Thunderbirds

Thunderbirds

Year: 2004

Runtime: 95 min

Language: English

Director: Jonathan Frakes

Budget: $57M

ActionAdventureSci-FiFantasyComedyFamily

When astronaut Jeff Tracy launches a rescue mission, his home on Tracy Island is attacked by the sinister Hood. Seeking to control the island’s advanced technology for his own plans, the villain puts the Tracy family in danger. It falls to young Alan Tracy to find the courage to confront his father’s enemy and protect his family and the island’s powerful arsenal.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Thunderbirds (2004)

Trace every key event in Thunderbirds (2004) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

IR begins on Tracy Island

In 2010, International Rescue operates from Tracy Island under the leadership of Jeff Tracy, a widowed former astronaut. The secret organization uses high-tech Thunderbirds to aid disaster victims around the world. Jeff's sons Scott, Virgil, Gordon, and Alan, along with allies, carry on the rescue mission from their remote South Pacific base.

2010 Tracy Island, South Pacific
2

Alan and Fermat return for spring break

Alan Tracy and his friend Fermat Hackenbacker come back to Tracy Island for spring break, reuniting with Tin-Tin. They dream of joining the Thunderbirds like Alan's brothers. Alan is grounded after attempting to launch Thunderbird 1 without first activating its anti-detection shield.

Spring break Tracy Island
3

Hood plants a tracking beacon on Thunderbird 1

Unknown to the Islanders, the Hood has an accomplice plant a tracking beacon on Thunderbird 1 during a rescue at an offshore oil rig. The beacon lets him trace IR’s movements back to their base. The threat from the Hood tightens as he begins to monitor every IR operation.

Offshore oil rig
4

Hood attacks Thunderbird 5 in space

From a submarine offshore, the Hood fires a missile at the orbiting Thunderbird 5, severing communications with International Rescue. John remains in peril in space as the link to base is cut. The attack cripples IR’s ability to coordinate a rescue.

Orbital vicinity, Thunderbird 5
5

Rescue attempt for John; Hood shuts down power

Jeff, Scott, Virgil, and Gordon race to rescue John aboard Thunderbird 3. While they attempt the mission, the Hood and his team seize control of Tracy Island’s command centre and cut power to Thunderbird 5, trapping the rescuers inside. The situation escalates as IR loses its space monitor link.

During space rescue Tracy Island
6

Hood's revenge and bank-heist plan

The Hood confronts Jeff, revealing that Jeff once abandoned him in a collapsing diamond mine while saving Kyrano, his half-brother. The revelation adds a personal motive to the feud. He outlines a plan to use Thunderbird 2 to rob ten major banks, hoping to plunge the international monetary system into chaos and ruin IR’s reputation.

Confrontation scene Tracy Island
7

Fermat disables Thunderbird 2's guidance chip

Fermat Hackenbacker removes Thunderbird 2's guidance chip, delaying the Hood’s bank-heist schedule. The act buys time for IR to reorganize their defense. Alan would later use a remote transmitter to coordinate a counter-move against the Hood.

After chip removal Tracy Island hangar
8

Alan contacts Jeff to confront the Hood

Alan reaches Jeff via a remote transmitter, pressing for a direct confrontation with the Hood. The family scrambles to assemble a plan to reclaim Thunderbird 2’s guidance system and take the fight to London. The clock is ticking on the Hood’s planned attack.

After chip removal Tracy Island
9

Penelope and Parker arrive; Hood defeats them with psychic power

Lady Penelope and Parker answer a distress signal and fly FAB 1 to Tracy Island to assist. They engage Hood’s minions in combat, but the Hood overpowers them with his psychic abilities. The rescue team faces a setback while the base's defenses are compromised.

Distress signal moment Tracy Island
10

Alan forced to surrender the chip and is imprisoned

The Hood captures Alan's friends and forces him to hand over the remaining guidance chip. He is locked in the compound's walk-in freezer with Jeff and his allies. The personal stakes deepen as Alan endures the threat while trying to outsmart the Hood.

After chip capture Tracy Island compound
11

Hood crafts a London heist with Thunderbird 2

The Hood pilots Thunderbird 2 to London and uses the Mole to sink a monorail into the Thames and drill into the Bank of England vaults. IR loses its base of operations in the island attack, while the bank robbery marks the climactic test of the rescue team’s resolve. Alan and the others prepare a counter-move.

Hood’s departure for London London, UK
12

Monorail rescue and pursuit through London

Alan and Tin-Tin rescue the submerged monorail car with Thunderbird 4, enabling civilians to escape and complicating the Hood’s plan. This move shifts momentum back toward IR as the chase continues through London. The family then pursues the Hood in Thunderbird 1.

During pursuit London
13

Family returns from space and confront Hood

The rest of the Tracy clan returns from space aboard Thunderbird 3 and confronts the Hood at the Bank of England. Jeff and Lady Penelope are captured, and the heroes must outwit the villain to save them. Alan takes on the Hood in a direct confrontation in the bank.

Climax Bank of England, London
14

Final duel: Tin-Tin defeats Hood; Alan rescues him

During the final showdown, Tin-Tin faces the Hood and defeats him on a catwalk above the Mole's moving drill. Alan, inspired by his father’s memory, rescues the Hood and learns that Jeff had attempted to save him years earlier. The Hood and his cohort are arrested as order is restored.

Final battle Bank/near Mole, London
15

Induction of new team members

With the Hood neutralized, International Rescue returns to Tracy Island. Alan, Fermat, and Tin-Tin are officially inducted as members of the Thunderbirds, signaling a new generation joining the elite rescue team. The family legacy continues with shared responsibility for IR’s mission.

End Tracy Island

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 10:29

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