Transformers Franchise Films Ranked by Worldwide Box Office: Michael Bay’s Films Dominate with Over 82% of the $5.28 Billion Collection
The Transformers franchise, known for its explosive action sequences and iconic characters, has been a significant player at the global box office since its debut in 2007. Directed by the celebrated filmmaker Michael Bay, the live-action series brought the beloved Transformers from animation and comic books to the big screen, captivating fans worldwide. Over the years, the franchise has earned over $5.28 billion globally, with Michael Bay’s contributions accounting for more than 82% of the total earnings.
Starting with Shia LaBeouf and Megan Fox in leading roles, the franchise has evolved to include seven live-action films, and an upcoming animated feature titled Transformers One is set to release soon. Here’s a breakdown of how these films have performed at the global box office, ranked by their worldwide collections.
Transformers: Dark of the Moon (2011) – $1.12 billion
Topping the list is Transformers: Dark of the Moon, which grossed an impressive $1.12 billion worldwide. This third installment of the series was a massive success at the box office, largely due to its visually stunning effects and intense action sequences. The film, directed by Michael Bay, also benefited from being the first in the series to be released in 3D, which drew audiences globally. The story follows the Autobots as they race to uncover a Cybertronian spacecraft hidden on the moon, leading to an epic battle between the Autobots and Decepticons.
Transformers: Age of Extinction (2014) – $1.10 billion
Coming in second is Transformers: Age of Extinction, which brought in $1.10 billion worldwide. Directed once again by Michael Bay, this film introduced Mark Wahlberg as the new lead protagonist, replacing Shia LaBeouf. Age of Extinction also featured the fan-favorite Dinobots, which helped boost its appeal. Though critically panned, the movie performed exceptionally well, particularly in China, where it set numerous box office records.
Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (2009) – $836.30 million
Despite facing criticism for its convoluted plot, Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen amassed $836.30 million at the box office. This second installment of the franchise continued to build on the success of the first film, showcasing the epic battle between the Autobots and the resurrected Decepticon leader, The Fallen. Directed by Michael Bay, the film’s impressive visual effects and action sequences attracted fans globally, solidifying the franchise’s dominance in the action genre.
Transformers (2007) – $709.70 million
The film that started it all, Transformers (2007), directed by Michael Bay, earned $709.70 million worldwide. This movie was a significant moment for the franchise as it introduced live-action versions of the iconic Autobots and Decepticons to a new generation of viewers. With Shia LaBeouf as the human lead and Megan Fox making waves with her breakout performance, the film’s success set the stage for the franchise’s future box office dominance. It also established Michael Bay as the go-to director for large-scale action films.
Transformers: The Last Knight (2017) – $605.42 million
Despite being the lowest-grossing of Michael Bay’s five films in the franchise, Transformers: The Last Knight still managed to earn $605.42 million globally. This film attempted to blend elements of history with the Transformers lore, as the Autobots and Decepticons fight for control of a powerful artifact connected to King Arthur. While it didn’t perform as well as its predecessors, the action-packed spectacle kept fans engaged.
Bumblebee (2018) – $467.98 million
Directed by Travis Knight, Bumblebee marked a departure from the explosive style of Michael Bay’s films, focusing more on character development and emotional storytelling. This more intimate and heartwarming tale of Bumblebee’s adventures in the 1980s grossed $467.98 million worldwide. Although it earned less than Bay’s films, Bumblebee was widely praised by critics for its charm and provided a refreshing change of pace for the franchise.
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Transformers: Rise of the Beasts (2023) – $438.96 million
The latest installment, Transformers: Rise of the Beasts, directed by Steven Caple Jr., brought in $438.96 million at the box office. Released in 2023, this film introduced the Maximals into the Transformers universe, adding a new layer to the ongoing conflict between Autobots and Decepticons. Although it didn’t reach the heights of its predecessors, it was well-received by fans for its fresh storyline and action sequences.
Michael Bay’s Dominance
Michael Bay’s directorial hand in the first five films contributed significantly to the franchise’s overall box office success. His films alone account for $4.37 billion of the total $5.28 billion, underscoring his massive influence on the Transformers series. Known for his signature style of high-octane action, spectacular visual effects, and massive set pieces, Bay set the tone for the franchise’s success.
Upcoming: Transformers One
The next chapter in the franchise is an animated film, Transformers One, set to release on September 20, 2024. Featuring a voice cast that includes Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, and Brian Tyree Henry, the movie is anticipated to make between $40 million and $50 million in its opening weekend in North America.
With Michael Bay’s films contributing the lion’s share of the franchise’s earnings, Transformers remains one of the most successful film series in history, and fans are eagerly awaiting its next iteration.
