost memories. Each episode is 11 minutes long instead of the usual 20 minutes. The series was heavily praised by critics and was even nominated for two Irish Animation Awards in 2019.

Transformers: Rescue Bots Academy (2019-2021)

The sequel to Rescue Bots, Rescue Bots Academy follows the original Rescue Bots as they train new recruits. Themes found in the more kid-friendly Transformers series included teamwork, heroism, and friendship, making it suitable for children. None of the previous cast returned and were instead replaced by Cyberverse’s actors. The series concluded in 2021 with an astounding 104 episodes.

2020s

In recent years, Transformers found its home on streaming platforms as cable slowly moved out as a thing of the past. Netflix and Paramount+ in particular gave Transformers a chance to tell new stories. Effectively, the franchise also featured its first non-binary character with Nightshade, showing acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community in children's networking.

The War For Cybertron Trilogy (2020)

The War for Cybertron trilogy was the first to debut on a streaming service: Netflix. It was a prequel series showing the Cybertronian Civil War before it escalated on Earth, like the game of the same name. It sparked controversy for casting non-union voice actors instead of bringing back franchise staples like Peter Cullen and Frank Weller. Despite this, critics praised the series for its stunning visuals, homage to Beast Wars, and putting a refreshing spin on the franchise.

Transformers: BotBots (2022-present)

Netflix’s most unique Transformers comedy cartoon based on Hasbro’s BotBots toy line, BotBots was a much different take on the franchise's core concept. Here, the BotBots disguise themselves as mall objects and evade mall cops while having fun. Just a few of the characters include Burgertron, Dimlit, Bonz-Eye, Clogstopper, and Kikmee. The Transformers series has 10 episodes, with 20 segments.

Transformers: EarthSpark (2022-present)

With Cartoon Network and Netflix on the Transformers train, it's only right that the ultimate kids' spot gets on as well. Nickelodeon’s current Transformers cartoon is EarthSpark, with a second season on the way. Here, a new species of Transformers tries to find its place in the world of Autobots, Decepticons, and humans. It currently has 36 episodes across two seasons.

Transformers

Transformersis a mediafranchiseproduced by American toy company Hasbro and Japanese toy company Takara Tomy. It primarily follows the heroic Autobots and the villainous Decepticons, two alien robot factions at war that can transform into other forms, such as vehicles and animals.

First Film

Transformers

Latest Film

Transformers: Rise of the Beasts

First TV Show

The Transformers

Latest TV Show

Transformers: EarthSpark

Cast

Peter Cullen , Wil Wheaton , Shia LaBeouf , Megan Fox , Luna Lauren Velez , Dominique Fishback