Common Sense Media Review
By Tara McNamara
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Word-free animated friendship story brings laughs, tears.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Robot Dreams
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?
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
- In theaters : May 31, 2024
- On DVD or streaming : June 7, 2024
- Director : Pablo Berger
- Studio : Neon
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Book Characters , Animals , Friendship , Robots
- Character Strengths : Compassion
- Run time : 102 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : some language and smoking
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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