Parents' Guide to

Robot Dreams

By Tara McNamara, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 8+

Word-free animated friendship story brings laughs, tears.

Movie NR 2024 102 minutes
Robot Dreams Movie Poster: A cartoon dog and robot walk down the street holding hands

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

  • Robot Dreams Movie: Cartoon robot and dog walk on the street together in New York City
  • Robot Dreams Movie: Cartoon dog and robot hold hands on a snowy city street
  • Robot Dreams Movie: Animated robot looks at New York skyline with arm around cartoon dog

Community Reviews

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age 9+

Based on 5 parent reviews

Ramon
Ramon Parent
April 23, 2024
age 11+

Not for little kids

Went into the cinema expecting a light hearted adventure, but was instead faced with the complexities of dysfunctional relationships. Abandonment is the axis around which the movie spins, and the sweet and sour ending is hard to explain to kids. The movie is great for adults, and older kids, but definitely not meant for small children.
haxsd
haxsd Adult
June 26, 2024
age 7+

Cute, easygoing movie.

The only thing that could possibly be offensive to me is the use of the middle finger gesture, which might be why they didn't give an MPA rating to this movie. It's good for kids, but really I think adults will get more out of the movie than younger ones. It's a little sad, this story.
See all 5 parent reviews

What's the Story?

In ROBOT DREAMS, Dog is living a nice enough life in 1980s New York City, but he's missing one thing: a companion. He assembles Robot, and they become the best of buddies, filling their days with fun and happiness. Then, on a Labor Day outing to Coney Island, Robot's metal parts rust, and he's unable to move -- or be moved -- until the beach reopens the next summer. The film is an adaptation of Sara Varon's same-named graphic novel.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (5 ):
Kids say (5 ):

Robot Dreams transcends language to create a wordless, emotional experience that sums up how friendship completes us. It reinforces a truth for many people: Life can be better if you share it with someone. This simple, sweet story demonstrates how a good friend can enhance your life. And how, when that someone isn't there, you can ache.

Dog and Robot's experiences may inspire viewers to fill in their own memories of wonderful times with friends who are no longer in their lives. For kids, losing a friend because of a move, a new school, or a change in activities can be pretty tough. Robot Dreams isn't necessarily the salve for that hurt, especially because Robot encounters some harsh realities while away from Dog. But the movie is an excellent, if emotional, companion piece for tweens or teens who finds themselves between friends, suggesting that hope is on the way.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the saying, "If you love someone, let them go." What does that mean? How does it play out in Robot Dreams?

  • What is perseverance, and why is it an important character trait? Do you think Dog exhausted his efforts to rescue Robot? Was there anything else he could do?

  • How does Robot Dreams inspire feelings of compassion?

  • Dog decides that he needs a companion and takes action to get one. What are some ways to meet people and make friends?

Movie Details

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