Robots are taking over the world! In this article, we’ll explore 14 classic animated robot movies, all released before 2008. If you’re a fan of robots, join us as we delve into these animated gems.
In this list, explore futuristic robot movies, sci-fi robot movies, old animated robot movies, as well as a Studio Ghibli robot movie.
Be sure to visit the movie page for more details, including trailers and streaming options.
In this classic animated sci-fi robot movie directed by Brad Bird from 1999, young Hogarth Hughes discovers a mysterious 50-foot-tall robot. The robot is found in the forest near his town during the Cold War era of 1957.
As Hogarth befriends the robot, they navigate the challenges of keeping its existence hidden from a suspicious government agent named Kent Mansley. With the help of a beatnik artist named Dean McCoppin, Hogarth tries to protect the robot from Mansley and the military.
Overall, the Iron Giant explores themes of friendship, courage, and the bond between man and machine in a heartwarming tale of discovery and adventure.
In this 2008 American animated science fiction film with robots, WALL-E, a solitary robot, inhabits a deserted Earth in the distant future of 2805, tasked with cleaning up garbage left behind by humanity.
Directed by Andrew Stanton, known for directing Finding Nemo, the movie follows WALL-E’s discovery of a visiting robot named EVE, sparking an unexpected connection. As WALL-E and EVE go on an extraordinary journey across the galaxy, they encounter challenges that test their bond and lead them on a path toward hope.
The film explores themes of friendship, environmentalism, and the resilience of the human spirit in a visually stunning and emotionally captivating adventure.
In the world of Robots, sentient beings populate a bustling metropolis where aspiring inventor Rodney Copperbottom dreams of making a difference.
Released in 2005, this animated gem from Blue Sky Studios is directed by Chris Wedge and Carlos Saldanha. The film follows Rodney’s quest to show off his big ideas in Robot City. However, Rodney soon uncovers a sinister plot by the new owner, Ratchet, to exploit older robots. With the help of newfound friends, Rodney goes on a mission to stop Ratchet and his evil mother, Madame Gasket’s evil scheme.
Without a doubt, this movie is full of fun-loving robot characters, like Fender, who is voiced by the late Robin Williams, and Bigweld, voiced by Mel Brooks, the American actor, filmmaker, and comedian. For robot lovers, Robots is a must-watch.
Altogether, Robots introduces themes of friendship, innovation, and standing up against injustice. As Rodney and his allies band together, they demonstrate the power of unity in the face of adversity.
Be sure to check out Movie Prairie’s Robots movie review next.
Treasure Planet, a 2002 American animated science fiction film, reimagines Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island in a futuristic setting. Directed by John Musker and Ron Clements, the film blends hand-drawn 2D animation with 3D computer animation, creating visually stunning spaceships resembling 18th-century sailing vessels.
The story centers on young Jim Hawkins, who embarks on a quest for the legendary Treasure Planet after receiving a mysterious sphere from a dying pilot. Joined by a diverse crew including cyborg cook John Silver and shape-shifting pet Morph, Jim navigates thrilling adventures and unexpected betrayals, uncovering secrets about Flint’s treasure and his own destiny.
Treasure Planet explores themes of redemption and the power of belief. With memorable characters and breathtaking visuals, the film includes thrilling space battles and daring adventures.
Metropolis is a 2001 Japanese animated futuristic cyberpunk film with robots based on Osamu Tezuka’s manga. Directed by Rintaro and produced by Madhouse, the film depicts a world where humans and robots coexist, with robots facing discrimination.
The story follows private detective Shunsaku Ban and his nephew Kenichi Shikishima as they navigate the city of Metropolis. Upon encountering rogue scientist Dr. Laughton, they uncover a secret involving Duke Red, a powerful figure, and a highly advanced android named Tima.
Amidst chaos and danger, they must confront the truth about Tima’s identity and her role in the city’s fate.
On the whole, Metropolis explores themes of identity, power, and the consequences of technological advancement, filled with action and emotion. The film’s stunning animation and thought-provoking storyline, makes it a timeless classic in the cyberpunk genre.
Jetsons: The Movie is a 1990 American animated science fiction comedy film based on the popular television series The Jetsons. Directed by William Hanna and Joseph Barbera, the film follows George Jetson as he is unexpectedly promoted to oversee a new Spacely Sprockets facility on the Orbiting Ore Asteroid.
Since this is the Jetsons, this movie is full of fun-loving robots like Rosie, voiced by Jean Vander Pyl, as well as Rudy-2, Lucy-2 and Teddy-2.
Accompanied by his family, George struggles to adjust to his new role while facing mysterious sabotage at the plant. As tensions rise and dangers escalate, the Jetsons uncover the truth about the facility’s location and its impact on the community of furry alien creatures known as Grungees.
Through the chaos and corporate greed, George must navigate moral dilemmas and confront his boss, Cosmo Spacely, to protect the Grungees and save their home. Jetsons: The Movie blends sci-fi adventure, robots, and humor.
The Transformers: The Movie, released in 1986, features a battle between the heroic Autobots and the evil Decepticons. When the Decepticons attack Autobot City on Earth, a fierce battle begins, resulting in casualties on both sides.
The Autobots face a new threat as the planet-sized Transformer, Unicron, seeks to consume Cybertron. With Optimus Prime wounded, leadership falls to Hot Rod, who must confront Unicron to save their world.
The film showcases intense action, iconic characters like Optimus Prime and Megatron, and introduces new ones like Galvatron and Rodimus Prime. As the Autobots fight to stop Unicron, alliances shift, and the fate of Cybertron hangs in the balance.
With stunning animation and a memorable soundtrack, Transformers: The Movie is a beloved classic in the science fiction genre.
Released in 1986, Castle in the Sky follows Sheeta and Pazu as they seek the mythical Laputa. Saved by Sheeta’s crystal, they join Dola’s gang. Attacked by the army, Sheeta activates the crystal’s power, revealing her royal lineage.
They reach Laputa, where Muska’s betrayal threatens destruction. Sheeta and Pazu recite a spell, collapsing Laputa. Muska falls to his demise as the castle ascends into space. Protected by Laputa’s tree, Sheeta, Pazu, and Dola’s gang escape. They reunite before parting ways. The robot, crucial to the plot, defends Sheeta and aids their escape from the army.
The robots in Castle in the Sky are known as Robot troopers or Heavenly Troopers. Their bodies are roughly shaped like a humanoid, with long arms with spikes and a small dome shaped head.
Seized by the military, the first robot shown in the film has fallen from Laputa. Sheeta’s activation of her crystal awakens the dormant robot, and it recognizes her royal lineage. The robot goes on a rampage protecting her but is destroyed by Goliath during their meeting at Tedis’ fortress.
While on Laputa, the two discover one operating robot covered in moss and plants, a gardener robot. It spends its days tending to the flowers and animals on lupita. The friendly robot hands the children a single flower, as a symbol of friendship..
Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008) unfolds as Anakin and Ahsoka lead a mission to rescue Jabba the Hutt’s kidnapped son, Rotta, from Separatist clutches. Amidst confrontations with Dooku and Ventress, they navigate treacherous schemes aimed at enlisting Hutt support. Meanwhile, Obi-Wan negotiates with Jabba, leveraging promises of Rotta’s safe return. Padmé uncovers Ziro’s betrayal, strengthening the Republic’s position.
Droids, including R2-D2 and C-3PO, play crucial roles in the rescue operation, aiding Anakin and Ahsoka in their quest. Anakin’s clever ruse involving a backpack of rocks outsmarts Dooku, ensuring Rotta’s safe delivery to Jabba. Despite facing Separatist attacks and dueling Dooku, Anakin and Ahsoka succeed in their mission.
The story highlights the growing bond between Anakin and Ahsoka as master and apprentice, as well as the complex interplay of political intrigue within the Clone Wars.
In The Incredibles (2004), retired superhero Bob Parr, or Mr. Incredible, finds himself longing for his crime-fighting days after being forced into a mundane life by the Superhero Relocation Program.
A secret mission from Mirage reignites his passion as he confronts the robotic villain, Omnidroid, unknowingly orchestrated by his former admirer turned nemesis, Syndrome. With his family’s unexpected involvement, they uncover Syndrome’s sinister plan to sell weapons that mimic superpowers.
Together, they defeat the Omnidroid, exposing Syndrome’s schemes to the public. In a thrilling showdown, Jack-Jack’s emerging powers aid their victory as they stop Syndrome’s plans, hailed as heroes once more.
In Meet the Robinsons (2007), orphan inventor Lewis meets Wilbur, claiming to be from the future. Together, they aim to recover a stolen time machine. However, their journey is disrupted by the Bowler Hat Guy and his robot hat Doris, leading to a revelation about Lewis’s roommate, Goob, who seeks revenge on Lewis for a childhood failure.
Doris manipulates Goob into enslaving humanity in the past, leading to a dystopian future. With Wilbur’s help, Lewis confronts Doris.
With determination and the help of new friends, Lewis strives to overcome obstacles and fulfill his dreams. The story explores themes of friendship, resilience, and the importance of embracing one’s identity. As Lewis delves deeper into his journey, he discovers surprising connections and learns valuable lessons about himself and his future.
In the 2001 film Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius, young inventor Jimmy accidentally launches his house into space while trying to contact aliens. Aliens known as the Yolkians abduct all the parents in Retroville, prompting Jimmy and his friends to embark on a rescue mission.
With the help of his robot dog Goddard, they journey to the planet Yolkus to confront the Yolkians’ leader, King Goobot. Along the way, they face various challenges and learn valuable lessons about friendship and teamwork. Throughout the adventure, Goddard assists Jimmy and his friends in various ways.
Released in 2000, Buzz Lightyear of Star Command: The Adventure Begins follows Buzz Lightyear and his team as they battle the evil Emperor Zurg. After rescuing the Little Green Men from Zurg’s clutches, Buzz is haunted by the loss of his partner, Warp Darkmatter.
Commander Nebula pairs Buzz with the skilled ranger Mira Nova and the comedic robot XR. Together, they face Zurg’s plot to control the universe using the Uni-Mind. As they confront various challenges, including betrayal and deception, Buzz learns the importance of teamwork.
With Mira’s unique abilities, XR’s resilience, and Booster’s enthusiasm, they form “Team Lightyear” to stop Zurg’s tyranny. Throughout their adventure, they encounter danger, betrayal, and self-discovery. As they fight against Zurg’s forces, Buzz realizes that he cannot succeed alone and embraces the strength of unity. Together, they embark on a mission to save the universe and thwart Zurg’s sinister plans.
Samurai Jack:The Premiere Movie, released in 2001, follows a samurai warrior transported to a dystopian future ruled by the evil Aku. Renamed Jack, he resolves to undo Aku’s tyranny and return to his era to defeat him.
Armed with his sword and unwavering determination, Jack navigates the futuristic landscape, encountering various challenges and allies along the way. Despite facing numerous adversaries, including Aku’s minions and robotic warriors, Jack remains in his quest for justice.
Throughout his journey, he learns valuable lessons and hones his skills, striving to free the oppressed people of the future and fulfill his destiny. With each encounter, Jack inches closer to his goal, fueled by his unwavering determination and sense of honor.
As he battles against Aku’s forces, Jack’s resilience and bravery inspire hope among the downtrodden, laying the groundwork for his ultimate fight with the evil wizard.
What do you think of these Robot Movies?
Already seen one or more of these classic robot movies? Let me know what you thought of it in the comments below. Don’t forget to follow me on pinterest and sign up for a free copy of the Film Fans Field Guide: 10 handpicked animated film checklists.
Interested in a New Robot Movie?
Check out our review for the award winning film Robot Dreams!
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