15 best animated movies with a robot protagonist

Robot cartoon movies have been a staple of family films for decades, especially since the cartoon format allows for more inventive and imaginative character designs. Although many have robots simply as a supporting character, there are also many that have a robot protagonist, either as a helping hand for the hero of the story or even as the hero himself. The first robot in a movie was in 1927s Metropolis, Which was live-action, but once the animated film industry was in full swing, hand-drawn (and later CGI) robots became a regular sight.

Animated movies tend to take the opposite view of artificial intelligence, too. Although most live-action movie robots are evil, their animated counterparts tend to be much more healthy. From modern hits such as The Mitchells vs. the Machines To classic like the iron giant, There are many movies that suggest that something other than evil can come from androids with artificial intelligence. While Android enthusiasts might get a kick out of any Mechanoid that’s on screen, The best animated movies with robots stand out for both their broad appeal and their unique take on the idea of ​​a mechanical hero.

15

9

Ragdolls fight for survival in the robot-controlled world

While many of the best animated robot movies offer family-friendly fun, 9 Is perhaps a little too dark for younger viewers. The movie is set An alternate timeline in the 1940s when a dictator created a robot army to fight his enemies only for the robots to turn on humanity as a whole. The scientist who was forced to create them uses a mix of science and magic to transfer his soul into the bodies of nine ragdolls with the hopes of saving humanity.

This inventive animated film sees the robot apocalypse from a unique and fun perspective. Instead of being a futuristic world of robot masters, audiences get to see the 1940s version of killer robots taking over the world. Unlike many other animated movie robots, these robots serve as the villains of the story and are appropriately intimidating. The Fabrication Machine is a particularly memorable design that serves as the main villain, the robot whose intelligence went amok in the first place and doomed humanity..

14

Robot Dreams (2023)

A dog and a robot form an impactful bond

While robots offer fun sci-fi worlds to explore in movies, they can also be used in more grounded and relatable stories, such as the Spanish-French animated movie Robot Dreams. The movie goes A lonely dog ​​who struggles to meet new friends decides to order a robot that can be his companion. They make a perfect duo until they are unexpectedly separated and spend their days waiting to be reunited.

Robot Dreams is a feature length animated movie without dialogue. Instead, these charming and captivating images tell a story of friendship and relationships that is insightful, heartbreaking and inspiring. It explores the idea of ​​finding a person who makes life better, the pain of losing that person, and the understanding that there are other relationships in the world. The robot protagonist is a sweet and caring creature who goes on his own adventure with dreams of seeing his friend again.

13

Transformers one

The Original Story of Optimus Prime and Megatron

The Transformers Franchise has been live-action since Michael Bay’s 2007 movie, however Transformers one Takes the smart approach by bringing it all back to its roots with an exciting big-budget animated adventure. Transformers one Is an origin story that Explore the past relationship between Optimus Prime and Megatron on their home planet Cybertron before they became bitter enemies. It also explores the iconic characters beginning their journey as Transformers.

One of the biggest complaints about the US Transformers Movies were very much focused on the human characters over the titular robots. The animated name allows the robots in disguise to take the spotlight againBeing fleshed out as fun and layered characters. They are also brought to life by a terrific voice cast that includes Chris Hemsworth, Brian Tyree Henry and Scarlett Johansson. It is an action-packed and surprisingly emotional addition to these Transformers Mythology that could start a new animated series of movies.

12

Next Gen (2018)

The charming adaptation of a globally popular Chinese webcomic

Just like animated movies, robotic heroes have also been a staple of comic books since the medium became popular. With that in mind, It’s little surprise that one of the best movies with a robot protagonist is an adaptation of a popular webcomicnamely Wang Nima S 7723. Directors Kevin R. Adams and Joe Xander adapted 7723 In the animated movie next general, And in doing so, Netflix introduced subscribers to the beloved weapon that is the robotic hero 7723.

Mai is an angry teenage girl who is dragged along by her robot-obsessed mother to a launch for the new Gen 6 K-Bots, where she stumbles upon a secret project created by Dr. Rice called Project 77, the product of which is The product. Robot 7723. next gen is a heartfelt story of relationships as Mai and 7723 go on many misadventures together, Destroying other robots and confronting Mai’s bullies, learn to let go of bad memories and create better ones.

When Mai’s mother is kidnapped by Justin Pin, they team up to save her, and 7723 sacrifices his memory to reboot his weapon system and the final battle between good versus evil ensues. Save Mai’s mother and all humanity in the process.

11

Meet the Robinsons (2007)

A robot childminder shines as the most memorable character of the movie

While wall-e And Great hero 6 Are well-known titles from the House of Mouse, they are not the only time Disney has managed to win hearts with a robot in their animated movies. 2007s Meet the Robinsons May not be a huge hit for the studios, but it has one of their most memorable mechanical characters. Carl the robot may not be the main character in Meet the Robinsons, But he gives many laughs from his panicky behavior when he realizes Wilbur brought Lois into the future after sneaking away from the robot’s watch.

Carl’s duty is to keep an eye on Wilbur and prevent him from getting into trouble, and this is back when Bowler Hat Guy threatens everyone with his diabolical plans to destroy the world. The robot is the first character viewers meet when the two boys travel to the Robinsons’ home, and he warns Wilbur of the trouble they would be in if they were caught. Although he helps Wilbur save Lois and the memory scanner, he is impaled soon after, prompting him to ask Lois to consider building him muscles in the future.

10

Robots (2005)

The cult-classic animated movie where every character is a robot, hero or not

Robots is an underrated animated film about the importance of chasing your dreams and never giving up, no matter what. As the title also suggests, the 2005 animated movie from director Chris Wedge is full of memorable robot heroes, villains and everything in between.Since every character in the film is one. Rodney Copperbottom has big dreams of being someone in the world as an aspiring inventor and decides to take the leap of faith and travel to Robot City to meet his childhood hero Bigweld.

When Ratchet takes over for Bigweld and threatens the existence of any robot that can’t afford fancy new parts, Rodney and the rest of the Misfits team up to prevent them from becoming scrap metal in the chop shop. With an incredible cast including Ewan McGregor, Mel Brooks, Halle Berry, Amanda Bynes and even the late Robin Williams in his hilarious role as Fender, there’s a lot to love about this robot flick.

9

Treasure Planet (2002)

An intergalactic take on a classic adventure story

The early 2000s were a strange time for Disney and Western animation. With CGI going into full swing, traditionally hand-drawn animation has taken a back seat. However, before Disney and their competitors fully embraced CGI, there were a handful of beautifully stylistic animated movies – One of which was the 2002 cult hit treasure planet, Which also included what is perhaps Disney’s best animated robot, BEN BEN was once the navigator of the space pirate ship until Captain Flint stole his memory and left him stranded on Treasure Planet where Jim Hawkins comes upon him.

The beloved robot then returns with Jim and works at the Benbow Inn helping his mother take care of the hotel.

The eccentric robot then helps Jim uncover Flint’s treasure which he remembers is buried deep in the center of the ship’s mechanism. BEN provides many humorous moments in the film, As he is able to deactivate the cannons on the ship through trial and error and the two new friends work together to save the entire crew. The beloved robot then returns with Jim and works at the Benbow Inn helping his mother take care of the hotel.

8

Astro Boy (2009)

The classic robot hero from a timeless manga explodes on the big screen

One of the best movies with a robot hero focuses on a character who has been one of the most popular manga characters in Japan since his debut in 1952 – writer and illustrator Osamu Tezuka’s Astro Boy. 2009s Astro Boy Movie comes from director David Bowers, and captures all the charm of the on-page. Astro Boy Takes place in the 22nd century, where Metro City is suspended above ground using advanced technology, and humans rely on robots to do everything for them.

Astro Boy Has a dark background story, the robot child was invented by Dr. Tenma after his son dies in a terrible accident, using a strand of his dead child’s hair as well as his memories combined with blue energy to bring him back to life The reunion was short-lived when Dr.

Through his adventures, he learns the joys and emotions of being human with the help of his newfound friends and returns to Metro City to save everyone from the evil created by President Stone.

7

Ron’s Gone Wrong (2021)

A malfunctioning robot companion becomes a boy’s best friend

There are several movies where an AI companion is portrayed as a must-have accessory, but few put their spin on the concept quite like 2021’s. Ron’s gone wrong From director duo Sarah Smith and Philip Wayne. Barney Pudowski is a socially awkward middle schooler who has a hard time making friends.. What’s more, due to his family’s financial situation, he can’t afford a B-Bot—an artificial robot companion that functions more or less like a self-aware smartphone on wheels—like the other kids at school.

His dad and grandma buy him a slightly damaged B-bot illegally from a delivery driver in an alley as a chance for Barney to fit in, which Barney names Ron. However, it quickly comes to light that something about Ron is a little off, his code is not programmed correctly. After Ron fights a bully, Barney decides to teach the B-Bot everything there is to know about friendship, learning valuable lessons along the way.

Ron’s gone wrong Brings one of the best non-Disney animated robots who becomes a hero in a heartwarming and funny film with the message that making friends is so much more than an algorithm.

6

The Mitchells vs. The Machines (2021)

A pair of malfunctioning robots rebel against their programming to help humanity

2021s The Mitchells vs. The machines is an animated take on the classic trope of rogue AI going to war with humanity. The plot takes inspiration and almost satirizes movies like The Terminator And The matrix franchise with its AI antagonist, PAL. however, This animated movie featuring robots from director Mike Rianda also features some incredibly memorable android heroestoo. in The Mitchells vs. The machinesKatie Mitchell finds herself on a family road trip, with her dad planning one last chance to bond with her before she drops out of film school in California.

During their trip, a robot apocalypse breaks out led by PAL, who orders all robots to launch every human into space. Two hilariously malfunctioning robots called Eric and Debrahbot 5000 join forces with the Mitchells to defeat PAL after accidentally revealing there is a kill code they can upload that will put a stop to the uprising. The robots become like family to the Mitchells, calling Linda their mom and even accompanying Katie to Washington DC where she accepts the Congressional Gold Medal after saving the world.

5

Game Ghost in the Shell

A police cyborg explores her past

Game Ghost in the Shell is another animated movie that is not suitable for younger audiences but is still an exciting story with bold sci-fi ideas. The anime film is set in 2029 and follows Motoko Kusanagi, A cyborg police officer who is assigned to hunt down a powerful hacker. However, she begins to question her reality and her purpose as she delves into her past and where she came from.

Game Ghost in the Shell is said to have a huge influence on The matrix And it’s not hard to see how.

The movie is an interesting look at the humanity behind machines with similar themes as explored in the Blade Runner Franchise. The world of the story is one in which the line between robots and humans is constantly blurred, Making the protagonist and her search for the truth a complex and thought-provoking with each new discovery. Game Ghost in the Shell is said to have a huge influence on The matrix And it’s not hard to see how.

4

Big Hero 6 (2014)

Disney’s very own robot superhero

Disney may own the MCU and, by extension, have the greatest success of any studio with superhero movies, but Marvel Comics isn’t the only time they’ve had success in the genre. 20014 s Great hero 6 Became a beloved animated superhero movie from the moment it was released, winning over the audience with its refreshing story and unique aesthetic blend of western and eastern architecture in the city of San Fransocio. however, The main reason for the success of Great hero 6 Is, of course, the lovable robot hero Baymax.

After Tadashi dies a tragic death in an explosion, Hiro finds himself left with Baymax, a huggable healthcare robot invented by his older brother. When an evil man in a kabuki mask is revealed to have stolen Hiro’s microbots, Hiro programs Baymax to learn martial arts moves and builds him an outer armor, set to reveal who’s behind the mask.

Great hero 6 is a notable superhero movie filled with unlikely heroes

Baymax makes the ultimate sacrifice at the end when he detects human life in a giant teleporter, and bids farewell to Hiro to save Professor Callaghan’s daughter. Great hero 6 is a notable superhero movie filled with unlikely heroes who choose to bring justice without harming anyone and is full of powerful emotions at every turn.

3

The wild robot

A server robot crashes in the desert and helps the wild animals

The latest animated robot movie has already established itself as one of the best. The wild robot is an animated adventure based on the novel by Peter Brown. It goes A server robot that, en route to a new customer, crashes in the desert. As it tries to go about its programming by helping every scared creature that it finds, it becomes the unwelcome mother to a newborn goose, and together with a lonely fox, tries to help the little bird learn to fly.

The movie has a lot of fun exploring the robot’s need to help every living thing it comes across while also showing its growing connection to the young goose.

The wild robot is another DreamWorks animated classic with the right mix of humor, adventure and heart. The movie has a lot of fun exploring the robot’s need to help every living thing it comes across while also showing its growing connection to the young goose. It is A story of unconventional families, the struggles of parents, and the strength of a community.

2

Wall-E (2008)

Pixar’s robotic hero who’s brimming with heartwarming charm

If there is any animated movie studio known for creating emotional and heartwarming films, it is Pixar, and in 2008 they proved that their unique charm can even work when the hero of the movie is a robot with minimal speech lines. 2008s wall-e is considered by many to be among the best Pixar movies of the 2000s, and it’s entirely down to the titular mechanical hero. Wall-E is an adorable, trash-compacting robot whose only friend is a cockroach; The humans have abandoned the planet after rendering it unlivable.

He is very happy when he meets Eve, a robot sent to Earth to detect if anything habitable remains, and shows her all the special treasures he has collected over the years. Eve goes into hibernation mode after Wal-E brings her a plant he found, and he makes it his duty to protect her from the tumultuous weather that ensues. wall-e is a film that is sure to capture hearts everywhere, root for the little robot to find a place in the world, and also show the importance of doing better as a society.

1

Iron Giant (1999)

A war machine from Mars becomes a boy’s best friend

When discussing animated robot heroes in movies, many would quote The Iron Giant Like the top of stories where one takes center stage. The 1999 cult classic is beloved by its fans and is loosely based on the 1968 Ted Hughes novel. The Iron Man. in the iron giant, Hogarth befriends a giant robot that falls from the sky and teaches him that you are who you choose to be.

However, Hogarth soon learns that he must hide his mechanical companion from the adults in his small town, especially when paranoid FBI agent Kent Mansley shows up to investigate the strange goings-on. Kent believes that the robot was sent to America as a dangerous weapon and insists that it must be destroyed, sending word to the military base about its location and threatening the entire population of the town.

The ending is tear-inducing as the giant robot bids farewell and soars into the sky to prevent a missile from killing everyoneSmiling at the thought of being like Superman. The ending has a hint that the Iron Giant has regrouped and not been completely destroyed, and there are high hopes for a sequel among many. Iron Giant Fans.