The 20 Best Robot Movies of All Time

20. Westworld (1973)

Before HBO turned it into a mind-bending TV series, Westworld was a 1973 sci-fi western that introduced the terrifying concept of amusement park robots gone rogue. Imagine going to Disneyland, and instead of friendly animatronic pirates, you get Yul Brynner as a cold-blooded, gun-slinging android who’s out for revenge. Yeah, not exactly a fun vacation. With a script from the legendary Michael Crichton (Jurassic Park), this film set the foundation for every “AI turns on humans” story that came after. If you love dystopian tech horror, you owe Westworld a watch—just don’t expect any happy endings. | © Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)

19. Chappie (2015)

What happens when you mix RoboCop, Short Circuit, and Die Antwoord? You get Chappie, Neill Blomkamp’s attempt at making a heartfelt sci-fi action flick, with Sharlto Copley voicing the adorably dangerous title robot. It’s basically Pinocchio meets District 9, but with more South African accents and gangsters. Hugh Jackman rocks a mullet (a crime in itself), while Dev Patel plays the scientist who gives Chappie his childlike intelligence. Is it ridiculous? Absolutely. Is it weirdly fun? Also yes. And let’s be real—if we ever develop AI, it’ll probably act more like Chappie than Terminator. | © Columbia Pictures

18. Bicentennial Man (1999)

If you like your robot movies with a hefty dose of existential crisis, Bicentennial Man is for you. Robin Williams delivers a heartwarming (and at times, heartbreaking) performance as Andrew, a humanoid robot who embarks on a 200-year journey to become human. Based on Isaac Asimov’s work, this film asks deep questions about identity, mortality, and whether robots can ever truly have souls. Yes, it leans heavily into sentimentality, but hey—when Robin Williams is at the helm, you embrace the tears. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and you’ll probably never look at your Alexa the same way again. | © Touchstone Pictures

17. I, Robot (2004)

Will Smith, killer robots, and a whole lot of Asimov-inspired paranoia—what’s not to love? I, Robot is a slick, action-packed mystery set in a world where humanoid robots are supposed to follow strict safety laws… until they don’t. Smith, at peak early-2000s charisma, plays a detective with a deep distrust of AI (and an even deeper love for Converse sneakers). The film’s sleek visuals and thrilling action make it a fun, popcorn-worthy ride, even if it takes some creative liberties with Asimov’s original stories. One thing’s for sure: I, Robot is proof that Hollywood loves making us fear our future robot overlords. | © 20th Century Fox

16. The Stepford Wives (1975)

Before "Stepford Wife" became shorthand for eerily perfect suburban spouses, The Stepford Wives was a chilling satire wrapped in a sci-fi thriller. Katharine Ross stars as a woman who moves to an idyllic Connecticut town where all the wives seem just a little too… obedient. Spoiler alert: they’re robots. While it leans into ‘70s feminist anxieties, the film also feels eerily relevant in the age of AI and automation. The 2004 remake with Nicole Kidman tried to add a comedic spin, but the original remains the superior mix of eerie and thought-provoking. Trust us—after watching, you’ll eye your Roomba with suspicion. | © Columbia Pictures

15. A.I. Artificial Intelligence (2001)

A movie about a robot boy who just wants to be loved? Get ready to cry. Originally developed by Stanley Kubrick and later directed by Steven Spielberg, A.I. Artificial Intelligence is a stunning yet heartbreaking film about an android child (Haley Joel Osment) abandoned by his human family. Jude Law shines as a futuristic gigolo bot (yes, really), and the film dives into heavy existential questions about love, identity, and what it means to be "real." Some say it’s too long, some say it’s too sad—but no one can deny that A.I. is visually stunning and emotionally haunting. Oh, and the ending? Debate-worthy for years. | © Warner Bros. / DreamWorks Pictures

14. Metropolis (1927)

The O.G. of robot movies, Metropolis isn’t just a film—it’s a cinematic landmark. Fritz Lang’s silent-era masterpiece introduced the world to Maria, the first truly iconic robot in film history. Set in a dystopian city where the elite live in luxury while workers suffer underground, the film’s themes still resonate almost a century later. The groundbreaking visuals and Art Deco aesthetics have influenced everything from Blade Runner to Star Wars. Sure, it’s nearly 100 years old, but Metropolis remains a must-watch for any sci-fi fan who wants to see where it all began. | © UFA

13. The Wild Robot (2024)

What happens when a robot crash-lands on a remote island and has to learn the ways of the wild? You get The Wild Robot, DreamWorks Animation's heartwarming tale of Roz, a robot who becomes an unlikely mother to an orphaned gosling. Voiced by the talented Lupita Nyong'o, Roz navigates the challenges of the wilderness, forming bonds with the island's animal inhabitants. With Pedro Pascal lending his voice to a sly fox and Catherine O'Hara as a wisecracking possum, the film boasts a stellar cast. Critics have praised its stunning animation and emotional depth, making it a standout in recent animated features. | © DreamWorks Animation

12. Robot & Frank (2012)

What if your caretaker was a robot? In Robot & Frank, Frank Langella plays an aging, former jewel thief whose children gift him a robot caretaker (voiced by Peter Sarsgaard). Instead of resisting the help, Frank sees an opportunity: a new heist partner. It’s a quirky, heartfelt dramedy that explores aging, technology, and what it means to truly connect—with both people and machines. Bonus points for a great supporting cast, including Liv Tyler and Susan Sarandon. If you’re looking for a robot movie with more heart than explosions, Robot & Frank is your hidden gem. | © Samuel Goldwyn Films

11. Her (2013)

Who knew a love story between a man and his AI assistant could be this emotional? Her is the kind of movie that makes you question your relationship with technology—and whether your phone might actually have feelings. Joaquin Phoenix plays a lonely writer who falls for his AI operating system, Samantha, voiced with soul (and a little sensuality) by Scarlett Johansson. With Spike Jonze’s dreamy direction, the film delivers a poignant exploration of love, loneliness, and whether AI companionship could ever replace real human connection. And let’s be honest—who wouldn’t want Scarlett Johansson as their virtual assistant? | © Warner Bros. Pictures

10. Metropolis (2001)

Not to be confused with the silent-era classic, this Metropolis is a visually stunning anime adaptation of Osamu Tezuka’s manga, itself inspired by Fritz Lang’s original film. Directed by Rintaro and featuring a screenplay by Akira creator Katsuhiro Otomo, this version brings the story to life with breathtaking animation and a jazz-infused soundtrack that feels both nostalgic and futuristic. The film follows the journey of a young boy and a mysterious robotic girl named Tima, as they navigate a world teetering between utopia and oppression. If you love cyberpunk aesthetics and a side of existential philosophy with your sci-fi, Metropolis is a must-watch. | © Toho

9. Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)

The ultimate robot movie? Some would argue yes. Terminator 2: Judgment Day didn’t just redefine action cinema—it gave us one of the greatest character turnarounds in movie history. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s T-800, once a relentless killing machine, is now a protective father figure for young John Connor (Edward Furlong). Meanwhile, Robert Patrick’s T-1000 is nightmare fuel, shifting into liquid metal and walking through prison bars like it’s nothing. James Cameron packed the film with groundbreaking visual effects, heart-pounding chases, and one of the most emotional thumbs-up endings of all time. If I’ll be back isn’t forever embedded in your brain, did you even watch T2? | © TriStar Pictures

8. WALL-E (2008)

Pixar took a trash-compacting robot and turned him into one of the most lovable characters in movie history. WALL-E starts as a near-silent film, following a lonely little bot cleaning up Earth long after humanity has abandoned it. But when he meets EVE, a sleek, high-tech probe droid, he embarks on an intergalactic journey that’s equal parts sci-fi epic and heart-melting romance. The film’s commentary on environmental destruction and human laziness is sharp, but at its core, WALL-E is a love story—between robots, yes, but also between audiences and an animated character who barely even speaks. | © Walt Disney Pictures / Pixar Animation Studios

7. Robot Dreams (2023)

If WALL-E made you emotional, Robot Dreams will absolutely wreck you. Based on the graphic novel by Sara Varon, this beautifully animated Spanish film tells the story of a lonely dog in 1980s New York who builds himself a robot companion. They become best friends—until a heartbreaking twist leaves the robot stranded. Without a single spoken word, the film masterfully tells a touching story about friendship, loss, and moving on. A bittersweet masterpiece that proves even robots can break our hearts. | © Arcadia Motion Pictures

6. 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)

The slow-burn sci-fi epic that launched a thousand conspiracy theories, 2001: A Space Odyssey is more than a movie—it’s an experience. Stanley Kubrick’s visually stunning and philosophically dense masterpiece gave us one of the most chilling AIs in cinema history: HAL 9000. Voiced by Douglas Rain, HAL is the eerily calm yet deeply terrifying computer system that slowly turns against its human crew. While Keir Dullea and Gary Lockwood do a solid job as the astronauts, HAL steals the show. Whether you interpret the film as a meditation on evolution, technology, or just a trippy space trip, 2001 remains one of the most influential sci-fi films ever made. | © Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)

5. The Iron Giant (1999)

If you don’t tear up at The Iron Giant’s final moments, you might be the real robot here. Brad Bird’s animated masterpiece follows a young boy named Hogarth (voiced by Eli Marienthal) who befriends a massive, weaponized robot (voiced by Vin Diesel, long before Groot). Set during the Cold War, the film beautifully explores themes of fear, identity, and sacrifice. With stunning animation, a heartfelt story, and a powerful anti-war message, The Iron Giant deserved far more love at the box office. Thankfully, time has turned it into a beloved classic. After all, "You are who you choose to be." | © Warner Bros. Animation

4. Mars Express (2023)

A sleek, noir-infused animated sci-fi thriller, Mars Express proves that cyberpunk is alive and well—even beyond Earth. Directed by Jérémie Périn, this stylish French animated film follows private detective Aline Ruby and her android partner, Carlos Rivera, as they navigate a crime-ridden Martian cityscape. With shades of Blade Runner and Ghost in the Shell, the movie delivers a gripping mystery, breathtaking visuals, and a chilling AI underbelly that feels all too plausible. It’s one of the freshest sci-fi films in recent years, blending action, philosophy, and noir aesthetics into a stunning package. If you haven’t seen Mars Express yet, consider this your boarding pass. | © Everybody on Deck

3. Ex Machina (2014)

Alicia Vikander as a mesmerizing AI? Oscar Isaac dancing? Ex Machina has it all. Alex Garland’s sleek, mind-bending thriller follows a young programmer (Domhnall Gleeson) who is invited to test the consciousness of Ava, a hyper-realistic AI. The deeper he digs, the more unsettling things become—because, let’s be honest, if an AI looks that human, there’s bound to be trouble. Vikander’s performance is hauntingly brilliant, and the film’s chilling ending will leave you questioning whether AI should ever have free will. Bonus: Oscar Isaac’s bizarre but hypnotic disco dance scene deserves its own award. | © A24

2. Ghost in the Shell (1995)

Before The Matrix made cyberpunk cool, Ghost in the Shell was redefining what animation—and AI-driven existentialism—could be. This anime classic follows Major Motoko Kusanagi, a cyborg government agent investigating a mysterious hacker known as the Puppet Master. With its philosophical musings on identity, consciousness, and what it means to be human, Ghost in the Shell is a visually breathtaking and thought-provoking ride. The film's influence can be seen everywhere, from Blade Runner 2049 to Westworld. And no, we’re not talking about the 2017 live-action version—just pretend that one never happened. | © Bandai Visual / Manga Entertainment

1. Blade Runner (1982)

The ultimate robot movie. The king of cyberpunk. The film that made us all question whether Harrison Ford’s Deckard was human or a replicant (and 40 years later, we’re still debating it). Ridley Scott’s Blade Runner is a neo-noir masterpiece, with stunning visuals, a haunting Vangelis score, and a legendary performance from Rutger Hauer as the poetic, tragic replicant Roy Batty. His "tears in rain" monologue? Pure cinema. With Sean Young as the enigmatic Rachael and Edward James Olmos throwing around cryptic origami, Blade Runner set the standard for AI in film. It wasn’t a hit at first, but time has cemented it as one of the greatest sci-fi films ever made. | © Warner Bros. / The Ladd Company