The Transformers Franchise is a media franchise that began with a line of toys created by Hasbro and Takara Tomy in the early 1980s. It features sentient robots that can transform into vehicles, animals, and other objects. The franchise has expanded to include animated series, comic books, and live-action films, making it a significant part of popular culture. The franchise's most notable films, directed by Michael Bay, started with the release of the first movie in 2007. The story typically revolves around the battle between the heroic Autobots and the villainous Decepticons, exploring themes of friendship, loyalty, and the struggle between good and evil.