All toddlers go through an obsessive stage where they just get stuck on things. My toddler is currently in a robot movie stage. Luckily, it doesn’t seem to be one particular robot movie, just robot movies in general, so I get the pleasure of finding new movies for him to watch so as to avoid watching the same movie over and over again. To my surprise there are actually numerous excellent robot movies for kids out there, some of which you’ll likely enjoy too.
The Iron Giant (1999)
Set in the 1950s, The Iron Giant tells the story of an awkward young boy who lives every little boy’s fantasy; he gets his own real gigantic robot. Unfortunately, falling robots from the sky invite military attention, and Hogarth must protect his new friend from destruction while teaching the robot and himself a little about life and destiny.
Wall-E (2008)
Admittedly carrying a deep message, Wall-E follows a clean-up bots search for love on our planet in the distance future where all human life has been forced into space by trash. Along the way he helps the overgrown, chubby remains of humanity rediscover their drive for life and retake Earth for future generations.
Robots (2005)
A beautifully voiced cartoon with Robin Williams, Robots is about a nobody robot who decides to live his dream and become an inventor. When he makes it to the big city, however, he discovers his childhood idol is in big trouble and he must save older model robots everywhere from an evil robot and her son who seek to upgrade or scrap everyone.
Short Circuit (1987)
This one has some profanity and a bit of shooting, but is a classic robot movie for kids. There is also a sequel, Short Circuit 2 from 1988. This first movie finds a military grade robot struck by lightening who comes alive and escapes. “Johnny Five,” as he later names himself, helps his creator find love while finding a place in this life for a sentient robot.
Astroboy (2009)
After a robotic genius loses his son, he builds a new one. However, he does not find happiness in his new son and rejects him. Astro then runs away and embarks on a journey to acceptance which ends when he faces his father and saves the day in the process.
While those are the top five in my book so to speak, for your robot loving children’s pleasure, here is a list of more robot films for kids:
Transformers (The old cartoons and the newer movies for older kids)
Real Steel (2011)
Batteries Not Included (1987)
Little Robots Series (2003)
Zathura (2006)
The Last Starfighter (1984)
Backyardigan’s Robot Rampage (2009)
Gumby’s Robot Rumpus (1956)
Flight of the Navigator (1986)
Star Wars (old and new movies)
Treasure Planet (2002)
The Black Hole (1979)
What’s your favorite robot movie?
You may also enjoy:
10 Movies from the ’80s Your Kids Should See
10 More Movies from the ”80s Your Kids Should See
5 Movies My Toddlers Obsessed Over