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Transformers

Transformers is a science fiction film franchise based on Hasbro’s Transformers action figures and related characters.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Transformers is a science fiction film franchise based on Hasbro’s Transformers action figures and related characters. It began with the live-action film *Transformers* in 2007, following an earlier animated feature, *The Transformers: The Movie*, released in 1986. The series includes multiple live-action, animated, and spin-off films released by Paramount Pictures.

Origins

Transformers began as a Hasbro toy line launched in 1984 and became a wider media franchise through animation, film, and comics. The film franchise draws on that property rather than originating from a comic-book series.

Film series

The franchise includes the 1986 animated film, the 2007 live-action reboot film, and later sequels and spin-offs including *Bumblebee*, *Transformers: Rise of the Beasts*, and *Transformers One*. The live-action film series includes releases in 2007, 2009, 2011, 2014, 2017, 2018, 2023, and 2024 in the sources provided.

Characters

The best-known Transformers characters include Optimus Prime, Megatron, and Bumblebee. The central conflict is usually between the heroic Autobots and the villainous Decepticons.

Cast and voice cast

The 2007 live-action film stars Shia LaBeouf and includes Megan Fox, Tyrese Gibson, Josh Duhamel, Anthony Anderson, Rachael Taylor, John Turturro, and Jon Voight, with Peter Cullen and Hugo Weaving voicing Optimus Prime and Megatron.

Release history

The first Transformers film released in theatres was the animated *The Transformers: The Movie* in 1986, while the first live-action instalment was released in the United States on July 3, 2007.

Key facts

  • The franchise originated from Hasbro’s Transformers toy line and was later expanded into films, television, and comics.
  • The first theatrical Transformers film was the animated *The Transformers: The Movie* in 1986.
  • The first live-action Transformers film was *Transformers* (2007), directed by Michael Bay.
  • Prominent characters across the franchise include Optimus Prime, Megatron, Bumblebee, and the Autobots and Decepticons as factions.
  • The franchise is based on toy figures rather than a comic book, although comics are part of the broader media franchise.
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Canadian context

Transformers has a broad Canadian audience through theatrical releases, home video, and television broadcasting, and it is part of the wider North American pop-culture franchise familiar to Canadian viewers.

Frequently asked questions

When was the first Transformers movie released?
The first theatrical Transformers film, *The Transformers: The Movie*, was released in 1986. The first live-action Transformers movie, *Transformers*, was released in the United States on July 3, 2007.
Who directed Transformers?
The 2007 live-action *Transformers* film was directed by Michael Bay. In the wider film series, later entries were directed by Travis Knight, Steven Caple Jr., and Josh Cooley.
Who is in the cast of Transformers?
The 2007 film stars Shia LaBeouf and also features Megan Fox, Tyrese Gibson, Josh Duhamel, Anthony Anderson, Rachael Taylor, John Turturro, and Jon Voight. Peter Cullen and Hugo Weaving provide voice roles as Optimus Prime and Megatron.
How many Transformers movies are there?
The sources provided list eight theatrical Transformers films through 2024, including one animated film from 1986, six live-action films through 2023, and *Transformers One* in 2024.
What are the names of the Transformers characters?
Commonly cited characters include Optimus Prime, Megatron, and Bumblebee. The franchise’s main groups are the Autobots and the Decepticons.
Is Transformers based on a comic book?
No. The film franchise is based on Hasbro and Takara Tomy’s Transformers action figures, though comics are part of the broader franchise.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transformers_(film_series)
    Supports: Film series overview, directors, film count, and basis on Transformers action figures.
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transformers_(film)
    Supports: 2007 film release date, director Michael Bay, cast, and voice roles.
  3. Space — https://www.space.com/transformer-movies-in-order
    Supports: Release-order list of Transformers films including 1986, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2014, 2017, 2018, 2023, and 2024.
  4. Screen Rant — https://screenrant.com/transformers-movies-in-order-release-chronological/
    Supports: Series context, characters, and first live-action film identification.
  5. People — https://people.com/how-to-watch-transformers-movies-in-order-8703356
    Supports: Franchise origin as toy line, first film in 1986, and total number of movies in a recent count.
  6. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Transformers:_The_Movie
    Supports: 1986 animated film release and basis on the Transformers television series.
  7. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transformers_One
    Supports: 2024 animated film, director, and cast.