Ranking the Highest-Grossing Transformers Films

The Transformers franchise has consistently revealed that there’s much more to these iconic robots than mere appearances. Through various animated spin-offs and blockbuster live-action films, the Transformers series has become a cherished phenomenon, captivating audiences globally at the box office. However, a fascinating question remains: how have each of the Transformers films performed financially over the years?

Exploring the earnings of the top-grossing Transformers installments can offer insights into what resonates with audiences, be it love or dislike. Every film in the series boasts its own compelling narrative and box office performance, which can significantly impact the likelihood of future sequels.

8 Transformers One

Worldwide Gross: $119,034,862

Director	Josh Cooley
Release Date	20 September 2024
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score	89%
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score	98%

As of 22 October 2024, Transformers One continues to be showcased in theaters.

This film presents a rich and evocative tale of camaraderie and loss, exploring the untold backstories of Optimus Prime, known as Orion Pax, and Megatron, who goes by D-16. Both Cybertronians embark on their journey as miners, developing a deep friendship as they uncover revelations that could alter Cybertron’s destiny forever.

Transformers One stands out as one of the most noteworthy entries in the franchise, combining stunning animation with creative storytelling. The film delivers thrilling action, an impressive cast, and a poignant exploration of the relationship between Optimus Prime and Megatron mixed with humor and heart. However, disappointing box office figures can be attributed to strong competition from other films and a marketing strategy that might have skewed too young.

7 Transformers: Rise of the Beasts

Worldwide Gross: $441,381,193

Director	Steven Caple Jr.
Release Date	9 June 2023
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score	51%
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score	91%

Transformers: Rise of the Beasts marks a fresh chapter in the franchise, blending beloved characters with a new storyline. The Autobots strive to return to Cybertron only to face formidable opposition from the villainous Scourge, who threatens Earth’s existence as the harbinger of Unicron. Allying with the Maximals, the Autobots embark on a quest for unity.

This installment captures the essence of classic animated adventures reimagined in live-action, bringing an invigorating energy to scenes featuring Optimus Prime and Bumblebee. Unfortunately, the film fell short of box office expectations, earning even less than Bumblebee’s standalone film, perhaps due to franchise fatigue from being the seventh installment.

6 Bumblebee

Worldwide Gross: $467,989,645

Director	Travis Knight
Release Date	26 December 2018
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score	91%
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score	75%

Bumblebee takes the spotlight in his own dedicated film, a refreshing departure from the previous Michael Bay blockbusters that emphasizes the charm and emotional depth of the original series. The story follows the Autobot scout B-127, who touches down on Earth with a malfunctioning voice box and must adapt to a world filled with threats from the Decepticons, all while forming a bond with his human companion, Charlie Watson.

This film achieved commendable success, nearing the $500 million mark, while significantly diverging from Bay’s prior cinematic offerings. It achieved adoration from audiences eager for a more heartfelt portrayal of the popular yellow-and-black Autobot.

5 Transformers: The Last Knight

Worldwide Gross: $605,425,157

Director	Michael Bay
Release Date	22 June 2017
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score	16%
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score	43%

Transformers: The Last Knight serves as an unexpected conclusion to Michael Bay’s era within the franchise, reimagining Optimus Prime as a conflicted antagonist under manipulation by his creator. The narrative revolves around Optimus’s effort to destroy Earth while veiling crucial secrets that could alter future threats.

4 Transformers

Worldwide Gross: $709,709,780

Director	Michael Bay
Release Date	27 July 2007
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score	57%
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score	85%

The introduction of Transformers to the cinematic realm was marked by a captivating blend of stunning CGI and exhilarating action, showcasing the ongoing conflict from Cybertron that impacts Earth. It presented an exhilarating showdown between Optimus Prime and Megatron that captured the spirit of the franchise and introduced characters destined for cinematic fame.

Transformers was a groundbreaking success in 2007, bringing beloved characters to life with remarkable visual effects, and Peter Cullen’s voice portrayal of Optimus Prime resonated with both fans and newcomers. While Michael Bay’s directorial vision leaned towards intense action and humor, it undeniably crafted a thrilling experience with a dedicated audience.

3 Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen

Worldwide Gross: $836,303,693

Director	Michael Bay
Release Date	19 June 2009
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score	20%
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score	57%

In the aftermath of Megatron’s demise, the Autobots embark on a mission to eliminate the remaining Decepticon threat. However, a formidable new foe, the Fallen, sets his sights on Earth with an agenda that could plunge it into darkness.

The gripping promise of fate—”one shall stand and one shall fall”—formed the crux of Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, creating significant anticipation for Optimus Prime’s fate and spectacles of action the film promised. Despite its poor critical reception, it enjoyed greater financial success than its predecessor due to excitement surrounding its ambitious themes and thrilling sequences.

2 Transformers: Age of Extinction

Worldwide Gross: $1,105,261,713

Director	Michael Bay
Release Date	5 July 2014
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score	18%
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score	50%

Transformers: Age of Extinction introduces a new narrative within the franchise, featuring a Cybertronian bounty hunter on a mission to eradicate remaining Autobots that seek refuge on Earth. Michael Bay’s return for this sequel caught many by surprise.

1 Transformers: Dark of the Moon

Worldwide Gross: $1,123,794,079

Director	Michael Bay
Release Date	29 June 2011
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score	35%
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score	55%

The thrilling conclusion to the Transformers trilogy unfolds with Optimus Prime uncovering Sentinel Prime’s dormant body on the Moon. The subsequent awakening leads to further chaos as the Cybertron war reaches Earth, raising dangers for both humanity and the Autobots.

Having the chance to witness the climactic resolution to the longstanding Autobots vs. Decepticons conflict generated significant buzz, driving audiences to theaters in droves. It effectively served as a farewell to beloved characters like Optimus Prime and Bumblebee, marking an iconic moment in the franchise’s legacy.

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