Transformers: 10 Best Episodes From The Classic Cartoon To Prepare You For War For Cybertron

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Netflix released Transformers: War for Cybertron on its streaming platform late this July. Set in the Siege universe, Hasbro’s production studio teamed up with Allspark and Netflix for a three-part Transformers saga, starting with Siege, which will be followed by Earthrise and Kingdom.

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Transformers: War for Cybertron is set to focus on the old stories on Cybertron as the Autobots and Decepticons try to lay their hands on AllSpark, an ancient sacred implements capable to create new Transformers life. Coveted by the Decepticons for their plans of world domination, the Autobots have to always stay vigilant to prevent such a disaster from happening.

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In the past, almost all Transformers series have been quite self-explanatory, requiring minimal assistance to be understood by first-time viewers. Yet, it is always a good excuse to revisit the classic Transformers animated series of the 1980s to enjoy some good old nostalgia. Before you binge-watch the first part of Transformers: War for Cybertron, here are 10 episodes to jog your memory and to remind you why Transformers is always going to be one of the best shows of all time.

10. The Ultimate Doom (S01E05 – S01E07)

The kidnapping of Sparkplug puts the Autobots and the Dinobots in deep trouble. With Cybertron’s nearby presence has put the entire Earth on the risk of a global catastrophe.

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The rise in the frequency of devastating natural disasters become becomes a problem for the Autobots and the Dinobots as they frantically try to save as many innocent lives they can. Meanwhile, Megatron is devising a scheme for his energy plan. To stop him, Optimus Prime goes full berserk.

9. Heavy Metal War (S01E11)

This episode introduces the Constructicons during the war between the Autobots and the Decepticons. Aiding Megatron, the Constructicons provide construction ingenuity which shapes himself into a lethal war-machine.

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As the war terms dictate that the loser has to leave Earth along with his army, Optimus Prime faces overwhelming odds against the enhanced Megatron.

8. The Secret of Omega Supreme (S02E29)

Focusing on the story of Omega Supreme, the episode goes back to the time when he defended Crystal City while being friends with the Constructicons. But with the arrival of Megatron, Omega Supreme and the Constructicons had a fallout.

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Following Megatron’s orders, the now-evil Constructicons set out to fight Omega Supreme, this episode of broken friendships, betrayal, and redemption hits hard.

7. Starscream’s Ghost (S03E09)

In the Transformers animated movie, Galvatron had obliterated Starscream to smithereens. Now as a ghost, Starscream makes his return in this classic episode.

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Octane, a Decepticon traitor is on the run from his former comrades. As the Autobots fail to give him a safe refuge, Octane takes shelter inside an ancient Decepticon crypt where he meets the ghost of Starscream.

6. S.O.S. Dinobots (S01E04)

Having poor intelligence and great strength makes Earth’s dinosaurs a dangerous host to become Dinobots. Yet, Wheeljack uses dinosaur fossils to create Grimlock, Slack, and Sludge for more muscle power.

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Optimus Prime finds this project worrisome as it can spiral out of control. But, a sudden attack by the Decepticons with Megatron wielding a powerful weapon requires the Autobots to gather all the muscle they can.

5. War Dawn (S02E44)

Involving time travel, this episode sends back Aerialbots back in time. As allies of the Autobots, the absence of Aerialbots makes them susceptible to a defeat at the hands of the Decepticons.

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The Aerialbots end up 9 million years in the past on Cybertron. There, they befriend Orion Pax, a gentle and benevolent robot. But in the present timeline, the Decepticons have resurrected a headless guardian robot.

4. Only Human (S03E23)

Making crossovers cool before they became mainstream, Only Human has a character from G.I. Joe appearing as an antagonist. Old Snake makes his appearance in this episode to attack Autobot City.

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Old Snake is the former version of Cobra Commander. He teams up with Victor Drath to disable Rodimus and his comrades. Finding themselves in artificial human bodies and powerless, the Autobots must race against time to save the city.

3. A Decepticon Raider in King Arthur’s Court (S02E22)

Using a time transporter, Spike and the Transformers travel to medieval times. There, they find Starscream plotting to take over the home of Sir Aethling the Red. By aligning himself with Sir Wigend of Blackthorne, Starscream is almost successful in his plan till the Autobots arrive.

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As the Autobots and the Decepticons engage in war, the episode reaches its zenith with medieval atmosphere, archaic yet entertaining dialogues, and a fight with a dragon!

2. The Rebirth (S04E01 – S04E03)

After the third season, the popularity of Transformers dwindled. Though the series continued in Japan, the American audience had moved on from the giant robots saga.

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In this three-part episode of a short-lived fourth season, the Autobots are transformed into Headmasters by banding with the Nebulan rebels. In retaliation, the Decepticons join forces with the ruthless Hive to become Headmasters and Targetmasters. The deadly Scorponok makes his first appearance in this episode.

1. The Return of Optimus Prime (S03E29)

The death of Optimus Prime was not well-received by long time fans of Transformers. Sky Lynx and a Quintesson manage to revive Optimus Prime to find a cure for the Hate Plague which has affected most of the Autobots.

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As Optimus Prime and his comrades set out to reclaim the Matrix of Leadership from his friend Rodimus Prime, who is now infected with the plague, the fate of the galaxy rests on the charismatic leader.

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Written by Akash Senapati

Articles Published: 373

Akash is the Lead Content Strategist for FandomWire. Having started as a writer for FandomWire back in 2020, he now manages a global team of writers who share the same passion for motion arts, from Martin Scorsese to the latest MCU flick. He loves DC Comics, Anime, Pink Floyd, and sleeping in no particular order. His favorite graphic-medium writers are Grant Morrison, Chris Claremont, Christopher Priest, Garth Ennis, and Eiichiro Oda. Prep time > Aliens.