The Transformers movies have taken a sharp turn away from telling a chronological story in recent years. While Michael Bay’s blockbuster series initially charted the story of Shia LeBeouf’s Sam and, latterly, Mark Wahlberg’s Cade, it has since evolved to bring in prequels that zig zag across decades.
In light of Rise of the Beasts rolling out into cinemas, we thought it was time to spell out how to watch the Transformers movies in order – both by release date and in chronological order. For such a straightforward franchise, the ordering of the series is anything but at first glance.
But, don’t worry, we’re here to help. If you want to see the full story of the robots in disguise, here’s how to watch the Transformers movies in order.
How to watch the Transformers movies in order – release date
There are currently seven live-action Transformers movies. The first, simply called Transformers, was released in 2007. A sequel, Revenge of the Fallen, landed in 2009 and was soon followed by Dark of the Moon in 2011.
Michael Bay then directed his fourth Transformers movie, Age of Extinction, in 2014 before bringing The Last Knight into cinemas in 2017. A prequel, Bumblebee, was released in 2019 and, finally, Rise of the Beasts released in cinemas on June 9, 2023.
On paper, the Transformers release date order looks like this:
- 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 (2019)
- Transformers: Rise of the Beasts (2023)
How to watch the Transformers movies in order – chronological order
The Transformers timeline officially begins with Bumblebee in 1987. Rise of the Beasts takes place seven years later, while the remaining Transformers movies take place in the early 21st Century. There are various prologues and flashbacks that take place throughout but, here, we're focusing on the main underlying story told in each movie's 'present day.'
Transformers, Revenge of the Fallen, and Dark of the Moon form one trilogy, while Age of Extinction and The Last Night are set after and form another saga. Each is part of the same shared timeline, however, and features repeat appearances from the likes of Optimus Prime, Megatron, and multiple human characters.
The Transformers movie chronology consists of:
- Bumblebee (1987)
- Transformers: Rise of the Beasts (1994)
- Transformers
- Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen
- Transformers: Dark of the Moon
- Transformers: Age of Extinction
- Transformers: The Last Knight
For more on our watch guides, check out how to watch the Marvel movies in order, how to watch Demon Slayer in order, and how to watch Neon Genesis Evangelion in order.
