Bumblebee, the Transformers installment directed by Travis Knight, lands on Netflix on July 17, 2026. Hit cinemas in France on December 26, 2018, this feature brings together Hailee Steinfeld, John Cena, and Jorge Lendeborg Jr. for an adventure set before the rest of the saga.
Bumblebee
Film | 2018
Streaming on Netflix on July 17, 2026
Action, science fiction, adventure | Runtime: 1h54
Directed by Travis Knight | Starring Hailee Steinfeld, John Cena, Jorge Lendeborg Jr., Pamela Adlon, Jason Drucker
Nationality: United States
Recommended for ages 8 and up
In Bumblebee, the action unfolds in 1987. As war ravages his home world, the yellow Autobot seeks refuge on Earth and hides out in a scrapyard. It’s there that he’s discovered by Charlie, a teenage girl craving independence, who quickly realizes this old car is anything but ordinary.
What starts as an unlikely bond between Charlie and Bumblebee grows into something protective and transformative. But the robot’s presence quickly attracts attention—from otherworldly foes to wary humans. To survive, the Autobot must learn to trust Charlie, while the young woman discovers that her new ally is tied to a mission that goes far beyond their encounter.
Directed by Travis Knight, who came from animation with Kubo and the Two Strings, the film signals a shift for the Transformers franchise. Less about the large-scale destruction that characterized some earlier installments, Bumblebee favors a more intimate story, driven by the bond between a teenage girl and an alien robot.
The movie taps into a strong 1980s vibe—retro soundtrack, American suburban surroundings, and a coming‑of‑age tale. This approach lets the feature fuse sci‑fi, action, and family adventure, while still being accessible to younger audiences.
Bumblebee may appeal to viewers seeking a more emotional robot film, a tale of friendship between a human and a mechanical creature, or a family-friendly entry point into the Transformers universe. The movie isn’t aimed at those craving a blockbuster built solely on giant battles, as its balance rests just as much on the Charlie–Bumblebee duo as on the action scenes.
The official trailer for Bumblebee spotlights the meeting between Charlie and the yellow Autobot, in an adventure that returns to the character’s origins.
To go further, also discover our selection of the most eagerly awaited Netflix series, our guide to streaming releases across all platforms, and today’s pick for what to watch on streaming.
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