Dickens & Rumi
Cover of A.I. Artificial Intelligence

film

A.I. Artificial Intelligence

2001

David, a robotic boy—the first of his kind programmed to love—is adopted as a test case by a Cybertronics employee and his wife. Though he gradually becomes their child, a series of unexpected circumstances make this life impossible for David.

Ages 13+Source checked

Why this age? PG-13 themes include a childlike robot facing abandonment, attempted destruction, peril, implied prostitution, disturbing dystopian imagery, suicide imagery, extinction, and an emotionally painful ending. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age13+

Strongest cautions

  • Death of a character4/5
  • Frightening scenes4/5
  • Violence3/5

Strongest positives

  • Creativity & curiosity5/5
  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Positive messages4/5

What’s in it?

Products & advertising1/5
Why this rating?

Standard film production, no excessive product placement.

Death of a character4/5
Why this rating?

The story includes threatened destruction, a character's apparent suicide attempt, human extinction, and the temporary recreation and death of Monica.

Graphic injury2/5
Why this rating?

Robot parts are often damaged or mangled; scenes at the Flesh Fair show robotic dismemberment.

Strong language2/5
Why this rating?

The PG-13 film contains some occasional mild-to-moderate profanity and harsh language, but language is not a major focus.

Religious themes1/5
Why this rating?

The quest has metaphorical religious undertones (the search for a creator/Blue Fairy), but no formal practice.

Romance2/5
Why this rating?

Includes a robot character designed for adult companionship, but it is not presented as a traditional romance.

Frightening scenes4/5
Why this rating?

Threatening dystopian settings, abandoned children, hostile crowds, robot destruction, capture, underwater danger, and humanity's extinction create sustained fear.

Sexual content & nudity2/5
Why this rating?

One character is a 'gigolo' robot, with references to his role and context in the adult entertainment industry.

Alcohol or drugs1/5
Why this rating?

There are minor adult-world references or incidental depictions, but substance use is not central or glamorized.

Violence3/5
Why this rating?

Includes knife-related injury, dangerous confrontations, attempted destruction of robots, capture, pursuit, crashes, and peril involving children and androids.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

David persistently faces danger and rejection while pursuing love and belonging; some actions are desperate rather than safely or wisely brave.

Creativity & curiosity5/5
Why this rating?

The imaginative future world, fairy-tale structure, artificial beings, flooded cities, evolved mechas, and ethical thought experiments strongly stimulate imagination.

Diverse representation2/5
Why this rating?

Features a diverse cast, though roles are limited by the narrative focus on the robot protagonists.

Educational value2/5
Why this rating?

Prompts discussion about A.I., ethics, and environmental impact.

Kindness & empathy3/5
Why this rating?

David and Teddy show loyalty and care, and some characters help them, but abandonment, exploitation, jealousy, and cruelty are substantial elements.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

Central themes include love, personhood, parental responsibility, abandonment, exploitation, identity, grief, and the consequences of treating sentient beings as products.

Good role models2/5
Why this rating?

David is a protagonist defined by unwavering devotion, though he is a manufactured being.

Family discussion

Talk about it

Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What was the most imaginative idea in the story, and what would you add to it?
  2. How did the story approach death or loss? What helped the characters cope?
  3. Which choice in A.I. Artificial Intelligence would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in A.I. Artificial Intelligence, and what caused that change?
Discuss this title with other parents

Community reactions

What families noticed

Add your perspective

Sign in from the homepage to rate this title.

Where to watch or buy

Buy or rent on AmazonFind on JustWatch

As an Amazon Associate, Dickens & Rumi may earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.

These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

Report an incorrect rating