Optimus Prime is nothing short of an icon, and one of the most recognizable fictional characters in pop culture in terms of his design and legendary voice from Peter Cullen. Optimus Prime is arguably the central protagonist of theTransformersfranchise, and he’s been a beloved character over the decades, providing audiences witha stellar hero to idolize.
The bestTransformersmoments of all time often come from Optimus Prime directly, with his compassionate and powerful quotes and stellar action moments. Across TV, games, and movies, Optimus Prime has provided some incredible quotes and speeches that prove why he is worthy of the Matrix of Leadership.
10“The Day Will Never Come, That We Forsake This Planet and Its People.”
Optimus Prime Loves Humanity and Earth, Even if They Forsake Him
In any war, there are calms between the storms. There will be days when we lose faith, days when our allies turn against us. But the day will never come, that we forsake this planet and its people.
Optimus Prime has always been known to be a compassionate leader, and as a guest on Earth, he becomes its sworn protector against Decepticons and other threats. Optimus Prime sees the beauty of Earth and its people and adores its sentience and nature as opposed to the metallic surfaces of Cybertron. As such, he sees Earth as a beautiful planet worth protecting.
Hearing Optimus’ defiance, even in the face of rejection, showcases how much of a powerful leader he is. Optimus will never reject Earth, even if its people reject him. He’s bound by honor and gentleness which showcases why he’s a Prime.
9“You Didn’t Betray Me, Sentinel. You Betrayed Yourself.”
A Prime’s Betrayal is One That Forsakes Morality, Ideals, and Cybertron
The betrayal of Sentinel Prime was one that laid heavy on Optimus’ metallic heart. Sentinel betrayed Optimus Prime, and the people of Earth, and even killed beloved Autobots in the process just so Cybertron could live. Optimus Prime finally bests his elder Prime in combat and gives him one last word to dwell on before executing him.
Optimus tells Sentinel that it wasn’t just him he betrayed, but himself, showcasing that the ideals of a Prime are more important than any one person could ever be. Optimus Prime’s morality is unwavering, and Sentinel sees that in his final moments.
8“Do Not Lament My Absence, For in My Spark, I Know That This Is Not the End, But Merely a New Beginning.”
There is Still Hope in Self Sacrifice
Above all, do not lament my absence, for in my spark, I know that this is not the end, but merely a new beginning. Simply put, another transformation.
The Autobot leader is no stranger toself-sacrifice. In fact, it’s one of the most important aspects of being a Prime. However, even in the face of darkness itself and the loss of an Autobot such as Optimus Prime, he can’t help but inspire those listening with one last rousing speech.
It’s a closing narration from Optimus Prime that doesn’t dwell on his death but celebrates his life. Optimus Prime is about to ascend to another transformation through a new beginning, and while it’s emotional to say goodbye, it’s not the end.
7“Fate Rarely Calls Upon Us At a Moment of Our Choosing.”
Optimus Teaches Sam That Fate is Unavoidable and Utterly Essential
If there is something Optimus Prime has to teach, it’s that fate is unavoidable, and something that doesn’t come at a predictable time. Optimus Prime knows the importance of fate, and tries to teach his human friend Sam that it’s something that will always come, especially inour darkest hours.
Optimus Prime’s confidence showcases his status as a leader, and how against all odds and in the face of defeat, Optimus will rally for fate and its success. Optimus will never betray those in their time of need, and will rarely let those face destiny alone.
6“We Can Not Let the Humans Pay for Our Mistakes.”
Optimus Will Never Give Up on Humanity or His Mission
A necessary sacrifice to bring peace to this planet. We cannot let the humans pay for our mistakes.
Optimus Prime has an unwavering sense of justice and feels immense responsibility for the war that has come to Earth. With the Decepticons ravishing the beauty of this new planet, Optimus readies himself for what must be done, and the burden that comes with being a leader in an unrelenting war against the Decepticons.
Optimus Prime refuses to allow this burden to fall on the shoulders of humanity and bares it himself and alongsidehis fellow Autobots. A truly dedicated mission to save people from Decepticon threats, let it never be so that people question Optimus Prime’s loyalty and sense of justice.
5“Freedom is the Right of All Sentient Beings.”
Optimus Prime Acknowledges and Respects Everyone’s Right to Freedom
Optimus Prime is always one for sage words of wisdom, and one of his best comes from Michael Bay’s first outing in theTransformersfranchise, but one that has been part of Optimus Prime’s toy packaging for years prior. Optimus’ acknowledgment that every sentient being deserves freedom is something to respect.
This is especially true for Optimus, who shows that despite his power as a Prime and his overwhelming size against humanity, they are not lesser than him, and they are in fact equal. Optimus honors sentient beings by providing them with the same rights as he himself would ask for.
4“You’ll Never Stop At One… I’ll Take You All On!”
Optimus Prime’s Last Stand Against Decepticons to Stop Them Killing Humanity
A dreaded fight against the Decepticons can only ever end in one way: death. As Optimus Prime battles Megatron andhis Decepticon allies, Optimus remains outmanned but never outskilled. In an effort to rouse himself against this three-on-one battle, Optimus refuses to sacrifice just one human life and knows for a fact that it won’t end at one.
Optimus knows of the Decepticon lies, and instead takes a harsher fight to them, providing a last stand to save Sam and to ensure that humanity isn’t to be used as a bargaining chip in the war for Cybertron. Optimus will fight for every human and will battle every Decepticon to the last scrap heap if it means he can just save one person.
3“‘Til All Are One.”
Optimus Prime’s Dream to End War and Unite as One People
There is a dream from Optimus Prime that involves the unification of all species, and that’s a dream that he follows with each breath, longing for the day where no matter the species, no matter the differences, all can unite as one with no one left out to rot in scorn and hate.
Optimus Prime cares not for allegiance, only for the character within every spark and heart, and for the idea that everyone can be a champion of what’s right. Optimus’ dream that everyone will unite showcases how he won’t stop fighting until all are one.
2“Autobots, Transform and Roll Out!”
The Iconic Rally Cry of Optimus Prime to the Autobots
There is perhaps norallying cry in all ofTransformersmediathan that of the unifying line from Optimus Prime that tells the Autobots to transform and roll out. Something that Optimus boasts proudly before transforming into a truck and heading off to save innocent lives from Decepticon threats once more, this is a line worthy of remembrance.
While not a rousing speech, telling the Autobots to transform and roll out is essential to Optimus Prime’s character, andprovides Autobots with the leadership they needto bring courage, confidence, and a willingness to fight for those who can’t.
1“At the End of This Day, One Shall Stand, One Shall Fall!”
Optimus Prime and Megatron’s Immortal Rivalry Ends Here and Now
Theiconic rivalry between Optimus Prime and Megatronis timeless throughout the decades, and the leader of the Autobots and the leader of the Decepticons are destined to fight until the end. Optimus Prime’s acknowledgment of this comes in what could possibly be the final battle between the two warring Cybertronians.
Optimus knows that it’s the end, and only one of them will stand, while the other falls. It’s a great line, but one that’s aided by Peter Cullen’s incredible performance. Optimus will fight to the very end to protect the innocent, and either he falls or Megatron does, there’s no compromise this time.
