RoboCop (1987)
Kernel Score: 83% · 5,608 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Action, Thriller, Science Fiction
Released: 1987-07-17
Runtime: 102 minutes
Is RoboCop worth watching?
Worth watching. A brutal, funny sci-fi action film about a murdered cop rebuilt as a robot. It satirises corporations and media while delivering violent action. Dated effects are part of the charm.
Watch it if you
- like violent 80s sci-fi
- enjoy satire mixed with action
- want a smart-but-nasty cult classic
Skip it if you
- dislike graphic violence
- want modern effects
Best for: Action night
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch RoboCop
- Stream: Fubo, Philo, MGM+
- Free with ads: Fawesome, The Roku Channel, YouTube Free, Tubi
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
In a violent, near-apocalyptic Detroit, evil corporation Omni Consumer Products wins a contract from the city government to privatize the police force. To test their crime-eradicating cyborgs, the company leads street cop Alex Murphy into an armed confrontation with crime lord Boddicker so they can use his body to support their untested RoboCop prototype. But when RoboCop learns of the company's nefarious plans, he turns on his masters.
RoboCop parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that RoboCop is an R-rated action film with graphic violence, a dystopian corporate crime setting, and dark themes.
- Violence & scariness: Intense — Features graphic, intense violence including a brutal on-screen killing and armed confrontations with crime lords.
- Language: Moderate — Contains strong language typical of an R-rated 1980s action film.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like RoboCop
If you liked RoboCop, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991) — 95%: Sci-fi action about a machine with a human heart.
- The Terminator (1984) — 90%: Relentless 80s sci-fi action with a killer cyborg.
- Total Recall (1990) — 83%: Another Paul Verhoeven sci-fi action satire.
- Starship Troopers (1997) — 78%: Verhoeven again, with blunt satire and violence.
- Ghost in the Shell (1995) — 92%: Cyborg identity explored in a more thoughtful way.
- Upgrade (2018) — 86%: Violent near-future thriller about a man and a machine.
Director
Cast
- Peter Weller as Officer Alex J. Murphy / RoboCop
- Nancy Allen as Officer Anne Lewis
- Dan O'Herlihy as The Old Man
- Ronny Cox as Dick Jones
- Kurtwood Smith as Clarence Boddicker
- Miguel Ferrer as Bob Morton
- Robert DoQui as Sgt. Warren Reed
- Ray Wise as Leon Nash
- Felton Perry as Johnson
- Paul McCrane as Emil Antonowsky
RoboCop FAQ
Is RoboCop worth watching?
Worth watching. A brutal, funny sci-fi action film about a murdered cop rebuilt as a robot. It satirises corporations and media while delivering violent action. Dated effects are part of the charm.
Where can I watch RoboCop?
In the US you can stream RoboCop on Fubo, Philo and MGM+, watch it free with ads on Fawesome, The Roku Channel, YouTube Free and Tubi and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is RoboCop OK for kids?
RoboCop is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that RoboCop is an R-rated action film with graphic violence, a dystopian corporate crime setting, and dark themes.
What movies are like RoboCop?
If you liked RoboCop, try Terminator 2: Judgment Day, The Terminator, Total Recall and Starship Troopers.