15 Best Robot Movies for Kids

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By In The Playroom

The other day we were struggling to pick a movie for family movie night, and after scrolling for ages we finally settled on Next Gen on Netflix. It turned out to be a really good movie, and it made me realise that so many of our family’s favourites actually end up being robot movies.

They’re a real hit across all ages of our kids, which makes them perfect for when we want something everyone can enjoy together.

best robot movies for kids

Best Robot Movies for Family Movie Night

Robots have always fascinated kids, whether they’re building their own from Lego or watching them come to life on screen. From heartwarming friendships to epic adventures, robot movies are packed with action, humor, and valuable lessons about courage, kindness, and what it really means to be human.

If you’re planning a family movie night, these robot-themed films are perfect picks for kids of all ages.

1. Big Hero 6

This has to be one of the movies we’ve watched the most times over the years. Baymax is everyone’s favorite inflatable healthcare companion turned superhero. This movie mixes science, superhero action, and a lot of heart. Kids love the fun inventions and emotional story about friendship, teamwork, and healing.

Big Hero 6 really highlights the bond between Hiro and his brother’s medicare robot, Baymax. Kids especially love seeing Hiro’s invention come to life, and parents will enjoy the way this film balances humor with a thought-provoking story.

big hero 6 movie

2. Next Gen

This action-packed animated adventure introduces Mai, a lonely girl who discovers a secret robot with incredible powers. Together, they take on villains while forming an unlikely friendship. It’s a bit more intense in places than some options, but older kids will really enjoy the mix of humor and excitement. I feel like this is an underrated movie that should be watched. 

Netflix next gen movie

3. The Wild Robot

Based on the bestselling children’s book, this film follows Roz, a robot who finds herself stranded on a wild island. As she learns to survive and care for the animals around her, kids are introduced to big themes like belonging, kindness, and the balance of nature and technology.

​This movie is beautifully made and heart warming, definitely a must see.

wild robot movie

4. WALL-E

This classic Pixar film is both funny and thought-provoking. WALL-E may not say much, but his adventures teach kids about love, taking care of the planet, and the importance of staying connected to the world around us.

WALL-E’s adventures aren’t just about saving Planet Earth, they’re also filled with little relics of human culture, from old movies to quirky gadgets. This makes it fun for kids while also sparking conversations about how the real world might look in the near future if we don’t take care of it.

wall e movie

5. Robots

In this colorful animated comedy, Rodney dreams of making the world a better place for everyone. With lots of slapstick humor, quirky characters, and inspiring messages, it’s a fun choice for younger viewers.

Related: Review – Robots Bluray

robots movie

6. The Iron Giant

A timeless story about a boy and his giant robot friend. It’s filled with adventure, but also touches on deeper ideas like bravery, sacrifice, and the power of choosing kindness.

Set during the Cold War, this film uses the story of an alien robot to explore themes of fear, trust, and courage. It’s a family movie that feels timeless, showing how even a dangerous new type of robot can become a young boy’s best friend.”

the iron giant movie

7. Astro Boy

This futuristic story of a robot boy trying to find his place in the world has action, humor, and heart. It’s a great pick for kids who enjoy superhero-style stories with plenty of adventure.

astro boy movie

8. Transformers Movies

The Transformers films are packed with action, adventure, and of course, plenty of advanced robots. With the Autobots battling the evil Decepticons to protect Planet Earth, these movies are a thrill for older kids and teens who love big battles, stunning visuals, and outer space technology clashing with the real world.

While they’re a bit too intense for younger children, the Transformers series has become a huge part of modern robot storytelling and continues to be a favorite for families with older kids who enjoy action-packed science fiction.

Related: Transformers ONE Free Printable Activities!

transformers movie

9. Ron’s Gone Wrong

This modern robot movie shows what happens when a socially awkward boy gets a robot buddy who doesn’t quite work the way it’s supposed to. Funny and relatable, it also shares a great message about friendship in a tech-driven world.

Rons gone wrong movie

10. The Mitchells vs. The Machines

Packed with laughs and action, this film follows a quirky family on a road trip during a robot uprising. It’s colorful, funny, and full of heart, making it a big hit for family movie nights.

the Mitchells vs the machines movie

11. Bicentennial Man

Robin Williams brings warmth and humor to this thought-provoking story about an advanced robot who spends 200 years trying to understand humanity. Based on a tale by Isaac Asimov, it’s a great film for older kids and families to watch together when you want something a little deeper.

bicentennial man movie

12. Robot Dreams

This beautiful animated film tells the story of an unlikely friendship between a lonely dog and a robot in the big city. With a silent film style and stunning visuals, it shows how robots can sometimes be our best friends, while also touching on themes of loss and moving forward.

robot dreams

13. Treasure Planet

A sci-fi twist on a classic adventure, this animated movie blends outer space with pirates and even an alien robot sidekick. With its stunning visuals and action, it’s a family movie that appeals to generations of science fiction fans.

treasure planet

14. Short Circuit

This classic from the 1980s features a goofy science whiz who accidentally gives life to a military robot. What follows is comedy, adventure, and a trash-collecting robot who discovers what it means to be alive. Still fun for kids today, especially if you’re exploring the interesting features of movies that shaped robot storytelling.

short circuit movie

15. Inspector Gadget

Part animated movie, part live-action in recent years, this fun story follows the main character, a bumbling detective filled with special abilities thanks to his robot gadgets. With lots of humor, slapstick, and goofy villains, it’s perfect for younger kids who want a lighthearted robot story.

inspector gadget movie

Robot movies are always a hit because they blend imagination with lessons kids can take away into real life. Whether your children are into action, comedy, or heartfelt stories, there’s a robot film on this list that will capture their imagination and spark fun conversations after the credits roll.

Robot movies cover so many styles from animated film adventures with science kids and goofy science whizzes, to deeper films about android replicas or humans facing futuristic challenges. Whichever it is, robots continue to capture imaginations across generations

Looking back, I’ve realised that robot movies have become some of our go-to choices for family movie nights. They always manage to entertain all the kids, no matter their ages, and often leave us with fun conversations about science, technology, and even kindness. Whether it’s a trash-collecting robot, a healthcare companion, or a futuristic invention, these stories bring something special that keeps us coming back again and again.

More Movie Lists for Kids

If you enjoyed this roundup of robot movies, you might also love our other movie lists. We’ve gathered recommendations for family movies across all sorts of themes, from magical adventures to heartwarming animal stories, so you’ll always have ideas ready for your next family film night.

We’d love it if you could share this blog post with other parents and friends who might be looking for family movie night inspiration. Sharing helps us keep putting together more lists and ideas for you and your kids to enjoy!

best movies about robots for kids

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