Transformers Movie Watch Order (September 2025)

The Transformers movies just keep coming, and audiences keep watching – for many, it’s a mix of fond memories and the simple fun of seeing vehicles transform into massive robots. While some films are better than others, if you’re planning to watch or revisit the series, here’s a recommended order to do so.

What’s the best order to watch the Transformers movies?

We usually suggest watching the Transformers movies in the order they were released. While a timeline based on the story’s actual events might seem appealing, it can be confusing and you might miss important connections. However, if you’ve already seen all the movies, watching them in chronological order can be a fun way to revisit the series.

Here’s how the movies line up in chronological order:

Transformers One (2024) – set 3 billion years ago
Bumblebee (2018) – set in 1987
Transformers: Rise of the Beasts (2023) – set in 1994
The Transformers: The Movie (1986) – set in 2005
Transformers (2007) – set in 2007
Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (2009) – set in 2009
Transformers: Dark of the Moon (2011) – set in 2011
Transformers: Age of Extinction (2014) – set in 2014
Transformers: The Last Knight (2017) – set in 2017

The Transformers: The Movie (1986)

The 1986 animated movie *Transformers: The Movie*, which first brought the Autobots and Decepticons to the big screen, wasn’t a critical success. However, despite the poor reviews, Hasbro still saw strong sales of *Transformers* action figures, particularly at Toys R Us.

In 2005, the Autobots faced near destruction in a huge attack by the Decepticons, now led by a revived and even stronger Megatron, who was serving the immense, planet-devouring transformer Unicron. The loss of Optimus Prime shocked fans, but it created an opportunity for the young Autobot Hot Rod to step up and become a leader – transforming into Rodimus Prime.

Transformers (2007)

The first film in Paramount’s live-action Transformers series starts by explaining the long history between the heroic Autobots and the villainous Decepticons. Many viewers at the time weren’t familiar with the original cartoon or toys, so the movie details a devastating civil war that destroyed their planet, Cybertron. Now, both sides are searching for the AllSpark, a powerful artifact hidden on Earth that can create new Transformers. The Autobots want to use it to rebuild their home, while the Decepticons intend to use it to take over the universe.

Meet Sam Witwicky, a somewhat clumsy but lovable teenager played by Shia LaBeouf. He and Mikaela Banes, played by Megan Fox, unexpectedly find themselves caught up in a massive search for a powerful treasure from another world.

Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (2009)

The story continues two years after the first movie. Sam Witwicky is starting college and wants a normal life, but his past experiences have left him deeply affected. Things get even more complicated when a piece of the AllSpark gives him ancient Cybertronian knowledge, making him a target. At the same time, the Decepticons bring Megatron back to life and unite under a new leader, The Fallen – one of the original Primes. They want revenge on Earth and humanity, and they believe Sam holds the key to their success.

This isn’t a standout Transformers movie, but keep in mind the series began as toys for children. It’s designed for a younger audience, so if you’re an adult, try to relax and have fun with all the action.

Transformers: Dark of the Moon (2011)

Look, the Decepticons, they just don’t quit, do they? After getting foiled in *Revenge of the Fallen*, Megatron and Starscream are back, scheming to take over everything. And Sam’s back too, but with a new girlfriend, Carly – things got a little messy with the last actress, Megan Fox, who famously compared Michael Bay to Hitler after filming. Honestly, *Dark of the Moon* is exactly what you’d expect from a Bay film: massive explosions, robots fighting amongst skyscrapers, and just a whole lot of spectacle. It’s pure, over-the-top action, and that’s kind of the point.

Transformers: Age of Extinction (2014)

Transformers: Age of Extinction takes place years after the events in Chicago. Following that battle, humans blame the Autobots and sever all connections with them. Although most people believe the Transformers have gone into hiding, a secret CIA team is actually tracking them down. This film also introduces a new lead character, Cade Yeager, played by Mark Wahlberg, who discovers a hidden Optimus Prime, replacing Shia LaBeouf’s Sam in the story.

A mysterious tech company, KSI, is secretly creating its own Transformers using advanced Cybertronian technology, with the goal of building an army they can control. Plus, the Decepticons have returned for more battles, spectacular visual effects, and plenty of explosions, all packed into a 2 hour and 45 minute movie.

Transformers: The Last Knight (2017)

The Last Knight, the final film in Michael Bay’s Transformers series, features a mind-controlled Optimus Prime turning against his allies. He’s been manipulated by the villainous Quintessa, who wants to destroy Earth to rebuild Cybertron. Cade Yeager teams up with Sir Edmund Burton (played by Anthony Hopkins) and historian Viviane Wembley to discover the Transformers’ secret past and prevent the coming disaster. The film reveals a long-hidden connection between Transformers and Earth, with Sir Edmund Burton holding the key to understanding it all.

Bumblebee (2018)

Many fans and critics agree that *Bumblebee* is the strongest film in the *Transformers* series. Set in the 1980s, the movie follows a California teen, played by Hailee Steinfeld, who is coping with her father’s death. Her uncle gives her a rundown Volkswagen Beetle to fix up, and she soon discovers it’s actually Bumblebee, a robot from the planet Cybertron hiding on Earth. This discovery kicks off an exciting prequel story as dangerous Decepticons begin to arrive.

Travis Knight’s *Bumblebee* is a welcome and emotional restart for the series. It’s a clear departure from the action-heavy style of the Michael Bay films, but still delivers plenty of excitement. Critics and audiences clearly preferred this approach – with a 91% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, it’s a huge improvement over the poorly received 16% score of *The Last Knight*. A definite win for Bumblebee!

Transformers: Rise of the Beasts (2023)

Rise of the Beasts, a follow-up to the movie Bumblebee, is set in 1994. The story centers on Noah, a talented electronics expert, and Elena, an archaeology intern, who unexpectedly get caught up in a battle between the heroic Autobots and Maximals, and the destructive Terrorcons. They must work together to stop Unicron from using a powerful artifact called the Transwarp Key to destroy Earth.

This new film from Steve Caple Jr. feels too similar to his previous work, *Creed II*, lacking the freshness and originality of earlier installments. While it’s great to hear Peter Cullen return as the voice of Optimus Prime – he’s a consistent presence in the series, and that familiar voice is always welcome – it doesn’t quite elevate the film beyond feeling like a retread of familiar ground.

Transformers One (2024)

The new movie, Transformers One, is set a staggering three billion years in the past – long before dinosaurs even existed. Back then, Earth was a primitive world filled with microbes and thick, humid air. While this earthly setting isn’t central to the plot, it helps put the story’s timeline into perspective, especially considering how technologically advanced the Cybertronians were.

On the planet Cybertron, Orion Pax and his friend D-16 work as miners, but they can’t transform into vehicles. They’re facing tough times because the powerful transformation gears are limited, and their energy source, Energon, is starting to run out. When Orion finds hints about the Matrix of Leadership and learns their leader, Sentinel Prime, is keeping secrets, he joins forces with B-127 and Elita-1 to travel to the surface and find out what’s really going on.

2025-09-15 22:30