15 AI Movies to Add to Your Summer Watchlist

When we think about AI, our first thought is often of a killer robot, rogue computer system, or humanoid child on its quest to become a real boy. Depictions of AI in film are a reflection of how people have viewed AI and similar technologies over the past century. However, the reality of what AI is differs from what we see in science fiction. AI can take many forms but it is almost never humanoid and it most certainly isn’t always bad. Our ideas of what AI is and what it can become originate from very compelling science fiction stories dating as far back as the 19th century and as technology has evolved over the years, people’s ideas, hopes, and fears of AI have grown and evolved with it.

As the field of AI begins to blend the realm of reality and science fiction, let’s look at some films that offer a lens into intelligent machines, what it means to be human, and humanity’s quest to create an intelligence that may someday rival our own. Here are 15 must watch films about AI to add to your summer movie watchlist:

1. Metropolis (1927)

Considered the first movie to depict artificial intelligence, this film about a dystopian future sets the stage for future AI-robot narratives. A must see for all sci-fi fans. (IMDb)

🤖 Humanoid or not? Humanoid
😈 Good or bad? Created to sow social discord, so, bad

2. 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)

Regarded as one of the greatest and most influential films ever made, 2001: A Space Odyssey depicts AI in a new (glowing red) light, raising questions about trust and autonomy. (IMDb)

🤖 Humanoid or not? Not humanoid
😈 Good or bad? Programmed to be neutral but becomes bad

3. The Terminator (1984)

This classic sci-fi thriller is the quintessential depiction of AI gone wrong. This film dives into the what-ifs of AI becoming self-aware and rejecting human authority. (IMDb)

🤖 Humanoid or not? Humanoid
😈 Good or bad? Bad (but wait for the sequel)

4. Ghost in the Shell (1995)

A cyberpunk action anime thriller that explores AI consciousness, sentience, and the ethical conundrum of autonomy for artificially intelligent beings. (IMDb)

🤖 Humanoid or not? Humanoid
😈 Good or bad? Conflicted

5. A.I. Artificial Intelligence (2001)

This sci-fi drama tells the story of a humanoid robot who embarks on the journey to become a real boy. This film raises deep ethical questions about emotional AI and the limits of empathy between AI beings and humans. (IMDb)

🤖 Humanoid or not? Humanoid
😈 Good or bad? Good

6. I, Robot (2004)

An action packed thriller, this film explores themes of trust, control, and morality in AI. When robots gain consciousness, do they fall in line or will they always turn against their creators? (IMDb)

🤖 Humanoid or not? Humanoid
😈 Good or bad? Mostly bad, but misunderstood

7. Eagle Eye (2008)

In a hyperconnected world, two strangers meet in an unexpected way. This film shows how systems and surveillance powered by AI can overreach. (IMDb)

🤖 Humanoid or not? Not humanoid
😈 Good or bad? Bad

8. WALL-E (2008)

This feel-good animated classic tells the story of a lonely robot rediscovering its purpose and finding love. A look into the future of humans’ unrestrained dependence on technology. (IMDb)

🤖 Humanoid or not? Semi-humanoid
😈 Good or bad? Good, and adorable

9. Her (2013)

A realistic depiction of digital intimacy, this film offers a look into the emotional bond of a human and an AI system. What was once thought sci-fi is now an example of some people’s experience with AI today. (IMDb)

🤖 Humanoid or not? Not humanoid
😈 Good or bad? Good

10. Ex Machina (2014)

This psychological thriller delves into themes of consciousness, manipulation, and power dynamics between AI and its creator. This thought provoking film will leave you wondering what it means to be human. (IMDb)

🤖 Humanoid or not? Humanoid
😈 Good or bad? It’s complicated

11. AlphaGo (2017)

A documentary chronicling a significant milestone in AI, a computer beating a human at the game Go. This film shows us how technology is advancing and what that may mean for the field of AI going forward.(IMDb)

🤖 Humanoid or not? Not humanoid
😈 Good or bad? Neutral (unless you’re the human Go player who lost)

12. The Social Dilemma (2020)

This docudrama explores the real-world dangers of AI powered recommendation systems. The film shows how social media algorithms not only recommend content based on your interests but how they manipulate your behavior and exacerbate societal issues. (IMDb)

🤖 Humanoid or not? Not humanoid
😈 Good or bad? That is the question… or as the title says, dilemma

13. M3gan (2022)

This sci-fi horror is a warning story about using AI to replace caregiving. A creepy twist on the robot nanny, this terrifying but thoughtful film warns people of the dangers of AI assistants. (IMDb)

🤖 Humanoid or not? Humanoid
😈 Good or bad? Bad (but her intentions are good)

14. The Creator (2023)

An emotional tale of a war between humans and AI where AI holds the key to peace and destruction. This film challenges assumptions about machines and humans and who is deserving of empathy. (IMDb)

🤖 Humanoid or not? Humanoid
😈 Good or bad? Depends on whose side you’re on

15. Companion (2025)

A thriller that examines what it means to be human, this film is a timely take on intimacy, capitalism, and the next frontier of human and AI relationships. (IMDb)

🤖 Humanoid or not? Humanoid
😈 Good or bad? Bad, but no worse than the humans