With Chappie, Terminator: Genisys and Avengers: Age of Ultron?being released this year?we’ve decided to put together a list of the 10 essential robot films to watch. In no particular order here they are.
Terminator?2: Judgement Day
Already featuring on our essential time-travel film list, it gets another mention here. Not only is it the best Terminator in the franchise, but also the first to have a liquid metal based robot. It’s an original and cool concept that was executed perfectly.
Robocop (1987)
One part human, one part robot and one part cop. This ultra satirical classic?is one of the best 80s action films. It even managed to get a half decent remake.
Ex Machina
I have kept it no secret that I adore this film. The questions this film poses and the real life implication of the technology explored in this movie are phenomenal. I honestly see this film going down as a classic in years to come.
Blade Runner
You can’t have an essential film list about robots without mentioning Blade Runner. Many other entries?on this list took influences from this film, and?it’s becoming relevant again as?director Ridley Scott?wants to bring about a sequel.
Ghost in the Shell
Time for a little animation in the form of Ghost in the Shell. This film has also been spoken about recently,?as Scarlett Johansson is wanted?to play the lead role in a live-action remake.
Big Hero 6
Yes, we have a kids film on this list. Not only did this film win the Oscar for best animation, but it also won us over here at Third Act Film. This film is pretty much Terminator 2: Judgement Day with an?inch more charm.
Interstellar
Probably not known as a robot film, but the two robots ?were a real highlight of the movie. Say what you will about the film, but Tars and Case?were the funniest and most charismatic (sorry Matthew McConaughey) characters in the film. Throwing in the fact that they were just walking rectangles makes them even better.
Her
This film managed to get into 3 of the Third Act’s writer’s top tens of 2014 and into one writers bottom 5. So there are mixed feelings about this film, but thanks to its unique look of a robot-human relationship it simply had to be added.
Transformers (1986)
Some of the Third Act writers like the live-action interpretation?and others disagree?but for me, the 1986 Transformers was a great starter film into all things robot. When I first saw this as a child?it?simply blew my mind. Watching it again as an adult, it still holds up well. However, upon second viewing releasing that the entire film was an attempt at selling more toys by releasing a new toy range does weaken the emotion I originally had. Still great nonetheless.
The Matrix
Probably the Wachowski’s last good movie, an sci-fi epic and the ultimate depiction of man vs machine.
There you have it, showing robots in all different forms, if you want to be versed in the world of robots be sure to watch these.
If any of these movies take your interest, be sure to click the link in the subheadings and it will take you to the DVD purchase of it. Any purchases helps out our site and would be much appreciated!?
Are there any essential robot?films that we missed? What is your favourite robot film?
I don’t think movies featuring just AI should be on a list of robot movies. I’d replace Her and The Matrix with “Robot & Frank”, Artificial Intelligence and Uncanny. I, Robot is an honourable mention.
And the best TV shows featuring robots: Almost Human, now cancelled, and the excellent Humans.
Almost Human would certainly top a best robot TV show list. Her and The Matrix, for me, showed the diversity of robots in film. I think non-tangible computer software are more likely to affect our real lives in the near future.