Transformers: Ranking movies from 1986 to Rise of the Beast

Autobots, roll out! The Transformers movies had been overtaking pop culture, having grossed over a billion dollars at the box office. However, they have not garnered the same level of intensity from audiences. While Michael Bay’s explosive action sequences and epic robot battles are thrilling, the films often lack depth in character development and storytelling. These five bombastic movies, known as the Bayverse, have both enchanted and frustrated fans of the iconic robots in disguise.

The franchise is renowned for its exhilarating action sequences, grand-scale warfare, and impressive robotic transformations that captivate audiences. What truly adds excitement to the series is the inclusion of ordinary individuals in the cosmic war occurring on Earth. With each new installment, fresh human characters are introduced, becoming entangled in the conflict alongside the sentient Autobots and Decepticons, driving the intricate narrative forward.

Fortunately, a reboot of the franchise has breathed new life into the series, delivering two films that finally capture the essence of what Transformers movies should have been. Without further ado, let us present our countdown of the Transformers films, ranking from the first animated movie adaptation.

Transformers: Ranking movies from 1986 to Rise of the Beast

8. Transformers: The Last Knight (2017)

Transformers: The Last Knight | Digital Spy | Image

The final installment of the Bayverse, The Last Knight, is plagued by its overwhelming mythology. Attempting to merge the alternate history established in previous films with robotic extraterrestrials and real-world events, the movie introduces a secret society devoted to safeguarding the hidden history of Transformers on Earth. While this concept may intrigue some, the execution falls short as The Last Knight struggles to effectively convey its convoluted lore.

Perhaps the only redeeming aspect of the film is the scene when Megatron joins forces with the US Government in pursuit of a specific talisman held by Bumblebee. It is amusing to witness Megatron assemble the remaining Decepticons for this endeavor. However, beyond this moment, there is little that can captivate the audience. Even the romantic subplot feels unnatural. I mean, who flirts and falls in love amidst a cosmic war that threatens the very existence of the world, right?

7. Transformers: Age of Extinction (2014)

Transformers: Age of Extinction | South China Morning Post | Image

To be honest, the beginning of this movie showed promise. The introduction of a fresh cast brought enjoyable interactions to the screen. The good portion of the early acts involves a decent road trip affair, with the father, played by Mark Wahlberg, assuming the role of the new franchise protagonist. He becomes excessively and hilariously overprotective of his teenage daughter over her racer boyfriend, all while forming an alliance with the Autobots. Meanwhile, Lockdown, a standout villain in the Bayverse, pursues Optimus for his own ulterior motives, showing little regard for the safety of insignificant humans. Sounds awesome, right?

Despite these plot developments, they fail to salvage the once-dwindling franchise. While this installment may be less convoluted than its predecessor, it still introduces a myriad of lore that only serves to further complicate the already convoluted narrative. The inclusion of the Dinobots, although undeniably cool-sounding, feels out of place. The overall plot, although it’s the fourth entry in the franchise, is sadly formulaic, revolving around yet another world-threatening weapon. As a result, the film loses its initial momentum and becomes tedious to watch.

6. Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (2009)

Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen | Mubi | Image

Revenge of the Fallen marks the beginning of an archaeological adventure theme that Bay would continue to explore in subsequent installments. The film introduces several cool new characters, such as Devastator, a colossal creature formed by combining the Constructicons, or Decepticons in construction vehicles. Memorable moments include the exhilarating opening sequence set in Shanghai, where Optimus Prime performs daring feats, as well as the impactful death of Optimus and the burgeoning relationship between Sam Witwicky, played by Shia LaBeouf, and Mikaela Banes, played by Megan Fox.

However, despite its non-stop action and entertaining visual spectacle, the film suffers from an overly convoluted plot, excessive world-building, and an abundance of characters. It also exhibits a misplacement of energy. For example, that unlikely prolonged visit of Sam’s parents in his dorm room didn’t make sense at all. Inappropriate thematics, odd dialogue, and the impact of the Writers Guild of America strike in 2007-2008 further hinder the film’s overall cohesiveness. Despite its high-octane action, the film cannot conceal its shortcomings.

5. Transformers (2007)

Transformers | IMDb | Image

The first live-action film is a memorable one, embracing simplicity to its advantage. The Autobots’ desire to rebuild Cybertron collides with the Decepticons’ sinister scheme to hijack Earth’s machinery. The thrill of witnessing these awe-inspiring robots for the first time is undeniable. With a smaller yet distinct ensemble of Autobots and Decepticons, it etches itself into our franchise memory.

The film delivers enough heart-pounding action sequences that pack a punch. The clash between Optimus and Megatron, towering titans locked in an epic showdown, grabs and holds your attention. The human element adds enjoyment as we witness Sam’s audacious antics alongside the resolute Mia amidst a crumbling city. Mia’s empowering transformation into a bona fide badass is thoroughly delightful, fearlessly joining forces with the Autobots. While not groundbreaking, it remains a worthy contender in revisiting the Bayverse’s decent offerings.

4. Transformers: Dark of the Moon (2011)

Transformers: Dark of the Moon | Mubi | Image

What sets Dark of the Moon apart as the best entry in the Bayverse is its consistently intriguing storyline. The unexpected connection between the moon landing and the war on Cybertron is a stroke of brilliance. Additionally, the film introduces captivating additions to the robot ensemble, such as the uncanny Shockwave and the deeply saddening betrayal by Sentinel Prime against the Autobots. Despite Megan Fox’s departure from the franchise, Sam’s new love interest confidently takes the reins with her own unique and interesting take.

Dark of the Moon surpasses its predecessors in terms of intensity, delivering one of the most gritty wars in the franchise. The battle sequences remain engaging and dynamic, thanks to the seamless teamwork between humans and Autobots, who face the unrelenting assault of the Decepticons. This time, the humans actively contribute their skills and determination, aligning with the dedication and resilience of the Autobots in their quest to drive away the Decepticons. Additionally, each Autobot shines in its own right during the climactic final act, showing that each of them is a force to reckon with. While the film is not flawless, Dark of the Moon undeniably is a standout entry among the five films in the Bayverse.

Action movies to watch that are under 90 minutes!

3. The Transformers: The Movie (1986)

The Transformers: The Movie | Forbes | Image

Transformers: The Movie stands as one of the best animated innings of the franchise. It seamlessly blends cataclysmic warfare with heartfelt moments, awesome robotic ensembles, and an indelible soundtrack. The animation itself is nothing short of stunning, even during its more gruesome scenes of characters meeting their demise, proving itself a timeless visual spectacle. The imagery of combatants being shattered or torn apart lingers in our minds as a chilling testament to the film’s audacious nature, particularly considering its target audience of children.

Despite its underlying purpose as a marketing tool for Hasbro, the animated film surpasses expectations, leaving a lasting imprint of our beloved robots in disguise. It boasts a myriad of robotic characters, each allowed to showcase their distinctive personalities and unique capabilities, resulting in truly unforgettable impressions. Notably, we are granted a rare glimpse of Cybertron, a sight that has been limited in recent live-action adaptations where the planet lies in ruins. Transformers: The Movie offers a wealth of experiences beyond what we can merely scratch the surface.

2. Transformers: Rise of the Beast (2023)

Transformers: Rise of the Beast | Variety | Image

Rise of the Beast emerges as the ultimate and most fitting sequel to Bumblebee, skillfully expanding upon the human element established in the first reboot film while heightening the stakes to new levels. Moreover, it takes audiences on a journey down memory lane, particularly resonating with longtime fans as they wallow in the childhood nostalgia of witnessing Autobots in their near-original form, reminiscent of the beloved animated series. Adding an exciting twist, Rise of the Beasts introduces Maximals from the revered Transformers: Beast Wars TV series.

In a departure from the relentless action commonly associated with the Bayverse, Rise of the Beasts adopts a more contained approach to its battles. This intentional containment allows both combatants and their distinctive move combinations to shine, resulting in indelible and impactful action sequences that leave a lasting impression. Notably, the spotlight falls on Mirage, the newest addition to the rebooted Autobots, whose quirky yet amiable personality takes center stage. This infusion of human-like traits into the robotic characters fills a void previously felt in the Transformers films. Moreover, a surprising mid-credits scene hints at the promising future that awaits within this expanding cinematic universe. It’s just a jam-packed experience from start to finish!

1. Bumblebee (2018)

Bumblebee | Vox | Image

Without a doubt, Bumblebee stands out as the paramount Transformers movie to date, addressing the shortcomings of the Bayverse films. Its plot is refreshingly simplistic yet engaging, making it easy for audiences to follow. With a limited number of Transformers to focus on, each character acquires sufficient spotlight. The film boasts a compelling protagonist with a relatable human backstory. All the while, it delivers well-developed and meaningful dynamics between the teenager and the beloved Autobot.

One of the often overlooked aspects that set Bumblebee apart as a true gem is its departure from the convoluted nature of the Bayverse films. Instead of an incessant pursuit of a MacGuffin, the film presents a heartwarming coming-of-age story that delves into deeply personal themes. It is astonishing how seamlessly Bumblebee weaves together elements of action and drama, resulting in a masterful tapestry. This serves as a testament to the versatility of the Transformers franchise, showcasing that it is capable of transcending the mere clashing and clanking of metal and exploring profound storytelling territory.