10 Movies & Shows Like Robots (2023)

Description: A comedic yet thoughtful story about a military robot that gains sentience after being struck by lightning, examining themes of consciousness and the value of all life.

Fact: The robot Johnny 5 was portrayed by several different animatronic models, some weighing over 200 pounds. The film spawned a sequel and influenced many later robot characters.

Description: A touching tale of a boy who befriends a giant alien robot, dealing with themes of humanity, sacrifice, and the fear of the unknown in a Cold War-era setting.

Fact: The film was a box office disappointment initially but later gained a massive cult following. Director Brad Bird considered it a metaphor for gun control.

Description: A profound exploration of a highly advanced robotic boy's quest to become 'real' and experience human love, delving deep into questions of consciousness and emotion.

Fact: Originally a Stanley Kubrick project that was passed to Steven Spielberg after Kubrick's death. The film combines Kubrick's cold futurism with Spielberg's emotional storytelling.

Description: An animated adventure set in a world entirely populated by robots, following an idealistic young inventor's journey against corporate greed and planned obsolescence.

Fact: The film features over 26 different types of metal finishes to create its unique visual style. Robin Williams recorded most of his lines in just two days of recording sessions.

Description: A futuristic story about a powerful robot boy created by a grieving scientist, exploring what it means to be human and the responsibilities that come with great power.

Fact: Based on the 1950s manga by Osamu Tezuka, often considered the father of anime. The character was originally created as a response to the loss of Tezuka's younger brother.

Description: Set in a near-future where robot boxing has replaced human matches, focusing on the bond between a former boxer and his son through their shared love for their underdog robot.

Fact: The robot boxing scenes were created using a combination of CGI and practical animatronics. The film is loosely based on Richard Matheson's 1956 short story 'Steel'.

Description: A sci-fi epic featuring giant human-piloted robots battling monstrous creatures, emphasizing teamwork, sacrifice, and humanity's resilience through advanced technology.

Fact: The film's concept was inspired by Guillermo del Toro's childhood love of kaiju films and mecha anime. The robots' movements were designed to feel heavy and realistic.

Description: A unique take on artificial intelligence through the story of a police robot who gains consciousness, exploring themes of free will, nature vs nurture, and what defines a soul.

Fact: The film's visual style was heavily influenced by director Neill Blomkamp's earlier work in District

Description: A heartwarming story about a young prodigy and his inflatable healthcare robot companion, exploring themes of friendship, loss, and heroism through advanced robotics and futuristic technology.

Fact: The character Baymax was inspired by a real-life healthcare robot prototype. The film's setting, San Fransokyo, is a creative blend of San Francisco and Tokyo architecture.

Description: A coming-of-age story about a girl who befriends a damaged alien robot, blending action with emotional storytelling about friendship and finding one's place in the world.

Fact: This was the first live-action Transformers movie to receive widespread critical acclaim. The film's 1980s setting was inspired by classic Amblin Entertainment movies.