Transformers Movies in Order: The Complete Watch Guide, From the Animated OG to Bayformers

The Transformers movies are fun, loud, and (let’s be real) kind of messy when it comes to continuity. You’ve got the original animated feature from the ’80s, a modern animated origin story, five Michael Bay live-action blockbusters, and then newer films that feel like a reset while still borrowing familiar characters and ideas. So if you try to watch everything “in order” without a plan, you’ll end up confused about what connects to what and you’ll waste time bouncing between timelines.

Here’s a complete guide to watching the Transformers movies in order, starting with the original animated roots and moving through the live-action Bayformers era and the newer films. The order below follows story chronology — the most satisfying way to experience the evolving saga of the Autobots, Decepticons, and allied factions across time.

1. Transformers One (2024)

This animated prequel goes way back, billions of years before the Autobots and Decepticons ever reached Earth. It tells the origin of Optimus Prime (then Orion Pax) and Megatron (then D-16) back on Cybertron, exploring how their friendship fell apart and ignited the epic civil war that defines the franchise.

2. The Transformers: The Movie (1986)

The first Transformers movie ever made though not part of the live-action universe — this animated classic springs from the 1980s Generation 1 continuity. It’s famous for big emotional moments, a killer soundtrack, and the introduction of the planet-eating Unicron, making it essential for fans of the original mythos.

3. Bumblebee (2018)

Set in 1987, this heartfelt and character-driven film works as a soft reboot and prequel to the live-action series. We meet a damaged Bumblebee sent to Earth, who forms a friendship with teenager Charlie Watson. It’s generally beloved by fans for its tone and storytelling, offering a fresh take that doesn’t require deep knowledge of the Bay films.

4. Transformers: Rise of the Beasts (2023)

Taking place in 1994, this entry expands the universe by introducing the Maximals, Predacons, and Terrorcons — factions beyond the classic Autobots/Decepticons. Noah Diaz and Elena Wallace get thrust into the wider conflict, battling to stop the Terrorcons and keep Earth safe.

5. Transformers (2007)

This is where the Bayformers saga truly begins. Teenager Sam Witwicky buys a car that turns out to be Bumblebee, kicking off an explosive battle between Autobots and Decepticons on Earth. With iconic action sequences and blockbuster scale, this is the first of Michael Bay’s major Transformers films.

6. Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (2009)

Sam is now in college, but his link to the Transformers draws him back into the war. The Fallen, a powerful ancient Decepticon, returns and threatens Earth with devastating consequences. The stakes and the destruction escalate in this sequel.

7. Transformers: Dark of the Moon (2011)

The Autobots uncover a Cybertronian spacecraft hidden on the Moon, prompting a race to use its technology and secret to win the war. With new betrayals and high-octane battles, this entry deepens the human-robot alliance and expands the cosmic stakes.

8. Transformers: Age of Extinction (2014)

After the events of Dark of the Moon, Transformers have become targets on Earth. A new human protagonist, Cade Yeager, teams up with Optimus Prime to combat government forces and a ruthless new Cybertronian threat — all while uncovering hidden layers of the franchise’s lore.

9. Transformers: The Last Knight (2017)

Blending Transformers lore with Earth’s own history, this installment sends humans and Autobots on a globe-spanning quest involving ancient secrets and mythic connections from Cybertron to Camelot.