The Films About Robots subgenre resides in the Sci-fi genre and also includes Films About Cyborgs and Films About Artificial Intelligence (AI). For our lists, we also have Films About A.I. in our list of Technology Thriller films if the A.I. is grounded more in reality than science fiction. Robot Films also generally overlap with other subgenres including Sci-fi Films Set in Space, Hard Sci-fi Films and Contemporary & Urban Fantasy Films.
One of the earliest and most famous Robots of all-time (Gort) appeared in The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951) and used the subtext of the Cold War in its narrative. However, it wasn’t until the 1970’s that Robots started to appear more frequently in film. THX 1138 (1971), Silent Running (1972), Westworld (1973), The Stepford Wives (1975), Battlestar Galactica (1978), The Black Hole (1979) and C.H.O.M.P.S. (1979) all utilized humanoid (and canine) robots while Colossus: The Forbin Project (1970) and Demon Seed (1977) focused more on computer or A.I. driven technology within their narratives. But you can’t discuss Films About Robots and the 1970’s without mentioning the biggest film and franchise of them all – Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope (1977). Star Wars created an entirely new world with a variety of Robots (and Cyborgs) that would have an enduring influence on the subgenre for the next 5 decades.
While the 1980’s is best known for the additional Star Wars franchise films of Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back (1980) and Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi (1983), Robots appeared in a variety of different genres during the decade. Galaxina (1980), Superman III (1983), The Ice Pirates (1984), Making Mr. Right (1987) and Spaceballs (1987) were either parodies of Robot films or featured comedic elements involving Robots. Blade Runner (1982) and Android (1982) explored more of the ethical and moral situations with Robots. And even Horror films featured Robots with Halloween III: Season of the Witch (1982), The Vindicator (1986), Chopping Mall (1986), Maximum Overdrive (1986) and Deadly Friend (1986). But like the 1970’s with Star Wars, you cannot discuss the 1980’s and Films About Robots without discussing two of the most famous Robot films of all time – The Terminator (1984) and RoboCop (1987). Both films introduced Cyborgs as a new form of Robot which would be featured in not only additional films of each franchise, but also impact how future films would explore the dynamics of humans merged with robotic components.
The 1990’s saw a mixture of a few high-profile classic films of the subgenre with some good (but not exceptional) films about Robots. Eve of Destruction (1991), The Guyver (1991), Nemesis (1992), Screamers (1995), Solo (1996), The Fifth Element (1997), Lost in Space (1998) and Bicentennial Man (1999) were notable subgenre films of the decade. The classic subgenre films of the decade included Hardware (1990), Robocop 2 (1990), Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991), The Matrix (1999) and Star Wars: Episode 1 – The Phantom Menace (1999). Robocop 2 and Terminator 2 continued to explore the dynamics of Cyborgs and Robotic Engineering in their films. Hardware introduced a military robot developed for war during a Dystopian future. Star Wars: Episode I continued to expand its world of aliens and robots with many new robotic designs. And The Matrix introduced a variety of concepts mashed together with Virtual Reality, A.I. Robots and Martial Arts.
In the 2000’s, there was again a mixture of older franchise films, new films that continued to explore ethical issues with Robots and a few new franchises built around Robots. Continuing franchise films featuring robots included Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines (2003), Terminator Salvation (2009), Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones (2002), Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith (2005), The Matrix Reloaded (2003) and The Matrix Revolutions (2003). Films that explored the ethical and moral implications of Robots included A.I. Artificial Intelligence (2001) and I, Robot (2004). New franchises that featured Robots emerged with Transformers (2007) and Iron Man (2008). Other notable films of the decade included Red Planet (2000), Jason X (2001), Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow (2004), Eden Log (2007) and The Day the Earth Stood Still (2008).
The 2010’s saw the Golden Age of Films About Robots emerge as many films during this decade explored different concepts surrounding Robots, Cyborgs and A.I. Robot & Frank (2012), Her (2013), Automata (2014), Interstellar (2014) and Ex Machina (2015) all explored elements of Robots and A.I. grounded in Hard Sci-fi. Elysium (2013), Edge of Tomorrow (2014) and Alita: Battle Angel (2019) focused on Cyborgs and use of humans using Exoskeletons for battle. Horror films featuring Robots continued to prove popular with Prometheus (2012), Kill Command (2016), Alien: Covenant (2017) and Child’s Play (2019). Franchises continued with Iron Man 2 (2010), Transformers: Dark of the Moon (2011), Iron Man 3 (2013), RoboCop (2014), Transformers: Age of Extinction (2014), Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015), Terminator Genisys (2015), Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens (2015), Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016), Transformers: The Last Knight (2017), Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi (2017), Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018), Bumblebee (2018), Terminator: Dark Fate (2019) and Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker (2019). Other notable films of the decade included Oblivion (2013), Chappie (2015), Turbo Kid (2015), Max Steel (2016), Passengers (2016), Zoe (2108), I Am Mother (2019) and Jexi (2019). Finally, we wanted to make note of the best film of this decade (and one of the best of the subgenre) with Blade Runner 2049 (2017). While the film continued to explore the ethical complexities of Robots from its earlier effort in Blade Runner (1982), it also was a film that had some of the better external episodic content that gave more depth to the film. If you enjoyed Blade Runner 2049 as much as we did, you might also want to check out additional content associated with the film including 2036: Nexus Dawn (2017), 2048: Nowhere to Run (2017) and Blade Runner: Black Out 2022 (2017).
The 2020’s haven’t yet produced any classic films of the subgenre, but there have been a few notable Films About Robots with Monsters of Man (2020), Space Sweepers (2021) and Finch (2021).
Our list of Films About Robots includes over 160+ films from 1951 – 2023. Our list includes humanoid robots as well as Films About Cyborgs, Films About A.I., Films with Humans using Exoskeletons and more. For our list of Top Films About Robots You Haven’t Seen, we had to leave some great films of the list but hope you can check them out if you haven’t seen them yet. Notable films include C.H.O.M.P.S. (1979), Frankenstein’s Army (2013), Kill Command (2016), The Manual (2017), I Am Mother (2019) and Space Sweepers (2021), Finch (2021).
We have embedded a compilation video of our Top Films About Robots You Haven’t Seen and more details on these films can be found in the list below. Note: We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
#10
Automata
Plot: On a dying planet Earth, an insurance agent investigates robots and finds they are altering themselves.
KBZ’s Take: While many films in the Robot Film subgenre tackle the theme of Robots becoming self-aware, this film excels in showing the parallels of a robotic rise against human decline. Like Blade Runner, it’s not an action-packed film but rather an intelligent and measured look at the ethical implications of robots. While it’s not as good as either Blade Runner film, it has similar themes and is a must-see for fans of the subgenre.
Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3HlImS8
Plot: An employee of a secret company operation is transformed into a robotic Cyborg killing machine.
KBZ’s Take: This is a forgotten film of the 1980’s that followed The Terminator (1984) but predates RoboCop (1987). While its story might seem more familiar to fans of RoboCop, it’s still unique and made on a fraction of the budget of RoboCop. Unlike RoboCop, this Action / Sci-fi / Horror hybrid film does play more as a Slasher film at times with some gruesome kills. A film to seek out for fans of the subgenre.
Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3wE69b5
Plot: A former jewel thief is given a companion robot to care for him by his family – but he starts to use the robot for crime.
KBZ’s Take: This film is one of the more lighthearted Robot films on this list and it shouldn’t be missed. It has a unique plot with great performances by Frank Langella (Frank) and Peter Sarsgaard (Robot’s voice). While the film has lighthearted moments, it also tackles more serious issues such as Alzheimer’s disease and how technology has made us more distant in life. Highly recommended film for families and fans of the subgenre.
Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3JncKy9
#7
Solo
Plot: Cyborg is sent to destroy rebels in Latin America but instead defends them (counter to his programming).
KBZ’s Take: This lower budget The Terminator (1984) / Predator (1987) ripoff is a film that is so bad it’s actually quite good. While it will be viewed favorably based on 1990’s nostalgia, it’s a film that has some decent action and concepts throughout. Yes, the concepts are ‘borrowed’ from other films, but Solo somehow meshes the concepts into a unique offering that is a cheesy ride filled with action and humor. Set your mind to neutral and watch this great subgenre film as soon as you can.
Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3XPCRlI
#6
Saturn 3
Plot: Space station couple are menaced by a murderous scientist and his equally murderous robot.
KBZ’s Take: While this film will be remembered by Gen X and Boomers, it’s a bit of a forgotten film of the early 80’s. It’s not a great film despite starring Kirk Douglas, Harvey Keitel and Farrah Fawcett. However, it does feature one of the truly psychotic and murderous robots ever filmed on screen with Hector. There are shades of the Terminator in this film and it’s worth seeing for the opening scenes alone – you won’t soon forget the music or visuals. Worth seeking out for fans of forgotten 80’s films and fans of the subgenre.
Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3XPQ4e2
#5
Runaway
Plot: In the near future, a police officer tracks down a killer who is programming homicidal robots.
KBZ’s Take: A forgotten 80’s film that was close to being a classic of the subgenre. Though dated by today’s standards, Runaway explored a society where robots are part of everyday life. While the serious science fiction mixed with 80’s camp doesn’t always work, nobody will forget the ‘personalized robotic bullets’ from Gene Simmons’ villain.
Additional Lists: Top Techno Thriller Films You Haven’t Seen (Part 1) #9
Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3wEqg8P
#4
Screamers
Plot: On a distant mining planet, scientists have created the perfect weapon – robotic Screamers.
KBZ’s Take: If you grew up during the 1990’s, there’s a good chance that you’ve seen this film and it’s a classic film of yours within the subgenre. However, we felt the need to list it for people who might not have seen this great film. The film is based on a Philip K. Dick story, Second Variety, and it features the cutest but most terrifying robot in any subgenre film. It’s a film best to go blind into and it’s a highly recommended film of the subgenre and shouldn’t be missed.
Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3DsWpUC
#3
Zoe
Plot: Engineer begins to fall in love with robot he is working with.
KBZ’s Take: This film is a bit like Her (2008) and Ex Machina (2017) and if you enjoyed those films, you will also enjoy Zoe. Unlike those films, this film explores the concept of a ‘synthetic’ human coming to the realization that they are synthetic and if they are capable of love. It’s more of a romantic film like Her (2008) as it focuses on the idea if love can exist between a human and synthetic robot. It’s a great romantic film filled with intriguing concepts that shouldn’t be missed by fans of the subgenre.
Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3kVQf93
#2
Hardware
Plot: Woman artist receives head of a war machine robot as a gift, and it starts to rebuild itself in her apartment.
KBZ’s Take: This is the most popular film on our list that we’re solely listing so those under the age of 30 don’t miss out on it. Hardware was a popular film in 1990 and one of the best films ever about killer robots. It features a Terminator-like robot that will stop at nothing to kill, the Richard Stanley directed film has equal amounts of dystopian future and creepiness throughout and it has an amazing soundtrack. Highly recommended film and one of the best of the subgenre.
Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3wIfoGY
#1
Archive
Plot: Scientist attempts to bring back his dead wife through robotics and AI.
KBZ’s Take: This is a film that defines what the Robot subgenre can be about. While it’s great to have action-packed Robot films like Terminator and RoboCop, Archive is an intelligent film about Robotics and AI more in the vein of Blade Runner. It tackles many controversial concepts of AI and deceased loved ones and has an ending that will blow you away. Unfortunately, due to Covid, the film had a digital only release so has been lost in the shuffle. However, for any fans of the subgenre, this is a must-see film and one of the best of the subgenre.
Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3kVJ9Sb
