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.

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age 11+

Based on 2 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.
Pete M.
Pete M. Adult
March 6, 2024
age 10+

Great movie with a wonderful message for kids and adults.

There is no violence in this film at least not like what you would expect to see outside of ordinary TV and certainly much less so then a typical child would encounter in any grade school recess - although there is one scene where the middle finger is used. My kids are teens but I would not hesitate to show this to them if they were in grade school. Beings how it has no dialogue and is very open to ones own interpretation it can also provide a great opportunity to talk to your kids about what they got out of it and spark a very nice conversation. The overall theme is very heartwarming and while it can be a bit sad in some spots it's not overly so and the end message is beautiful and positive and also resilient :) Adults and children can get a lot out of this beautiful movie. My kids and I did!!
See all 2 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 (2 ):
Kids say (3 ):

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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