This is a family favorite. While it is true that it was based on a toy line it is much much better...and cleaner than the new movies that are out. Also the death of the hero is a good talking point for parents about death (it is not too scary as it is a robot that dies).
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Transformers: The Movie (1986)
(1986, Rated NR, Science fiction, Starring Eric Idle, Orson Welles, Scatman Crothers, Judd Nelson, Leonard Nimoy)
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Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings(Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)
Not age appropriate for kids under 8, age appropriate for kids over 10; suggested age 8. -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
An awful toy commercial in disguise.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 8–10
What to watch out for
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Violence & scariness:
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Sexy stuff:
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Language:
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Consumerism:
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Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
About Transformers: The Movie (1986)
Parents need to know that, essentially, this is a commercial tie-in with a line of Hasbro action-figure toys. While this has a certain cult following (what bad movie doesn't?), it's a confusing, jumbled, and chaotic viewing experience for anyone who couldn't tell the Dinobots from the Insecticons. It also forms more or less the last episode of the original Transformers TV series, so if you feel like you've walked in late and missed something, that's why.
Read our full review by Charles Cassady Jr.
Families Can Talk About
- Families can talk about the idea of making movies or cartoons as platforms for peddling playthings. Worthy films like Star Wars and Toy Story have shamelessly marketed toys based on themselves, and there were toys inspired by likes of Charlie Chaplin and Mickey Mouse long ago. What do you think about movies, TV shows, and video games based solely on toys? Can you think of any other plaything-oriented movies that were better/worse than this one? How much more expensive is the movie after you buy the ticket and the merchandise? If you like the toys, do you think you'd like them as much if another movie wasn't coming out?
Our Members Say
Most Recent Reviews
- I rate this title on for age 6 and give itMy concerns are:
- Inappropriate language
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
fun movie
- I rate this title on for age 7 and give itMy concerns are:
- Inappropriate language
Cartoon Classic
I was an original fan of the cartoon series and absolutely loved this movie as a kid. There are a couple words used that I would not want my children to repeat and the death of a hero, but I think it tells a good story. Far superior to the recent live-action Transformers films.
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
Great nostalgic fun
While the original Transformers animated movie is not a great film, it is a lot of fun for those who grew up with the show, young kids just getting into Transformers, and older kids like me who appreciate old things for what they are. The story is really the bridge between the second and third seasons of the show, so it's hard to explain in one sitting. I'll post a link to my YouTube account below, and I'll try to post a video soon explaining the plot. Due to the fact that this is meant as a bridge between two seasons of an established series, not many people who are unframiliar with the show will get it. Best to do some digging online for the first three episodes, or like I said, wait for my little video. Anyway, due to the fact that during the time period, the original 1984&1985 toy lines were being discontinued, and the 86-87 toy lines were being released, the studio needed an excuse for not having those characters on the shelves, thus, the filmmakers were ordered to kill off many of the principal characters in favor of new ones. These new characters are easily the weakest part of the movie. Transformers has always been known for great characters. Optimus Prime, Megatron, Soundwave, Ironhide, Prowl, and of course, everyone's favorite back-stabbing traitoris coward, Starscream. These characters defined the series, and the new characters just don't hold up as well. When you ask any person on the street, who was the leader of the Autobots, almost everyone will say Optimus Prime. only a few would mention that Rodimus took over when he died. That being said, the first half is very entertaining, but after Starscream's death, it really becomes boring. True, the Deceptocns are still fun to watch, as are scenes with the Dinobots and Junkions, but overall, the first half is the highlight. Especially the battle between Optimus Prime and Megatron. The animation is very good, and so is the voice acting. In fact the voice acting is easily the strongest part of this movie, not only with the original series voice cast reprising thier roles, but new guest stars such as Eric Idle, Lionel Strander, Judd Nelson, Robert Stack, and most famously, Orson Welles, in his final film preformance as,... a planet-sized, world-destroying robot named Unicron. Sounds like an honor when said like it is. Overall, the film is enjoyable, but not great. The violence is heavy, but not really too graphic, the swearing will suprise those unprepared, but it seems natural after the first couple viewings. As for the "obvious" commercialism, the toy line this is promoting is discontinued, and over 20 years old, so I wouldn't worry too much. For my final Rating, I give "The Transformers: The Movie": Three and a half Godzillas.
- I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it
Old transfromers Rule
I saw this film a good while back and I have to say: good story telling(even though the story revolved around a matrix), good characters, good children's action and good things blowing up! Personally I think the could have included the humans a little bit more in the story but still, good story. Favorites: Character: Hot Rod (Rodimus prime) Scene: Galvatron getting thrown into space Death: Starscream Music: Touch: Stan Bush Great movie!!!!!!!!
- I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it
A cool movie for older kids
this movie is cool for older kids, i'd say about 12 and up. there are some curse words used in the movie like the "D-word" and the "S-word", but other than that, language is not an really an issue. there are some fighting scenes, but they are cartoons. overall, i would let kids about my age watch this.
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
Don't listen to 'em
Transformers: The Movie isn't a bad movie. It's actually better than Transformers Armada, etc. This movie has its share of violence but it's not over the top. Spike says "Aw sh*t, what are we gonna do now?" and Ultra Magnus says "Open, d*mmit, open!" but that's all. I say it's a good movie. By the way, Optimus Prime DIES.
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Ratings at a Glance
| 100% | of parents say it has language their kids can't use |
| 50% | of parents say there are good role models |
| 50% | of parents say it gives kids positive messages |
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