AI in Hollywood: Top 7 must-watch Artificial Intelligence movies that redefine sci-fi

Dubai: What immediately comes to mind when you hear the words Artificial Intelligence, apart from those ubiquitous AI chatbots? For cinema buffs, it could be one of many AI-themed stories that have enriched the movie industry over the years. While AI remains a constantly evolving subject for filmmakers, here are seven memorable AI-themed films from the past four decades that are definitely worth checking out or even revisiting today: 

A.I. ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (2001)

This big-budget epic from director Steven Spielberg, about an abandoned robotic boy who yearns to become human in order to win back the love of his foster mother, remains one of the most compelling films ever made. Regarded as one of Spielberg’s greatest works, A.I. Artificial Intelligence is adapted from a 1969 short story by science fiction writer Brian Aldiss called Supertoys Last All Summer Long. 

Available to stream on Apple TV

BICENTENNIAL MAN (1999)

Featuring one of the late Robin Williams’ most memorable performances, this underrated cinematic gem chronicles the life of Andrew, a robot bought as an appliance programmed to perform ordinary household tasks. In an eventful journey spanning two centuries and a vivid spectrum of emotions and experiences, the unique Andrew unravels what it’s like to be human. 

Available to stream on Apple TV

STEALTH (2005)

What happens when an AI-powered automated jet - an ‘Extreme Deep Invader’ - goes rogue and threatens a top secret US Navy mission? Three highly skilled pilots come together to save the day in this critically panned action flick that nevertheless remains an entertaining watch, even 20 years later. The Guardian called it “a bomber-pilot drama like Top Gun, but with a wacky hint of Kubrick and Carpenter's Dark Star.”

Available to stream on Apple TV

INTERSTELLAR (2014)

While Christopher Nolan’s space exploration epic Interstellar isn’t strictly AI-themed, it does feature a sarcastic robot called TARS, who provides the emotionally heavy film with much of its comic relief. What’s really fascinating about the creation of TARS is that Nolan ditched CGI for actual metal puppets that a voice actor carried around with him on set. Digital editing was reportedly minimal.

Available to stream on TOD

I, ROBOT (2004)

Set in a dystopian future, I, Robot sees a tough cop (Will Smith) investigate the death of a robot inventor, while trying to deal with his own aversion to the machines. A suspect - one of US Robotics’ gleaming new creations - is on the loose. Will this spark a robot uprising? Adapted from classic science fiction stories by Isaac Asimov, I, Robot is thought-provoking in its exploration of the man-machine relationship and particularly relevant food for thought in this AI-driven age. 

Available to stream on Disney+

TERMINATOR 2: JUDGMENT DAY (1991)

A perennial favourite, this sci-fi classic starring Arnold Schwarzenegger as quite possibly the most famous on-screen cyborg ever is replete with high-octane action scenes, stunning though now dated CGI and, best of all, a rather unforgettable antagonist - T-1000, a shape-shifting android assassin made of liquid metal, manufactured by the sinister Artificial Intelligence Skynet. 

Available to stream on Netflix

WALL-E (2008)

Because you’ll need a break from the back-to-back thrills and malevolence, don’t miss out on this charming Pixar animation! A cute and curious robot, WALL-E, whilst going about his daily job of cleaning up a dystopian garbage-filled earth of which he’s the only inhabitant, encounters true love in the form of another robot, EVE. 

Available to stream on Disney+