COUNTDOWN: 20 times Megatron had the best lines in Beast Wars

Beast Wars is commonly (and rightly) considered one of the best Transformers cartoons of the last four decades.

There are many good reasons for that, but chief amongst them is surely the script, bolstered by some outstanding vocal performances. These two factors have made Megatron one of the most celebrated – and quotable! – villains from the franchise, with David Kaye giving a top-tier turn as the Predacon leader.

So today, here are 20 times Megatron stole the show by chewing up the scenery, presented in episode order.

#20: Beast Wars (part 1)

Dinobot: “Their shields are down! Destroy them!“

Megatron: “Now, where’s the fun in that? A little torment, I think, first. Yessss!“

Right from when we first meet him aboard the Predacon ship, you just know Megatron will be the kind of ruthless bad guy we’ll love to hate. He also cements his unusual vocal tick from the go.

#19: Beast Wars (part 1)

“Ah, a treacherous underhanded sneak attack. Oh, I like you, pussy cat, yesssssss.“

Megatron shows that he has a flair for the dramatic and that he actually respects a treacherous approach, in a bizarre turn.

#18: Beast Wars (part 2)

Megatron: “Across the galaxy, it has come to this, Optimus Primal. Face to face, tooth to claw, yessssss… Have you anything to say?“

Optimus Primal: “I’d say that’s prime. Let’s do it!“

Megatron is never one to leap into battle without a few words to say first, as evidenced here!

#17: Double Jeopardy

“The wise tyrant always ensures that his prisons are designed for his personal escape.”

Megatron proves that he’s always one step ahead of whatever’s going on, and not for the last time.

#16: Dark Designs

Megatron: “…and even now, you’re teaching me a valuable lesson.”

Rhinox: “Yeah? What’s that?”

Megatron: “Sometimes Predacons gloat too much!”

Megatron may have been outmatched by an evil Rhinox to begin with, but he manages to turn the tide in the end.

#15: The Low Road

Blackarachnia: “Why do you always talk to yourself?”

Megatron: “I simply have a penchant for intelligent conversation.”

Dialogue like this feels extremely meta, but the delivery is so spot on that it works. Plus, it’s Megatron through and through.

#14: The Low Road

Dinobot: “Do not fire, Megatron! I have a hostage!“

Megatron: “Why, so you do!” *SHOOTS*

Megatron demonstrates just how much he values his troops.

#13: Before the Storm

Megatron: “Good work, Inferno. Now go and repair yourself.“

Inferno: “Yes, my Queen.”

Megatron: “I wish he wouldn’t call me that.“

Megatron is not exactly a fan of the new title that Inferno gives him.

#12: Before the Storm

“When one is serving bait, presentation is everything.”

Words to live by, surely.

#11: Other Voices (part 1)

“Ah, would I could have that sound to lull me to sleep each night.”

Megatron takes great delight in listening to Optimus Primal screaming in pain.

#10: Other Voices (part 2)

“What sheer ruthlessness, what disregard for sentient life! I rather like these aliens.”

They may be trying to destroy him, but Megatron can’t help but take a moment to appreciate the Vok’s approach.

#9: Other Voices (part 2)

“Oh, you Optimuses do love to sacrifice yourselves, don’t you?”

A nod towards Transformers history but also a callow insult for a defeated adversary? Sounds like Megatron.

#8: Aftermath

“New packaging, same product. Losers.”

Megatron takes on Cheetor and Rattrap in their new Transmetal forms and delivers one of my personal favourite lines from the show.

#7: Maximal No More

“Treachery keeps the wits sharp.”

This is all the insight into Megatron’s mind that you need.

#6: Other Visits (part 1)

“So, you act out of hate! Excellent. That’s an emotion I can trust.”

Megatron and Tarantulas find common ground.

#5: Code of Hero

“One lonely turncoat, battling on against impossible odds. I’m almost… touched! Fortunately, such moments pass quickly.”

Megatron is never not one to rub it in when he’s winning.

#4: The Agenda (part 3)

“Now I enter these hallowed halls, a conqueror.”

A fantastic insight into how Megatron ultimately views himself.

#3: Optimal Situation

Optimus Primal: “Freedom is the right of all sentient beings, Megatron!“

Megatron: “Then they’d better stay out of my way!“

Megatron takes one of the franchise’s most iconic quotes and turns it towards his own needs. As you do.

#2: Master Blaster

“I can suffer your treachery, Lieutenant, but not your incompetence! Treachery requires no mistakes.”

If you ever needed any explanation as to why Megatron put up with Tarantulas for so long, it’s this.

#1: Nemesis (part 2)

“Duly noted – and ignored!”

And thus, one of the most quoted and memeable bits of Beast Wars was born!

So that’s our list! Did we miss any great quotes?

TTFN