Best movies like D.A.R.Y.L.
Last updated March 2024
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Plot Summary:
Daryl is a normal 10-year-old boy in many ways. However, unbeknown to his foster parents and friends, Daryl is actually a government-created robot with superhuman reflexes and mental abilities. Even his name has a hidden meaning -- it's actually an acronym for Data Analyzing Robot Youth Life-form. When the organization that created him deems the "super soldier" experiment a failure and schedules Daryl to be disassembled, it is up to a few rogue scientists to help him escape.
IMDB Rating: 6.2
IMDB Votes: 14000
Genere: Family, Sci-Fi
Country: UK, USA
Duration: 99 min
Plot tags: uplifting, epic, mindfuck, colorful, touching, serious, eighties, nostalgic
Best tv shows and movies like D.A.R.Y.L. (1985):
Similar in 80%
Robo (2019)
Plot Summary:
Robo is an amazing story of friendship between a boy and a robot. Where a whole new world opens up for both of them. The boy learns to be strong and courageous, and the robot, initially devoid of feelings, begins to empathize and experience real human emotions.
IMDB Rating: 5.8
IMDB Votes: 1000
Genere: Adventure, Family, Sci-Fi
Country: Russia
Duration: 90 min
Plot tags: futuristic, light, feel good, humorous, suspense, computer animated
Similar in 83%
Robo-Dog (2015)
Plot Summary:
When Tyler's furry best friend dies tragically, his inventor Dad creates a new dog to take his place - complete with mechanical powers and robotic abilities to keep everyone on their toes.
IMDB Rating: 4.2
IMDB Votes: 318
Genere: Family, Sci-Fi
Country: USA
Duration: 87 min
Plot tags: feel good, captivating, entertaining
Similar in 86%
Robosapien: Rebooted (2013)
Plot Summary:
At Kinetech Labs, an inventor named Allan Topher designs a robot for search and rescue, but when he finds out that the robot will be used for military purposes, he programs the robot to flee. The robot escapes but is damaged in the process. It is discovered by 12-year-old Henry Keller, who fixes it and names it Cody. The robot does not remember its past, and Henry and Cody develop a friendship. Eventually, Kinetech and the inventor find Cody and bring the robot back to the laboratories. The inventor feels guilty for taking Cody away, so he returns the robot to Henry. The inventor meets Henry's mother, Joanna, in the process and falls in love. Kinetech wants the robot back, so it kidnaps the inventor and Joanna. Henry and Cody embark to save them and to bring down Kinetech.
IMDB Rating: 4.7
IMDB Votes: 1000
Genere: Adventure, Drama, Family, Sci-Fi
Country: USA
Duration: 86 min
Plot tags: intellectual, captivating, entertaining, futuristic
Similar in 80%
Escape to Witch Mountain (1975)
Plot Summary:
Tia and Tony are two orphaned youngsters with extraordinary powers. Lucas Deranian poses as their uncle in order to get the kids into the clutches of Deranian's megalomaniacal boss, evil millionaire Aristotle Bolt, who wants to exploit them. Jason, a cynical widower, helps Tia and Tony escape to witch mountain, while at the same time Tia and Tony help Jason escape the pain of the loss of his wife.
IMDB Rating: 6.3
IMDB Votes: 11000
Genere: Adventure, Family, Fantasy, Mystery, Sci-Fi
Country: USA
Duration: 97 min
Plot tags: epic, gothic, spiritual, saga, exciting, serious, suspenseful, psychotronic, scary, fairy tale
Similar in 87%
The Adventure of A.R.I.: My Robot Friend (2020)
Plot Summary:
A teenager summons the courage to help a friendly robot known as A.R.I. kidnapped by a ruthless lab director working for a powerful corporation seeking to turn him into a dangerous weapon in order to rule the world.
IMDB Rating: 4.3
IMDB Votes: 425
Genere: Family, Sci-Fi
Country: France
Duration: 89 min
Plot tags: exciting, sentimental, light, touching, feel good, semi serious, computer animated, stylized, futuristic, humorous
Similar in 90%
Smart House (1999)
Plot Summary:
Ben Cooper and his family struggling to get a grip on household chores, school and work. Ben is the family caretaker. So when Ben sees that a Smart House is being given away, he enters the competition as often as he can. The family wins the house (named Pat). After moving in Pat's personality begins to radically change, the family starts to resent her.
IMDB Rating: 6.1
IMDB Votes: 8000
Genere: Comedy, Drama, Family, Sci-Fi
Country: USA
Duration: 82 min
Plot tags: offbeat, humorous, semi serious
Similar in 75%
Stardust (1998)
Plot Summary:
A scientist finds his newest invention; a microchip that infuses inanimate objects with human qualities co-opted by the company he works for, which wants to capitalize on his findings. Knowing his creation can be used for evil purposes, he stashes it away, but his 11-year-old son, Charlie (Jared Robbins), finds it and implants it into a vacuum cleaner he calls Stardust. Will he manage to elude his dad's greedy bosses?.
IMDB Rating: 4.1
IMDB Votes: 180
Genere: Drama, Family, Sci-Fi
Country: USA
Duration: 97 min
Plot tags: independent film, touching, offbeat, feel good, humorous, semi serious
Similar in 76%
Small Wonder (1985)
Plot Summary:
Small Wonder is an American science fiction sitcom that aired in first-run syndication from September 7, 1985 to May 20, 1989. The show chronicles the family of a robotics engineer who, after he secretly creates a robot modeled after a real human girl, tries to pass it off as their daughter. The show was created under Metromedia Productions and its rights were acquired by 20th Century Fox Television in 1986.
IMDB Rating: 7.0
IMDB Votes: 5000
Genere: Comedy, Family, Sci-Fi
Country: USA
Duration: 30 min
Plot tags: sitcom, game show, sensitive, offbeat, humorous, semi serious
Similar in 77%
The Adventures of RoboRex (2014)
Plot Summary:
When a robot dog from the future pops up in their backyard on a mission to help them, 11-year-old James and his beloved golden retriever, Rex, learn that it is up to them to save the world from Dr. Apocalypse, an evil scientist, and his wily robotic Destructo-Cat.
IMDB Rating: 5.1
IMDB Votes: 317
Genere: Family, Sci-Fi
Country: USA
Duration: 91 min
Plot tags: captivating, tense, light, unusual plot structure, surreal, disturbing, contemplative
Similar in 85%
Mystery Monsters (1997)
Plot Summary:
Tommy has just joined the cast of the top-rated kids' show, "Captain Mike's Mystery Monsters," and is anxious to find out just how the special effects crew gets the monsters to work. Imagine his surprise when he discovers they're not special effects at all! Adding to the situation, the monsters' original owner, evil Queen Mara, has returned to Earth to reclaim her property and take revenge on Captain Mike for stealing them.
IMDB Rating: 4.2
IMDB Votes: 205
Genere: Family, Fantasy, Sci-Fi
Country: USA
Duration: 81 min
Plot tags: independent film, exciting, semi serious, horror comedy
Similar in 88%
And You Thought Your Parents Were Weird (1991)
Plot Summary:
Two boys follow in their late fathers foot steps by inventing weird and wonderful gadgets. Trouble lies ahead when after a halloween party the spirit of their father ends up in the latest invention, a robot.
IMDB Rating: 4.8
IMDB Votes: 672
Genere: Comedy, Family, Fantasy, Sci-Fi
Country: USA
Duration: 92 min
Plot tags: independent film, offbeat, feel good, humorous, semi serious, weird
Similar in 75%
Return from Witch Mountain (1978)
Plot Summary:
In this sequal to "Escape From Witch Mountain," Tia and Tony leave their safe refuge on witch mountain for a trip to Los Angeles. Tony is kidnapped by the evil Dr. Gannon and his spinster partner Letha and brainwashed into helping Gannon and Letha commit various crimes. It's up to Tia and a gang of truant kids to rescue Tony and prevent a major disaster.
IMDB Rating: 5.7
IMDB Votes: 6000
Genere: Adventure, Family, Fantasy, Sci-Fi
Country: USA
Duration: 95 min
Plot tags: humorous, gothic, epic, saga, cult classic, feel good, semi serious, psychotronic, exciting, light
Similar in 87%
Saving Shiloh (2006)
Plot Summary:
In this third movie about Shiloh, Judd Travers is accused of killing a man he once fought in a bar. Everyone in the town consider Judd to be guilty except Marty Preston, but even him has some doubts. Trying to clear Judd's name Marty and his friend searches the woods to find the criminal.
IMDB Rating: 6.2
IMDB Votes: 930
Genere: Drama, Family
Country: USA
Duration: 90 min
Plot tags: serious, sincere, touching, captivating, saga
Similar in 88%
Shorts (2009)
Plot Summary:
A young boy's discovery of a colorful, wish-granting rock causes chaos in the suburban town of Black Falls when jealous kids and scheming adults alike set out to get their hands on it.
IMDB Rating: 4.7
IMDB Votes: 8000
Genere: Adventure, Comedy, Family, Fantasy, Sci-Fi
Country: USA, United Arab Emirates, Chile, Peru, France
Duration: 89 min
Plot tags: not serious, feel good, humorous, light, freeze frame, surprise ending, psychotronic, independent film
Similar in 90%
Good Boy! (2003)
Plot Summary:
An intergalactic dog pilot from Sirius (the dog star), visits Earth to verify the rumors that dogs have failed to take over the planet.
IMDB Rating: 5.1
IMDB Votes: 5000
Genere: Comedy, Drama, Family, Fantasy, Sci-Fi
Country: USA
Duration: 88 min
Plot tags: sentimental, entertaining, tense, thought provoking, feel good, humorous, semi serious, crying, funny, romantic
Similar in 83%
Time Toys (2016)
Plot Summary:
A group of middle school kids stumble upon a chest full of incredible toys from the future. The discovery takes them on an adventure using their newfound toys to save their neighborhood and ultimately the world from a maniacal corporate madman. In the process, these "loser" kids learn they have the qualities they thought they were lacking all along.
IMDB Rating: 4.7
IMDB Votes: 356
Genere: Family, Sci-Fi
Country: USA
Duration: 87 min
Plot tags: light, exciting, funny, entertaining, disturbing
Similar in 90%
Earth to Echo (2014)
Plot Summary:
After a construction project begins digging in their neighborhood, best friends Tuck, Munch and Alex inexplicably begin to receive strange, encoded messages on their cell phones. Convinced something bigger is going on, they go to their parents and the authorities. When everyone around them refuses to take the messages seriously, the three embark on a secret adventure to crack the code and follow it to its source. But taking matters into their own hands gets the trio in way over their heads when they discover a mysterious being from another world who desperately needs their help. The epic, suspenseful and exciting journey that follows will change all of their lives forever.
IMDB Rating: 5.7
IMDB Votes: 20000
Genere: Adventure, Family, Sci-Fi
Country: USA
Duration: 91 min
Plot tags: exciting, sentimental, suspenseful, stylized, enigmatic, scenic, freeze frame, serious, psychotronic, light
Similar in 84%
Star Kid (1997)
Plot Summary:
Shy seventh-grader Spencer Griffith's life changes when the meteor falls into local junkyard and he finds a Cybersuit - the wise and strong robot from another galaxy. Spencer puts Cybersuit on and becomes a different kind of guy.
IMDB Rating: 5.3
IMDB Votes: 3000
Genere: Adventure, Family, Sci-Fi
Country: USA
Duration: 101 min
Plot tags: humorous, entertaining, stylized, semi serious, cult classic, epic, independent film, offbeat, light, sexy
Similar in 88%
Mac and Me (1988)
Plot Summary:
A Mysterious Alien Creature (MAC) escaping from nefarious NASA agents, is befriended by a young boy in a wheelchair. Together, they try to find MAC's family from whom he has been separated.
IMDB Rating: 3.4
IMDB Votes: 14000
Genere: Adventure, Comedy, Family, Sci-Fi
Country: USA
Duration: 99 min
Plot tags: sentimental, humorous, semi serious, cult classic, mockbuster, funny, epic, independent film, psychotronic, feel good
Similar in 81%
Explorers (1985)
Plot Summary:
The visionary dreams of three curious and adventuresome young boys become an exciting reality in Explorers, the action-fantasy from director Joe Dante, who combines keen humor, warmth and fantasy with unexpected twists. In their makeshift laboratory, the boys use an amazing discovery and their ingenuity to build their own spaceship and launch themselves on a fantastic interplanetary journey.
IMDB Rating: 6.4
IMDB Votes: 23000
Genere: Adventure, Comedy, Family, Romance, Sci-Fi
Country: USA
Duration: 109 min
Plot tags: light, cult classic, feel good, retro, uplifting, intellectual, epic, stylized, mindfuck, offbeat
Similar in 75%
The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes (1969)
Plot Summary:
Some college students manage to persuade the town's big businessman, A. J. Arno, to donate a computer to their college. When the problem- student, Dexter Riley, tries to fix the computer, he gets an electric shock and his brain turns to a computer; now he remembers everything he reads. Unfortunately, he also remembers information which was in the computer's memory, like Arno's illegal businesses.
IMDB Rating: 5.9
IMDB Votes: 6000
Genere: Comedy, Family, Sci-Fi
Country: USA
Duration: 91 min
Plot tags: humorous, semi serious, sentimental, light, romantic, clever, touching, feel good, unusual plot structure, sweet
Similar in 86%
Baby Geniuses (1999)
Plot Summary:
Scientist hold talking, super-intelligent babies captive, but things take a turn for the worse when a mix-up occurs between a baby genius and its twin.
IMDB Rating: 2.6
IMDB Votes: 27000
Genere: Comedy, Crime, Family, Sci-Fi
Country: USA
Duration: 97 min
Plot tags: humorous, entertaining, melancholic, intense, semi serious, terrifying, offbeat, psychotronic, light, thought provoking
Similar in 90%
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
Plot Summary:
After a gentle alien becomes stranded on Earth, the being is discovered and befriended by a young boy named Elliott. Bringing the extraterrestrial into his suburban California house, Elliott introduces E.T., as the alien is dubbed, to his brother and his little sister, Gertie, and the children decide to keep its existence a secret. Soon, however, E.T. falls ill, resulting in government intervention and a dire situation for both Elliott and the alien.
IMDB Rating: 7.9
IMDB Votes: 431000
Genere: Adventure, Family, Sci-Fi
Country: USA
Duration: 115 min
Plot tags: sentimental, feel good, emotional, sad, inspirational, sweet, touching, entertaining, light, exciting
Similar in 83%
Problem Child (1990)
Plot Summary:
Ben Healy (John Ritter) and his social climbing wife Flo adopt Junior a fun-loving seven year old. But they soon discover he's a little monster as he turns a camping trip, a birthday party and even a baseball game into comic nightmares. But is he really just a little angel trying to get out? Find out in this hilarious satire on modern-day family life.
IMDB Rating: 5.4
IMDB Votes: 33000
Genere: Comedy, Family
Country: USA
Duration: 81 min
Plot tags: funny, feel good, light, hilarious, slapstick, humorous, cult classic, epic, romantic comedy, light hearted
Similar in 90%
Lassie (1994)
Plot Summary:
An update of the Lassie legend stars Thomas Guiry as a troubled city kid whose family retreats to the country, where he befriends the famous collie and changes for the better. Conflict develops when a ruthless sheep rancher causes trouble for everyone.
IMDB Rating: 5.8
IMDB Votes: 7000
Genere: Family, Adventure
Country: USA
Duration: 94 min
Plot tags: sentimental, touching, feel good, sweet, light, emotional, melancholic, semi serious, tear jerker, epic
Similar in 87%
*batteries not included (1987)
Plot Summary:
In a soon to be demolished block of apartments, the residents resist the criminal methods used to force them to leave so a greedy tycoon can build his new skyscraper. When tiny mechanical aliens land for a recharge, they decide to stay and help out.
IMDB Rating: 6.6
IMDB Votes: 37000
Genere: Comedy, Family, Fantasy, Sci-Fi
Country: USA
Duration: 106 min
Plot tags: feel good, entertaining, touching, sentimental, light, emotional, sweet, humorous, semi serious, funny
Similar in 81%
Zathura: A Space Adventure (2005)
Plot Summary:
After their father is called into work, two young boys, Walter and Danny, are left in the care of their teenage sister, Lisa, and told they must stay inside. Walter and Danny, who anticipate a boring day, are shocked when they begin playing Zathura, a space-themed board game, which they realize has mystical powers when their house is shot into space. With the help of an astronaut, the boys attempt to return home.
IMDB Rating: 6.2
IMDB Votes: 113000
Genere: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Family, Fantasy, Sci-Fi
Country: USA
Duration: 101 min
Plot tags: exciting, intense, semi serious, epic, captivating, futuristic, mystical, funny, atmospheric, mysterious
Similar in 80%
Flight of the Navigator (1986)
Plot Summary:
This 1986 Disney adventure tells the story of 12-year-old David who lives with his family in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. When he awakens from being accidentally knocked out in the forest near his home, he finds that eight years have passed. His family is overjoyed to have him back, but just as perplexed as he is by the fact that he hasn't aged. When a NASA scientist discovers a UFO nearby, David gets the chance to unravel the mystery and recover the life he lost.
IMDB Rating: 6.9
IMDB Votes: 51000
Genere: Adventure, Comedy, Family, Sci-Fi
Country: USA
Duration: 90 min
Plot tags: feel good, futuristic, entertaining, exciting, stylized, sweet, touching, serious, uplifting, mind bending
Similar in 84%
A.I. Artificial Intelligence (2001)
Plot Summary:
A robotic boy, the first programmed to love, David is adopted as a test case by a Cybertronics employee and his wife. Though he gradually becomes their child, a series of unexpected circumstances make this life impossible for David. Without final acceptance by humans or machines, David embarks on a journey to discover where he truly belongs, uncovering a world in which the line between robot and machine is both vast and profoundly thin.
IMDB Rating: 7.2
IMDB Votes: 319000
Genere: Drama, Sci-Fi
Country: USA, UK
Duration: 146 min
Plot tags: thought provoking, philosophical, sentimental, fairy tale, intellectual, atmospheric, captivating, touching, futuristic, tech noir
Similar in 82%
Flubber (1997)
Plot Summary:
Professor Phillip Brainard, an absent minded professor, works with his assistant Weebo, trying to create a substance that's a new source of energy and that will save Medfield College where his sweetheart Sara is the president. He has missed his wedding twice, and on the afternoon of his third wedding, Professor Brainard creates flubber, which allows objects to fly through the air.
IMDB Rating: 5.3
IMDB Votes: 94000
Genere: Comedy, Family, Sci-Fi
Country: USA
Duration: 93 min
Plot tags: feel good, humorous, entertaining, slapstick, slapstick comedy, parody, grindhouse, cult classic, hilarious, disgusting