Family Films About Technology

Description: Set during the Cold War, this film tells the story of a boy who befriends a giant robot from space. It's a touching exploration of identity, friendship, and the ethics of technology, making it a timeless family film.

Fact: The film was a box office disappointment but has since gained a cult following. Brad Bird, the director, went on to direct other acclaimed animated films like "The Incredibles."

Description: Directed by Steven Spielberg, this film explores the life of David, a childlike android programmed with the ability to love. It delves into deep themes about what it means to be human, making it a thought-provoking watch for older children and adults.

Fact: The project was originally conceived by Stanley Kubrick, who passed it to Spielberg after his death. The film features a unique blend of Kubrick's vision and Spielberg's emotional storytelling.

Description: In this animated adventure, Rodney Copperbottom, an aspiring inventor, travels to Robot City to meet his idol, Bigweld. The film explores themes of innovation, creativity, and the importance of fixing what's broken, all through the lens of robotics.

Fact: The film features a voice cast including Ewan McGregor, Robin Williams, and Halle Berry. It was also one of the first animated films to use a new rendering technique called "subsurface scattering" for realistic skin effects.

Description: While not strictly about IT, this animated film features a rat named Roddy who ends up in the sewers where he encounters a world of gadgets and technology. It's a fun, light-hearted look at how technology can be both a marvel and a mess.

Fact: The film was a collaboration between DreamWorks Animation and Aardman Animations, known for their stop-motion work. It was one of the first Aardman films to use CGI extensively.

Description: Emmet, an ordinary Lego minifigure, is mistakenly thought to be the key to saving the world. The film uses technology and creativity as central themes, showcasing how imagination can overcome any obstacle.

Fact: The film was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Original Song for "Everything Is Awesome." It also features a mix of stop-motion and CGI animation techniques.

Description: In this installment of the Spy Kids series, the children of a retired spy must save the world using gadgets and technology. It's an action-packed, tech-savvy adventure perfect for family viewing.

Fact: The film introduced new characters and technology, including the Timekeeper, a villain who can manipulate time. It was also the last film in the series directed by Robert Rodriguez.

Description: Set in the futuristic city of San Fransokyo, this film tells the story of Hiro Hamada, a robotics prodigy, and his inflatable robot Baymax. It's a heartwarming tale of friendship, technology, and heroism, making it a great pick for family viewing.

Fact: Big Hero 6 was the first Disney animated film to be based on a Marvel comic book. The character Baymax was inspired by a real-life soft robotics project at Carnegie Mellon University.

Description: This animated comedy follows a quirky family on a road trip that turns into an unexpected battle against rogue AI and robots. It's a perfect blend of family dynamics and tech satire, making it a must-watch for tech enthusiasts of all ages.

Fact: The film was originally titled "Connected" but was renamed to avoid confusion with another movie. It was also the first animated film to be released simultaneously on Netflix and in theaters.

Description: This Pixar masterpiece explores a future where Earth is abandoned due to environmental neglect, and a small waste-collecting robot named WALL-E finds love and purpose. It's a poignant look at technology's role in our future, suitable for family discussions.

Fact: WALL-E has very little dialogue for the first 30 minutes, relying on visual storytelling. The film was also praised for its environmental message and its depiction of AI.

Description: This lesser-known gem follows a group of robots on Mars who must deal with a human visitor. It's a fun, family-friendly sci-fi adventure that explores themes of AI, autonomy, and human-robot interaction.

Fact: The film was made with a very low budget but managed to capture the hearts of indie film fans with its unique storytelling and DIY aesthetic.