The Transformers: The Movie | Rotten Tomatoes (2025)

62% Tomatometer 26 Reviews 88% Popcornmeter 50,000+ Ratings

Ultra Magnus and the Transformers fight planet Unicron and the Decepticons in 2005.

The Transformers: The Movie

What to Know

Critics Consensus

A surprisingly dark, emotional, and almost excessively cynical experience for Transformers fans.

Read Critics Reviews

Critics Reviews

View All (26) Critics Reviews
The Transformers: The Movie | Rotten Tomatoes (1) Pat Graham Chicago Reader A 1986 computer-animated feature based on a popular TV cartoon show, further inspired, no doubt, by the philanthropic desire of Japanese and American toy manufacturers to keep their kiddie customers rolling in robots. May 18, 2008 Full Review The Transformers: The Movie | Rotten Tomatoes (2) Ben Walters Time Out The anime-inflected look is generally impressive too, although the power-rock soundtrack is unsalvageable. Aug 16, 2007 Full Review The Transformers: The Movie | Rotten Tomatoes (3) William Thomas Empire Magazine Charming, useless fun. Rated: 3/5 Jun 5, 2007 Full Review The Transformers: The Movie | Rotten Tomatoes (4) Matt Brunson Film Frenzy The nostalgists and fanboys are welcome to this one. Rated: 1/4 Aug 7, 2021 Full Review The Transformers: The Movie | Rotten Tomatoes (5) Douglas Davidson FilmFed The film itself is fine from a narrative standpoint, entertaining enough for fans of the series, and bold in the choices that it takes. Aug 2, 2021 Full Review The Transformers: The Movie | Rotten Tomatoes (6) Alan Ng Film Threat If you're going to make your fans shell out money to see your show in a theater, don't just present a 90-minute television episode. Rated: 3/10 Jul 22, 2021 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

View All (1000+) audience reviews

Philip P This movie is the 1980s triumphant: action, drama, comedy, and a totally rockin' soundtrack that sets up the second half of 1980s Transformers characters and lore. Rated 5/5 Stars • Rated 5 out of 5 stars 10/07/24 Full Review Audience Member This movie was a very fun watch Rated 4/5 Stars • Rated 4 out of 5 stars 10/06/24 Full Review Adam S While it is outdated and poorly paced, the personality and classic animation, combined with some great and memorable moments, make Transformers: The Movie a triumph for the franchise.Rating: 62% 🍅 Rated 3.5/5 Stars • Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 10/04/24 Full Review Justin T Still the best Transformers film by far, why? Because it raised the stakes to the highest level and wasn’t afraid to truly go there, all the way. Rated 5/5 Stars • Rated 5 out of 5 stars 10/03/24 Full Review Greg T After seeing Transformers: The Movie in the theater when it first came out compared to all the rest of the animated movies at that time, I thought this was the greatest movie ever! Rated 5/5 Stars • Rated 5 out of 5 stars 09/30/24 Full Review David S The Transformers: The Movieis a landmark cinematic achievement that elevates the franchise through its stunning animation, profound themes, and exceptional voice acting. The film explores deep themes of sacrifice, the harsh realities of war, and the loss of innocence, examining how these elements shape the destinies of both Autobots and Decepticons. Characters like Optimus Prime carry the heavy burden of leadership and the inevitability of loss, while Megatron’s relentless ambition reflects the destructive nature of power, prompting viewers to reconsider the complexities of heroism and villainy. The animation is a visual marvel, featuring vibrant colors and fluid movements that bring the iconic robots to life, making every epic battle a breathtaking spectacle. Each character’s design enhances their personality, with Optimus exuding strength and honor and Starscream capturing treachery through his sleek form. The voice cast is stellar, with Leonard Nimoy’s commanding presence as Galvatron and Orson Welles’ haunting final performance as Unicron adding gravitas to the story. Peter Cullen’s iconic portrayal of Optimus and Frank Welker’s multifaceted work as Megatron enrich the characters, allowing audiences to connect deeply with their struggles. Together, these elements create an unforgettable experience that not only entertains but also prompts meaningful reflection, solidifying Transformers: The Movie as a beloved classic that continues to resonate with fans across generations. Rated 3.5/5 Stars • Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 09/20/24 Full Review Read all reviews

The Transformers: The Movie

My Rating

Read More Read Less POST RATING WRITE A REVIEW EDIT REVIEW

Cast & Crew

Nelson Shin Director Peter Cullen Optimus Prime Michael Bell Prowl Corey Burton Spike Witwicky Eric Idle Wreck-Gar Casey Kasem Cliffjumper
Show Less Cast & Crew Show More Cast & Crew

More Like This

View All Best Movies to Stream at Home

Transformers One 88% 98% Transformers One TRAILER for Transformers One Titan A.E. 50% 61% Titan A.E. Spacehunter: Adventures in the Forbidden Zone 27% 36% Spacehunter: Adventures in the Forbidden Zone Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi 82% 94% Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi TRAILER for Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan 87% 90% Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan TRAILER for Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan Discover more movies and TV shows. View More

Related Movie News

View All Related Movie News
Eight 1980s Kids’ Movies That Are Actually Pretty F—ed Up Character Face-Off: The Best Version of 15 Mega Popular Movie and TV Characters Steven Yeun’s Five Favorite Films

Videos

View All videos

The Transformers: The Movie

The Transformers (1986) Movie Event: Fathom Events Trailer The Transformers (1986) Movie Event: Fathom Events Trailer 0:30 View more videos

Photos

View All The Transformers: The Movie photos

The Transformers: The Movie

The Transformers: The Movie (1986) The Transformers: The Movie (1986) View more photos

Synopsis Ultra Magnus and the Transformers fight planet Unicron and the Decepticons in 2005.

Director
Nelson Shin

Producer
Joe Bacal, Tom Griffin, Nelson Shin

Screenwriter
Ron Friedman

Rating
PG

Genre
Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi, Animation

Original Language
English

Release Date (Theaters)
Aug 8, 1986, Original

Release Date (Streaming)
May 21, 2017

Box Office (Gross USA)
$5.8M

Runtime
1h 26m

Sound Mix
Surround
The Transformers: The Movie | Rotten Tomatoes (2025)

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Manual Maggio

Last Updated:

Views: 5934

Rating: 4.9 / 5 (49 voted)

Reviews: 88% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Manual Maggio

Birthday: 1998-01-20

Address: 359 Kelvin Stream, Lake Eldonview, MT 33517-1242

Phone: +577037762465

Job: Product Hospitality Supervisor

Hobby: Gardening, Web surfing, Video gaming, Amateur radio, Flag Football, Reading, Table tennis

Introduction: My name is Manual Maggio, I am a thankful, tender, adventurous, delightful, fantastic, proud, graceful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.