Hasbro and Fathom Entertainment have teamed up to theatrically re-release 1986’s “The Transformers: The Movie,” the animated feature based on the beloved toy franchise.
The film, which follows the heroic Autobot robots as they are hunted by a planet-sized Transformer named Unicron, was a box office bomb at the time.
The title became infamous for the way it killed off several prominent starring characters, including the leader Optimus Prime, which led to a major public outcry and letter-writing campaign.
In the years since, however, the film has gained a cult following and is noted for its eclectic cast, which includes Eric Idle, Judd Nelson, Leonard Nimoy, Casey Kasem, Robert Stack, Scatman Crothers, Peter Cullen, Frank Welker, and Orson Welles as Unicron.
Timed with the 40th anniversary, the re-release will begin its rollout on September 17th with a wide theatrical release through September 21st. The movie will be presented in 4K.
Hasbro exec Alyse D’Antuono says in a statement: “For decades, Transformers fans have carried this film with them, which is a testament to its storytelling and lasting cultural impact. Bringing it back to theaters is an opportunity for longtime fans to relive it together, and for new audiences to experience a defining chapter of Transformers history.”
Select international markets are expected to launch day-and-date with the U.S. as well.
THE TRANSFORMERS: THE MOVIE IS COMING BACK TO THEATERS IN SEPTEMBER! pic.twitter.com/iB31PbGjSx
— TFAltModes (@tfaltmodes) May 18, 2026
