Common Sense Media Review
By Sandie Angulo Chen
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Action-packed family adventure tackles tech dependence.
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The Mitchells vs. the Machines
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 95 parent reviews
Parents say this movie serves as an entertaining exploration of family dynamics, technology use, and acceptance. It balances humor and action while addressing deeper themes of relationships and individuality, though some viewers express concern over the subtle inclusion of LGBTQ elements and moments of violence, leading to mixed feelings about its suitability for younger audiences.
- family dynamics
- technology use
- humor and action
- LGBTQ elements
- mixed suitability
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 111 kid reviews
Kids say the film is a delightful family comedy filled with humor, relatable characters, and important life lessons about family, technology, and acceptance. However, some parents note concerns regarding its appropriateness for very young viewers due to dark themes, suggestive content, and mild language, while others appreciate the inclusive representation of LGBTQ+ characters and diverse roles throughout the movie.
- family bonding
- humor and fun
- dark themes warning
- LGBTQ+ representation
- relatable characters
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
THE MITCHELLS VS. THE MACHINES is a family road-trip adventure that turns into the story of how a family of four ends up being the only ones who can save Earth from an AI takeover. Michigan-raised high school senior Katie Mitchell (voiced by Abbi Jacobson) is a quirky aspiring filmmaker who's ready to leave everyone who doesn't get her (including her increasingly distant dad) and join like-minded folks at a California film school. When her parents, Rick (Danny McBride) and Linda (Maya Rudolph), decide to drive cross-country instead of fly her to college, Katie is initially furious about missing orientation. But their family road trip—complete with dinosaur-obsessed little brother Aaron (Michael Rianda) and goofy pug Monchi (Doug the Pug)—ends up coinciding with an AI uprising after Apple-like tech company Pal releases a new AI robot that's meant to replace a smartphone-based personal assistant. Unfortunately, the original Pal (Olivia Colman) isn't ready to become obsolete, so she immediately reprograms the new models to turn on humans to spite Pal CEO Mark Bowman (Eric André). The machines start rounding people up, and the Mitchells end up the last humans standing. Together, the family must find a way to outsmart the bots before they take over the world.
Is It Any Good?
This funny tween- and teen-friendly family adventure captures the tension between family time and technology and highlights the importance of strong communication and bonding. There's so much to enjoy about The Mitchells vs. the Machines, writer-directors Michael Rianda and Jeff Rowe's story about an unlikely family emerging as Earth's saviors. The Mitchells are basically the anti-Incredibles: They don't have any special powers, they initially lack family cohesiveness, and they have competing interests (Rick wants tech-free together time, while Katie wants to be away at college, making movies, ASAP). The brilliantly cast voice ensemble is impressive, from the stellar stars to standout supporting turns from André, Colman, Conan O'Brien, Fred Armisen, Beck Bennett, and even Chrissy Teigen and John Legend as the Mitchells' cooler neighbors, the Poseys.
Parents in particular will appreciate the way the movie depicts siblings who actually like each other—and the sensitive portrayal of the disconnect that can happen when teens distance themselves. On the flip side, parents are also encouraged to appreciate their children's quirky talents, interests, and gifts (including those that involve using tech and devices), even if they don't fully understand them. Rudolph's Mrs. Mitchell is wonderful and has a memorable moment to shine as the protector of her pack. The movie's animation includes a few live-action elements for emphasis and incorporates Katie's clever short films throughout. The many jokes about smart devices, appliances, and toys can be laugh-out-loud funny at times, like when a horde of Roombas and a giant Furby are on the attack. This is one of those special family films that viewers of all ages will find entertaining for different reasons, and it should spark productive, candid conversations about technology's role in family life.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how The Mitchells vs. the Machines portrays technology. What are the pros/positive aspects? How about cons/negatives? How does your family use technology together?
How do the Mitchells demonstrate courage, communication, and teamwork? Why are those important character strengths?
Katie considers herself "different" because she's unlike her peers. Do you think the movie authentically captures what it's like to feel like no one "gets" you?
How do Katie and her dad end up finding common ground and a way to connect? How do her mom and brother help? Why is it important to try to understand others and appreciate their differences?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : April 30, 2021
- Cast : Abbi Jacobson , Maya Rudolph , Danny McBride
- Directors : Michael Rianda , Jeff Rowe
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Black Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Netflix
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Adventures , Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Robots
- Character Strengths : Communication , Courage , Teamwork
- Run time : 113 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : action and some language
- Awards : Academy Award - Animated Feature Nominee , BAFTA - BAFTA Nominee , Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : March 11, 2026
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