Transformers: Rise of the Beasts is set to mark the return of the Transformers film franchise after a five-year hiatus. This highly anticipated requel (a reboot and sequel hybrid) is expected to reignite the excitement among fans of the series. Over the years, the Transformers movies have become a global phenomenon, generating over a billion dollars at the international box office. From their origins as a Hasbro toy line and cartoon series, these films have evolved into one of the most recognizable and beloved franchises in modern cinema. In this article, we will take a deep dive into the live-action history of the Transformers movies, providing a comprehensive guide to all seven films in the series.
Related: ‘Transformers: Rise of the Beasts’ Review: Falls Short
Transformers (2007)
Director: Michael Bay
Release Date: July 3, 2007
Run Time: 2 hours 23 minutes
Budget: $150 million
Box Office: $709,709,780
Synopsis
The first film in the Transformers series, directed by Michael Bay, introduced audiences to the epic battle between the Autobots and the Decepticons. The story revolves around a human teenager named Sam Witwicky (played by Shia LaBeouf), whose life takes a thrilling turn when he discovers that his new car, a Camaro named Bumblebee, is actually an alien robot. As Sam learns about the existence of the Transformers, he becomes entangled in their war and must help the Autobots protect Earth from the malevolent Decepticons. The film combines explosive action, stunning visual effects, and memorable characters, setting the stage for a franchise that would captivate audiences worldwide.
Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (2009)
Director: Michael Bay
Release Date: June 24, 2009
Run Time: 2 hours 29 minutes
Budget: $200 million
Box Office: $836,303,693
Synopsis
The second installment in the series continues the saga of the Transformers as they face a new threat. After the resurrection of Megatron, the Decepticons form an alliance with an ancient evil known as The Fallen. This powerful enemy seeks to destroy Earth and harness its resources. Meanwhile, Sam Witwicky discovers a fragment of the AllSpark, which grants him visions and makes him a target for the Decepticons. With Optimus Prime and the Autobots by his side, Sam embarks on a mission to uncover the truth and save the world once again.
Transformers: Dark of the Moon (2011)
Director: Michael Bay
Release Date: June 29, 2011
Run Time: 2 hours 34 minutes
Budget: $195 million
Box Office: $1.123 billion
Synopsis
The third film in the series delves deeper into the hidden history of the Transformers on Earth. It is revealed that the United States government had a secret mission on the moon during the Apollo program, where they discovered a Cybertronian spacecraft and the remains of Sentinel Prime, the predecessor of Optimus Prime. As the Autobots and Decepticons race to gain control of Sentinel Prime and the technology he possesses, a conspiracy is uncovered that threatens the entire world. The film showcases a climactic battle in Chicago as the Autobots fight to save humanity from the Decepticons’ destructive plans.
Transformers: Age of Extinction (2014)
Director: Michael Bay
Release Date: June 27, 2014
Run Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
Budget: $210 million
Box Office: $1.104 billion
Synopsis
“Age of Extinction” takes the Transformers franchise in a new direction, introducing a fresh set of human and Autobot characters. The story is set five years after the events of the previous film, where Transformers are now hunted and deemed illegal. Cade Yeager (played by Mark Wahlberg), an inventor, discovers Optimus Prime hiding in a dilapidated state and helps him recover. Together, they uncover a conspiracy involving a corporation that is creating their own Transformers. As the battle between the Autobots and Decepticons escalates, new alliances are formed, and the fate of both Transformers and humans hangs in the balance.
Transformers: The Last Knight (2017)
Director: Michael Bay
Release Date: June 21, 2017
Run Time: 2 hours 34 minutes
Budget: $217 million
Box Office: $605.4 million
Synopsis
In “The Last Knight,” the Transformers series explores the secret history of the Transformers on Earth and their connection to the legendary King Arthur. Optimus Prime, who has left Earth in search of his creator, Quintessa, is deceived and turned into a servant of evil. As the fate of the world hangs in the balance, Cade Yeager, along with new allies, must uncover the truth behind the hidden history and save Earth from destruction. These are the first five films in the Transformers live-action film series directed by Michael Bay. I hope this summary provides you with a good overview of the movies.
Transformers: Bumblebee (2018)
Director: Travis Knight
Release Date: December 21, 2018
Run Time: 1 hour 54 minutes
Budget: $135 million
Box Office: $468 million
Synopsis
“Bumblebee” serves as a prequel to the main Transformers series, set in 1987. The film focuses on the beloved Autobot, Bumblebee, who finds refuge on Earth and forms a bond with a teenage girl named Charlie Watson. As they develop a friendship, they uncover a plot by the Decepticons to locate and destroy Bumblebee. Together, they embark on an adventure to protect Earth and prevent the Decepticons from executing their plans.
Transformers: Rise of the Beasts (2023)
Director: Steven Caple Jr.
Release Date: June 24, 2022
Run Time: To be confirmed
Budget: To be confirmed
Box Office: To be determined
Synopsis
“Rise of the Beasts” takes the Transformers franchise in a new direction by introducing new characters and expanding the mythology. Set in 1994, the film showcases a global battle between the Autobots, Decepticons, and the Maximals and Predacons. The story incorporates elements from the “Beast Wars” animated series, with the Transformers taking on animal-like alternate forms. As the battle for supremacy unfolds, humanity finds itself caught in the crossfire and must join forces with the Transformers to save the world.
Sum It Up!
Transformers Movies franchise has become a global phenomenon since its inception in 2007. With a combination of explosive action, stunning visual effects, and memorable characters, these movies have captivated audiences worldwide. From the original film directed by Michael Bay to the recent release of “Transformers: Rise of the Beasts,” the series has continually evolved, introducing new storylines, characters, and exciting twists.
Each installment in the franchise has contributed to the overarching narrative, exploring the epic battle between the Autobots and the Decepticons, as well as the intricate relationships between humans and Transformers. The movies have delved into hidden histories, uncovered ancient conspiracies, and showcased breathtaking battles that have kept audiences on the edge of their seats.
