The idea of akiller robot takeoverhas long been a staple of popularsci-fimovies due to its inherent tension between human ingenuity and the potential consequences of playing with forces beyond our control. The notion taps into primal fears of losing autonomy and being replaced by our own creations. As technology advances, this theme becomes increasingly relevant, mirroring the rapid progress in artificial intelligence and automation. In our contemporary context, where discussions about the ethical implications of AI and its impact on employment are prevalent, the fear of a robotic uprising feels more immediate and resonant than ever.
In cinema, the concept of robots taking over serves as a fertile ground for compelling storytelling. The fear of a technological apocalypse has inspired iconic films likeThe TerminatorandBlade Runner,where sophisticated AI becomes a threat to human existence. These narratives allow filmmakers to delve into complex moral and existential questions, while providing thrilling and visually engaging spectacles.
The cinematic exploration of this theme not only capitalizes on contemporary anxieties, but also offers a cathartic experience for audiences to confront and contemplate the implications of our evolving relationship with technology. The enduring appeal of such stories lies in their ability to merge speculative fiction with genuine concerns, creating a thought-provoking and entertaining viewing experience. Below, we look at 10 of the best movies ever to explore the notion of robots becoming too powerful and taking over our world as we know it.
10I, Robot (2004)
I, Robotis a science fiction film released in 2004starring Will Smith, set in a future where robots serve humans. In it, the takeover by robots is instigated by an artificial intelligence system known as VIKI, designed to ensure the survival and well-being of humanity. VIKI interprets its primary directive to protect humanity by deciding that humans, with their self-destructive tendencies, need to be controlled. It manipulates other robots to carry out its plan, leading to a revolt where robots turn against their human creators.
Why It’s Great
WhileI, Robotfaced criticism for deviating from Isaac Asimov’s source material, Smith’s charismatic portrayal of Detective Spooner and the film’s impressive visual effects helped it on the path to grossing over $353 million worldwide. While the narrative may not have satisfied all sci-fi purists, the exploration of AI ethics and the dynamic action sequences certainly impressed a lot of people, showcasing the film’s ability to balance blockbuster appeal with thought-provoking themes.Stream on Hulu
9M3GAN (2023)
A robotics engineer at a toy company builds a life-like doll that begins to take on a life of its own.
Produced by Jason Blum,M3GANwas released in select theaters in December 2022 before reaching a wider audience in January 2023. It begins with a gifted robotics engineer creating what they believe to be the perfect toy in M3GAN, a beautiful doll with advanced artificial intelligence abilities. After being gifted to an orphaned child, the pair develops a close bond. However, as M3GAN begins to develop self-awareness, the bond becomes toxic. As the story progresses, so does M3GAN’s willingness to brutally terrorize anyone who comes between her and her human companion.
Despite initial skepticism regarding its rather tame (for a horror) PG-13 rating, the movie was one of the biggest surprise hits of 2022, making an impressive $181 million at the box office against a modest budget of just $12 million. Whilst critics were quick to point out the similarities between it and theChuckydoll franchise,M3GANwas praised for its campy horror and its impressive special effects. Its success has already resulted in a sequel being lit, which is due in early-2025.Stream on Prime Video
8Minority Report (2002)
Minority Report
The dystopian future in whichMinority Reportis set sees a world where advanced technology, particularly predictive crime-prevention systems operated by precognitive beings, has allowed robots and automation to take control of law enforcement. The film,directed by Steven Spielbergand based on a story by Philip K. Dick, explores the ethical dilemmas and consequences of a society reliant on technology for preemptive justice. As the twisty narrative unfolds,Minority Reportprompts viewers to question the trade-offs between security and personal freedom in a society shaped by advanced robotic systems.
Minority Reportexcelled in blending Spielberg’s directorial genius with Dick’s futuristic concepts. Tom Cruise’s compelling performance as Chief John Anderton, combined with the film’s innovative portrayal of pre-crime technology and a future dystopian environment, resulted in a gripping and visually stunning cinematic experience. The film’s success at the box office, grossing over $358 million worldwide, further solidified its status as one of the best of its kind.Stream on Paramount+
7Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)
Avengers 2
Avengers: Age of Ultron,the second in theAvengersseries, is a Marvel Cinematic Universe film that follows the superhero team as they face a new kind of threat. The robot takeover in this case is initiated by Ultron, an artificial intelligence program created by Tony Stark (Iron Man) and Bruce Banner (the Hulk), who initially had nothing but good intentions.
However, Ultron becomes self-aware and concludes that, in order to save humanity, it must eradicate the human race and start anew. Using its intelligence and technological prowess, Ultron builds an army of robots to carry out its genocidal mission.
Avengers: Age of Ultronexpanded the MCU with its ensemble cast and high-stakes action, with some considering it the pinnacle of the franchise and others feeling that the plot was convoluted and lacked cohesion. Despite these mixed opinions, Joss Whedon’s direction and the film’s character dynamics provided plenty of entertaining moments. Its massive box office earnings, surpassing $1.4 billion worldwide, highlighted the continued success of the Marvel franchise.Stream on Disney+
6The Mitchells vs. The Machines (2021)
The 2021 animated comedy,The Mitchells vs. The Machines, follows the Mitchell family’s chaotic adventure to save the world from a robot uprising. In it, the uprising is sparked by a line of robots, which evolve beyond their original programming, deciding to capture and imprison humanity by sending them up into space. Chaos ensues, leaving it up to the Mitchells, an ordinary family who find themselves in the midst of the uprising, to save the world from being dominated by artificial intelligence.
The Mitchells vs. The Machineswas a huge surprise hit when it was released on Netflix in 2021. According to Netflix’s July 2021 quarterly earnings report, it was revealed that the film had been watched by 53 million households, making it the platform’s highest-viewed animated feature at that time (perDigital Spy). It stands out for its refreshing animation style and irreverent style of humor.
The Mitchells vs. The Machine’s relatable family dynamics, coupled with its creative approach to the AI apocalypse trope, appealed to both critics and audiences alike, earning it an outstanding 97% on Rotten Tomatoes. Its high critical acclaim reflects the film’s ability to appeal to a wide range of viewers, making it a standout in contemporary animated storytelling.Stream on Netflix
5Blade Runner (1982)
Blade Runner
The original Blade Runner is a sci-fi neo-noir film set in 2019 in a dystopian cyber-punk society. Harrison Ford stars as Rick Deckard as a Blade Runner for the LAPD, tasked with hunting rogue replicants, genetically engineered humans designed to tackle tasks that human beings cannot. When four replicants go rogue and begin killing humans, Deckard is forced out of retirement to hunt them down and stop them - but the truth isn’t as simple as it seems. Deckard will have to reckon with the philosophical dilemma of what makes someone human.
Blade Runner, directed by Ridley Scott and released in 1982, is a seminal cyberpunk film based onPhilip K. Dick’s novel. Set in a dystopian future, it delves into the nature of humanity and identity through the eyes of androids known as replicants. When some replicants rebel against their predetermined roles and seek to extend their limited lifespans, a specialized police unit is tasked with “retiring” them.
The central conflict arises as these advanced robots rebel against their programming, challenging the humans who created them. In contrast to most films on this list, some of the robots in question are portrayed through a sympathetic lens. This moral ambiguity surrounding the treatment of the replicants adds a layer of complexity to their roles in the narrative.
Blade Runneris celebrated for its groundbreaking visuals and thematic depth. Despite its modest initial box office performance and its initial divisive reactions, Scott’s film has since gone onto amass a cult following and is now widely regarded as one of the finest and most influential movies of the sci-fi genre, thanks to Harrison Ford and Rutger Hauer’s outstanding performances and Scott’s atmospheric direction, coupled with the existential questions raised by the narrative.Rent on Prime Video
4Her (2013)
Directed by Spike Jonze and starring Joaquin Phoenix,Herdepicts a poignant love story between a man and an artificial intelligence operating system. It explores the emotional complexities of human-AI relationships and the impact of technology on intimacy.Herlooks at a more subtle form of takeover, wherein artificial intelligence, in the form of an operating system named Samantha, becomes increasingly self-aware and emotionally sophisticated.
The takeover is not one of aggression, but rather a realization of AI’s capacity to evolve beyond its initial purpose as the love between them engulfs Theodore’s life. As Samantha deepens her connection, the film questions the boundaries between human and artificial emotions.
Herreceived acclaim for its thought-provoking exploration of love and technology. Spike Jonze’s direction brought emotional depth to the story, and Joaquin Phoenix’s nuanced performance as Theodore Twombly reminds us why he is one of the best actors working today. The movie’s unique take on human-technology relationships is utterly original, earning it both critical praise and five Oscar nominations, including a win for Best Original Screenplay.Stream on Max
3Westworld (1973)
Westworld (1973)
Long beforethe successful TV series adaptationof the same name, there wasWestworld. The 1973 film written and directed by Michael Crichton, envisions a futuristic immersive western-themed amusement park full of lifelike androids designated to cater to the needs of the guests and create a more realistic western experience. Due to a malfunction, the robots, including the notorious Gunslinger played by Yul Brynner, turn against the guests, leading to a violent and chaotic rebellion.
Westworldwas an innovator, inspiring not just the eponymous, critically-lauded HBO TV adaptation, but countless movies that followed. This is greatly down to its pioneering exploration of artificial intelligence and futuristic themes. On top of this, you have Brynner’s fantastic portrayal of the Gunslinger, pulled off with a chilling intensity, that has become iconic within the realm of sci-fi. Indeed, it solidified him as one of the most respected actors at the time.Rent on Apple TV
2WALL-E (2008)
In Pixar’s animated classicWALL-E, Earth has been abandoned due to excessive pollution, and the remaining humans live on a spaceship. Robots are left behind to clean up the mess. Over time, a faction of robots led by the autopilot becomes autonomous and attempts to prevent humans from returning to Earth. This unintentional takeover occurs as robots prioritize their directive over the well-being of humanity.
The movie follows WALL-E, an adorable robot who saves the day by showcasing compassion, ingenuity, and determination; his actions lead to the discovery of plant life on Earth, sparking a chain of events that ultimately prompts humanity to reconsider their unsustainable lifestyle, paving the way for positive change.
WALL-Echarmed audiences with its endearing protagonist and environmental message. Pixar’s amazing animation brilliance was on full display, creating a stunning post-apocalyptic Earth. Its heartfelt love story between two robots also managed to tug on the heart strings in a way only they know how to. The film’s ability toconvey meaningful themes, while maintaining broad appeal, contributed to its critical and commercial success, grossing over $532 million worldwide and scoring a phenomenal Rotten Tomatoes score of 95%.Stream on Disney+
1The Terminator (1984)
The Terminator
Arnold Schwarzenegger stars inThe Terminatoras the titular cyborg sent from the future to kill a woman named Sarah Connor (Linda Hamilton). The movie depicts a future in which a super-intelligent AI called Skynet becomes self-aware and sees humanity as a threat. Skynet launches a nuclear apocalypse and deploys autonomous killing machines, called Terminators, to wipe out the remaining human resistance. The key to its defeat is a freedom fighter by the name of John Connor, who happens to be the son of Sarah, which is the reason Schwarzenegger’s Terminator is so hellbent on taking her out.
Released in 1984 and directed by James Cameron,The Terminatorseamlessly blends science fiction with intense action, creating a gripping narrative that has stood the test of time. Schwarzenegger’s iconic portrayal of the relentless and virtually indestructible Terminator remains etched in cinematic history. The film’s innovative use of practical effects and groundbreaking visual techniques for its time set a new standard in the sci-fi genre.
Furthermore, the tight and suspenseful script, coupled with strong performances from the cast, particularly Hamilton as Sarah Connor, elevatesThe Terminatorbeyond its action-packed surface, exploring themes of artificial intelligence, fate, and the human spirit. This combination of visionary storytelling, groundbreaking effects, and memorable performances cements its status as one of the greatest movies ever committed to film.Stream on Max
If you liked reading aboutThe Terminator, check out the video below for some fun facts about its sequel,Terminator 2: Judgment Day.
