The Transformers: The Movie

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The Transformers: The Movie

PG

Released Aug 8, 1986

1h 26m

Action

Adventure

Sci-Fi

Animation

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Popcornmeter

62%

Tomatometer

26 Reviews

88%

Popcornmeter

50,000+ Ratings

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

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Critics Consensus

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

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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

Ben Walters

Time Out

The anime-inflected look is generally impressive too, although the power-rock soundtrack is unsalvageable.

Aug 16, 2007

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William Thomas

Empire Magazine

Charming, useless fun.

Rated: 3/5

Jun 5, 2007

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Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

The nostalgists and fanboys are welcome to this one.

Rated: 1/4

Aug 7, 2021

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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

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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

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Hansel G

I am such a big fan but, It looks like this movie just Made for More toys, why killing optimus prime and put someone that doesn't know about leadership, also why Megatron come back as galvatron but Optimus didn't Just ok

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

07/23/25

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Riley K.

I won’t lie when I tell you this movie has problems. More specifically tonal issues. But when it comes to the greatest Animated movies of all time this is in my Top 5. The stakes were raised astronomically right from the jump when the autobots get gunned down. Everything that happens in this movie feels important. Optimus vs Megatron is incredible it really feels like a War coming to a head. I know many don’t like Hot Rod as a Character and especially don’t like Rodimus Prime. Mostly because he may or may not have been the cause of Optimus Prime’s Death. His arc in this movie is fantastic and don’t let people tell you otherwise. Unicron felt unstoppable as did Galvatron. Worked great. Overall great movie.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/14/25

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Bopperbinks B.

While the pace is hard to follow, it’s still a good watch with some fun and goofy moments

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

07/02/25

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Mitch B

I love this movie, this story of being to becoming and seeing Hot Rod go from being an impulsive young warrior to becoming the Autobot Leader, Rodimus Prime and seeing all of my favorite heroes was an added plus. Hated that we lost Optimus Prime, but the character of Rodimus Prime is so easy for me to relate to. And Lenoard Nimoy's portrayal of Galvation was top notch, as were all of the other cast members. A plus.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/30/25

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Martin W

Easily one of the best cartoons ever made. It doesn't treat kids like idiots with fantastic storytelling, interesting character portrayals and a epic soundtrack. Iconic!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/09/25

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Bilal M

no skibbidi phonk sigma

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

06/04/25

Full Review

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Nelson Shin

Director

Peter Cullen

Optimus Prime

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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

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