Transformers One

2024 104 min ★ 7.6/10 IMDb PG-13

Director: Josh Cooley Distributed by: Paramount Pictures Release Date: September 20, 2024 Running Time: 1h 44m Budget: $100 million

Watch the Trailer

Plot Summary

Transformers One is an animated origin story exploring the early days of Optimus Prime and Megatron on Cybertron. Before they were rivals, they were brothers-in-arms—Orion Pax and D-16—who fought side by side to protect their home. The film delves into their fractured friendship, the rise of the Autobots and Decepticons, and the civil war that shaped the Transformers universe.

Why You Should Watch

Fresh Take on the Franchise: The first fully animated Transformers theatrical film since 1986 offers a stylized visual approach.
Star-Studded Voice Cast: Chris Hemsworth and Brian Tyree Henry bring new depth to Optimus and Megatron's origins.
Deep Lore Exploration: Finally answers long-standing questions about Cybertron before the war.
Critical Reception: Praised for its character development and emotional weight compared to recent live-action entries.

Voice Cast

Chris Hemsworth Orion Pax / Optimus Prime

Brian Tyree Henry D-16 / Megatron

Scarlett Johansson Elita-1

Keegan-Michael Key Bumblebee

Laurence Fishburne Alpha Trion

Review

Transformers One revitalizes the franchise with its focus on character-driven storytelling and stunning animation. The dynamic between Hemsworth's idealistic Orion Pax and Henry's ambitious D-16 provides the emotional core, making their eventual fallout genuinely tragic. While some action sequences feel obligatory, the film succeeds most in its quieter moments—showcasing Cybertron's politics and the philosophical divide that would birth the Autobot/Decepticon war. A must-watch for longtime fans and newcomers alike.

Memorable Quotes

"One shall stand, one shall fall—but first, we stood together."

"You see oppression. I see opportunity. That's always been the difference between us."

What Viewers Say

"Finally, a Transformers movie with heart! The animation style perfectly captures the G1 aesthetic while feeling modern."
"Hemsworth and Henry's performances elevate the material. You genuinely believe these two were once friends."
"The best Transformers film since Bumblebee—maybe even better. Focuses on why these characters matter beyond the explosions."

Awards & Nominations

Annie Awards (Pending): Nominated for Best Animated Feature and Character Design
Hollywood Music in Media Awards: Nominated for Best Original Score