The Mitchells vs the Machines (2021)

The Mitchells vs. the Machines is a fast-paced, heartwarming animated adventure that turns a simple family road trip into a wildly inventive battle to save humanity. When aspiring filmmaker Katie Mitchell finally gets into her dream school, her nature-loving dad Rick insists on one last family drive to connect. Their quirky, sometimes-awkward dynamic—complete with upbeat mom Linda, imaginative little brother Aaron, and the family’s squishy pug—gets upended when a global robot uprising hijacks phones, appliances and toys to capture every human. Watching this film, you’ll get a roller-coaster mix of laugh-out-loud comedy, energetic action, and genuine emotional moments. The animation is kinetic and playful, using bold visuals, rapid-fire edits, and clever meta-humor that appeals to kids and adults alike. Set pieces are inventive and absurdly fun—think household gadgets turned into menacing machines—while the story never loses sight of its emotional center: a father and daughter learning to understand and accept each other. Expect pop-culture references, heartfelt family beats, and a sharp satirical take on our dependence on technology. The tone balances slapstick and sincerity, so you’ll laugh, cheer during the high-stakes sequences, and feel moved by the film’s message about creativity, connection, and why human messiness might be our greatest strength. Overall, it’s an entertaining, visually dazzling, and surprisingly touching ride for the whole family.

Actors: Abbi Jacobson, Danny McBride, Maya Rudolph

Directors: Michael Rianda, Jeff Rowe

Runtime: 113 min

Genres: Adventure, Animation, Comedy

7.1 /10 81 /100 7.6 /10 7.6 /10