How To Watch The Transformers Movies In Order

In 2007, the excitement for “Transformers” was at its peak. With Steven Spielberg as the producer, fans of the long-standing robot series had been eagerly waiting for the first live-action movie. Finally, they got to witness their beloved Autobots on screen, complete with numerous action sequences, explosive effects, and a wealth of lore. Over the years, this franchise has brought in substantial box office earnings. Regardless of personal opinions about the “Transformers” films — five of which were directed by Michael Bay — they have left an indelible mark on pop culture that remains relevant today.

If you’re wondering about the viewing sequence of these “Transformers” films, here’s a straightforward suggestion. With seven films in total, this franchise can be a bit puzzling if you aren’t sure where to begin. To make things easy, it’s best to watch the “Transformers” movies in the order they were released:

1. The first feature came out in 2007.
2. Almost every two or three years since then, a new “Transformers” movie has been released.
3. The only significant gap is between the two prequel films that hit theaters in 2018 and 2023.
4. However, don’t be misled by this gap – watching the “Transformers” movies in their release order should provide a smooth viewing experience:
– Start with the first movie from 2007.
– Followed by the subsequent films as they came out.

“Transformers” (2007)
“Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen” (2009)
“Transformers: Dark of the Moon” (2011)
“Transformers: Age of Extinction” (2014)
“Transformers: The Last Knight” (2017)
“Bumblebee” (2018)
“Transformers: Rise of the Beasts” (2023)

As a gaming enthusiast, I can tell you that diving into the Transformers universe is an entirely different experience when you stick to the original release order. It’s not only about convenience; it’s about immersion and understanding the rich tapestry of stories and character development that unfolds over time. Each series sets up events for the next, creating a narrative web that ties everything together. So, if you want to truly appreciate this epic robot saga, I strongly recommend starting at the beginning.

Why is that the correct order to watch the Transformers movies?

In this scenario, starting with the initial “Transformers” movie released in 2007 is more appropriate if there are two prequels involved in the saga, similar to how it makes more sense to watch the original “Star Wars” movies before diving into the prequels. This is because you don’t need any prior knowledge about Transformers or their history in animation, comics, or as a Hasbro toy line to enjoy the first Michael Bay film. The movie serves as an accessible entry point for everyone, and it introduces us to the world through Sam Witwicky, played by Shia LaBeouf, whose perspective allows us to grasp the ever-changing reality around us.

Back in 2007, I was drawn into the captivating world of Transformers for the very first time, where the honorable Autobots stood tall against their cunning adversaries, the Decepticons. The 2007 “Transformers” movie served as an inviting portal for both long-time fans and newcomers alike, undeniably establishing itself as a cornerstone of the franchise. As the series progressed, it skillfully expanded its lore, introducing new characters, human and non-human, and elevating the conflicts far beyond the quest for the AllSpark, showcased in the initial film.

To fully appreciate the prequels and understand their storylines, it’s best to first familiarize yourself with the “Transformers” universe by watching the films in the sequence they were originally released. This way, you can enjoy the expanded narrative without encountering any potential confusion.

Transformers

Is there a superior “Transformers” film compared to the original one? While individual taste plays a significant role when enjoying these movies, it’s worth noting that the first 2007’s “Transformers” is generally considered the most well-structured among all seven films. The story unfolds as Megatron (played by Hugo Weaving), who has crash-landed on Earth, is found. Following a war between the Autobots and Decepticons on their native planet of Cybertron, the AllSpark – a powerful artifact that serves as the life-force for all Cybertronians – goes missing after the conflict. Later, Megatron finds it on Earth, but his attempts to reclaim it are halted when he is frozen.

100 years on, it’s Sam Witwicky (LaBeouf), a descendant of the man who discovered Megatron and the AllSpark, who unexpectedly gets entangled in this war. This happens when his car, who turns out to be an undercover Autobot named Bumblebee (Mark Ryan), enters the fray. With Sam’s assistance, the Autobots fight off both Decepticon and human adversaries as they strive to protect Earth from complete destruction.

Beyond introducing iconic characters like Optimus Prime (Peter Cullen), Megatron, and Bumblebee in live-action form, “Transformers” is a thrilling action movie that centers around a young man and his car. However, it’s not just about that; the relationship between Sam and Bumblebee is a heartwarming aspect of the story. Additionally, there’s a developing romance between Sam and Mikaela Banes (Megan Fox), who is a car thief, as they find themselves in extraordinary situations together. Lastly, the film also introduces Captain William Lennox (Josh Duhamel) and Sergeant Robert Epps (Tyrese Gibson), who offer military assistance to our protagonists.

Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen

In the continuation of my beloved “Transformers” saga, following the events of 2009’s “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen,” I find myself just a few years further down the line, with Sam embarking on college life. However, it’s far from the usual student experience as once more, I’m embroiled in the epic struggle between the Autobots and the Decepticons. But this time, things take an ominous turn, as we uncover menacing forces beyond mere Decepticons like Megatron – entities such as Tony Todd’s “The Fallen,” a primordial Decepticon who rebelled against his fellow Cybertronians, seeking vengeance on all Primes, including Optimus. This chilling revelation sets the stage for a climactic showdown that left audiences spellbound. Of course, Optimus doesn’t stay down for long in this franchise, but the stakes have never been higher!

Contrasting the first movie, “Revenge of the Fallen” struggles with uneven storytelling, unfunny humor, and a disorganized narrative. However, it boasts an impressive soundtrack, including “New Divide” by Linkin Park and contemporary tunes. Moreover, “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen” was the final installment where Megan Fox appeared, and her departure seemed to affect both her character and the franchise as a whole. Essentially, “Revenge of the Fallen” offers more spectacle than depth, marking a significant drop in quality compared to the original film. Nevertheless, it played a crucial role in moving the series forward, proving to be a financial triumph at the box office.

Transformers: Dark of the Moon

Completing the initial movie trilogy is the 2011 release, “Transformers: Dark of the Moon.” This film takes place some time after its predecessor, and finds Sam in a new chapter of his life as he has parted ways with Mikaela and is now involved with Carly Spencer, portrayed by Rosie Huntington-Whiteley. The narrative reveals that the Apollo 11 moon landing was in fact a concealment of alien technology. In this film, Megatron and his Decepticons discover a method to utilize technology from the Ark spaceship to transform Earth into their original home planet.

At the conclusion of “Transformers: Dark of the Moon,” the Autobots experience a severe act of deception, and Chicago city is on the brink of destruction due to the intense battle that follows. Nevertheless, our protagonists emerge victorious, and Optimus Prime ultimately eliminates Megatron, apparently permanently.

In its conclusion, the movie “Transformers: Dark of the Moon,” signifying Shia LaBeouf’s last role in the series, effectively marks the end of an era for the franchise. If you so choose, this movie could serve as the finale for your viewing experience, allowing you to appreciate the trilogy as a complete entity. Despite the absence of Megan Fox, it offers a conclusive ending that seems more definitive than its predecessors. Notably, it boasts some of the most thrilling action sequences in the series, such as the epic Battle of Chicago and the high-speed chase between Bumblebee, Sam, and the Decepticons. It’s no surprise that “Transformers: Dark of the Moon” grossed over a billion dollars. This science fiction film, which has a poor rating on Rotten Tomatoes, is still worth watching for its entertainment value.

Transformers: Age of Extinction

Following the final installment, “Dark of the Moon,” the series was revisited in “Transformers: Age of Extinction” with an extended duration, a fresh cast led by Mark Wahlberg, and the introduction of Dinobots. The strategy proved successful as it became Wahlberg’s most profitable film to date. It is worth mentioning that Shia LaBeouf was no longer part of the series, making way for Wahlberg to step into the main role as Cade Yeager, a Texas inventor who repairs Optimus Prime after he narrowly escapes death at the hands of assassin Lockdown, played by Mark Ryan. This event triggers the return of the Dinobots, the revival of Megatron (now known as Galvatron, voiced by Frank Welker), and Optimus’s decision to confront his creators directly.

2014’s “Age of Extinction,” starring Mark Wahlberg, holds the record as Wahlberg’s highest-earning movie and the most profitable installment in the Transformers series, surpassing even “Dark of the Moon.” With a lengthy running time of almost three hours, this fourth Transformers film is quite substantial. Due to the absence of any recurring human characters, “Age of Extinction” seems the most unfamiliar among the series. Compared to the prequels, which also feature different human casts, the plot in “Age of Extinction” appears largely disconnected from the first three movies. It’s evident that this film intended to launch a new narrative (possibly a fresh trilogy), but it fails to match the impact of the 2007 original.

Transformers: The Last Knight

2017 saw the release of “Transformers: The Last Knight”, the last film in the series directed by Michael Bay, marking a significant milestone for this franchise that I’ve been following since its beginning. In this installment, Optimus Prime, my trusted Autobot leader, embarks on a journey back to Cybertron to confront his creators. However, an unexpected turn of events leads him to be brainwashed into becoming Nemesis Prime and sent back to Earth on a quest – one that leaves me utterly astonished: finding Merlin’s staff!

Indeed, “The Last Knight” combines the Transformers universe with the tale of King Arthur, a clever blend that results in Mark Wahlberg’s character Cade Yeager joining forces with the Autobots to combat the Decepticons over the destiny of Earth once more. In the end, Optimus Prime slays Megatron for a second time, and Bumblebee appears to have neutralized the danger posed by Quintessa (Gemma Chan), the enigmatic “Creator” who manipulated Prime’s mind.

Wrapping up Michael Bay’s tenure in the Transformers franchise with Optimus Prime, Bumblebee, and other Autobots, “The Last Knight” serves as a more definitive conclusion than “Dark of the Moon.” It brings the entire storyline to a close as the Autobots depart Earth to rebuild their home planet Cybertron from scratch. Despite its intriguing ties to medieval history, the film failed to impress both critics and audiences. Nevertheless, it makes for an intriguing finale to Bay’s work in the series. Fortunately, there are superior sequels on the horizon.

Bumblebee (2018)

In a sense, “Bumblebee” stands out as the most impressive sequel to the original 2007 film within the franchise. Set in the ’80s, it’s both a prequel and origin story, detailing Bumblebee’s arrival on Earth and serving as an action-filled coming-of-age tale. Prior to his friendship with Sam Witwicky, Bumblebee is initially owned by Charlie Watson, played by Hailee Steinfeld. The movie starts off reminiscent of “The Iron Giant,” with Bumblebee regaining his memories. As this happens, the Decepticons resurface, leading to more action. In the end, Bumblebee departs Earth to reunite with fellow Autobots, but this initial encounter definitely leaves us eager for more adventures in the future.

As a gamer, I’d say 2018’s “Bumblebee” feels uniquely self-contained within the Transformers franchise. You don’t need to be caught up with the larger series to enjoy it – it’s a solid standalone film. Unlike its predecessors, it doesn’t rehash old ground and offers a surprising amount of emotional depth. Although it didn’t quite match the financial success of some earlier movies, “Bumblebee” was still a box office hit. What really sets it apart is the positive response it received from both viewers and critics – proof that a top-notch Transformers story can thrive on its own merits.

Transformers: Rise of the Beasts (2023)

2023’s “Transformers: Rise of the Beasts” serves as a tribute to the classic “Beast Wars” series of Transformers toys, TV shows, and comics. Under the direction of Steven Caple Jr., this movie is set in the mid-90s and follows Brooklyn native Noah Diaz (played by Anthony Ramos), who becomes entangled in a bizarre conflict between extraterrestrial robots.

In a familiar vein to most Transformers films, you’d be correct. However, this installment features the Autobots joining forces with the Maximals, a faction of Cybertronians that convert into animal-like shapes (much like the Dinobots), in an effort to thwart Unicron, a cosmic entity that devours planets and has its sights set on Earth.

In several aspects, the movie “Rise of the Beasts” represents a progression over its predecessors, particularly compared to “The Last Knight.” While “The Last Knight” hinted at Unicron, “Rise of the Beasts” draws more inspiration from the classic “Transformers” animated series and aligns more closely with what fans cherished about the franchise. Moreover, this film ventures a bit further by trying to establish a connection between G.I. Joe and Transformers, although that joint project has yet to fully materialize. Unfortunately, the second Transformers prequel was one of the biggest box office flops in 2023, possibly due to waning interest following “Bumblebee” and the years leading up to “Rise of the Beasts.

Is there another way to watch the Transformers movies?

After finishing all the “Transformers” movies, one might wonder if there’s a better sequence to watch them in. If you’re well-versed in the series and prefer a chronological experience, you can definitely attempt it. Start with “Bumblebee,” followed by “Rise of the Beasts,” then continue in the order they were released. This approach lets you follow Bumblebee’s initial arrival on Earth and his eventual exit from our world at the end of “The Last Knight.” It might be a more melancholic ending than “Rise of the Beasts,” but it’s a viable option.

Absolutely, there are moments from the prequel films that aren’t carried forward in the Michael Bay-directed sequels. In fact, viewing them sequentially might reveal more inconsistencies within the franchise for you. However, if you prefer to witness the events as they would have transpired for the Autobots, the chronological order is as follows:

“Bumblebee” (2018)
“Transformers: Rise of the Beasts” (2023)
“Transformers” (2007)
“Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen” (2009)
“Transformers: Dark of the Moon” (2011)
“Transformers: Age of Extinction” (2014)
“Transformers: The Last Knight” (2017)

For dedicated “Transformers” enthusiasts, you might spot a few movies missing from this compilation. Rest assured, we haven’t overlooked the animated series – they are indeed part of our Transformers universe!

What about the Transformers animated movies?

In a nutshell, the “Transformers” animated movies, like those from 2007, don’t align with the storyline of the live-action movies. The live-action franchise, starting with the 2007 movie, established its own continuity that gained popularity due to the success of subsequent films. However, it’s important to note that for many traditional Transformers fans, the first “Transformers” movie wasn’t the one from 2007. Instead, that title goes to “The Transformers: The Movie,” an animated film released in 1986. This movie was based on the narrative introduced in the animated “The Transformers” TV series (also known as G1 continuity). “The Transformers: The Movie” falls between the second and third seasons of the animated series, so it’s not connected to the later live-action films.

Speaking of “Transformers One”, this more contemporary animated movie, released in 2024, tells an independent origin story about the budding friendship and subsequent rivalry between Optimus Prime (voiced by Chris Hemsworth) and Megatron (Brian Tyree Henry). Initially allies, they become adversaries due to a class conflict on their home planet, Cybertron. In this version, they are known as Orion Pax and D-16. The events of “Transformers One” serve as the catalyst for their enduring enmity. It’s important to note that “One” has no connection whatsoever with the Michael Bay films.

2025-05-18 17:32