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The Definitive List: How Many Transformers Movies Are There, And Which Timeline Is Next?

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The question of "how many *Transformers* movies are there?" is more complex than a simple number, especially as of December 23, 2025. The franchise spans multiple timelines, two distinct cinematic universes, and includes both live-action blockbusters and a foundational animated classic. To date, the *Transformers* cinematic saga officially consists of nine feature films, with the most recent being Transformers: Rise of the Beasts (2023) and the upcoming animated prequel, Transformers One (2024), set to expand the lore.

This comprehensive guide breaks down the full list, separates the confusing timelines, and provides the essential details on the box office success and critical reception of one of the most explosive film series in history. From the early days of *Cybertron* to the battle against the *Terrorcons* and *Unicron*, we detail every entity and every major release.

The Complete List of All 9 Transformers Feature Films (Release Order)

The total number of feature-length *Transformers* films in the franchise's cinematic history is nine. This count includes the original 1986 animated film, the seven live-action films, and the highly anticipated animated prequel. The films are split between the original Michael Bay continuity and the new "reboot" timeline that began with *Bumblebee* (2018).

  • 1. The Transformers: The Movie (1986): The original animated classic.
  • 2. Transformers (2007): The first live-action film, directed by *Michael Bay*.
  • 3. Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (2009): The second film in the Bay-directed series.
  • 4. Transformers: Dark of the Moon (2011): The third film, featuring *Sentinel Prime*.
  • 5. Transformers: Age of Extinction (2014): A soft-reboot of the Bay series with a new human cast.
  • 6. Transformers: The Last Knight (2017): The final film in the original Bay continuity, introducing *Quintessa*.
  • 7. Bumblebee (2018): The first film in the new, rebooted timeline.
  • 8. Transformers: Rise of the Beasts (2023): The sequel to *Bumblebee*, introducing the *Maximals* and *Terrorcons*.
  • 9. Transformers One (2024): The upcoming animated prequel, detailing the origin of *Optimus Prime* and *Megatron*.

The Two Major Cinematic Timelines Explained

The franchise is currently split into two major continuities, which can be confusing for new fans. Understanding these timelines is key to enjoying the saga.

Timeline 1: The Michael Bay Era (2007–2017)

This continuity, often referred to as the "Bayverse," is defined by its explosive action, massive scale, and the involvement of director *Michael Bay* for the first five films. The story centers on the struggle between the *Autobots* (*Optimus Prime*, *Bumblebee*, *Ironhide*, *Ratchet*) and the *Decepticons* (*Megatron*, *Starscream*) on Earth, often involving human protagonists like *Sam Witwicky* (*Shia LaBeouf*).

  • Core Films: *Transformers* (2007) through *Transformers: The Last Knight* (2017).
  • Key Entities: *The Allspark*, *The Fallen*, *The Dinobots* (*Grimlock*), *Unicron* (teased).
  • Box Office Performance: The five Bay-directed films collectively earned over $4.3 billion worldwide, with *Dark of the Moon* and *Age of Extinction* both surpassing the $1.1 billion mark, showcasing the global appeal of the franchise.
  • Critical Reception: The Bayverse films were notoriously polarizing, with most receiving "rotten" scores from critics, averaging around 25% on Rotten Tomatoes, despite their immense box office success.

Timeline 2: The Soft Reboot Era (2018–Present)

Following the mixed reception of *The Last Knight*, the franchise performed a soft reboot with *Bumblebee* (2018). This new timeline focuses on a more character-driven story, a G1-inspired aesthetic, and a more streamlined narrative that retcons many elements of the Bayverse.

  • Core Films: *Bumblebee* (2018) and *Transformers: Rise of the Beasts* (2023).
  • Key Entities: *Charlie Watson*, *Noah Diaz*, *Maximals* (*Airazor*, *Rhinox*), *Terrorcons* (*Scourge*).
  • Box Office Performance: While not reaching the heights of the Bayverse peak, *Bumblebee* was a critical success, and *Rise of the Beasts* successfully relaunched the main storyline, setting the stage for future sequels.
  • Critical Reception: The reboot era has been much better received by critics, with *Bumblebee* earning a "Certified Fresh" score, proving that a balance between action and story is possible.

The Future of the Transformers Cinematic Universe: Upcoming Projects

The franchise is not slowing down. The events of *Rise of the Beasts* have set up a major crossover with the *G.I. Joe* franchise, and a major animated prequel is on the horizon. This ensures the *Transformers* cinematic universe will continue to expand throughout 2025 and beyond.

Transformers One (2024) - The Origin Story

The ninth feature film in the overall franchise is the fully animated prequel, *Transformers One*. This film is a major event because it will be the first animated theatrical *Transformers* film since 1986 and will explore the untold origin story of the two most iconic characters.

  • Release Date: September 20, 2024 (US).
  • Plot Details: The film takes place on *Cybertron* and explores the relationship between *Orion Pax* (who becomes *Optimus Prime*) and *D-16* (who becomes *Megatron*) before the great war, when they were friends.
  • Voice Cast: The star-studded voice cast includes *Chris Hemsworth* as Orion Pax, *Brian Tyree Henry* as D-16, *Scarlett Johansson* as *Elita-One*, *Keegan-Michael Key* as *Bumblebee*, *Jon Hamm* as *Sentinel Prime*, and *Laurence Fishburne* as *Alpha Trion*.

Untitled Transformers: Rise of the Beasts Sequel (Transformers 8)

Following the success of *Rise of the Beasts*, Paramount Pictures has confirmed that a sequel is in development. This film is expected to continue the story of *Optimus Prime* and the *Maximals* as they face the growing threat of *Unicron* and potentially fully integrate the *G.I. Joe* team, as teased in the final moments of the 2023 film. While a concrete release date for "Transformers 8" is not yet official, it is a high-priority project for the studio, with some speculation placing it as early as late 2025 or 2026.

Topical Authority: The Core Entities of the Transformers Saga

To truly understand the depth of the *Transformers* universe, fans must be familiar with the key entities that drive the conflict. The franchise is a rich tapestry of characters, factions, and objects of power.

  • Optimus Prime: The noble leader of the *Autobots*, transforming into a *Peterbilt 379* truck in the Bayverse and a classic Freightliner in the reboot. He is the moral center of the entire series.
  • Megatron: The relentless leader of the *Decepticons*. His various forms include a Cybertronian jet, a tank, and a gun. His origin as *D-16* is central to the *Transformers One* plot.
  • Bumblebee: The scout and fan-favorite, known for his yellow *Chevrolet Camaro* form. His solo film cemented his status as a key protagonist in the new timeline.
  • Unicron: The planet-eating entity and a major threat in the lore. He was teased in *The Last Knight* and is expected to be the main antagonist in the upcoming sequels to *Rise of the Beasts*.
  • Maximals & Terrorcons: Introduced in *Rise of the Beasts*, these are the descendants of the *Autobots* and *Decepticons* who transform into animals (beasts). The *Terrorcons*, led by *Scourge*, are servants of *Unicron*.
  • Michael Bay: The director responsible for the first five live-action films, defining the aesthetic and tone of the franchise for over a decade.

In conclusion, the answer to "how many *Transformers* movies are there" is nine total feature films, with the ongoing live-action reboot timeline (starting with *Bumblebee*) being the current focus, alongside the highly anticipated animated prequel, *Transformers One* (2024). This multi-billion-dollar franchise continues to evolve, promising more epic battles between the *Autobots* and *Decepticons* for years to come.

The Definitive List: How Many Transformers Movies Are There, and Which Timeline is Next?
how many transformer movies are there
how many transformer movies are there

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