If you’re one of the many Netflix viewers who dove headfirst into Transformers (2007) when it landed on the platform earlier this month, you’re not alone. The Michael Bay-directed blockbuster, featuring those iconic shape-shifting robots, has sparked a wave of nostalgia. Maybe you’ve already binged the first film and thought, “I need more Autobots and Decepticons in my life!” Well, good news—Netflix currently has the first four Transformers movies ready for your viewing pleasure. But here’s the catch: the follow-ups—Revenge of the Fallen, Dark of the Moon, and Age of Extinction—are leaving the platform on December 31. So, if you’re planning a Transformers marathon, now’s the time to make it happen.
The Transformers saga kicked off in 2007, introducing audiences to Sam Witwicky (Shia LaBeouf), an average teenager caught up in an epic battle between the heroic Autobots and the villainous Decepticons. The movie was a box office hit, which, of course, meant sequels were inevitable. The series continued with more explosive action and robot mayhem, but by the fourth film (Age of Extinction), LaBeouf stepped away, making room for Mark Wahlberg to take the reins. While these movies are light on plot and heavy on CGI battles, they’ve become a hallmark of big-budget spectacle cinema.
The Rise and Decline of the Transformers Franchise
The first Transformers film was a cultural moment, especially for fans of the ’80s animated series and toy line. But as the sequels rolled out, the enthusiasm began to wane. While the 2007 original managed a decent 57% on Rotten Tomatoes, the sequels took a critical nosedive—Dark of the Moon holds a 35% approval rating, while Revenge of the Fallen and Age of Extinction sit at 19% and 18%, respectively. Still, if you’re looking for pure escapism rather than a compelling story, these movies can scratch that itch.
Catch all the robotic action before Revenge of the Fallen, Dark of the Moon, and Age of Extinction leave Netflix on December 31. Your holiday watchlist just got a whole lot louder!
