Transformers: Rise of the Beasts has introduced audiences to a whole new side of the popular franchise. In the seventh live-action film, the movie is positioned as a semi-reboot of the series, which teases some exciting elements from future movies. In addition to the classic Autobots, the film introduces a new hero faction of Transformers: the Maximals.
The Maximals originated in the 1990s Beast Wars line of the Transformers brand, and fittingly the characters make their live-action debut in a film set in the 1990s. Since the Transformers franchise is based on a toy line, the cast of characters is a colorful bunch. In this epic team-up between Autobots and Maximals, here is every member of the team in Transformers: Rise of the Beasts, ranked.
10 Rhinox
Rhinox is, as his name implies, a Rhino-inspired member of the Maximals. Of the main group, he is the one with the least to do and has no dialogue in the movie. He is mainly there to round out the Maximal's numbers and give the team an extra heavy hitter in the fight. Hopefully, he is given more to do in the planned sequel.
9 Wheeljack
Wheeljack has been a longtime fan favorite in the Transformers franchise, yet his film appearances have been minimal. A drastically reimagined version of the character appears in Transformers: Dark of the Moon, but at the last minute, his name was changed to Q, and he is meant to look like Albert Einstein.
He was given a cameo in Bumblebee and finally gets to join the action in Rise of the Beasts. Sadly of the main Autobots, he is given the least to do, which is a shame because they cast Ted Lasso actor Cristóbal Fernández to voice the character, and in the few moments he has to speak, he seems like a fun character.
8 Cheetor
Cheetor was one of the main Transformers in Beast Wars, so his minimal part in Rise of the Beasts is certainly bound to be disappointing for some viewers. Yet Cheetor's impressive design makes him instantly stand out, and he shows off his power by quickly disabling Mirage in a fight. Cheetor is certainly a character audiences can hope to see again in future films.
7 Stratosphere
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Stratosphere only appears in a few brief scenes, but he certainly makes an impression. The largest Autobot and currently the only one who transforms into an aircraft, Stratosphere turns into a Fairchild C-119 Flying Boxcar cargo plane. This allows him to transport the other Autobots on their global adventures. Voiced by John DiMaggio, he speaks with a beat-up British accent.
6 Arcee
Arcee is one of the most popular and iconic Transformers of all time, which has made her absence from the live-action films so curious. She was originally intended for the first film but was written out and replaced with Ironhide. She then had a brief appearance in Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen before being killed off. Arcee was given a cameo in Bumblebee and now is given a much larger role in Rise of the Beasts.
Voiced by Liza Koshy, Arcee acts as the level-headed member of the Autobots, particularly opposite a more cynical Optimus Prime and immature Mirage. Arcee quickly stands out as a strong fighter and a powerful tactician.
5 Airazor
Airazor, voiced by Academy Award-winner Michelle Yeoh, is a seasoned veteran of the Maximals and even serves as an old friend and mentor to Optimus Primal. Airazor is the key character that unites the Autobots and Maximals together. She provides the team with a tactical advantage in the air and is a formidable fighter. Yeoh's voice gives the character warmth and wisdom that makes audiences immediately trust her, which makes her eventual fate a tragic blow for the heroes and the audience.
4 Bumblebee
Bumblebee has been a staple of the Transformers movie since the beginning, and other than Optimus Prime is the only character to appear in every movie. Transformers: Rise of the Beasts follows 2018's Bumblebee, meaning this character has a closer connection to humans than many of his fellow Autobots. Due to Bumblebee getting his own feature film, he is given less to do in this film in an attempt to allow other Autobots to shine.
Yet when Bumblebee does make his grand return in the movie, it is one hell of an entrance. Bumblebee might not be Optimus Prime's son, but as a young Autobot and one that has been loyal to Optimus Prime, he feels a great deal of responsibility for him. Bumblebee remains loyal and brave, and his presence provides audiences with a sense of comfort. As long as Bumblebee is around, everything will be okay, and he will never leave someone behind. Bumblebee remains one of the best for a reason.
3 Mirage
In a real surprise, Pete Davidson's Mirage is one of the standouts. The character, like Wheeljack, was drastically reimagined inTransformers: Dark of the Moon and, at the last minute, renamed Dino, so it can be said they are not even the same character. Here though, Mirage is made the main Transformer with a human connection as he becomes the companion to Noah, played by Anthony Ramos.
Mirage and Noah's relationship feels like a much better version of the dynamic the original films wanted Sam Witwicky and Bumblebee to have. Mirage is laid back and has a good sense of humor to him, but also is a loyal companion who upholds his promise to a child not to let anything happen to his older brother. Mirage's ability to duplicate himself makes for some exciting action scenes, and his bravery at the end of the film makes him an instant fan favorite.
2 Optimus Primal
It is a giant robot that is also a gorilla, what more needs to be said? Optimus Primal is the leader of the Maximals and is named after Optimus Prime. Voiced by Ron Perlman, he has a similar sense of gravitas that Optimus has but one that is more reserved, a more quiet intensity. Perlman gives the character weight and nobility while also having a warm presence that makes him instantly trustworthy.
Optimus Primal is also an incredible fighter. His gorilla form gives him speed and agility in the jungle that no other Transformer can match, while his robot form is a skilled fighter. Just seeing Optimus Primal rip the heads off his enemies or smash a Terrorcons head in with his own wrecking chain is a sight to behold.
1 Optimus Prime
Optimus Prime is the most iconic Transformer of all time and is the face of the franchise. While that might be enough to land him on the list, what really earns Optimus Prime a spot on this list is his role in Transformers: Rise of the Beasts. Unlike other entries in the franchise, this film gives Optimus Prime a character arc. He has become cynical and disillusioned with his fight and distrusts humans. Over the course of the film, Optimus transforms (pun intended) from a burdened warrior into his more traditional paragon of virtue.
His best moment in the film speaks to why the character has endured for so long. When the villain Scourge has the human hero Noah cornered and says he is alone, Optimus Prime jumps behind Noah in a battle posses to let him know he is not alone. Optimus Prime is a hero who not only does not back down but will always be there to have somebodies back. Once again voiced by the legendary Peter Cullen, Optimus Prime speaks with a voice that sounds like leadership. This is why Optimus Prime is the best out of the Autobots and Maximals in Transformers: Rise of the Beasts.
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