The capabilities of technology are improving every day, to the point that artificial intelligence is something that brings a degree of fear with it. This comes from a general distrust of the unknown, but also from media depictions of AI and robots going rogue. As demonstrated by the 2023 movie M3GAN, there are many movie robots and AI that are dangerous in the wrong hands or company or are simply too powerful to be contained by humans in the first place.
However, robots don't always have to be dangerous and scary entities. In fact, there are many examples of kind and friendly robots across a whole host of movies. These robots are machines that try their best to grasp human emotions and concepts, making friends and learning a lot in the process.
10 C-3PO & The Other Droids Show Immense Loyalty & Dedication
Star Wars
Throughout the entire Star Wars franchise, droids are generally shown to be loyal companions with varying levels of intellect and usefulness. R2-D2 and BB-8 are great examples of this, as they are able to showcase their personalities, despite being limited to beeps and boops or other characters playing interpreters for them.
C-3PO, however, has the benefit of using human speech. C-3PO may always voice his concerns and generally negative outlook on situations, but beneath this worry-prone layer is unwavering loyalty, kindness and commitment to those who would return the favor.
9 Astro Becomes More Than Just A Replacement
Astro Boy
In the 2009 animated movie adaptation of Astro Boy, the titular character is a robot version of Toby Tenma, a child who tragically died, assuming Toby's memories. The robot becomes a target of Stone, the President of Metro City, and ultimately ends up in a junkyard where he assumes the name Astro Boy.
Astro has a metaphorical heart of pure gold, as he turns into a superhero and uses his powers for good. He even apologizes to Dr. Tenma for not being his son Toby in a heartbreaking moment that helps the doctor see how wonderful he truly is. In spite of everything that Astro has to go through, he remains true to himself, with his spirit and kindness.
8 B.E.N. Is Friendly Through His Intensity
Treasure Planet
B.E.N. is a character introduced late on in the beloved Disney movie Treasure Planet, but still establishes himself as an important part of the overall story. The Bio Electronic Navigator is revealed to be a former navigator for the legendary space pirate Captain Flint, but with his memories removed.
With his memory in tatters, B.E.N. expresses glee and gratitude in meeting Jim, initially coming across too strong with his enthusiasm and chaotic nature. B.E.N. has his uses, and Jim eventually warms to him, despite the robot not knowing what it means to be quiet or subtle. B.E.N. ultimately just wants to be appreciated and useful to someone again.
7 Chappie Learns A Lot About Friendship
CHAPPiE
Chappie is the titular robotic protagonist of the 2015 film, and while the film may have largely divided opinion, Chappie himself steals the show. Chappie is essentially an advanced AI uploaded into a new robot form, and he goes through classic bursts of what resembles teenage adolescence.
Chappie's curiosity and energy sees him becoming very impressionable when hanging around and copying humans, whether they are kind or mischievous. However, Chappie ultimately learns more about humans and how life is a precious concept. Chappie learns lessons as any human would while proving his heroic streak and that he is much more than some weapon to be seized or controlled.
6 Sox Serves As Buzz's Emotional Support
Lightyear
The Lightyear movie may have its critics, with many finding it a jarring experience to see the beloved toy Buzz Lightyear in a completely different light, but the movie is not without its bright spots. Lightyear still has plenty of heart and emotion, as well as some comedic characters.
Sox is a main source of humor in Lightyear. Sox is a robotic cat who serves as Buzz's companion, eager to monitor and help his emotional and physical well-being. Despite being a robot, Sox does still act like a cat and plays the role of a loyal friend to perfection.
5 Rodney Copperbottom's Optimism & Ambition Are Infectious
Robots
Unsurprisingly, the 2005 animated movie Robots is all about robots. Ewan McGregor voices Rodney Copperbottom, the protagonist of the story and an aspiring inventor. Rodney's dreams take him to Robot City, where he meets many more interesting robots.
Rodney's optimism is what drives him, and his ambition inspires others. For those rare moments of weakness and self-doubt, Rodney is fortunate to have family and friends there for him, to put him back on the right path, as they know for a fact that he would do the same for them.
4 Iron Giant Proves To Be Much More Than Just His Offensive Capabilities
The Iron Giant
The Iron Giant has been immortalized in the hearts and minds of movie lovers as the titular autonomous "Metal Man" from the 1999 animated sci-fi movie The Iron Giant. Despite being a 50-foot tall robot with extensive combative capabilities, Hogarth finds the Giant in a damaged and docile state, with him instead being curious and in awe of everything he sees on Earth.
The fact that the Iron Giant is docile upon impact on Earth means that his defenses are down and that he can learn about human lives, rather than immediately being on guard and ultimately acting as a dangerous weapon. He is the definition of a gentle giant, but he will use his strength, size, and offensive capabilities to protect life and those he cares about.
3 Wall-E Holds Unprecedented Levels Of Heart & Spirit For A Robot
WALL-E
When anybody thinks about lovable and energetic robots, Disney products immediately spring to mind, with WALL-E leading the way. The titular robot of this exceptional 2008 Pixar movie suffers from intense loneliness, but he manages to formulate sentience and a grip on human emotions that he seeks to explore further.
WALL-E values forgiveness and nurturing life, among other things that help audiences adore this little robot. The movie shows the good and evil sides of robots, but WALL-E is about as friendly as they can get, in spite of everything he has had to endure.
2 Baymax Takes Care Of His Friends
Big Hero 6
While WALL-E is the main focus of his titular movie, Baymax works seamlessly within a collective group in Big Hero Six, but he still manages to steal the show. The 2014 Disney movie introduces Baymax as an adorable inflatable robot made by Tadashi and programmed to be a personal health companion, later being inherited by Tadashi's brother Hiro, following the former's death.
As with most movie robots, Baymax takes time to learn about human concepts, emotions and needs, with hilarious and heartwarming results. Ultimately, however, Baymax's primary purpose of caring for others shines through. Baymax is selfless and loyal, making him the perfect companion and friend to those who show him kindness and patience in return.
1 Optimus Prime Is The Autobot Embodiment Of Honor & Heroism
Transformers
Optimus Prime is seen as the poster character of the Transformers franchise and has left a huge impression with his numerous movie appearances. Optimus is a born leader as he leads other Autobots in a quest to find freedom for sentient beings.
Optimus Prime is seen in combat through each of his Transformers movie appearances, but every time as the hero fighting for the right reasons. His bravery and honor inspire loyalty and ultimately encourage others to follow in his footsteps. Optimus Prime truly is a good and friendly robot.