Every ‘Transformers’ Series, in Order of Release

Starting in the 1980s, Transformers quickly became one of the most popular toy lines ever, and new versions are still being made today, attracting collectors of all ages. The franchise also achieved significant success in movie theaters, beginning with Michael Bay’s 2007 blockbuster. While everyone has their own way of discovering Transformers, many fans first encountered the robots through the original Saturday morning cartoons, and more recently, through kids’ streaming channels.

Television has been a key part of the Transformers story since the beginning. It’s helped sell toys, expanded the universe, introduced the brand to international audiences, and allowed for creative new designs. This has led to many different TV series since 1984, and keeping track of them all can be confusing – some shows were only on for a short time, while others were part of bigger connected storylines.

Transformers Series in Order of Release:

21
‘Challenge of the GoBots’

2 Seasons (1984–1985)

Hanna-Barbera Productions/Tonka Corporation

Before the popular Transformers, another series about robots that could transform into vehicles actually came first. Called Challenge of the GoBots, it started with a line of toys originally created in Japan by Bandai (under the name Machine Robo) and later licensed to Tonka in the United States. Like Transformers, GoBots featured two groups of transforming robots battling each other, with their war eventually taking place on Earth. While GoBots have never officially become part of the Transformers universe, they’ve made brief appearances in Transformers comics and other media, often as hidden references or as part of alternate storylines.

20
‘The Transformers’

4 Seasons (1984–1987)

Sunbow Productions

The original Transformers TV show from 1984 was how many people first met the heroic Autobots, led by Optimus Prime, and their enemies, the Decepticons, led by Megatron. The series started with a war that came to Earth, but it quickly grew into a larger story about the history of the Cybertronians and introduced characters like Rodimus Prime along the way.

The show was groundbreaking for children’s television in the 1980s, helping to popularize the idea of using cartoons to sell toys. From 1984 through the end of the decade, Transformers toys became a huge financial success, generating billions of dollars worldwide and becoming a lasting part of popular culture.

19
‘The Transformers: The Headmasters’

1 Season (1987)

NNS

The Japanese anime Transformers: The Headmasters created a storyline that differed from the American version of the series. Takara, Hasbro’s Japanese partner, changed the ending of the original 1984 series to begin a new story arc. Instead of ending the war with Galvatron’s defeat, this event led to the appearance of the ‘Headmasters’ – a new type of robot that could connect with and be controlled by humans.

The show’s single season took on a more serious and military-themed tone, mirroring the style of popular Japanese anime at the time. This change helped it develop a dedicated fan base, and its emphasis on the bonds between humans and Transformers, along with grand sci-fi stories, became a key element of the series, moving away from simply being a show to sell toys.

18
‘The Transformers: Super-God Masterforce’

1 Season (1988)

NNS

Building on the previous series, The Headmasters, Transformers: Super-God Masterforce significantly changed the overall feel and backstory of the Transformers universe, though its impact on the franchise has been limited. Unlike The Headmasters, where humans piloted the robots, this series introduced the idea of humans becoming robots through a spiritual link, with certain individuals able to inhabit and animate empty Transformer bodies called Transtectors. This remains the most unique and different take on Transformers yet, and while an interesting idea, it’s quite separate from the current stories and characters.

17
‘The Transformers: Victory’

1 Season (1989)

NNS

Following Super God Masterforce, The Transformers: Victory concluded Takara’s original Japanese Transformers trilogy. This series returned to the roots of the franchise, emphasizing heroic deeds and large-scale space battles, while downplaying political themes and human relationships. Set far in the future after the events of previous installments, Victory centers on a galactic war led by two new commanders: Star Saber (Autobots) and Deathsaurus (Decepticons). With a story inspired by samurai epics, this anime is considered one of the best of the early Transformers animated series. In 1990, the story continued with a standalone OVA called Transformers: Zone.

16
‘Transformers: Generation 2’

1 Season (1993)

Sunbow Productions

Transformers: Generation 2 was largely a re-release of the original Transformers series (G1), designed to keep the franchise popular and try out new toy designs. Hasbro essentially re-edited the old episodes, framing the story with a new element called the ‘Cybernet Space Cube,’ which offered fresh commentary and visuals. While the show itself was familiar, the toys featured a more modern look with brighter colors, giving Generation 2 a nostalgic appeal of its own.

15
‘Beast Wars: Transformers’

3 Seasons (1996–1999)

YTV

Beast Wars: Transformers successfully revived the Transformers franchise in America. It was a groundbreaking TV show for its time, being one of the first to be created entirely with computer animation. Though the visuals seem dated now, it was a stunning spectacle when it aired, captivating children and leading to a new line of Transformers action figures from Hasbro.

Set hundreds of years after the original battle between the Autobots and Decepticons, the series will introduce a new generation of Transformers called Maximals and Predacons. In a world where nature dominates, these Transformers can transform into different animals to survive. The show will start with self-contained episodes, but gradually develop into a more connected, overarching story.

14
‘Beast Machines: Transformers’

2 Seasons (1999–2000)

Fox Kids

As a huge fan of Beast Wars, I was really excited about Beast Machines. It took those amazing animal designs we all loved and mixed them with cool mechanical and organic parts, making it hard to tell where the animal ended and the machine began. What I really appreciated was that the show wasn’t afraid to tell a longer, more complex story over several episodes, and it definitely had a slightly more serious and darker feel than its predecessor.

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The series picks up where Beast Wars left off, showing a future where Megatron commands a massive army of Vehicons. A small group of survivors, led by Optimus Primal, struggle to stay alive. Although it continues the story, the show has a very different feel from its predecessor, and it’s become a somewhat controversial part of the Transformers TV history.

13
‘Transformers: Robots in Disguise’

1 Season (2000)

Fox Kids

Often mistaken for the 2015 TV show with the same name, Transformers: Robots in Disguise from the 2000s featured the Autobots, led by Optimus Prime, fighting the Predacons on Earth. This series offered fans a continuation of the original G1 Transformers style, but with an anime-inspired look. It was designed to keep the franchise relevant and appeal to a new, younger audience, making it an accessible starting point for newcomers. Because of this focus, opinions on the series are varied – some fans greatly enjoy the 36-episode Japanese-made show, while others are less enthusiastic.

12
‘Transformers: Armada’

1 Season (2002)

TXN

The Armada series was designed to revitalize the Transformers franchise and launch a new line of toys after the original G1 series. A key new feature was the introduction of “Mini-Cons” – small Transformers that could enhance the abilities of larger robots. Collecting and controlling these Mini-Cons became a major focus of the storyline, with both the Autobots and Decepticons competing to gather them all, similar to the quest for Pokémon.

The show was primarily created to sell a new line of Mini-Con toys, and its overall style was designed to be appealing to a wide audience. While I have fond memories of the toys themselves and the series, I have mixed feelings about this one season. However, it did kick off what would become the popular Unicron Trilogy.

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2026-01-19 03:39