As kids rushed into movie theatres in the summer of 1986, they had no idea what they were walking into. Excited to see their favorite cartoon on the big screen, an entire generation was about to experience what’s been called “the great toy massacre of 1986.”

This is a look back on The Transformers: The Movie, a film that shocked and horrified legions of kids. Created purely for commercial reasons, this movie caught toy executives completely off guard as it revealed an unanticipated loyalty to a brand and characters.

The Everthing 80s Movie Review Podcast: Patreon.com/80s