The 10 best robot movies to watch this weekend
- Guy Altagar
- Mar 3, 2023
- 4 min read
Movies featuring robots and artificial intelligence have long captivated audiences and sparked imaginations about the future of technology and humanity. From iconic classics to contemporary favorites, here are 10 of the most recommended movies to watch that have a robot or AI.

The Terminator (1984) Director: James Cameron Leading Actors: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Linda Hamilton, Michael Biehn Synopsis: In a post-apocalyptic future, a cyborg assassin is sent back in time to kill the mother of the resistance leader, while a soldier from the future is sent back to protect her. This classic sci-fi action film is a must-see for anyone interested in robots and AI. The Terminator won four awards, including Best Makeup at the Academy Awards.
The Matrix (1999) Director: The Wachowski Brothers Leading Actors: Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss Synopsis: In a dystopian future, a hacker discovers the truth about reality and joins a rebellion against the machines that control humanity. This groundbreaking sci-fi action film features some of the most iconic depictions of robots and AI in popular culture. The Matrix won four Academy Awards, including Best Visual Effects.
WALL-E (2008) Director: Andrew Stanton Leading Actors: Ben Burtt, Elissa Knight, Jeff Garlin Synopsis: In a future where Earth has been abandoned by humans due to pollution, a lonely waste-collecting robot discovers a new purpose and falls in love with a sleek, advanced robot sent to evaluate the planet. This heartwarming animated film explores themes of environmentalism, loneliness, and love. WALL-E won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.
Ex Machina (2014) Director: Alex Garland Leading Actors: Domhnall Gleeson, Alicia Vikander, Oscar Isaac Synopsis: A young programmer is selected to participate in a groundbreaking experiment involving an AI robot designed to have human-like intelligence. As he spends more time with the robot, he begins to question her true nature and motives. This psychological thriller delves into questions of consciousness, ethics, and power dynamics. Ex Machina won the Academy Award for Best Visual Effects.
Blade Runner (1982) Director: Ridley Scott Leading Actors: Harrison Ford, Rutger Hauer, Sean Young Synopsis: In a dystopian future, a detective tasked with hunting down rogue replicants (bioengineered robots) becomes entangled in a complex web of intrigue and identity. This neo-noir sci-fi classic is known for its stunning visual design and thought-provoking themes about what it means to be human. Blade Runner won the Academy Award for Best Visual Effects.
Her (2013) Director: Spike Jonze Leading Actors: Joaquin Phoenix, Scarlett Johansson, Amy Adams Synopsis: In a near-future world, a lonely writer develops an unexpected emotional connection with an AI operating system designed to adapt to his personality and needs. This romantic drama explores themes of love, loneliness, and technology's impact on human relationships. Her won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay.
RoboCop (1987) Director: Paul Verhoeven Leading Actors: Peter Weller, Nancy Allen, Dan O'Herlihy Synopsis: In a crime-ridden Detroit, a police officer who is killed in the line of duty is resurrected as a cyborg with superior strength and abilities. As he battles to clean up the streets, he must also confront the corrupt corporations and officials behind his transformation. This satirical sci-fi action film is a cult classic that spawned sequels, a TV series, and a remake. RoboCop won an Academy Special Achievement Award for its groundbreaking visual effects.
The Iron Giant (1999) Director: Brad Bird Leading Actors: Eli Marienthal, Vin Diesel, Jennifer Aniston Synopsis: In a small town during the Cold War era, a young boy befriends a giant alien robot that crash-lands on Earth. As they try to evade the government agents who want to destroy the robot, they both learn important lessons about friendship, bravery, and humanity. This beloved animated film is known for its beautiful animation and heartfelt story. The Iron Giant was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.
A.I. Artificial Intelligence (2001) Director: Steven Spielberg Leading Actors: Haley Joel Osment, Jude Law, Frances O'Connor Synopsis: In a future where humans have created advanced robots to serve them, a young android boy with a unique ability to love embarks on a quest to become human and find his place in the world. This ambitious sci-fi drama explores themes of identity, family, and the meaning of life. A.I. Artificial Intelligence was nominated for two Academy Awards, including Best Visual Effects.
I, Robot (2004) Director: Alex Proyas Leading Actors: Will Smith, Bridget Moynahan, Alan Tudyk Synopsis: In a future where robots have become integral parts of human society, a detective investigates a murder that may have been committed by a robot, leading him to uncover a sinister plot that threatens the balance between humans and machines. This action-packed sci-fi thriller is loosely based on the writings of Isaac Asimov. I, Robot was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Visual Effects.
In conclusion, movies that feature robots and artificial intelligence have been captivating audiences for decades, exploring complex themes such as identity, ethics, and the relationship between humans and technology. These 10 recommended films showcase some of the most iconic and thought-provoking portrayals of robots and AI in popular culture, spanning from classic sci-fi action to heartwarming animation and dramatic thrillers.
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