>>11132503Animated's the best gateway show to get into the franchise, it has a little bit of everything but also its own personality and goals, and is just a solid time all-around.
First three Bay movies are also good first-timer watches, mainly the 07 one but RotF and DotM are also solid dumb fun if you know what they are and don't have a stick up your ass.
Honestly, G1 show is fun. Episodes vary, but a lot of the humor still holds up, particularly during S2 - it can get extremely goofy, but in an earnest way. At least, I'd say watch the first 5 eps and the '86 movie, just since errybody knows them, and if you don't end up liking it then the movie will be a fun music video regardless lol.
I also think Dreamwave's "War Within" comics are really good short reads, and could be enjoyed by nigh-beginners too.
I [could] recommend trying the Beast Wars+Beast Machines and Micron Legend+Super Link shows too, but both of them work best as like... someone's second or third TF shows, not their first. But they are real good.
SuperGod Masterforce+Victory+Zone, and Beast Wars Neo+Car Robots are also really fun anime that spun outta G1 and BW respectfully, and are just good dumb fun that, while more obscure, also don't really require you to know much of any outside lore whatsoever. Car Robots and Victory are my personal faves.
Ultimately, try out stuff for yourself and see what you like. TF media varies HEAVILY (or at least, used to before 2012) in tone, age demo, and genre. You could get a high-stakes drama, or you could get a Super Robot-esque fast-paced action comedy. It's also why TF fans can never agree on anything :)
So keep an open mind and
>Form! Your! Own! Opinions!!! 
