Megatron is popularly known for being the ruthless leader of the Decepticons and Optimus Prime’s arch rival in theTransformersfranchise. He’s a tyrranical ruler determined to conquer the universe by any means necessary, making him one of the most popular villains in the world of pop culture.
Of course, a character like Megatron would have some memorable and badass quotes which define him as a character. In some cases, quotes which might seem ordinary are otherwise made compelling given Megatron’s delivery and the context in which he says things.
8"My Equilibrium, Destabilized"
Megatron’s Most Memed Moment
One of the most memorable Megatron moments from theTransformers: Generation 1series, and a rare Megatron quote that isn’t popular because of its audacity or machismo, but its hilarity. Megatron is shot in his chest by Wheeljack with a Gyro-Inhibitor shell. He crumbles to his knees and delivers this line, followed by a rather comedic groan.
What makes this quote so popular isn’t the quote itself but the manner in which its delivered, making it one of Megatron’s most memed moments. In fact, what follows this quote is also one of the series most popular memes, withStarscream setting the precedentof declaring himself as the leader of the Decepticons every single time Megatron offers the slightest indication he may be in pain.
7"You’re Either Lying or Stupid!"
Putting Starscream In His Place
Another hilarious moment inTransformers: Generation 1, but one that isn’t as embarrassing for Megatron as it is for his not-so trusty sidekick Starscream. Starscream leads Megatron into the sewers claiming he’s found a secret Autobot base believing Blitzwing and Astrotrain are working with him to usurp Megatron. Unfortunately for him, both his “allies” manipulated him into doing this task and have trapped him with Megatron in the sewers.
Megatron catches on to the plan and accuses Starscream of treason, only for the latter to claim he was tricked by the triple changers. After they make it out of the sewers when Megatron throttles Starscream saying this. Starscream, who knows he’s in for a world of hurt repeatedly affirms he’s “stupid”.
6"You Fail Me Yet Again, Starscream"
A Hugo Weaving Masterclass
There may beplenty of things to critique about Michael Bay’sTransformersseries, but Megatron’s voice simply isn’t one of them. Hugo Weaving was the perfect choice for the Tyrannical leader, and he proves this right away when the character is first introduced in the series inTransformers (2007).
Right after they fly out of Hoover Dam, where Megatron was frozen and held captive by Sector 7, he asks Starscream where the Allspark is, to which Starscream responds with “the humans have taken it.” Hugo Weaving then delivers this line perfectly encapsulating the begrudging dynamic between Megatron and Starscream from the original cartoons.
One of Megatron’s smartest quotes as a leader comes inTransformers Prime: Beast Wars.His Lieutenant, Tarantulusbetrays him to lead the Predacons himself after Megatron is temporarily immobilized by the pain of trying to fuse the original Megatron’s spark with his own.
Unfortunately for Tarantulus, tossing Megatron into lave wasn’t the best idea, because he emerges a while later in the form of a Dragon and tosses Tarantulus into the lava for punishment, saying “I can suffer your treachery, lieutenant, but not your incompetence. Treachery requires no mistakes!”.
4"Megatron Does Not Yield, He Conquers!
Another Banger from Beast Wars
It appears Megatron is full ofmemorable one-liners in this episodeofTransformers Prime: Beast Wars.Optimus Primal has Megatron in a chokehold and asks him to yield, only for Megatron to drop this imperious line and gain the upper hand against his fierce rival.
While Megatron is overwhelmed and forced to retreat because of the combined efforts of the Maximals, this moment still encapsulates his indomitable mentality and his fighting spirit. He also proves he’s stronger than Optimus Primal with this fight.
3"No! I Want Two!"
Megatron Shows Jazz What He’s All About
Another terrifying Megatron moment fromTransformers (2007).During the battle in Chicago, Megatron lands in front of a group of Autobots and some human civilians. Ratchet orders the humans and nearby Autobots to retreat when he sees Megatron, but Jazz decides to make a stand so that the others get to safety.
Megatron simply grabs Jazz and flies to the top of a nearby building. Jazz uses his machine guns against Megatron to no avail saying “You want a piece of me?”. Megatron simply rips his body apart, delivering this line.
His penultimate moment in the Bayverse. Optimus Prime is overwhelmed and beaten by his old mentor, Sentinel Prime. To the point where his hand is ripped off his shoulder. Sentinel is just about to execute Optimus, but Megatron arrives, shooting Sentinel from behind with his shotgun and pulling out his parts.
He then delivers this line to Optimus, demanding a truce between the Autobots and the Decepticons, claiming all he wants is to be back in charge. Unfortunately for him,Optimus has run out of empathyor patience and immediately proceeds to execute both Megatron and Sentinel Prime right after.
1"Because I Now Know the True Meaning of Oppression, and Have Thus Lost My Taste for Inflicting it."
A Reformed Megatron is a Nice Change of Pace
After decades of tyranny and fascist leadership, Megatron experiences what he usually inflicts inTransformers Prime Beast Hunters: Predacon Rising. After his death, he is revived by Unicron, who proceeds to possess his body. Throughout the movie, Megatron is constantly fighting Unicron to regain control over his body.
After Megatron is freed from Unicron’s control, he realizes what he experienced wasn’t very different from what he inflicts on his victims. This leads to him declaring he’s changed, with such a poetic quote.
