Explore the Fascinating World of Robots and Cyborgs Through These Must-Watch Sci-Fi Films
Aleksey Khromov
Aleksey Khromov 3 years ago
Film and Television Critic, Podcast Host #Inspiring Movies & TV Shows
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Explore the Fascinating World of Robots and Cyborgs Through These Must-Watch Sci-Fi Films

Dive into an exciting collection of films featuring robots and cyborgs—from thrilling action to heartfelt stories—that every sci-fi enthusiast should experience.

From the dark intensity of "The Terminator" to the deeply touching charm of "WALL·E", these films offer a captivating journey through the realm of robots and cyborgs.

25. Screamers

Screamers

  • Canada, Japan, 1995
  • Science Fiction, Thriller
  • Duration: 108 minutes
  • IMDb: 6.3

On the distant planet Sirius-6B, a key military outpost, scientists create the ultimate weapon: self-replicating and lethal 'screamers'. Over time, these machines evolve beyond their original purpose and decide to annihilate all living beings.

Colonel Joseph Hendricksson remains on the planet, striving for peace. But first, he must cross a desert teeming with the remnants of humanity's once-prized weaponry.

24. Surrogates

Surrogates

  • Science Fiction, Action, Thriller
  • USA, 2009
  • Duration: 85 minutes
  • IMDb: 6.3
Scene from the robot-themed film 'Surrogates'
Scene from "Surrogates"

Directed by Jonathan Mostow, known for the third "Terminator" installment, this sci-fi action film is set in 2057, where nearly everyone controls a perfect robot double from home. While this allows people to live full lives, many end up deteriorating socially and physically.

When a malicious entity starts destroying androids and their owners, a police officer played by Bruce Willis must unravel the mystery.

Available on iTunes →

23. Robots

Robots

  • USA, 2005
  • Science Fiction, Comedy, Adventure
  • Duration: 91 minutes
  • IMDb: 6.4

This vibrant animated film depicts a world inhabited entirely by robots, with no humans in sight. Inventor Rodney aims to improve life and hopes to meet his idol, the master Bigweld.

During his adventure, Rodney meets the charming Cappy and falls in love, though their differing social statuses and numerous challenges complicate his journey.

Available on iTunes →

22. Short Circuit

Short Circuit

  • USA, 1986
  • Science Fiction, Comedy
  • Duration: 98 minutes
  • IMDb: 6.6

Robot Number 5 was designed for combat purposes. However, after a lightning strike, it gains consciousness and surprisingly becomes kind and cheerful.

Escaping, the robot befriends Stephanie, a woman who mistakes it for an alien, and through their friendship, it begins to understand the world.

Available on iTunes →

21. Chappie

Chappie

  • South Africa, USA, 2015
  • Science Fiction, Action, Thriller
  • Duration: 120 minutes
  • IMDb: 6.8

In a near future where machines enforce law, two criminals from the music group Die Antwoord kidnap a robot undergoing experimental programming by inventor Deon. The robot, resembling a child prodigy, gains consciousness.

Directed by Neil Blomkamp, known for the acclaimed "District 9", this film remains his last notable work.

Available on iTunes →

20. Finch

Finch

  • USA, 2021
  • Science Fiction, Drama
  • Duration: 115 minutes
  • IMDb: 6.8

Finch, an aging, ill inventor, and his dog live in a post-apocalyptic world. Aware of his impending death, Finch creates a robot to care for his dog. Together, they embark on a heartfelt journey.

This sci-fi road movie largely relies on the charm of Tom Hanks, the film's sole on-screen actor, delivering a touching experience.

19. Bicentennial Man

Bicentennial Man

  • USA, Germany, 1999
  • Science Fiction, Drama, Comedy
  • Duration: 126 minutes
  • IMDb: 6.9
Scene from the robot-themed film 'Bicentennial Man'
Scene from "Bicentennial Man"

Based on Isaac Asimov's novella and directed by Chris Columbus, known for "Home Alone" and early "Harry Potter" films, this story explores a future where robots replace pets.

Andrew, one such robot, integrates into an average family and develops relationships over 200 years, striving to understand humanity and eventually becoming indistinguishable from humans.

Available on iTunes →

18. Westworld

Westworld

  • USA, 1973
  • Science Fiction, Action, Thriller
  • Duration: 88 minutes
  • IMDb: 6.9

Two friends visit "Westworld", an amusement park populated by androids indistinguishable from humans. Visitors pay handsomely to duel or engage intimately with these robots, with assurances of safety.

However, a malfunction causes the androids to turn hostile. Written and directed by Michael Crichton, this film inspired the HBO series of the same name.

17. My Girlfriend is a Cyborg

Boku no kanojo wa saibôgu

  • Japan, 2008
  • Science Fiction, Action, Romance
  • Duration: 115 minutes
  • IMDb: 6.9
Scene from the robot-themed film 'My Girlfriend is a Cyborg'
Scene from "My Girlfriend is a Cyborg"

Jiro, a student, spends his 20th birthday alone in a restaurant when a beautiful girl appears. The hours they share become the best of his life.

She soon disappears, but a year later, Jiro encounters her again under less romantic circumstances, discovering she is a cyborg devoid of human emotions.

16. The Stepford Wives

The Stepford Wives

  • USA, 1975
  • Horror, Science Fiction, Thriller
  • Duration: 115 minutes
  • IMDb: 6.9

Photographer Joanna moves with her family from bustling Manhattan to the small town of Stepford. She finds the housewives unnervingly perfect and uncovers a chilling secret: the women have been replaced by robots.

Based on Ira Levin's novel, this story was also adapted into a 2004 comedy starring Nicole Kidman.

15. Pacific Rim

Pacific Rim

  • USA, Mexico, Hong Kong, 2013
  • Science Fiction, Action, Adventure
  • Duration: 131 minutes
  • IMDb: 6.9

Humanity faces extinction as colossal sea monsters called Kaiju emerge from the ocean, destroying cities and killing millions. Nations unite to create Jaegers—giant robots controlled by two pilots linked neurally.

Despite their efforts, the threat persists, leading the government to call upon a former pilot who lost his brother in the war. Alongside his inexperienced partner, they become humanity's last hope.

Available on iTunes →

14. Real Steel

Real Steel

  • USA, India, 2011
  • Science Fiction, Action
  • Duration: 127 minutes
  • IMDb: 7.0

Before directing the hit series "Stranger Things," Shawn Levy released this sci-fi action film where human boxing is outlawed in favor of fights between massive robots controlled by people.

The story centers on a former boxer (Hugh Jackman) who discovers a promising robot and unexpectedly reunites with his son.

Available on iTunes →

13. Robot & Frank

Robot & Frank

  • USA, 2012
  • Science Fiction, Drama, Comedy
  • Duration: 90 minutes
  • IMDb: 7.0
Scene from the film 'Robot & Frank'
Scene from "Robot & Frank"

Frank, a retired thief living alone, receives a robot caretaker from his busy son Hunter. Unwilling to stay idle, Frank enlists the robot's help in resuming his old criminal activities.

Available on iTunes →

12. Enthiran (Robot)

Enthiran

  • India, 2010
  • Science Fiction, Action, Comedy
  • Duration: 165 minutes
  • IMDb: 7.1

Scientist Vaseegaran creates a humanoid robot capable of thinking and feeling. However, due to sabotage by rivals, the robot turns evil and builds an army of clones to enslave humanity. The hero must reclaim his creation for good.

Often dubbed India's answer to "The Matrix," this film blends a love story with wild stunts and special effects, including robots shooting from their fingers and transforming into a giant serpent, all accompanied by songs and dances.

11. I, Robot

I, Robot

  • USA, Germany, 2004
  • Science Fiction, Action, Thriller
  • Duration: 115 minutes
  • IMDb: 7.1

In the near future, robots assist humans in everyday life, and the idea of a machine harming a person seems impossible. Detective Del Spooner, played by Will Smith, suspects otherwise.

The plot revolves around a murder involving a robot, revealing that humanoid machines may be far less benign than they appear.

Available on iTunes →

10. Artificial Intelligence: AI

Artificial Intelligence: AI

  • USA, UK, 2001
  • Science Fiction, Drama, Adventure
  • Duration: 146 minutes
  • IMDb: 7.2
Scene from the robot-themed film 'Artificial Intelligence'
Scene from "Artificial Intelligence"

One of Steven Spielberg's most renowned works, this film is set in a world where humans live alongside mechanical servants. The protagonist, David, is a robot boy who uniquely experiences genuine emotions.

David is adopted by a woman whose real son is in cryogenic suspension due to a terminal illness. When the son returns, David faces a dangerous world as he seeks to understand his origin and purpose.

Available on iTunes →

9. RoboCop

RoboCop

  • USA, 1987
  • Science Fiction, Action, Thriller
  • Duration: 102 minutes
  • IMDb: 7.6

Set in a future Detroit controlled by a powerful private corporation, this film follows the creation of a cyborg police officer built from a fallen law enforcer to combat crime.

RoboCop proves highly effective, yet his human memories and desires for vengeance persist.

Directed by Paul Verhoeven, known for "Basic Instinct" and "Total Recall".

Available on iTunes →

8. Ex Machina

Ex Machina

  • UK, 2014
  • Science Fiction, Thriller, Drama
  • Duration: 108 minutes
  • IMDb: 7.7

Caleb, a 26-year-old programmer at a major tech company, wins a chance to spend a week at the estate of the company's billionaire CEO, Nathan.

Nathan introduces him to Ava, a female robot representing a pinnacle of artificial intelligence. Caleb's true task is to evaluate Ava's advanced AI capabilities.

7. Big Hero 6

Big Hero 6

  • USA, Japan, 2014
  • Science Fiction, Adventure, Comedy
  • Duration: 105 minutes
  • IMDb: 7.8
Scene from the robot-themed film 'Big Hero 6'
Scene from the animated film "Big Hero 6"

Genius teenager Hiro Hamada from futuristic San Fransokyo loves robot battles. Invited for early university admission, his plans are shattered by personal tragedy, leading him to become the city's protector.

This Oscar-winning animation impresses with its detailed vinyl robot design, inspired by real-world soft and safe robotics technologies.

Available on iTunes →

6. Ghost in the Shell

Koukaku Kidoutai

  • Japan, 1995
  • Science Fiction, Action, Thriller
  • Duration: 82 minutes
  • IMDb: 7.9

In the near future, humans replace body parts with robotic prosthetics. Major Motoko Kusanagi, a cyborg, uses her abilities to fight terrorists, tasked with tracking down the villain known as the Puppet Master.

A 2017 American adaptation starring Scarlett Johansson exists, but the original anime remains far more compelling.

5. The Iron Giant

The Iron Giant

  • USA, 1999
  • Science Fiction, Adventure
  • Duration: 86 minutes
  • IMDb: 8.0

A mysterious object crashes near a small town, where a boy named Hogarth Hughes discovers a giant robot from a distant galaxy. The gentle giant and Hogarth become friends, but the government is hunting the robot.

Though initially a box office failure, the film later gained appreciation for its touching story of friendship between two very different beings.

Available on iTunes →

4. Blade Runner

Blade Runner

  • USA, Hong Kong, 1982
  • Science Fiction, Thriller, Drama
  • Duration: 117 minutes
  • IMDb: 8.1
Scene from the robot-themed film 'Blade Runner'
Scene from "Blade Runner"

This legendary cyberpunk thriller stars Harrison Ford and Rutger Hauer. In the 21st century, a powerful corporation creates replicants—androids forced to perform the toughest jobs in space colonies. When four replicants escape, retired detective Rick Deckard is tasked with finding and eliminating them.

Thirty-five years later, the sequel "Blade Runner 2049" continues the story with a new protagonist, featuring Deckard as well.

Available on iTunes →

3. The Terminator

The Terminator

  • UK, USA, 1984
  • Science Fiction, Action, Thriller
  • Duration: 108 minutes
  • IMDb: 8.1

The powerful AI system "Skynet" sends a deadly cyborg back in time to kill Sarah Connor, whose unborn son will lead humanity's resistance against machines. Sarah's only hope is a soldier from the future sent to protect her.

The sequel, "Terminator 2: Judgment Day," is often more remembered for its groundbreaking effects and story, directed by James Cameron.

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