Whether you’ve been a fan since the classic 80s cartoons or jumped in with Michael Bay’s explosive blockbusters, the Transformers franchise has built a sprawling universe across animation, live-action, and spin-offs. With so many entries, it can be confusing to figure out the right order to watch. Do you go by release date? Or do you follow the timeline in the story?
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the Transformers movies in chronological order. This list focuses on the live-action timeline plus relevant animated movies that expand the lore. We’ll also give you the release order at the end so you can choose how to binge.
The Transformers Movies in Chronological Order
1. Transformers One (2024)
- Setting: Billions of years ago on Cybertron
- Why first: This animated prequel shows how Optimus Prime and Megatron went from brothers-in-arms to sworn enemies. It’s the origin of the Autobots vs. Decepticons war.
- Worth noting: Even though it’s the newest release, it sits right at the start of the timeline.
2. Bumblebee (2018)
- Setting: 1987, Earth
- Why next: Serving as a soft reboot, Bumblebee tells the story of Bee’s arrival on Earth while hiding from Decepticons.
- Tone shift: It’s more heartfelt and personal compared to the Bay films, with a coming-of-age vibe.
3. Transformers: Rise of the Beasts (2023)
- Setting: 1994, New York & Peru
- Why here: Directly follows Bumblebee in timeline order. Introduces the Maximals, Predacons, and Terrorcons, while teasing a larger threat in Unicron.
- Trivia: Sets up a shared Hasbro universe with G.I. Joe for future films.
4. Transformers (2007)
- Setting: Present day, 2007
- Why here: The first Michael Bay movie kicks off the modern war between Autobots and Decepticons on Earth, introducing Sam Witwicky and the AllSpark.
5. Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (2009)
- Setting: 2009
- Plot focus: Autobots continue to fight while uncovering ancient Transformers linked to Earth’s history. Features the Fallen, one of the original Primes.
- Fun fact: Often considered the weakest entry, but it expands lore significantly.
6. Transformers: Dark of the Moon (2011)
- Setting: 2011, post-Apollo space race
- Plot focus: Reveals that Transformers were tied to the Moon landing, with Sentinel Prime’s betrayal being a key turning point.
7. Transformers: Age of Extinction (2014)
- Setting: Several years after Chicago’s destruction in Dark of the Moon
- Why important: Introduces a new human cast led by Mark Wahlberg and brings in the Dinobots. It also teases the mysterious Creators.
8. Transformers: The Last Knight (2017)
- Setting: Continuation of the Bayverse timeline
- Why last: Ties Transformers to Earth’s hidden history, from King Arthur to World War II. Ends on a cliffhanger that was never resolved due to the franchise’s soft reboot with Bumblebee.
Should You Watch the Animated Movies Too?
If you want to go deeper:
- The Transformers: The Movie (1986) – Set in the year 2005, it’s a cult-classic animated feature from the original G1 continuity. Not required for the live-action timeline, but a must-watch for nostalgia and the introduction of Unicron.
- Transformers: War for Cybertron Trilogy (Netflix, 2020-21) – Animated prequel miniseries exploring Cybertron’s fall. Works as optional background to Transformers One.
Transformers Movies in Release Order
If you prefer watching the films as audiences originally saw them:
- 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)
- Transformers One (2024)
Where to Watch Transformers Movies in the UAE
- Amazon Prime Video: Most live-action entries available to rent or buy
- Netflix MENA: Often cycles through Bumblebee and the Bay films
- OSN+: Regional streaming rights may include recent titles like Rise of the Beasts
FAQs About Watching the Transformers Movies
What is the correct chronological order of the Transformers movies?
The chronological Transformers movie order starts with Transformers One (Cybertron origin), then Bumblebee (1987), Rise of the Beasts (1994), and the Bayverse films (Transformers 2007 through The Last Knight 2017).
Should I watch Transformers in chronological order or release order?
Chronological order makes the story easier to follow, while release order shows the franchise as it evolved. Both are valid depending on whether you prefer timeline consistency or nostalgic release progression.
Where can I stream Transformers movies in the UAE?
Transformers movies are available on Amazon Prime Video for rental and purchase, while Bumblebee and Rise of the Beasts often appear on Netflix MENA and OSN+. Availability may rotate, so always check local listings.
Do Bumblebee and Rise of the Beasts connect to the Bay movies?
Not directly. Bumblebee acts as a soft reboot, and Rise of the Beasts continues its storyline. The Michael Bay films (2007–2017) form their timeline known as the “Bayverse.”
Is Transformers One connected to the live-action movies?
Yes, Transformers One (2024) is set on Cybertron long before the events on Earth. It serves as a prequel to the entire saga, providing context for Optimus Prime and Megatron’s rivalry.
Do I need to watch the Bay movies to enjoy Bumblebee or Rise of the Beasts?
Not really. Bumblebee is a soft reboot, and Rise of the Beasts builds on it. The Bay films are more like an alternate timeline.
Will there be more Transformers movies?
Yes, Paramount has confirmed more sequels that will continue from Rise of the Beasts, tying into a larger Hasbro cinematic universe.
Final Thoughts
The Transformers franchise has grown from nostalgic Saturday morning cartoons into a billion-dollar cinematic saga. Watching in chronological order gives you a sense of how the war between Autobots and Decepticons evolved from Cybertron to Earth, while release order offers the same journey fans experienced over two decades.
Either way, there are enough explosions, robot brawls, and surprisingly heartfelt moments to keep you busy on your next binge.
