Keith Langston, a dedicated contributing writer at PEOPLE since 2023, has had his bylines featured in well-known publications like Entertainment Weekly, Insider, and Digital Trends.

Transformers began as a captivating Hasbro toy line introduced in 1984. The unique concept revolved around toys with parts and pieces that could be shifted and rearranged to create entirely new toys, capturing the imagination of children worldwide.

That same year, the Transformers animated series debuted, chronicling the epic battle between the heroic Autobots, led by the noble Optimus Prime, and the villainous Decepticons, commanded by the ruthless Megatron. The cartoon significantly boosted the toy line’s popularity, leading to the release of the franchise’s first film, “The Transformers: The Movie” in 1986. Although this animated movie didn’t perform well at the box office, it became a cult favorite among fans.

Over the next few decades, Transformers expanded through various cartoon adaptations and straight-to-video films. However, in 2007, Michael Bay breathed new life into the franchise with a live-action Transformers film. This movie was a colossal success, grossing over $709 million worldwide and spawning several sequels. Since then, eight Transformers movies have been released, with more anticipated.

Scheduled for release in 2024, “Transformers One” will serve as an origin story for the series. This animated film will explore how once-allies Megatron and Optimus Prime fought together on their home planet Cybertron before becoming archenemies. The voice cast includes stars like Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, and Brian Tyree Henry, promising an engaging narrative.

“Bumblebee,” a sort of prequel and reboot set in 1987, predates the events of the live-action Transformers films. In this movie, a young woman named Charlie (played by Hailee Steinfeld) discovers an old VW Beetle that turns out to be the Autobot B-127. She names him Bumblebee, and they form a bond while evading both Decepticons and the U.S. military, which wants to capture Bumblebee.

Catch “Bumblebee” on Paramount+.

Following “Bumblebee” in this flexible timeline is 2023’s “Transformers: Rise of the Beasts.” Set in 1994, this film draws inspiration from the “Beast Wars” cartoon series. It depicts the Autobots joining forces with the animal-like Maximals to protect Earth from Unicron, a planet-destroying entity. A young New Yorker named Noah (Anthony Ramos) finds himself caught in this cosmic conflict. By the end of the film, Noah is invited to join the covert G.I. Joe organization, setting up an upcoming crossover film.

Producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura hinted at a less rigid approach to continuity, stating that sometimes focusing too much on it can stifle great ideas. He expressed excitement about exploring Optimus Prime’s character before he becomes the leader depicted in Michael Bay’s films.

Watch “Transformers: Rise of the Beasts” on Paramount+.

The 2007 live-action Transformers film marks the franchise’s first foray into live-action but is fourth in chronological order. Starring Shia LaBeouf and Megan Fox as teenagers entangled in the war between Autobots and Decepticons, it portrays the Autobots arriving on Earth and assuming vehicle forms—a storyline later contradicted by “Rise of the Beasts.” Despite this, the film was immensely successful, grossing over $709 million globally.

In this movie, the Decepticons seek revenge while a more formidable enemy than Megatron emerges: The Fallen. The Autobots must thwart their plans to prevent Earth’s destruction.

In “Transformers: Dark of the Moon,” it’s revealed that NASA has known about a crashed alien spaceship on the moon for decades. The ship contains Sentinel Prime, Optimus Prime’s predecessor who has made a deal with the Decepticons to sacrifice Earth to save Cybertron.

Shia LaBeouf returned for this sequel, though Megan Fox was replaced by Rosie Huntington-Whiteley.

“Transformers: Age of Extinction” picks up after Chicago’s devastation in “Dark of the Moon,” during a period when humans perceive Cybertronians as threats. A secret military unit aims to eradicate all Cybertronians, forcing the Autobots to defend themselves against both Decepticons and human forces.

The latest film chronologically is 2017’s “Transformers: The Last Knight.” Here, Optimus Prime is brainwashed into becoming a villain as factions vie for Merlin’s Staff. The plot features Autobots and Dinobots clashing with Decepticons and human military forces. Despite its predecessor’s success at the box office in 2014, many critics found “The Last Knight” to be lackluster and convoluted. It grossed just over $605 million, making it the lowest-earning Transformers film at its release time.

This expanded universe of Transformers continues to evolve, captivating audiences with its rich lore and thrilling narratives.