The Transformers: The Movie
Movie, 1986, Generation 1, Set in 2005
The Transformers: The Movie is #1 of 9 in release order and #9 of 9 in chronological order in the Transformers.
The story
The Autobots must stop a colossal planet-consuming robot who goes after the Autobot Matrix of Leadership. At the same time, they must defend themselves against an all-out attack from the Decepticons.
The Transformers: The Movie recap
In 2005, the Decepticons rule Cybertron, and the Autobots, holding out on Earth and two moons of Cybertron, plan a counterattack from Autobot City. A planet-sized robot, Unicron, is devouring worlds and fears only the Autobot Matrix of Leadership. The Decepticons attack Autobot City, and Optimus Prime and Megatron fight a final duel; Optimus wins but is mortally wounded, and passes the Matrix to Ultra Magnus before dying. On the way to space, the weakened Megatron is thrown out by Starscream, and Unicron rebuilds him as Galvatron, ordering him to destroy the Matrix. Galvatron kills Starscream and pursues the Autobots. The Autobots scatter: Ultra Magnus, Hot Rod and Kup end up on worlds ruled by the Quintessons and the Junkions, while Galvatron kills Magnus and takes the Matrix.
The Transformers: The Movie ending explained
Unicron reveals himself as a planet and attacks Cybertron. Hot Rod and Kup reach Unicron's insides, where Hot Rod throws Galvatron out into space and opens the Matrix. It transforms him into Rodimus Prime, and he destroys Unicron from within. The Autobots celebrate on Cybertron as Rodimus declares the war over, though Galvatron survives drifting in space.
Where to watch The Transformers: The Movie
The Transformers: The Movie isn't on a US streaming service right now. You can rent or buy it on Amazon, Apple TV, and Google Play.
Ratings
IMDb 7.2/10, Rotten Tomatoes 64%
Where it fits
- Release order: first, before Transformers.
- Chronological order: after Transformers One, the last.
What to watch before The Transformers: The Movie
Nothing. The Transformers: The Movie (1986) doesn't continue an earlier version, so it stands on its own. The Transformers: The Movie itself is optional in the Transformers order.
Cast
- Judd Nelson as Hot Rod / Rodimus Prime (voice)
- Peter Cullen as Optimus Prime / Ironhide (voice)
- Frank Welker as Soundwave / Megatron / Rumble / Frenzy / Wheelie (voice)
- Leonard Nimoy as Galvatron (voice)
- Orson Welles as Unicron (voice)
- Casey Kasem as Cliffjumper (voice)
- Dan Gilvezan as Bumblebee (voice)
- Scatman Crothers as Jazz (voice)
- Susan Blu as Arcee (voice)
- Eric Idle as Wreck-Gar (voice)
- Robert Stack as Ultra Magnus (voice)
- Norman Alden as Kranix (voice)
Directed by Nelson Shin.