Beast Wars (1996) is a computer-animated series in which Transformers turn into animals rather than vehicles for the first time. It is still considered one of the franchise's best.
A new generation
Maximals and Predacons are descendants of the Autobots and Decepticons, living long after the Great War. The Maximals, led by Optimus Primal (a gorilla), pursue the Predacons of Megatron (a T. rex), who has stolen a valuable artifact. Both ships crash on prehistoric Earth.
Why animals
The planet has so much raw Energon that it is harmful to Transformers. Beast modes shield the heroes from its effects — so they scan local animals rather than machines.
Link to the classics
It gradually becomes clear that this is the same Earth where the Autobots of the Ark will later awaken. The Predacon Megatron tries to change history by attacking the sleeping Optimus Prime, and the Maximals must stop him. The series is famous for strong characters — especially Dinobot, a Predacon who switched sides — and mature themes of honour and choice. The Maximals also appear in Rise of the Beasts (2023).
