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Ranking the Transformers Movies From Worst to First


Although it’s a multibillion-dollar movie franchise, Paramount’s Transformer films have received extremely mixed reactions from critics and general audiences alike, and that’s being kind. However, with the success of the newest installment, Bumblebee, we here at Epicstream felt it was our duty to provide a definitive(ly subjective) ranking of each of the six films, from worst to first.

Check out how we ranked them and then let us know what you think in the comments section!

  1. Transformers: The Last Knight

    The Last Knight is the epitome of the Michael Bay Transformers films: It’s bombastic, special-effects-heavy, yet somehow bland in nearly every other regard. We’re talking two hours and thirty-four minutes of poor writing, choppy editing and little to no heart. You’re thrown from one scene to the next with no warning, all while trying to make sense of the multiple storylines the film introduces, and the only reward you receive for the time you’ve invested is the relief that comes from the long-awaited sight of the end credits. Transformers: The Last Knight is a mess, plain and simple.

  2. Transformers: Age of Extinction

    Age of Extinction is the first Transformers film not starring Shia LeBeouf. However, in exchange for him, we got Mark Wahlberg and Dinobots, so that alone gives this film a leg up from The Last Knight. Unfortunately, that’s about all Age of Extinction has going for it, and with a runtime of nearly three hours, it’s hardly enough “new car smell” to mask the familiar odor of Michael Bay. In the film’s defense, though, the visuals are outstanding. But really, how long can you keep up a conversation with someone who has a pretty face but no personality before you admit they’re not your type?

  3. Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen

    After Transformers introduced a whole new generation to the beloved 1980s franchise, anticipation for the sequel, Revenge of the Fallen, was sky-high. Sadly, the sophomore outing failed spectacularly at living up to its predecessor. The typical Michael Bay gripes are on full display, but with this only being the second film in the franchise, it’s easier to give it a pass than it is with future installments. Not much easier, though, because the weak story fails to keep up with the strong visuals, so unless dumb popcorn entertainment is your cup of tea, Revenge of the Fallen has little else to offer.

  4. Transformers: Dark of the Moon

    Dark of the Moon, the highest-grossing film in the Transformers franchise with $1.12 billion worldwide, isn’t terrible. It isn’t very good, either. In fact, watching it is kind of like picking at a veggie tray at a party; you’re not really sure why you’re doing it, but it’s there, so you keep doing it anyway. However, this film is a massive improvement over Revenge of the Fallen, with better character development and a far more digestible (dare we say somewhat enjoyable) plot. As far as summertime action flicks go, Dark of the Moon is hardly the best of the bunch, nor is it the worst, and in a franchise with more misses than hits, that’s a compliment.  

  5. Transformers

    All right, we’re finally getting to the good Transformers films. Quite fittingly, that takes us to the first installment, Transformers, which brought the ‘80s franchise back into the limelight, but on a far greater scale than ever before. That being said, this film is by no means great, but it was quite an achievement at the time of its release and remains undeniably fun to watch. The action is hard-hitting, the CGI is breathtaking and for two hours and twenty-four minutes, you’re able to tune the rest of the world out and just enjoy the ride.

  6. Bumblebee

    Is it a coincidence that the only Transformers film not directed by Michael Bay took the number one spot on our list? Maybe, maybe not. In any case, Bumblebee is a major course correction for the franchise, despite conveniently ignoring previously established continuity where it sees fit. The new cast feels right at home in this film, and for the first time, we’re able to actually see what’s going on when the Autobots and Decepticons are fighting thanks to smooth, fluid editing. Basically, Bumblebee is the film longtime Transformers fans were hoping for back in 2007, and while it may have taken 11 years of Michael Bay projects to get us here, it was well worth the wait.

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