Futurama: Bender's Game

Movie review by Joly Herman, Common Sense Media
Futurama: Bender's Game Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 13+

Over-the-top zaniness for fans of the cult TV show.

NR 2008 88 minutes
Rate movie

Parents say

age 12+

Based on 4 reviews

Kids say

age 12+

Based on 10 reviews

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Rate movie

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this movie.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that teens who like the TV show Futurama are going to want to see this movie. Expect some mature content. A mother slaps her sons frequently, there's a rather gruesome dragon-slaying scene, and the Dark Matter that the characters in the movie are chasing for fuel is actually poop from creatures called nibblers -- you get the idea. Zany, wacky, sometimes violent, often funny mature cartoon action.

Community Reviews

Hendo H. U.
Hendo H. U. Adult
January 19, 2018
age 13+

This title has:

Too much violence
Too much sex
Too much swearing
Too much consumerism
Too much drinking/drugs/smoking
1 person found this helpful.
howsmart
howsmart Adult
January 10, 2012
age 10+

hilarious

with guidance you and your older kids can enjoy this movie

This title has:

Too much violence
Too much sex
1 person found this helpful.
See all 4 parent reviews

What's the Story?

The plot is twofold: Bender (voiced by John Di Maggio) the robot wants to have an imagination so that he can play a Dungeons and Dragons-style game with the other kids. Meanwhile, fuel prices are soaring, prompting Professor Farnsworth (Billy West) to seek out his old flame, Mom, who controls the output of the Dark Matter fuel pellets. When Bender's imagination sends him over the edge (straight into an insane asylum for robots) as Farnsworth is activating all Dark Matter, Bender's whacked-out imagination morphs into an alternate universe where all the characters' alter egos meet for a medieval adventure.

Is It Any Good?

Beginning with a scene straight out of the Beatles' Yellow Submarine, and ending in a tribute to Lord of the Rings, FUTURAMA: BENDER'S GAME is a zany ride. There are nonstop funny cultural references, hilarious one-liners, colorful characters, and crazy situations. Of course, along with any cult fave, you'll find plenty of swings between humor and over-the-top, crossing-the-line behavior -- fine for forgiving fans but squirm-inducing for many parents.

Violence as a theme is addressed, as Leela is forced to wear a shock collar to keep her thoughts from veering toward violence or lying. Mom smacks her kids around enough to really push the envelope, and they engage in slapstick smacks and eye pokes as well. But the political commentary found in the quest for fuel is amusing, as is the reference to the Dungeons and Dragons lifestyle. Fans will definitely enjoy this addition to the Futurama series.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how Mom behaves with her sons. Is it offensive to see a mother figure slapping her children? Is it funny? Or is it pushing the boundaries?

  • Why does Bender want to fit in so badly? What happens when he tries too hard?

Movie Details

Our Editors Recommend

Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.

See how we rate