Transformers: Dark of the Moon
Movie, 2011, The Bay Films, Set in 2011
Transformers: Dark of the Moon is #4 of 9 in release order and #5 of 9 in chronological order in the Transformers.
The story
The Autobots continue to work for NEST, now no longer in secret. But after discovering a strange artifact during a mission in Chernobyl, it becomes apparent to Optimus Prime that the United States government has been less than forthright with them.
Transformers: Dark of the Moon recap
The 1969 moon landing was a cover for investigating a crashed Cybertronian ship, the Ark, carrying Sentinel Prime, Optimus's predecessor, and pillars that create a space bridge. In the present, Sam, struggling to find a job, dates Carly Spencer, who works for the businessman Dylan Gould. The Autobots retrieve Sentinel from the moon, and Optimus revives him. Dylan is secretly working for the Decepticons. Sentinel betrays the Autobots, having made a deal with Megatron to save Cybertron, and uses the pillars to bring the planet to Earth to rebuild it with human slaves. The Decepticons take over Chicago, and the Autobots appear to leave Earth, their ship destroyed.
Transformers: Dark of the Moon ending explained
The Autobots survived and return to retake Chicago with Sam, Carly and a squad of soldiers. Sam kills Dylan, Bumblebee destroys the control pillar, and Cybertron collapses. Carly persuades Megatron to turn on Sentinel. Optimus then kills Megatron and executes Sentinel, despite his pleas. Sam and Carly reunite in the ruins as the Autobots gather around Optimus, who reflects on how the Autobots and humans will carry on together.
Post-credits scenes
At the start of the credits, Simmons kisses Mearing after the battle. There is no scene after the credits.
Where to watch Transformers: Dark of the Moon
Transformers: Dark of the Moon is streaming on Paramount+, Kanopy, Hoopla, and YouTube TV in the US. You can rent or buy it on Amazon, Apple TV, and Google Play.
Ratings
IMDb 6.2/10, Rotten Tomatoes 35%
Where it fits
- Release order: after Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, before Transformers: Age of Extinction.
- Chronological order: after Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, before Transformers: Age of Extinction.
What to watch before Transformers: Dark of the Moon
In release order, the essentials before Transformers: Dark of the Moon (2011) are Transformers (2007) and Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (2009).
Cast
- Shia LaBeouf as Sam Witwicky
- Rosie Huntington-Whiteley as Carly
- Peter Cullen as Optimus Prime (voice)
- Leonard Nimoy as Sentinel Prime (voice)
- John Turturro as Simmons
- Frances McDormand as Mearing
- Josh Duhamel as Lennox
- Tyrese Gibson as Epps
- Patrick Dempsey as Dylan
- Hugo Weaving as Megatron (voice)
- John Malkovich as Bruce Brazos
- Kevin Dunn as Ron Witwicky
Directed by Michael Bay.