How to watch the 'Transformers' movies in order
The Transformers franchise, which began as a Hasbro toy line in 1984, has since evolved into a series of animated shows, straight-to-video films, and blockbuster movies. The first live-action film, directed by Michael Bay, was released in 2007 and reportedly grossed over $709 million at the box office. The Hollywood franchise now includes eight films, with more on the way. Here's how to watch them in chronological order and by release date.
'Transformers' movies in release date order
The Transformers movies were released in the following order: 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), and Transformers: Rise of the Beasts (2023). The upcoming film, Transformers One, is set to be released on September 20.
'Transformers' movies in chronological order
The chronological order begins with Transformers One (2024), which serves as an origin story. It is followed by Bumblebee (2018), which is set in 1987, and the third is Transformers: Rise of the Beasts (2023), which is set in 1994. The remaining films in chronological order are Transformers (2007), Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (2009), Transformers: Dark of the Moon (2011), Transformers: Age of Extinction (2014), and Transformers: The Last Knight (2017).
Continuity confusion in the 'Transformers' franchise
The chronological order can be confusing due to continuity issues. Bumblebee and Transformers: Rise of the Beasts serve as both prequels and reboots, but their events do not align with those depicted in Transformers. In a 2018 interview with SlashFilm, producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura stated that there were "20 years" between Bumblebee and the original film. However, by the time Rise... was released in 2023, Bonaventura had changed his stance, describing it as a "prequel and sequel," reported People.
'Transformers One' to be earliest film in franchise
The upcoming film Transformers One will be the earliest in the franchise's timeline. It will depict how Megatron and Optimus Prime, who are now archenemies, were once allies on the planet Cybertron. Unlike the other films in the series, Transformers One will be an animated feature with a voice cast that includes Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, and Brian Tyree Henry. It is directed by Josh Cooley.
