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Eric Idle, Gregg Berger, Jack Angel, Judd Nelson, Leonard Nimoy ... see more see more... , Michael Bell , Norman Alden , Orson Welles , Robert Stack , Susan Blu

90 minute animated toy commercial in which the Autobots battle the evil Decepticons. Notable only for great cast of voices!

Flixster Users

84% liked it

71,659 ratings

Critics

47% liked it

17 critics

PG, 1 hr. 24 min.

Directed by: Nelson Shin

Release Date: August 8, 1986

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DVD Release Date: November 7, 2000

Stats: 8,977 reviews

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The Transformers - The Movie Megatron becoming Galvatron. Megatron and Laserbeak Megatron Shrapnel (of the Insecticons) Megatron Soundwave & Buzzsaw The Transformers - The Movie Megatron The Transformers - The Movie The Transformers - The Movie Blaster Shockwave The Transformers - The Movie The Transformers - The Movie The Transformers - The Movie Spike Witwicky Hot Rod becomes Rodimus Prime
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Flixster Reviews (8,977)

  • jmanard52
    June 6, 2008
    jmanard52
    A classic 80's cartoon brought to the big screen in a fun way. Loved this back in the day.
  • ythelastman89
    July 13, 2011
    ythelastman89
    Now I'm sure an animated movie of The Transformers from the 80s might not mean much to most people, it's one of the most nostalgic childhood experiences. To me, this encapsulates everything that made The Transformers such a cool show and every time I see it, it brings me back. Wh... read moreile it does kill almost everyone off from the original series, it does so with such style and respect that it almost doesn't even matter. If you're going to kill Optimus Prime, it's fitting that he does so in a blaze of glory with "You've got the Touch" playing in the background and one liners spewing out left and right. They also picked a formidable replacement; the Judd Nelson robot known as Hot Rod. I mean this movie really has it all: Robo-violence galore, a flawless soundtrack, a villain without rival, Spockbot, and dialogue that is larger than life. The plot here is such a mammoth beast. The show always had doomsday type scenarios, but never in the form of a planet eating Orson Welles. It also dares to question who is fit to lead in a battle between the Autobots and Decepticons. What they did with this movie was raise the stakes, made the animation 10x better, and made the idea all the more timeless and undeniably awesome. I don't think The Transformers would have as lasting of an effect as it does today if there hadn't been this slice of brilliance included.
  • ajv2688
    July 9, 2011
    ajv2688
    I could understand young kids thinking that this is a cool movie for a while, and maybe the show would have helped me understand the background of the story better, but I think Weird Al's song sums up my feelings on this film perfectly: "Dare to be stupid". The characters, altho... read moreugh voiced by talented actors, have either horrible one liner jokes or corny cliched phrases for every line. Plus it was hard to get used to the way some of the characters talked. The story was hard to follow as well. They seemed to change locations at will without letting the audience know. Plus, the overall plot has been used in countless children's films already, so it's nothing new. I did enjoy the soundtrack, though, the songs were awesome. Overall, this movie is just okay. If you're not a fan, I'd say stay away from it.
  • SirPant
    April 5, 2011
    SirPant
    If I had reviewed this film based on memory I would have probably said it was great back then but it is pretty awful now and I would have been wrong. I watched this last night and the truth of the matter is that is is brilliant. However, this is mainly due to nostalgia and the fa... read morect it is so bad, it's good, although that maybe a little unfair as some of it genuinely is really good. Basically, it's classic 80's. It has a great voice cast, the animation switches from 'Classic Manga' to 'Rushed doodles', the script is hilarious and the cheesy '80s Rock' soundtrack is awesome. A single star film that is a four star film (in disguise). Whether you like it or not, it's a hell of a lot of fun to re-watch now.
  • FilmFanatik
    January 31, 2011
    FilmFanatik
    When people tell me "Oh I love the Transformers movie" this is the movie that I'd like to believe they're talking about. This had a great cast and barrels along quickly, making for a fast-paced adventure. I enjoy getting it out from time to time.
  • Godless
    July 29, 2010
    Godless
    The moment Optimus Prime is murdered I remember my childhood dying and only caring about Orel Hershizer and Romone Martinez bringing the Dodgers another World Series title. So much DEATH!!!
  • cosmo313
    June 30, 2010
    cosmo313
    Since I was only a few months old when this was in theaters, and never saw it in its entirety until recently, the nostalgia factor is rather small for me. I recall watching the show some when I was little, and I did have some of the toys, but I was never a die hard fan.

    Negati... read moreve things first: tons of continuity errors throughout, some scenes feel very rushed and confused, and this doesn't have much mass appeal. This would make for awesome viewing at a midnight screening alongside other cult classics.

    Good things: awesome voice cast, with lots of notable voices. I know that Welles dismissed this movie, but his voice fits Unicron perfectly. To have this film be the final one for both him and Scatman Crothers is a good thing I think-not a bad way to go out. I liked the references and parallels to Star Wars (intentional or otherwise). There's lots of action, which is good, but the best part is the risk taking: some swearing ("oh shit" is removed from most versions of the film, but it's still fnny to think that it was in the original, then later reinstated), but most of all, the decision to kill off many of the establishd (and beloved) characters. I knew going into it that Optimus was gonna die, so the emotional impact wasn't there, but it's still a ballsy move. The music is also really good. I'm not really into 80s hair metal, but it goes petyy well with the material. "The Touch" is a guilty pleasure I can't help but enjoy, and the random inclusion of "Dare to be Stupid" really amuses me.

    This is probably a good "trip" movie, as some of the visuals look awesome.

    So, despite it's flaws, this is still a highly entertaining and enjoyable film, evenif you come to it without the nostalgia factor.
  • phubbs1
    April 6, 2009
    phubbs1
    This is much better than the live action flick. All you want is here plus lots of deaths and shocks. A real battle royale with all the transformers, Topps.
  • kiriyamakazou
    September 1, 2008
    kiriyamakazou
    This film is hard arse bollocks. It takes it's shiny metallic boot and makes you suck it because you are just a puny human. It starts with a massive planet eating another planet, oh yeah this is BIG. Turns out the planet eating planet, or Unicron as he is known to his friends (wh... read moreich he has none of because he is so fucking badass BITCH!) is also voiced by Orson Welles, he made some film called Citizen Kane which is apparently pretty good, so you know this guy has taste. It's like if Terence Malick directed porn, it automatically becomes art.

    So it isn't long before a massive battle is going on. It's great main characters are being massacred left, right, centre and on top of your head. Megatron calls Starscream an idiot, and later when he's down Starscream kicks him in the ribs. It's funny as hell. We then get a glimpse into a beautiful relationship forming between Megatron and Soundwave, because he wont leave his master to die. I cried a little. remember the stand off in the live action film between Prime and Megatron? Well that stand off takes place within 20 minutes here. This film means business.

    So the film kicks off and it keeps on going. The soundtrack is gorgeous, even finding time to shove in some Weird Al Yankovich. Weird Al Yankovich AND Orson Welles involved in the same film? That's the creative Gods forgetting to take their sanity pills and all I can say is it works out for the best.

    There's the wonderfully hilarious retarded Dinobot Grimlock. Everything he says is iconic and profound. Blur is a fast and frantic mess, but again he's effing hilarious. Plus there's some little dude who turns into a microscope. Guess he was at the back of the line when being handed out disguises. Still it only makes him more sympathetic.

    I loved this film and you will to because it's a nostalgic slice of everything it is to be young and human. The voice acting is terrific, one point some guy was gonna be dropped in acid and I could FEEL his fear. This same guy also says the word SHIT. Every bit as exciting as the live-action version.
  • sononothing
    August 1, 2008
    sononothing
    Come on. People honestly don't have a problem with Optimus Prime being replaced by a cocky transformer named Rodimus Prime voiced by Judd Nelson. I thought that was hokey when I was 10.
    Transformers: The Movie is essentially a 90 minute advetisment for a new toy line. The only re... read moreason this thing gets 2 stars is because of Orson Welles and Eric Idle. There! I admit it!
    This ones for kids and hardcore fans only.

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Critic Reviews

Pat Graham
May 18, 2008
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 r... Full Review

Caryn James
August 30, 2004
Caryn James, New York Times

While all this action may captivate young children, the animation is not spectacular enough to dazzle adults. Full Review

Charles Cassady
December 15, 2010
Charles Cassady, Common Sense Media

An awful toy commercial in disguise. Full Review

Richard Luck
May 18, 2008
Richard Luck, Film4

Far from a cheap spin-off, The Transformers: The Movie is an entertaining feature-length animation that's both handsome and well realised. Full Review

Ben Walters
August 16, 2007
Ben Walters, Time Out

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

Stefan Birgir Stefansson
July 3, 2007
Stefan Birgir Stefansson, sbs.is

it will dare you to be stupid

William Thomas
June 5, 2007
William Thomas, Empire Magazine

Charming, useless fun. Full Review

Scott Weinberg
November 20, 2006
Scott Weinberg, DVD Clinic

It's good mindless fun, and a flick that no doubt holds a lot of Nostalgia Value for several members of my generation's sci-fi geeks. Full Review

Christopher Null
November 11, 2006
Christopher Null, Filmcritic.com

Did Transformers actually launch the celebrity-voiced animation craze 20 years ago? That may be the film's biggest legacy. Full Review

October 3, 2006
TV Guide's Movie Guide

Basically, The Transformers: The Movie features rancid animation techniques, a story that will bore anyone over age 10, and a few overpaid celebrities essaying the lead voices. Full Review

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

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The Transformers - The Movie Trivia

  • Which movie was the last project of Orson Welles?  Answer »
  • In what movie does a character played by Orson Welles, completely swallow a character played by Leonard Nimoy?  Answer »
  • Name the movie from these three quotes: "Such heroic nonsense..." "Watch, I'll have them eating out of my hands! Bah weep granah weep ninni bong!" "Yes friends, act now! Kill the Grand Poobah! Eliminate even the toughest stain!"  Answer »
  • Which of the following animated movies was actually released in theatres?  Answer »
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