Tools for this page
Print

Meet the Robinsons

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

    (Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)

    Not age appropriate for kids under 4, age appropriate for kids over 5; suggested age 5.
  • Is it any good?

    3.0
  • Common Sense says

    Clever time-travel adventure for the whole clan.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 5 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    An orphan boy perseveres in the face of continued adversity. He also doesn't hold a grudge against a bitter former friend and invites him to join his family. An adversary discovers the meaning of friendship.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence & scariness:

    An ominous, robotic bowler hat wreaks havoc in the future, forcing humankind into subservience. Bowler Hat Guy creeps around trying to foil Lewis' plans.
  • Sexy stuff:

    Young Lewis and Franny smile flirtatiously at each other.
  • Language:

    A few mild taunts: "booger breath," "pukeface," "butterfingers."
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Meet the Robinsons

Parents need to know that even very young children will dig this Disney animated adventure. The story revolves around Lewis, a genius orphan who can't seem to get adopted and who desperately wants to meet his real mother. There's a sense that he and his friends at the orphanage feel rejected -- he counts 124 couples he's met who don't end up adopting him. The movie's villains are a robotic bowler hat and the mysterious mustachioed man who wears it. The Bowler Hat Guy suffers from severe jealousy and bitterness, which is why he wants to ruin Lewis' future. But the future, as it turns out, is bright for all, even Lewis' nemesis.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about how this movie compares to the William Joyce book it's based on. Kids: Had you read the book before you watched the movie? If not, did you know it was based on a book? Do you like movies that are based on books/stories more than ones that aren't? Why? Families can also discuss why the Robinsons believe that failing is good. Can you think of a time that you didn't win but you still learned something useful? And, for fun, since Lewis is an aspiring inventor, name some inventions that you think would be useful in the future.

Want more? Get Common Sense recommendations delivered to your inbox.

Our Members Say

Have you seen it? Review It!

  • What did you think about Meet the Robinsons?
  •  I think this movie is

    for ages

  •  I also give it

  •  Any concerns?

  •  Any highlights?

  •  Love it? Hate it?

  • or to post a review
See all 93 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Parent Reviewer
    Lives in Washington
    I rate this title iffy for age 5 and give it 1.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence

    Not for little, kids who are sensitive to violence!

    This had my 5yo in hysterics. I thought that a Disney rated G movie was safe - WRONG. Kids almost getting eaten by dinosaurs, hats that turn into spiders - yuck!

  2. I rate this title iffy for age 8 and give it 4.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence

    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages

    good movie

    very scary

  3. Kid Reviewer Age 8
    Lives in Texas
    I rate this title on for age 4 and give it 4.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use

    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    I LIKED MEET THE ROBINSONS

    MY MOM REALLY LIKED THE MOVIE AND I DID TOO

  4. I rate this title off for age 17 and give it 1.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Negative message
    • Negative role models

    My sister is adopted and i found this very offensive. I am so happy she did not see it. But all of you people who said it is fine have nothing to do with adoption. How would you feel if they were basically telling you your parents did not love or care for you. 142 families just humiliated him. This is the worst movie I have ever seen.

  5. Kid Reviewer Age 12
    Lives in Ohio
    I rate this title on for age 3 and give it 4.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages

    I thought the movie was great and it does show that everyone can have bright futures. I do sort of agree with blessed2adopt2 because it does show that the kid won't get adopted but it's not SO bad that even 17 year olds shouldn't see it.

  6. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in North Carolina
    I rate this title off for age 17 and give it 0.0

    This movie totally turned me off

    When I saw the ads for this movie, (Joan Cusak with the coffee patch) I thought it was cute. However, after I purchased the DVD (we did not see it in the theater), I previewed it before showing it to my 2 (adopted) children. I was so mad at how they portrayed children in orphanages. Certainly there was another way to portray a boy genius and still have a cute story. Whether or not it was based on a book, I found this movie quite offensive.

  7. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    Lives in Texas
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 4.0

  8. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Virginia
    I rate this title on for age 5 and give it 4.0

    Good family film

    This was a pretty good film about being careful what you wish for.

  9. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Pennsylvania
    I rate this title iffy for age 8 and give it 4.0

    I think this movies is a bit too scary and tense for youngest kids. Good story and message for 6 years and up.

  10. Kid Reviewer Age 11
    Lives in New Hampshire
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    Great Movie

    Meet the Robinsons is really great! No language, violence, or anything else! The only "commercialism" is that he had a "Radio Flyer" wagon. Radio Flyer probably payed to get that in little-bitty second of screen time. I don't understand the adults- "This movie is too violent!"-yup, that's what a lot of them said, and I just don't get it! It really isn't violent at all. Long story short, it's a good movie for everyone...I'm also looking forward to the Meerkat Manor movie, "Flower: Queen of the Meerkats". THAT WILL BE SOOOOOOO GREAT!!!!! Meerkats on the big screen, and just think, it was all started by a TV series!

  11. Kid Reviewer Age 9
    Lives in California
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 3.0

    A good movie

    IT IS A GOOD MOVIE. BUT THE BOWLER HAT GUY(GOOB) LOOKS A LITTLE FREAKY. A UNCLE JOE (THE VERY FAT GUY) WHAT HAPPENS WHEN HE DOEN'ST GET PB AND J? ITS OK THOUGH. WILBYR HAS VERY FUNNY HAIR!!!!!!

  12. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    Lives in Massachusetts
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 4.0

    Really good!

    I thought this movie had a very good message for kids of any age and that anyone would like it!

  13. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Wisconsin
    I rate this title iffy for age 8 and give it 4.0

    My kids were scared by the chase...

    When the hat chases the hero through the city of the dark future, my 8 yr old and 4 yr old were both scared. This movie didn't need the violence to sell it, and I'm quite dissapointed by it. I won't be getting it for them to own. Also the hand puppet "wife" is a BIT inappropriate.

  14. Kid Reviewer Age 12
    Lives in Georgia
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    An amazing movie for even us 10 year olds.

    This movie was, well, wow it was just amazing. It included the past present and future. Their was an inspiring feeling about the movie. It had frogs singing a T-rex funnily attacking 2 boys. This is so funny that I watched it 3 times in a day! (I had a lot of time on my hands) If I would every say this wasn't for adults I would be... i can't even finish my sentence. This movie is awesome.

  15. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Connecticut
    I rate this title iffy for age 8 and give it 3.0

    A Little Too Gut Wrenching for a G-Rating

    As An adult, I really liked this film. The writing was great the voice talents were great I loved the story line. However my six year old son was completely distraught during and for days after this film. Again we have the Disney Dilemma, always the parents are missing or more likely deceased. In this case it was all the more gut wrenching as the parent is seen leaving the baby on the doorstep of the orphanage! TWICE! My Son left the theater at the end of the movie sobbing. I really think a PG rating would be a bit more appropriate than a G. And I wish Disney would let some parents live once in awhile.

  16. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    Lives in Texas
    I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it 5.0

  17. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Colorado
    I rate this title on for age 5 and give it 3.0

  18. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Idaho
    I rate this title on for age 5 and give it 4.0

  19. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Alabama
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 4.0

    One of the best family movies of the year

    This movie had nothing inappropriate in it so its a great movie for kids. But it was funny and interesting enough to keep the attention of my older teenage self as well.

  20. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Alabama
    I rate this title on for age 5 and give it 5.0

    This was a great movie! We were so glad that we went and had no idea we would love it so much. Probably one we will buy too!

More Great Stuff For Your Kids

  • Now Playing

    Where the Wild Things Are

    Where the Wild Things Are

    Sometimes-dark adaptation focuses on friendship, loneliness.

  • Advice for Parents

    Are Your Kids Obsessed with Twilight & New Moon?

    Are Your Kids Obsessed with Twilight & New Moon?

    Discussion pointers for parents of "twilighters."

  • Book of the Week

    Million-Dollar Throw

    Million-Dollar Throw

    Another Lupica sensitive dad/son sports story.

  • Issue Spotlight

    The 10 Most Violent Video Games (And 10 Alternatives)

    The 10 Most Violent Video Games (And 10 Alternatives)

    Our video game experts weigh in.

  • Game of the Week

    Ni Hao, Kai-Lan: New Year's Celebration

    Ni Hao, Kai-Lan: New Year's Celebration

    Virtual Chinese New Year with perfectly designed games.

Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
  • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
  • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
  • Post your own reviews and share them with friends

This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
A screen name protects your privacy
To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
A screen name protects your privacy

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
(optional)
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
A screen name protects your privacy
Register to add this school to your profile. You'll be able to see and share reviews from parents, teachers, and kids at your child's school.
I'm already a Common Sense member.
Kids under 13 must use a screen name