In a surprising twist for a film that initially struggled to find its footing, Transformers: Rise of the Beasts is roaring back to life on streaming. The 2023 sci-fi blockbuster, which cost a hefty $200 million to produce, has climbed to the number-one spot on Pluto TV's domestic chart this week, signaling a second wind for the franchise. The movie's resurgence comes as Paramount+ continues to build its library, and it's a welcome boost for fans who've been waiting for the teased crossover with G.I. Joe.
The film stars Michael Kelly, best known for his role in House of Cards and as a key player in Taylor Sheridan's Lioness. Kelly's cameo at the end of Rise of the Beasts hinted at a massive crossover event that has yet to materialize, largely due to the film's underwhelming box office. However, with its streaming success, there's renewed hope that Paramount might revisit those plans. Kelly's involvement ties this sci-fi epic to Sheridan's growing universe, which includes hits like Lioness, set to return for Season 3 in July 2026.
Directed by Steven Caple Jr., Transformers: Rise of the Beasts serves as a sequel to 2018's Bumblebee, which earned $480 million globally on a $130 million budget and earned strong reviews. In contrast, Rise of the Beasts grossed around $440 million worldwide, a respectable sum but a disappointment given its higher budget. Critics were mixed, giving it a 51% score on Rotten Tomatoes, though the audience score is a much more enthusiastic 91%. The consensus praises the film's "genuine human drama" and "palpable affection for the title characters," making it one of the franchise's more enjoyable outings.
The movie's ending teased a long-awaited crossover between the Transformers and G.I. Joe, but no sequel has been announced. The franchise took another hit in 2025 with the box-office failure of the animated spin-off Transformers One. Now, with Rise of the Beasts finding a new audience on streaming, Paramount may reconsider its strategy. The film's strong audience score suggests that while critics were lukewarm, fans embraced the spectacle and heart.
This streaming surge is part of a larger trend for Paramount+, which has seen several titles gain traction after theatrical underperformance. Taylor Sheridan's Lioness, for instance, has become a streaming hit, and the platform is betting big on his brand of storytelling. Michael Kelly's dual presence in both Lioness and Rise of the Beasts highlights the interconnected nature of modern entertainment, where a TV star can anchor a major franchise film.
For fans of sci-fi and action, Transformers: Rise of the Beasts offers a blend of nostalgia and fresh energy. The film's streaming success in July 2026 proves that a movie's legacy isn't written in its opening weekend. As the Transformers franchise looks to the future, this resurgence could be the spark that reignites the series. Whether that means a G.I. Joe crossover or a new direction entirely, one thing is clear: audiences are still hungry for giant robots and epic battles.
