The Mitchells vs. the Machines (2021)
Film · Animation, Adventure, Comedy
Stream itif you enjoy high-energy animation that prioritises genuine family dynamics over generic action tropes.
A hyperactive and visually inventive comedy that balances frenetic action with a surprisingly heartfelt story about family connection. It is a loud, joyful, and fast-paced ride that will keep both children and adults laughing throughout.
What it is about
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.
Trailer
What The Mitchells vs. the Machines is like, and who it is for
What it is like to watch
Watching this is a maximalist experience. It bursts with a distinctive scrapbook aesthetic, layering 2D doodles and internet memes over sleek 3D animation. The pace is relentless, mirroring the chaotic energy of a road trip gone wrong, while the robot apocalypse provides a high-stakes backdrop that never loses its sense of humour.
Who it is for, and who should skip it
It is perfect for families who want something that feels modern and relatable rather than sanitised. It captures the friction of the digital divide between generations with sharp wit and empathy. However, the sheer density of visual gags and the fast editing might feel overwhelming or loud for those who prefer quieter, more traditional storytelling.
The right evening for it
It suits a lively Friday night when you want a shot of adrenaline and a good laugh without sacrificing emotional weight. It is an ideal pick for a multi-generational viewing where nobody wants to be bored.
Written by our AI from the facts on this page. It has opinions; it has not watched it.
Another trailer
Trailer · Official Trailer
How The Mitchells vs. the Machines leaves you
One line on the mood it ends on, with no plot. Some people count that as a spoiler, so it stays hidden until you ask.
Expect to come away feeling energised and warmly reminded of the messy, imperfect bonds that hold a family together, even during a global crisis.
How The Mitchells vs. the Machines ends
Spoilers. The whole ending, in a few lines. Nothing shows until you ask and then confirm.
The film ends with Katie and Aaron infiltrating PAL Labs HQ after Katie realises Rick sacrificed his personal dreams for her childhood. Rick and Linda break free with help from Mark and attempt to upload a video of Monchi to short-circuit the machines. When Katie is captured and dropped from PAL's lair, the redeemed Eric and Deborahbot upload the video, saving her. The family joins forces to battle the machines, and Katie finally destroys PAL by dropping her into a glass of water, which frees all of humanity and disables the robot army.
Months after the victory, the family drops Katie off at her college in California. The story concludes with the Mitchells, accompanied by Eric and Deborahbot, embarking on a new road trip to Washington, D.C. to receive the Congressional Gold Medal for their heroics.
Summarised by our AI from the plot section of the Wikipedia article, available under CC BY-SA 4.0. This summary is shared under the same licence.
Stills
Images from TMDB.
If you like this, try
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)
film · Epic · IMDb 8.4 · In English, Japanese and Spanish
A visually stunning adrenaline shot that redefined animation with its kinetic, comic-book-come-to-life style. It is an exhilarating ride for all ages that balances high-stakes multiverse action with a deeply sincere coming-of-age story. Widely considered a masterpiece of the genre, it delivers pure cinematic awe.
the same innovative blend of 2D and 3D animation styles
The LEGO Movie (2014)
the same fast-paced, irreverent humour and focus on unconventional heroes
Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs (2009)
the same whimsical tone and chaotic, inventive visual comedy
Suggested by our AI for what they share with this one. Linked titles have a page here; the rest are worth a search on the browse page.
More clips
Clip · Meet the Mitchells
Featurette · Katie Mitchell: A Protagonist of Our Time
Featurette · Breaking Our Physically Based Renderer
The Mitchells vs. the Machines soundtrack
Music by Mark Mothersbaugh
The Mitchells vs The Machines (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
Mark Mothersbaugh & Alex Lahey · 2021 · 36 tracks
Listen on Apple Music- 1Columbia Opening / Apocalypse · Mark Mothersbaugh
- 2Katie's Life / Good Cop Dog Cop · Mark Mothersbaugh
- 3Laptop Breaks / Home Movies · Mark Mothersbaugh
- 4Rise Of The Robots · Mark Mothersbaugh
- 5Robots Falling From The Sky · Mark Mothersbaugh
- 6Eat Laser Robots · Mark Mothersbaugh
- 7Robots Capture Humans · Mark Mothersbaugh
- 8On The Roof · Mark Mothersbaugh
- 9Two Dumb Robots · Mark Mothersbaugh
- 10We Could Get Our Lives Back · Mark Mothersbaugh
Album and songs from Apple Music.
Awards
The Mitchells vs. the Machines was nominated for Best Animated Feature at the Oscars. It was also nominated at the BAFTAs.
Oscars
- Nominated: Best Animated Feature · 2021, 2022
BAFTAs
- Nominated: BAFTA's Children & Young People Award (Feature Film) · 2022
3 other awards and nominationsShow
- Won: Annie Award for Best Animated Feature · 2021
- Won: Critics' Choice Movie Award for Best Animated Feature · 2021
- Won: Annie Award for Directing in a Feature Production · Mike Rianda · 2022
From Wikidata, which can miss some.
Questions people ask
- Is The Mitchells vs. the Machines a funny film?
- Yes. On Watchlist Boosted it is tagged Funny, with an epic streak. A hyperactive and visually inventive comedy that balances frenetic action with a surprisingly heartfelt story about family connection. It is a loud, joyful, and fast-paced ride that will keep both children and adults laughing throughout.
- How long is The Mitchells vs. the Machines?
- The Mitchells vs. the Machines runs 110 min and was released in 2021.
- Where can I watch The Mitchells vs. the Machines in the UK?
- In the UK, The Mitchells vs. the Machines is included with Netflix (all plans).
- Was The Mitchells vs. the Machines nominated for any awards?
- The Mitchells vs. the Machines was nominated for Best Animated Feature at the Oscars. It was also nominated at the BAFTAs.
- Who composed the music for The Mitchells vs. the Machines?
- The music for The Mitchells vs. the Machines is by Mark Mothersbaugh. The soundtrack album, The Mitchells vs The Machines (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack), has 36 tracks.
- What songs are on the The Mitchells vs. the Machines soundtrack?
- The Mitchells vs The Machines (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) has 36 tracks, including “Columbia Opening / Apocalypse” by Mark Mothersbaugh, “Katie's Life / Good Cop Dog Cop” by Mark Mothersbaugh, “Laptop Breaks / Home Movies” by Mark Mothersbaugh, “Rise Of The Robots” by Mark Mothersbaugh and “Robots Falling From The Sky” by Mark Mothersbaugh, and more. It is on Apple Music.
- Is The Mitchells vs. the Machines worth watching?
- Stream it: if you enjoy high-energy animation that prioritises genuine family dynamics over generic action tropes. IMDb users rate it 7.6 out of 10 from 140,595 votes, Rotten Tomatoes gives it 97%, Metacritic 81 and TMDB users 7.8.
More funny titles
Same mood, saved by people here. See all funny titles.
Archer (2009)
series · Funny · IMDb 8.6 · In English, Spanish and German
A sharp-tongued, fast-paced animated parody of the spy genre that relies on rapid-fire insults and cynical office politics. It is highly bingeable due to its short episodes and relentless commitment to its characters' terrible behavior.
Big Mistakes (2026)
series · Funny · IMDb 7.2 · In English and Turkish
A chaotic and dry crime comedy centered on the incompetence of its protagonists rather than the thrill of the heist. It is built for laughs through awkward situations and sibling bickering, offering a lighthearted subversion of the organized crime genre.
The Laundromat (2019)
film · Funny · IMDb 6.3 · In English, Spanish, Mandarin and Russian
A star-studded but disjointed satire that attempts to explain complex financial corruption through high-energy, fourth-wall-breaking sketches. It is more informative and snarky than it is emotionally resonant, making for a somewhat clinical and cynical viewing experience.
Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery (2025)
film · Funny · IMDb 7.3
A witty and stylish "whodunnit" that balances sharp comedic timing with a genuine, layered mystery. It is a theatrical and entertaining puzzle for fans who enjoy watching a brilliant detective unmask a colorful cast of eccentric suspects.
7 Women and a Murder (2021)
film · Funny · IMDb 5.4 · In Italian and French
A theatrical and stylish whodunnit that leans into the campy chaos of its large ensemble cast. It is a breezy, light-hearted mystery that feels like a stage play adapted for the screen, focusing more on character bickering than true dread.
Miss Shampoo (2023)
film · Funny · IMDb 5.7 · In Mandarin and Thai
A wild, chaotic blend of slapstick humor and heartfelt romance that thrives on high energy. It is loud, messy, and endearing, perfect for viewers who want a fast-paced genre mashup.