The Mitchells vs. the Machines (2021)

Kernel Score: 88% · 3,261 ratings · Rated PG

Genres: Animation, Adventure, Comedy

Released: 2021-04-22

Runtime: 114 minutes

Is The Mitchells vs. the Machines worth watching?

Must-watch. A dysfunctional family road trip collides with a robot uprising in a fast, funny animated film with a distinctive hand-drawn look. It's full of jokes, genuinely warm about parents and teens, and good for the whole family.

Watch it if you

  • want an animated film that adults will enjoy too
  • like family comedy with real heart
  • enjoy quick jokes and bold visuals

Skip it if you

  • dislike hyperactive pacing
  • want quiet, gentle animation

Best for: Family movie night

Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.

Where to watch The Mitchells vs. the Machines

  • Stream: Netflix
  • Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
  • Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube

US availability, updated 2026-10-23.

Overview

A quirky, dysfunctional family's road trip is upended when they find themselves in the middle of the robot apocalypse and suddenly become humanity's unlikeliest last hope.

The Mitchells vs. the Machines parents' guide: ages 8+

Parents need to know that The Mitchells vs. the Machines is a PG animated adventure about a family surviving a robot apocalypse.

  • Violence & scariness: Some — Cartoon action involving evil robots and a robot apocalypse, played mostly for comedy and adventure rather than graphic threat.

Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.

Movies like The Mitchells vs. the Machines

If you liked The Mitchells vs. the Machines, these are the movies we'd watch next.

  • Ron's Gone Wrong (2021) — 86%: Funny, heartfelt animated film about technology and friendship
  • Big Hero 6 (2014) — 88%: Animated adventure with a big heart and a likeable robot
  • Inside Out (2015) — 89%: Inventive animated film about family and feelings
  • Puss in Boots: The Last Wish (2022) — 89%: Visually bold animated adventure with sharp humour
  • Toy Story (1995) — 96%: The animated classic that set the standard for family comedy
  • Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009) — 87%: Quirky animated comedy with a distinct style and big laughs

Director

Mike Rianda

Cast

  • Abbi Jacobson as Katie / Dog Cop (voice)
  • Danny McBride as Rick (voice)
  • Maya Rudolph as Linda (voice)
  • Mike Rianda as Aaron / Furbies / Talking Dog / Wifi Enthusiast (voice)
  • Eric André as Mark (voice)
  • Olivia Colman as PAL (voice)
  • Fred Armisen as Deborahbot 5000 (voice)
  • Beck Bennett as Eric / PAL Max Robots (voice)
  • Chrissy Teigen as Hailey Posey (voice)
  • John Legend as Jim Posey (voice)

The Mitchells vs. the Machines FAQ

Is The Mitchells vs. the Machines worth watching?

Must-watch. A dysfunctional family road trip collides with a robot uprising in a fast, funny animated film with a distinctive hand-drawn look. It's full of jokes, genuinely warm about parents and teens, and good for the whole family.

Where can I watch The Mitchells vs. the Machines?

In the US you can stream The Mitchells vs. the Machines on Netflix and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.

Is The Mitchells vs. the Machines OK for kids?

The Mitchells vs. the Machines is rated PG. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 8+. Parents need to know that The Mitchells vs. the Machines is a PG animated adventure about a family surviving a robot apocalypse.

What movies are like The Mitchells vs. the Machines?

If you liked The Mitchells vs. the Machines, try Ron's Gone Wrong, Big Hero 6, Inside Out and Puss in Boots: The Last Wish.