The Iron Giant (1999)
Kernel Score: 89% · 6,055 ratings · Rated PG
Genres: Animation, Science Fiction, Family, Drama
Released: 1999-08-06
Runtime: 86 minutes
Is The Iron Giant worth watching?
Must-watch. A boy befriends a giant robot that fell from space in 1957 Maine, while the government grows suspicious. It's warm, funny and surprisingly moving, with hand-drawn charm, and it deserves its reputation as a family classic.
Watch it if you
- love heartfelt animated films
- like stories of unlikely friendship
- want a family film that respects its audience
Skip it if you
- dislike sad endings
- want constant action
Best for: Family movie night
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch The Iron Giant
- Free with ads: YouTube Free
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
In the small town of Rockwell, Maine in October 1957, a giant metal machine befriends a nine-year-old boy and ultimately finds its humanity by unselfishly saving people from their own fears and prejudices.
The Iron Giant parents' guide: ages 6+
Parents need to know that The Iron Giant is a PG animated family film with Cold War-era peril and a message of self-sacrifice.
- Violence & scariness: Some — Includes Cold War paranoia and action peril, but is family-friendly overall per PG rating.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like The Iron Giant
If you liked The Iron Giant, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- The Wild Robot (2024) — 91%: Robot learns to care for another living thing
- WALL·E (2008) — 90%: Wordless-leaning robot story with great heart
- The Incredibles (2004) — 85%: Brad Bird's superhero family adventure
- Ratatouille (2007) — 89%: Another Brad Bird film about an unlikely friendship
- The Secret of NIMH (1982) — 84%: Classic animated adventure with real emotional weight
- October Sky (1999) — 87%: Inspiring 1950s story of a boy chasing a dream
Director
Cast
- Jennifer Aniston as Annie Hughes (voice)
- Harry Connick Jr. as Dean McCoppin (voice)
- Vin Diesel as The Iron Giant (voice)
- James Gammon as Foreman Marv Loach / Floyd Turbeaux (voice)
- Cloris Leachman as Mrs. Lynley Tensedge (voice)
- Christopher McDonald as Kent Mansley (voice)
- John Mahoney as General Rogard (voice)
- Eli Marienthal as Hogarth Hughes (voice)
- M. Emmet Walsh as Earl Stutz (voice)
- Jack Angel as Additional Voices (voice)
The Iron Giant FAQ
Is The Iron Giant worth watching?
Must-watch. A boy befriends a giant robot that fell from space in 1957 Maine, while the government grows suspicious. It's warm, funny and surprisingly moving, with hand-drawn charm, and it deserves its reputation as a family classic.
Where can I watch The Iron Giant?
In the US you can watch it free with ads on YouTube Free and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is The Iron Giant OK for kids?
The Iron Giant is rated PG. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 6+. Parents need to know that The Iron Giant is a PG animated family film with Cold War-era peril and a message of self-sacrifice.
What movies are like The Iron Giant?
If you liked The Iron Giant, try The Wild Robot, WALL·E, The Incredibles and Ratatouille.