The Iron Giant (1999)

The Iron Giant is a touching, fast-paced animated adventure set in late-1950s small-town America. When curious nine- (sometimes described as eleven-) year-old Hogarth Hughes discovers a gigantic metal robot that has crash-landed from space, an unlikely friendship forms: playful curiosity, childlike wonder, and gentle humor mix with moments of awe as the Giant learns about the world and humanity. Tension builds when paranoid government agent Kent Mansley arrives, convinced the robot is a threat and ready to bring the full military down on the town. Hogarth — with help from junkyard artist Dean McCoppin — must hide and protect his friend while confronting fear, prejudice, and the consequences of violence. Watching the film, you’ll experience warm, nostalgic animation and sincere performances that balance joyful discovery and high-stakes action. The story crescendos into an emotional, morally driven climax about choice, identity, and sacrifice, leaving viewers both exhilarated by the thrills and quietly moved by the bond at the story’s heart.

Actors: Eli Marienthal, Harry Connick Jr., Jennifer Aniston

Director: Brad Bird

Runtime: 86 min

Genres: Action, Adventure, Animation

7.2 /10 85 /100 8.1 /10 7.9 /10