The essential episodes of The Transformers

Watch these 15 in order and you've got The Transformers — each pick states its reason.

  1. 01

    S01E01 · Pilot · October 6, 1984 · 22m

    Transport to Oblivion6.8

    The Decepticons have managed to construct a device that, once successfully tested, will allow them to travel to Cybertron. Later, they use a reprogrammed Bumblebee to make sure the Autobots walk into an ambush.

  2. 02

    S01E03 · Season 1 peak · October 20, 1984 · 22m

    Divide and Conquer7.2

    A battle with the Decepticons leaves Optimus Prime damaged. Several Autobots journey to Cybertron to retrieve a vital part that will help repair him, but the Decepticons take advantage of the situation and launch an attack.

  3. 03

    S01E11 · Top rated · December 15, 1984 · 22m

    Heavy Metal War7.2

    The Constructicons, recently created for the Decepticons, have built a device to give Megatron the powers and skills of his soldiers. All this is to give him the advantage in a challenge he issues to Optimus Prime. And if Optimus loses, he and the Autobots must leave Earth.

  4. 04

    S02E03 · Season 2 peak · September 24, 1985 · 22m

    Dinobot Island (1)7.0

    Proving to be a danger even to their own allies, the Dinobots are sent away to train on a recently discovered island in the hopes that they will learn how to effectively work together. The island, however, is far from ordinary as it is populated by dinosaurs. Meanwhile, the Decepticons make advances toward the island so they can acquire it's natural resources.

  5. 05

    S02E04 · Top rated · September 26, 1985 · 22m

    Dinobot Island (2)7.0

    The Decepticons' tampering on the island creates openings to other times, allowing all sorts of things from various times to arrive in the present. The Autobots race to reverse this before it's too late and to stop the Decepticon plot. But in the end, their best hope may be the Dinobots.

  6. 06

    S02E05 · Top rated · September 27, 1985 · 22m

    Traitor7.0

    Failing to cause a divide between the Decepticons and Insecticons, Mirage's mind suddenly becomes enslaved and he is used by them in a plot against the Autobots.

  7. 07

    S02E06 · Top rated · September 29, 1985 · 22m

    Enter the Nightbird7.0

    The Decepticons send the recently stolen Nightbird on a mission to steal an informative chip from the Autobots.

  8. 08

    S02E07 · Top rated · September 30, 1985 · 22m

    Changing Gears7.0

    The Decepticons plans to take energy from the center of the sun using a circuit from one of their enemies, Gears. The Autobots must defeat the Decepticons and rescue their compatriot.

  9. 09

    S02E11 · Top rated · October 6, 1985 · 22m

    Microbots7.0

    The Decepticon ship that shot down the Ark has been found and Megatron manages to find a component containing great power. With this power a danger to everyone, Perceptor, Bumblebee and Brawn shrink down and journey through Megatron's body to get it away from the Decepticon leader.

  10. 10

    S03E02 · Top rated · September 15, 1986 · 22m

    The Five Faces of Darkness (2)7.0

    The Autobots make it out of Charr, but Rodimus is down and looks out. In reality, he has made a trip to the Matrix and learns the Quintessons are behind the kidnapping. After Rodimus is revived, a rescue mission is soon underway. Also, Scourge and Cyclonus finally track down a battle hungry Galvatron.

  11. 11

    S03E03 · Top rated · September 16, 1986 · 22m

    The Five Faces of Darkness (3)7.0

    The destruction of Quintessa causes the Autobots to arrive at Goo and poor Springer loses some parts. Blurr and Wheelie are stuck in a hostile place and are in need of some help. Meanwhile, the Quintessons agree to give vital energy to the Decepticons so long as the Autobots are destroyed.

  12. 12

    S03E08 · Top rated · September 30, 1986 · 22m

    Dark Awakening7.0

    On the run from Galvatron, Spike, Daniel and several Autobots enter a mausoleum and find a surprisingly not dead Optimus Prime. This would be cause for great excitement among Autobots. Unfortunately, however, Optimus is really under Quintesson control and is being used in a plan against his friends.

  13. 13

    S03E09 · Season 3 peak · October 1, 1986 · 22m

    Starscream's Ghost7.2

    Octane is on the run from The Decepticons. He is forced to hide in a crypt, where the ghost of Starscream lies in wait and then takes over Cyclonus.

  14. 14

    S03E17 · Top rated · October 21, 1986 · 22m

    Ghost in the Machine7.0

    Starscream, in Scourge's body, attempts to complete three assignments for the damaged Unicron in exchange for getting a new body.

  15. 15

    S04E03 · Series finale · November 11, 1987 · 23m

    The Rebirth (3)7.0

    After capturing Daniel and Arcee and acquiring the Plasma Energy Chamber key, Scorponok and the Decepticons make their way to Cybertron. The Autobots head after them, but Spike and Cerebros stay on Nebulos and come up with a strategy to use a Hive city as a weapon against Scorponok. Meanwhile, the Decepticons and Scorponok begin to threaten Earth and it is up to the Autobots and their allies to stop them.

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