The Definitive Transformers Movie Order: Release Vs. Chronological Timeline (Updated 2025)

Trying to watch the entire Transformers cinematic universe in order can feel more complicated than deciphering an ancient Cybertronian artifact. With over nine films spanning live-action blockbusters, a critically acclaimed soft reboot, a classic animated feature, and a brand-new animated prequel, the timeline is a complex web of continuity and parallel universes. As of the current date, December 18, 2025, the franchise has solidified two distinct viewing paths: the original release order and the more challenging, but ultimately more rewarding, chronological timeline, which now begins billions of years ago on the planet Cybertron.

This comprehensive guide cuts through the confusion, providing you with the definitive, up-to-date list of every Transformers movie. Whether you are a fan of the explosive Michael Bay era or the character-driven new timeline, we break down the most logical ways to experience the epic war between the Autobots and the Decepticons, featuring iconic characters like Optimus Prime, Megatron, and the Maximals.

The Complete List of All Transformers Movies in Release Order

For purists and first-time viewers, watching the films in the order they were released is the simplest path. This is the order in which audiences first experienced the story, starting with Michael Bay’s 2007 blockbuster, which introduced the world to Shia LaBeouf's Sam Witwicky and the live-action Optimus Prime. This sequence is a journey through the evolution of the franchise, from the original Bayverse to the soft reboot that began with *Bumblebee*.

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• 1. Transformers (2007)
  • Director: Michael Bay
  • Starring: Shia LaBeouf, Megan Fox
  • Context: The first live-action film, establishing the conflict between the Autobots and Decepticons on Earth and introducing the AllSpark.
• 2. Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (2009)
  • Director: Michael Bay
  • Starring: Shia LaBeouf, Megan Fox
  • Context: Introduces the concept of The Fallen and an ancient Cybertronian threat.
• 3. Transformers: Dark of the Moon (2011)
  • Director: Michael Bay
  • Starring: Shia LaBeouf, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley
  • Context: Features the discovery of Sentinel Prime on the Moon and a massive battle in Chicago.
• 4. Transformers: Age of Extinction (2014)
  • Director: Michael Bay
  • Starring: Mark Wahlberg
  • Context: A soft reboot within the Bayverse, introducing Cade Yeager and the Dinobots.
• 5. Transformers: The Last Knight (2017)
  • Director: Michael Bay
  • Starring: Mark Wahlberg, Anthony Hopkins
  • Context: Explores the secret history of Transformers on Earth, tying them to King Arthur and Merlin.
• 6. Bumblebee (2018)
  • Director: Travis Knight
  • Starring: Hailee Steinfeld
  • Context: The first film of the new timeline (a soft reboot), set in 1987, focusing on a young Bumblebee and Charlie Watson. This film is widely considered the best-reviewed in the entire franchise.
• 7. Transformers: Rise of the Beasts (2023)
  • Director: Steven Caple Jr.
  • Starring: Anthony Ramos, Dominique Fishback
  • Context: Set in 1994, this film continues the new timeline, introducing the Maximals, Predacons, and the formidable Terrorcons, who serve the planet-eater Unicron.
• 8. Transformers One (2024)
  • Director: Josh Cooley
  • Voice Cast: Chris Hemsworth, Brian Tyree Henry, Scarlett Johansson
  • Context: The latest entry, a fully CG-animated prequel that explores the origins of Optimus Prime (as Orion Pax) and Megatron (as D-16) on Cybertron.

The Ultimate Chronological Timeline: From Cybertron's Birth to the Bayverse

The true chronological order is far more complex because the franchise essentially has two separate continuities: the original Michael Bay films (2007–2017) and the new "Reboot Timeline" (starting with *Bumblebee*). For a deep dive into the lore, however, you must follow the in-universe events, which means starting with the newest animated feature and then navigating the live-action split.

The most logical chronological viewing order for the entire saga, encompassing both the new timeline and the classic animated film, is as follows:

Phase 1: The Cybertronian Origins

1. Transformers One (2024)

   This is the absolute beginning of the entire saga. Set on the metallic homeworld of Cybertron, the film details the untold origin story of how the once-unlikely friends Orion Pax and D-16 transformed into the legendary leaders, Optimus Prime and Megatron. This animated feature provides the foundational context for the civil war that drives every subsequent film.

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2. Bumblebee (2018)

   Jumping forward to 1987, this film is the first Earth-set adventure in the reboot timeline. It shows a young, battle-damaged Bumblebee hiding in a junkyard and finding a friend in Charlie Watson. This film effectively establishes the Autobots' presence on Earth decades before the 2007 film.

3. Transformers: Rise of the Beasts (2023)

   Set seven years later in 1994, this movie introduces Noah Diaz and Elena Wallace as human allies in New York and features the arrival of the Maximals, ancient Cybertronian descendants who transform into beasts like Optimus Primal. The film directly sets up the threat of Unicron, establishing the new, grander scope of the franchise.

Phase 2: The Original Animated Classic

4. The Transformers: The Movie (1986)

   While technically released before any of the live-action films, this animated classic is set in the year 2005. It features the death of Optimus Prime, the creation of Rodimus Prime, and the first major appearance of Unicron as a planet-devouring entity. For fans of the original G1 continuity, this is a vital piece of the puzzle, though it exists in a parallel universe to the live-action films.

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Phase 3: The Michael Bay Continuity (The Original Live-Action Saga)

If you choose to follow the original live-action timeline, you treat the *Bumblebee* and *Rise of the Beasts* films as a separate, parallel continuity. This is the timeline where Sam Witwicky is the primary human protagonist and where the Autobots' arrival on Earth is a recent event.

5. Transformers (2007)

   The official start of the Bayverse, where the Autobots and Decepticons arrive on Earth in search of the AllSpark, leading to a massive confrontation in Mission City. This film introduces the iconic look and feel of the modern live-action franchise.

6. Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (2009)

   The hunt for the Matrix of Leadership and a journey to Egypt to stop The Fallen from activating a Sun Harvester.

7. Transformers: Dark of the Moon (2011)

   The discovery of the Ark on the Moon and the betrayal of Sentinel Prime, leading to the climactic Battle of Chicago.

8. Transformers: Age of Extinction (2014)

   A time jump and a shift in focus to Cade Yeager, as the Autobots are hunted by a rogue CIA unit and face the threat of Lockdown.

9. Transformers: The Last Knight (2017)

   The final film in the Bayverse, revealing Cybertron's connection to Earth's history and a quest to stop Quintessa from destroying the planet.

The Two Timelines Explained: Bayverse vs. Reboot

The confusion in the Transformers timeline stems from a creative decision to soft-reboot the franchise. The first five films, directed by Michael Bay, form a single, continuous narrative known as the "Bayverse." In this timeline, the Autobots' arrival on Earth is relatively recent, and the events are largely centered around Sam Witwicky and later Cade Yeager.

The films *Bumblebee* (2018) and *Transformers: Rise of the Beasts* (2023) exist in a new, separate "Reboot Timeline." These films are prequels to the 2007 movie, but they establish a different history and continuity. For example, in the reboot timeline, Bumblebee has been on Earth since 1987, whereas the Bayverse implies the Autobots' arrival was closer to 2007. This new timeline is designed to be a cleaner slate, focusing more on character development, and is expected to continue with future sequels that will eventually lead to a major confrontation with Unicron, the planet-sized entity.

Ultimately, the best way to watch the Transformers movies depends on your preference. If you prefer high-octane action and a complete, though convoluted, saga, stick to the Release Order. If you are interested in the deeper lore, character origins (Orion Pax, D-16), and the new, critically acclaimed direction of the franchise, follow the Chronological Order of the Reboot Timeline (*Transformers One* -> *Bumblebee* -> *Rise of the Beasts*) and then decide if you want to jump into the original Bayverse.

The franchise continues to evolve, with Paramount Pictures and Hasbro planning more sequels and spin-offs, ensuring the war for Cybertron and Earth will rage on for years to come.