Transformers toys have been around for decades, and in that time, we’ve seen them evolve from simple gimmicky toys to mechanical pieces of art. While Hasbro owns the rights to the Transformers IP, many toy companies have taken a stab at creating their versions of the characters.
From small and simple figures that the kids can play with, to towering monstrosities made up of multiple characters, to high-tech toys, we’ve curated some of the best Transformers action figures available on the market. These aren’t just toys, there’s more than meets the eye.
Updated on September 26, 2023, by Vaspaan Dastoor: With Hasbro Pulse Con 2024 now in the rearview mirror, we’re sure you’re gearing up to pre-order all the newest action figures announced. We got to see some really neat offerings, like Robosen’s self-transform Grimlock and the Legacy United lineup. So, we decided to take the opportunity to update this list with some more Transformers to add to your collection. A particularly special one is the Lego Icons Optimus Prime, as it can transform despite being made out of Lego.
Takara Tomy Starscream
I scream, you scream, we all scream for Starscream
Starscream is one of the most prideful, insufferable, and down right evil Decepticons in the Transformers universe. He would be proud of Takara Tomy’s depiction of him, which presents him in all his dastardly glory, with a cape and crown. Even his transformed version looks absolutely stunning, capable of soaring to victory over any obstacle.
- Glorious depiction with a crown and cape
- Convenient size for shelves
- Perfect mix of retro and modern appearance
No matter how victorious Megatron may be, Starscream will always be scheming in the background. This Takara Tomy figure is the perfect tribute to the villain, who always imagined himself with a crown. It may be a bit ironic, considering he’s a sniveling backstabber, but this is the way Starscream would love to see himself portrayed.
Cybertron Universe Metroplex
A literal powerhouse
The first Titan class Transformer of the list, the Legacy series version of Metroplex depicts the massive Autobot as a space excavator in his transformed mode. He’s also pretty huge in person, coming in at almost 22-inches when standing upright. His weapons can also be combined to make one larger weapon, which is always cool.
- Absolutely massive
- Multiple weapon modes
- Buzz-saw weapon is pretty eye-catching
- Transformed version doesn’t look that great
Imagine a massive alien excavator coming to life and standing up. That makes Metroplex not only intimidating to Decepticons, but will also make a fine centrepiece for your collection. Sure, his excavator version could have looked better, but his standing version easily makes up for it. That giant buzz-saw is a great touch.
Generations Selects Black Zarak
Three different modes, one awesome figure
Black Zarak isn’t one of the main characters, but fans loved him in Transformers: Super-God Masterforce. As part of the Generations Select line, this action figure has three different modes – a massive scorpion, a huge base with a smaller version of himself, and the standing version. Not the most popular Transformer, but surely a great action figure.
- Three modes to transform into
- Fans of Super-God Masterforce will be delighted
- The scorpion mode looks intimidating
The Transformers: Super-God Masterforce character is so popular, that fans requested he be added to the Generations Select line. Hasbro not only added him, but have him three different modes, with one of them being a terrifying giant robot scorpion.
Robosen Auto-Converting Optimus Prime
Truly more than meets the eye
Robosen’s Optimus Prime figure is a nostalgic callback for fans of the 3D era of cartoons. However, what it lacks in detailing and accessories, it makes up for in its digital integration. Not only can it transform on its own, thanks to an app, but it can also walk, punch, shoot, and drive thanks to the app.
- Performs a number of functions on its own, thanks to an app.
- Great callback to 3D era cartoons.
- Lacks detailing.
- Pretty expensive.
Ultimately, the Robosen Auto-Converting Optimus Prime is only worth it depending on what you want to use it for. If you want to play with it in the traditional sense, as kids, do, then you’re probably going to end up breaking it. But, if you want to show it off as a party trick, then it’s one of the best Transformers figures on the market. The price is still pretty steep either way.
Studio Series Optimus Prime
For us manual transforming peasants
However, if you don’t want to sell your kidney for an Optimus Prime action figure, Hasbro’s Studio Series version is pretty great. Its design is inspired by the Autobot’s look in the Bumblebee movie, so it’s not that weird slim version of him from the initial movies. This is the Optimus we all know and love… and can afford.
- Great design and intricate detailing
- Affordable price
- Best version of Optimus Prime
But, if you do want to play with your Optimus Prime toy like a kid, Hasbro’s Studio Series version is just perfect. Not only does it look good, but it’s also small and compact enough for a child to play with. It’a also a good size to match the rest of your collection – Transformers are supposed to blend in, after all.
Combiner Wars Devastator
Teamwork makes the dream work
This 18-inch action figure depicts Devastator from Transformers. Part of Hasbro’s Combiner Wars series, Devastaror is made out of six smaller Transformer figures.
Let’s face it. Who doesn’t want robots that transform and combine to form one large robot? The very concept of it is so cool that scores of anime have adapted it. Devastator is the Transformers version of it, and boy, did Hasbro deliver on it. No other Transformers figure stands a chance against this fan favourite. This big boy will be the pride of any collection.
Lego Optimus Prime
Truly more than meets the eye
A 1,508 Lego set with 19 points of articulation would have to be something truly special, and this Optimus Prime build is just that. Not only does the build look glorious in its bipedal form, with the ability to move its arms, legs, and head, but it can also transform into the iconic truck without having to remove any pieces. It includes a number of accessories and weapons.
- Features 18 points of articulation.
- Limbs can move in bipedal form.
- Can transform without the need to remove any blocks.
When you think of a Lego set, you think of a rigid and blocky build, with little to no points of articulation. However, the Lego Icons Optimus Prime can not only move his arms and legs, but can also fully transform without having to change around any bricks. With specifically crafted pieces, this set perfectly emulates the leader of the Autobots and also stays true to the main feature of a Transformers toy – the ability to transform. Fans of Lego and Transformers will surely want to get their hands on this set, as there’s almost nothing else like it. It’s truly more than meets the eye.
Legacy Evolution Leader Class Nova Prime
Retooling a classic
The Legacy Evolution Leader Class Nova Prime is truly worthy of its name. It has three different modes it can transform into, with the Cybertronian armour mode making him look like a mech created for angels. If this figure looks familiar, it’s because it’s a retooled version of the Siege Galaxy Optimus Prime action figure. However, the white and silver colour scheme makes this one our pick.
- Three unique modes.
- Great colour scheme.
- Cybertronian armour looks badass.
The Cybertronian armour mode of the Legacy Evolution Leader Class Nova Prime makes it look like angels themselves have crafted it. The white and silver colour scheme, massive wings at the back, and the cannons make it look like a weapon of divine destruction. It has three separate modes it can transform into, with the third being a Cybertronian truck, and the armour acting as a trailer. What use would Cybertronians have with a truck? Who knows, but this is one badass looking Transformers action figure.
Studio Series 90 Voyager Class Galvatron
Ooh, shiny!
Another Studio Series action figure, but this time it’s Galvatron from Transformers: Age of Extinction. What we love about this figure is not only how faithful it is to the movie version of the villain, but also it’s shiny chrome finishing. The box also comes with a backdrop of the Hong Kong pursuit scene from the movie, in case you want to put it up on the shelf.
- Great chrome finishing.
- Faithful to the movie avatar of the Decepticon.
- Includes backdrop with artwork from the movie, for display purposes.
After suffering quite a beating in the second movie, Megatron returned revitalized and with a massive power boost as Galvatron in Transformers Age of Extinction. While that’s not how he got that power-up and name change in comics and cartoons, this Studio Series figure looks absolutely stunning thanks to the incredible detailing and chrome finishing. Unfortunately, his truck version doesn’t look all that great, but the bipedal form looks just as menacing and all-powerful as the one from the movie.
FAQ
What is the most advanced Transformers toy?
The Robosen Auto-Converting Optimus Prime figure mentioned above is the most advanced, as it can transform, attack, shoot, walk, and even drive with the help of an app.
What is the rarest Transformer?
The Lucky Draw Transformers series features some of the rarest figures, as they were made only for a special timed promotion.