Regardless of their infamous reputation, the live-action Transformers movies have a large number of fans. The fans love the movies for several reasons, namely the heroic moments. The Transformers franchise has always rewarded heroism and celebrated the good deeds of the Autobots. The films are no exception and are filled with countless moments where selfless acts and sacrifices lead to cheers from the crowds. Here are just ten moments that prove just how important heroes are in the Transformers universe.
10. Sam Kills Megatron – Transformers
The first of the live-action Transformers movies introduces the AllSpark cube to audiences. The Decepticons seek the cube to transform Earth’s machines into a Decepticon army. The Autobots seek to destroy it before Megatron and his army can get their hands on it. Optimus tells Sam that if he can’t take out Megatron to put the cube into his chest. This will destroy the cube, at the risk of Optimus’ life. The two leaders have a fierce battle, with Sam in the middle. Optimus realizes drastic measures must be taken and instructs Sam to put the cube into his chest. At the last moment, Sam decides to risk his own life and put the cube in Megatron’s chest instead. This heroic act not only destroys the cube, but also takes out Megatron in the process.
9. Jetfire Sacrifices Himself – Revenge Of The Fallen
The mantra of the Witwicky family is “No sacrifice, no victory.” This phrase is what drives Sam to help the Autobots at all costs, and this sentiment is shared with them. Jetfire is one of the oldest Transformers on the planet, having been in disguise for decades. Jetfire came to Earth as a Decepticon acting under orders from Megatron. He eventually switched sides and became an Autobot. Jetfire shows his advanced age, and there is little he can do in terms of battle. Besides this, he still saves a newly resurrected Optimus from Megatron. He is mortally wounded, and he sacrifices his parts to Optimus, making him stronger than ever. This is one of many heroic moments that involve sacrifice for the greater good.
8. Optimus’ Backup – Age Of Extinction
Optimus Prime is arguably the most selfless character in any of the Transformers movies. More than once, he rushes into battle as he instructs others to flee to safety. This moment is no exception. Optimus decides to take on the bounty hunter Lockdown one-on-one. He sends human Cade and his loyal friend Bumblebee away, telling them to save themselves. Optimus puts up a good fight but is impaled by his own sword, pinning him against a wall. When all hope seems lost, Cade and Bumblee rush to the Autobot leader’s aid. Lockdown is no match for the three of them, and Optimus is able to deliver the finishing blow. Lockdown was a powerful Transformer, and Cade and Bumblebee wasted no time risking their lives to save Optimus from him.
7. Optimus Fights Megatron & Sentinal – Dark Of The Moon
Prime has never been one to give up easily. Even when he is facing two of the strongest opponents at the same time, he perseveres. Sentinal Prime, Optimus’s former mentor, betrayed the Autobots and allied himself with the Decepticons. In a brutal battle, Sentinal gets the upper hand when he rips off Optimus’s arm. Prime is only saved when Megatron attacks Sentinal, wanting to regain his place as Decepticon leader. It’s every bot for himself, and Optimus has had enough. Optimus is able to find his inner strength and kill both Megatron and Sentinal, all with one arm. Optimus often chooses peace over violence, but that doesn’t mean he isn’t capable of it. This scene proves it and has more than earned the title of one of the most heroic moments.
6. Sam Rushes Into Chicago – Dark Of The Moon
Sentinal and Decepticons convince the humans to send the Autobots off-world, and they oblige. When the ship containing the Autobots seems to be destroyed, the Decepticons take over Chicago with little to no opposition. They plan on merging the remnants of Cybertron and Earth and have taken Sam’s girlfriend hostage. As far as Sam knows, the Autobots are dead. Besides this, he still leads a group of humans into the heart of the city. He wants to save Carly and try to save the Earth yet again. Little does Sam know, the Autobots faked their deaths and rushed to his aid. Even though he didn’t have to do it on his own, the fact he was willing to face the entire Decepticon army without the Autobots is telling of his character.
5. Optimus Awakens The Dinobots – Age Of Extinction
Galvatron and the new Decepticon army are a lot for the Autobots to handle. They don’t have the assistance of the army like they usually do, and they are suffering. As a last resort, Optimus has a trick up his sleeve. He goes onto Lockdown’s ship and resurrects the ancient Dinobots. The Dinobots are more or less in things for themselves, so Optimus has to prove himself to them. When using his words doesn’t work, he engages in battle with Grimlock, the Dinobot leader. He wins the fight and threatens the others to help him, or they will have to deal with his wrath. They, of course, oblige. The Dinobots’ introduction into the Transformers movies had been anticipated since 2007, and it was worth the wait.
4. Agent Simmons Risks His Life – Revenge Of The Fallen
Agent Simmons was introduced in the first film as a member of Sector 7. He is shown as a pompous man who is in it for himself. By the time the sequel rolled around, things have changed. Sector 7 has been dissolved, and he works in a deli. When Sam requests his help, he joins the fight against the Decepticons. Simmons works with the Autobots in this movie, and he proves himself by risking his life. Simmons comes face to face with Devastator and survives. Instead of running the other way, he decides to do what he can to take him out. He follows him up a pyramid and targets a missile strike in his location. Not only could Devastator take him out at any time, but so could the missiles. Simmons was willing to sacrifice himself, making this one of the more heroic moments.
3. Sam Fights Starscream – Dark Of The Moon
When Sam learns the Autobots are still alive, he could have saved his girlfriend and let the bots do their job. Instead, he sticks around and fights alongside them. He even has a one-on-one with Starscream, makes sure Carly is safe, and faces the Decepticon alone. Starscream is cocky and arrogant, and Sam uses this to his advantage. Along with using the weapon given to him by Que, Same manages to take out Starscream’s eye, giving him an advantage. Sam wastes no time and manages to eventually kill him. It’s one thing when robots kill each other, but when a human single-handedly does it, that is quite a spectacle.
2. Boarding Lockdown’s Ship – Age Of Extinction
Leading up to one of the more heroic moments, Lockdown takes Optimus and Tess aboard his ship and leaves orbit. The Autobots, along with Cade and Shane, board the bounty hunter’s ship to save their friends. They have no idea what to expect and know how dangerous Lockdown is. They still jump on the ship with the simple mission to save their friends. It doesn’t take Lockdown long to learn of the intruders, and they are now in a fight to survive. This moment shows exactly how far the Autobots will go to save others and is the heart of all the Transformers movies.
1. Sam Ressurects Optimus – Revenge Of The Fallen
As is typical with most of the Transformers movies, Optimus Prime dies in battle. While he is usually resurrected, it takes time. Here it happens in the same film, and Sam will do anything to ensure it happens. Sam and his group travel to Egypt in search of the Matrix of Leadership. Not only do they need to keep it away from the Decepticons, but it could also resurrect Prime. When they find it, it turns to dust. While the others lose hope, Sam is determined to save Optimus, even if it means his own life. His bravery impresses the guardians of the Matrix, and they give him the true key. Sam is one of the bravest human characters in all the Transformers, and it is fitting he is responsible for several heroic moments.
