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Every two weeks, Seibertron.com brings you a Top 5 list related to all things Transformers written by me, your fellow editor. These are my opinions (just like movie or game reviews hosted by sites are still just the opinion of one person) so what matters most is what you guys think of the topic or list, and I hope to see your own lists or comments on omissions and ranking. Let's have fun! All previous lists can be found here.

Top 5 Best Transformers Movie Toys of Onscreen Characters (first trilogy)


Regardless of your thoughts on the Transformers films themselves, no one can deny that the movie era pushed the engineering of Transformers toys to new heights. The quest to reverse engineer CG! models that cheated in their transformation resulted in the most detailed and complex toys we have ever seen. This list is very simple, it simply lists the best toys of characters that were seen in the movies. To show the result of the sometimes impossible task of having these CGI models become toys, I have included these models, or shots from the films. The parallel is what will really sell my point of view on each toy and I encourage anyone who doesn't have these toys to click on their image and see the gallery in full. These toys are all perfect or near perfect in terms of accuracy and they are all feats in their own way

5. Transformers Revenge of the Fallen Long Haul

We don't see him much in Revenge of the Fallen, but the toy captures his likeness well. I like how unique the transformation is and how impressive it is to see that both modes are quite tight while neither share many of the same parts and details (something very common in the movie line). He also has a bunch of fun features like flip out swords, a working open box bed that can be lifted, and working gears and pistons in robot mode. Gorgeous detailing all around and a unique transformation. He also has a stellar redeco as Payload who has a paint job that would make any of today's toys jealous.










4. Transformers Revenge of the Fallen Leader Optimus Prime

This toy is insane. There is a reason this mold is still used years after the film and it is the ultimate mold for the movie rendition of the Optimus Prime character (even more so than the actual movie Ultimate Optimus). Simply said, this is the best movie Optimus toy from the initial movie trilogy, every fan should experience it.






3. Transformers Dark of the Moon Leader Sentinel Prime

While Optimus Prime is great, I am more impressed by this mold and how the chest transforms. It is probably the most intricate version of the now typical windshield on chest transformation. Everything contorts and reshapes itself to become new robot mode detail. He is also the best shellformer from the movie line (a line which saw a resurgence of shellformers, which laid dormant since the end of beast wars), turning his shell into a cape, an effect that painstakingly translates well from the silver screen to the toy. Its success is proven through the failure of the voyager release which shows us how tricky this design can be.






2. Transformers Hunt For The Decepticons Human Alliance Jazz

This is a perfect movie toy in every sense. The transformation is smart, satisfying and never annoying. Plus, the details are excellent, just look at how close they got to the CG model. They even give us the flip down visor which is the icing on the cake.














1. Transformers Hunt For The Decepticons Leader Starscream

Any fan of this brand cannot ever truly hate everything about the movies with this toy being a part of it. With no hyperbole, this toy is absolutely perfect. It was tough getting there though. Firstly, the revamped Starscream design was so far from the original character design that he would be unrecognizable if not named. Also, every toy of his had major issues. He ether had no hands or hands which were far too apparent, making me wonder if there was even a point to this more realistic take on Starscream if they weren't going to give us a realistic jet with no robot kibble. We eventually did get this toy though and, at least for me, all was forgiven. Finally, the arms (who have hands, a gatling gun and missiles) are were well disguised to the point of completely disappearing in jet mode. Speaking of the jet mode, it didn't have any protruding robot kibble, everything was nice and smooth and it had a nice uniform undercarriage filling out the plane and not really giving a hint at robot parts (but rather mechanical detail). Also, and this point is more important than you might realize, this is the best example of cockpit integration with 0 left over kibble, ever found on a fighter jet. If you look at the generic seeker design all through Transformers history, you will see that the key is to have the cockpit run vertically along the chest but not show the nosecone. The G1 toys had to push the nosecone to the back behind the head and so did the classics version. Even the Masterpiece seeker mold is left with a massive amount of protruding jet kibble on the back to store the nosecone. However this toy hides it away elegantly and effortlessly.

This toy is relentlessly detailed and screen accurate. There are many separate pieces which shift in perspective by being moving from the background to foreground while transforming him. It really feels like there is a robot inside the jet made up of all the jet parts and you uncover him through the transformation leaving no extra pieces behind. Unlike other intricate toys, what amazes me about this one is how sturdy it is. It welcomes your desire to transform it and play with it while also being a perfect display piece. While it is complex, the transformation is intuitive. Think of the satisfaction you get when transforming MP 10 (Masterpiece Optimus Prime) only this lasts longer. Speaking of Masterpiece toys, I consider this the accomplishment of the concept started by Shōji Kawamori (the man who designed G1 Optimus and YF 1 Valkyrie), who wanted to create the perfect Transformers jet toy with minimal robot kibble. His attempt was Masterpiece Starscream, which didn't work out since the underside was still very visibly a robot. He had found that he would be unable to have it transform into a robot with the likeness of the character. This toy however achieves that great looking jet mode with a less obvious undercarriage and plus, it looks exactly like the character it is portraying.

Speaking of Masterpiece Transformers, this toy shares far more with the post MP 10 (Optimus) line with it's strive for screen accuracy, licensed alt mode (like with the MP cars), attention to detail, clever transformation and overall sturdiness. Well, that would only make sense since it was designed and engineered by none other than the very same guy at Takara who made the following masterpiece molds: MP 10 (Optimus), MP 12 (Sideswipe), MP 13 (Soundwave), MP 17 (Prowl), MP 20 (Wheeljack), and MP 21 (Bumblebee) among others. He even contributed to our dear Human Alliance Jazz right above. In short, this toy only lacks the name Masterpiece on the box to say that this is what it truly is. Oh wait, the Takara version does have that written on the box, I guess that settles it then.
















Transformers Masterpiece Movie Series Starscream Gallery

Honourable Mentions: While there are other great toys out there, there are two that need to be mentioned because if not it would be a glaring omission. I do not own HA Barricade due to how hard he is to find and his price (hence why he isn't an easy recommendation), but the Seibertron Staff wanted me to point him out as also being a true Masterpiece level achievement in execution.
Also, I wanted to add DOTM Megatron to this list but I just couldn't think of anyone that should be kicked off to include him. I really love how this is a very original design for Megatron and a breath of fresh air to his usual movie aesthetic with a nice sold earth alt mode. His Transformation is perfect, and so is his weapon integration in vehicle mode. While the scarf hiding his face makes for a really nice effect when you get it right, it isn't the easiest thing to keep in place and it makes his head really small if you take it off. I would have also much preferred him to be leader size so that we could have a beautiful display alongside the three leader figures mentioned above.


Transformers Chronicles Megatron (DOTM) Gallery


Transformers Revenge of the Fallen Barricade Gallery

No one ever remembers to split Starscream's toes out.

I kinda like HA Skids myself.
I also like Takara later remould of Leader AOE Prime - it's just complex enough to be fun but not a huge pain in the backside like ROTF Prime is.

I can't put Sentinel on any positive list his lack of heel spurs means he falls over way to easily. he's no fun at all trying to shoehorn into vehicle mode either.

I'd perhaps pick some merit in Leader Brawl or Deluxe Rampage.
Even Ravage as just a cat is extremely accurate.

My fav Movie mould isn't a screen character though that is Landmine.

Shame they don't make them like they used to as i'd still like a nice Movie Scrapper Deluxe or Voyager toy.

Many of the toys are nice enough - just rather small like Bonecrusher.

In terms or enjoyment though I still play with Deluxe 2007 Barricade all the time I've never stopped since 2007 he's still sitting near me as I type this - in two colours even.

If you are willing to take non-transforming toys the Replica Robot Frenzy is very accurate too.

I will always imagine Barricade's voice as Keith David thanks to the 2007 Movie videogames for the Nintendo DS. I really love those games.

Now this is my kind of TF toy list! While I may not agree with order here I will accept every figure mentioned being a superbly designed toy and feat of TF engineering whether you like the movies (like me) or don't.


In regards to Starscream and Barricade I'm also extremely impressed with their Deluxe toys from Dark of the Moon. Barricade's is a huge improvement over his 2007 figure that shows they learned a bit from designing the excellent Human Alliance figure. And Deluxe Starscream may be too small for the character scale-wise but for those of us who can't afford the Leader figure it's still an extremely well designed rendition of the character perhaps more impressive in some ways because of the size and looks great in both both and jet mode. I'm actually still fond of the 2007 Jazz figure (particularly the Platinum version with it's lovely silver paint and extra details) but I wish Hasbro would have done a similar trick here and used what they learnt from the HA figure to create a new Deluxe.

Same could be said for Voyager class Battle Blade Optimus Prime which provided a great figure if you wanted something a bit smaller than the RotF Leader mold (especially if posing with DotM Megatron) since it's basically the same design shrunken down a bit with some changes.

And then there are the various Bumblebees. The 70's Camaro toy wasn't great but the modern Camaro figure that followed it was a great toy and a sign of things to come. They have improved on that figure many times with subsequent releases and reversions so it's up to personal preference to pick a favourite and the larger Battle Blade Bumblebee is one of mine (even though it's most recent version is now classed as a Voyager I think due to shrinking toy sizes since it's original release).

Other faves of mine of movie line figures of characters actually in the first 3 movies include Ironhide (DotM deluxe, voyager and leader versions all have their good points), RotF Leader Jetfire (I'm fond of his unique crotchety old man robot form and his huge blackbird jet mode), Sidearm Sideswipe (bloody love that toy), RotF Leader Megatron (chunky evil deathbot), Mixmaster (love that gangly alien bot mode and his oddly stylish looking cement truck), DotM Soundwave (both deluxe and HA figures are nice but hard to find) and Legends class Scorponok and Ravage which are much more suitable scale-wise than their Deluxe figures). I probably have others but that's what I can think of right now while I'm typing at same time I'm having a slightly late dinner before I do more work.

That Starscream mold is great. One of the best Leader toys of any series.

Decepticon Stryker wrote:I will always imagine Barricade's voice as Keith David thanks to the 2007 Movie videogames for the Nintendo DS. I really love those games.

Same here. For me, that's Barricade's only voice.

I would put DotM Megatron at the top of my list. He is incredibly detailed.

I do hope Hasbro does a good job with the next Megatron toy and make him as good as the DotM Megatron, just bigger.

i can agree with leader starscream but at the same time i think the DOTM deluxe version is also great
not to much kibble in jetmode and robot mode looks great
an honorable mention should also be special ops bumble bee has a very nice robot mode and car mode

I was concerned when you put rotf Optimus so early on, but you were totally right with the remaining list. I should never have doubted. Leader class Starscream is one of the greatest toys I own.

There is absolutely NOTHING I can say against this list. Great job!

Listing a top 5 for the first film trilogy figures is a tough call. It is a shame william-james88 didn't get his hands on a Barricade. They can be had for about $60 now, but watch out for fakes!

Anyhow the reason I would have put Barricade as the #1 figure over Starscream (he would have been my 2nd placer) has more to do with the subline the toy comes from and it's altmode than anything else. Human alliance is a very demanding line. It asks that the altmodes have to be as accommodating and detailed as the robot mode; detail is everything! Without calling it "Alternators" it pretty much brings the same level of quality collectors wanted plus an actual figure to drive the vehicle. Human Alliance toys had the necessary seats, opening doors, steering wheel and other car interior elements, it was always compromised by a bunch of robot parts. Because of the complexity of making a movie robot into its licensed movie car Hasbro designers were a bit forgiving on the cars interior. Not Barricade!

With the exception of a missing parking break and shift stick, the interior of Human Alliance Barricade is spot on Alternators quality. You can take a look at photos of the original film car and the toy and hell, they got everything right. including the seats. HA Barricade in altmode looks like the real thing. Another cool feature about HA Barricades car mode is that you can use his guns in altmode. Lots of good features in altmode really sets this figure apart from the rest of the pack, since the robot is so spot on with look of the film.

Now the Robot mode of the toy is equally amazing as we all know...especially with the inclusion of Frenzy. No stupid human characters we don't care about...just Frenzy. The options to place Frenzy on the bot mode are great, including having him explode out of his chest storage. Other features with Barricade include his articulated mouth, over all articulation, his spring out melee weapon and his non-movie but really awesome additional hidden canons and rocket launcher.

So, this is why Barricade would be my #1 out of all of the movie toys that have come out for transformers.

I don't know if the new Bumblebee Movie is a prequel or not - but I hope they use it as an excuse to make a more appealing 1970's Camero Bee Deluxe toy.

I like the robot mode of the 1970's one a lot so I feel it's a shame they only had one attempt as a deluxe for that.

Perfect list, I totally agree with it

I have to say, the movieverse line has some of the best vehicle modes. They look really realistic (talking earth vehicles, not cybertron) almost as good as the Alternators line. The deluxe cars like Sideways and 2007 Barricade are really complete, and not showing any hands or feet sticking out. It also has the least amount of toys with visible head syndrome. Even those of you who don't like the movies have to admit that the vehicle modes look spectacular.

I agree mostly, I don't think Long Haul is worthy of the list though. The first deluxe BB (2007 Camaro) is one of the best deluxes ever imo. The poseability is really top notch, and the premium paint made it even more awesome. Head sculpts improved later on, but the rest of the bot mode was downgraded I think.

Also, ROTF Jetfire is an incredible figure. Very detailed, very accurate, combines with leader prime, and the jet mode is insanely good. He's a little hard to balance in robot mode, but it's actually pretty cool I think the way his cane helps him out. I know that he wasn't very accurate, but the voyager ROTF Megatron is a great one for me as well. Looks great, poses very well, and really rocks the shellformer look. The vehicle mode is quite nice as well.

Wait... no Ironhide? Even in passing, or as an honorable mention? I'm shocked.

YRQRM0 wrote:Also, ROTF Jetfire is an incredible figure. Very detailed, very accurate, combines with leader prime, and the jet mode is insanely good.

I have problems with the jet mode, I really dont like all that robot kibble under it.


Transformers Revenge of the Fallen Jetfire Gallery

Also, I find it a real pain to get all the panels right when turning him back into a jet.

Overcracker wrote:Wait... no Ironhide? Even in passing, or as an honorable mention? I'm shocked.

As far as I know, we never did get a decently sized Ironhide toy that had a screen accurate robot mode without sacrificing the alt mode with a bunch of robot kibble (and vice versa). His toys also tend to be more fiddly than other movie toys, with parts popping off.

I did already write about him though and which of his movie toys were the best if you are interested: http://www.seibertron.com/transformers/ ... oys/34301/

Nice list. That make me miss those I've owned before. Now I only have leader Prime left.

I believe Demolishor deserved some attention too. He has a very unique robot mode and Hasbro really did make the treads happen to be in the circular thing.

Oh, and leader class Brawl.

paul053 wrote:Oh, and leader class Brawl.

Leader class Brawl is awesome, and he got a mention on this other top 5 list: http://www.seibertron.com/transformers/ ... oys/32291/

Great list. Thanks.

I love G1, and I would like to see every G1 toy updated into a Generations toy. With that as a goal I have also enjoyed seeing Transformers in such drastically different aesthetics. It is fun and you get such unique characters and interesting figures.

TK415 wrote:Great list. Thanks.

I love G1, and I would like to see every G1 toy updated into a Generations toy. With that as a goal I have also enjoyed seeing Transformers in such drastically different aesthetics. It is fun and you get such unique characters and interesting figures.

Haters gonna hate, but even they can see that the movie lines brought some INSANE engeneering. Especially at ROTF.

-Kanrabat- wrote:

TK415 wrote:Great list. Thanks.

I love G1, and I would like to see every G1 toy updated into a Generations toy. With that as a goal I have also enjoyed seeing Transformers in such drastically different aesthetics. It is fun and you get such unique characters and interesting figures.

Haters gonna hate, but even they can see that the movie lines brought some INSANE engeneering. Especially at ROTF.

Good point.

Good idea only including the first trilogy

KennethAkfaer wrote:Good idea only including the first trilogy

Thanks It made it easier to narrow down and AOE did feel like a new begining with a mostly new team for both themovie characters and the Hasbro toy design team.

In two weeks, I will do a similar list for the toys of off screen characters. I am assuming there will be some more debate there.

All this unanimous agreeing is a bit odd