Bicentennial Man | Rotten Tomatoes (2024)

37% Tomatometer 99 Reviews 59% Audience Score 250,000+ Ratings Richard Martin (Sam Neill) buys a gift, a new NDR-114 robot. The product is named Andrew (Robin Williams) by the youngest of the family's children. "Bicentennial Man" follows the life and times of Andrew, a robot purchased as a household appliance programmed to perform menial tasks. As Andrew begins to experience emotions and creative thought, the Martin family soon discovers they don't have an ordinary robot. Read More Read Less Watch on Fandango at Home Buy Now

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Bicentennial Man

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Critics Consensus

Bicentennial Man is ruined by a bad script and ends up being dull and mawkish.

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Critics Reviews

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Bicentennial Man | Rotten Tomatoes (1) David Ansen Newsweek Kids will be bored, the rest of us baffled. Feb 16, 2018 Full Review Bicentennial Man | Rotten Tomatoes (2) Lisa Schwarzbaum Entertainment Weekly Rated: C- Sep 7, 2011 Full Review Bicentennial Man | Rotten Tomatoes (3) Nell Minow Common Sense Media Film about robot who wants to be human is so-so. Rated: 2/5 Dec 22, 2010 Full Review Bicentennial Man | Rotten Tomatoes (4) Brian Bertoldo Film Threat Williams and director Chris Columbus have crafted a moving, hanky-clenching drama, without ramming the emotion down your throat. Mar 18, 2024 Full Review Bicentennial Man | Rotten Tomatoes (5) George M. Thomas Akron Beacon Journal The film is worth a look. Williams is the primary reason. His performance has heart, brains and courage. Rated: 3/4 Oct 28, 2023 Full Review Bicentennial Man | Rotten Tomatoes (6) Catherine Graham Santa Cruz Sentinel Chris Columbus -- who is undeniably skilled at making funny movies -- has the deft touch of a steamroller when it comes to serious matters of the heart, mechanical or otherwise. Rated: F Nov 13, 2019 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Marijana K For me, one of the most beautiful films and I could watch it more than once With the inimitable Robbie Williams who performed this role masterfully, many people find this film boring because it needs to be understood because the film sends a message how priceless it is to be human But being a robot doesn't work like that without a human, but how much robotics can help a human today, again without human knowledge, is irreplaceable, but they can have good cooperation and it's a shame that this film is underrated.👍👍🇭🇷 For the movie Rated 5/5 Stars • Rated 5 out of 5 stars 06/15/24 Full Review Michelle L Hands down one of the best movies I had ever watched. Sorry for the people who are not able to open their eyes and realize that it was an interesting and wonderful movie. I am sad that Robin Williams passed away he always made me laugh and cry in happiness and in sadness. Where ever his soul is I bet you a wooden nickel that he is bringing laughter and joy to all. Hopping his family and friends are doing good in life. May they be filled with cherished memories of the past, love and comfort in the present, and long joyful journeys into the future."Be good to yourself, be kind to others, and make the world a better place" - Gentle Spirits Rated 5/5 Stars • Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/14/24 Full Review Ben H A really good blend of SciFi, comedy and drama. I just watched it for the first time and I'm surprised how quickly the story progresses. And of course there is some to be desired in the sci fi department, but its a pretty great movie. Its solid, has a story to tell and I think everyone who is afraid of modern AI technology would be delighted to see how sacrificial Andrew is. To think, what if one day technology uses itself to discover and invent new technologies and medical breakthroughs for humans. I haven't seen one comedy drama that plays both parts so well. The sci fi is just icing on the cake! Rated 4/5 Stars • Rated 4 out of 5 stars 11/18/23 Full Review Cecilia A Very bad adaptation for Asimov's work, I advise to read his books instead, you will not regret it. Rated 0.5/5 Stars • Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars 09/26/23 Full Review Sir S the movie is the absolute example of "existencialism", maybe the performance of Robin williams as Andrew get old a little bad... but the story what holds?, that have to be the best in the movie, how he started his life like a simple robot, only to live and serve for a family who doesn't look at him like a thing... almost like a human being; is after the end of the beggining when Andrew wanted to be more than steel, rubber and cables... but flesh and bone, all for be like a living being, for enjoy a lot of things we do a lot of time like enjoy a meal, feel cold or hot, get fun about our job's; that kind of things what for him is a discovery; finally in the end of the movie is where the character know's what to do for finally be a complete human being, giving up everything only for go with the one he love's... Rated 5/5 Stars • Rated 5 out of 5 stars 08/23/23 Full Review Dan C Robin Williams delivers one of his most endearing and nuanced performances as Andrew Martin, an android who seeks recognition and equality as a human being in this thought-provoking sci-fi drama. Expanding upon Issac Asimov's original book Bicentennial Man, director Chris Columbus and Robin Williams skillfully balance humor and gravitas as the film explores profound existential questions through Andrew's two-century journey to become "human."While the excellent visual effects still hold up (even better than some fairly recent Star Wars effects), the film's appeal lies in its heart. Andrew's desire for connection and meaning resonates deeply, as he forms relationships and touches lives across generations. Bicentennial Man examines humanity from an outsider's perspective, using Andrew's childlike wonder and wisdom gained over time to reflect our capacity for imagination, love, and growth.The story flows seamlessly between lighthearted comedy and heavier drama, wisely letting its themes unfold organically. Uneven shifts in tone are forgivable given book's episodic nature and the ambitious scope of this genre-bending film. Despite its flaws, Bicentennial Man proves to be a relevant metaphor that's full of hope two decades later, reminding us to look past our differences to see the humanity in all. Williams' moving performance coupled with the film's timeless message make it a sci-fi classic that continues to tug at the heartstrings.Favorite Scene: A standout moment, full of irony, arrives when Robin Williams is introduced to the concept of humor by Sam Neill, who is perfectly cast as a serious mentor. This clever scene exemplifies the film's ability to find poignancy and humor in examining the human experience through an outsider's perspective. It makes me wonder how Neill looks back on Williams' legacy. Rated 5/5 Stars • Rated 5 out of 5 stars 07/23/23 Full Review Read all reviews

Bicentennial Man

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Cast & Crew

Chris Columbus Director Robin Williams Andrew Martin Sam Neill Sir Richard Martin Embeth Davidtz Little Miss Amanda Martin Oliver Platt Rupert Burns Wendy Crewson "Ma´am" Martin
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Movie Info

Synopsis Richard Martin (Sam Neill) buys a gift, a new NDR-114 robot. The product is named Andrew (Robin Williams) by the youngest of the family's children. "Bicentennial Man" follows the life and times of Andrew, a robot purchased as a household appliance programmed to perform menial tasks. As Andrew begins to experience emotions and creative thought, the Martin family soon discovers they don't have an ordinary robot.

Director
Chris Columbus

Producer
Chris Columbus, Michael Barnathan, Gail Katz, Mark Radcliffe, Laurence Mark, Neal Miller, Wolfgang Petersen

Screenwriter
Nicholas Kazan, Isaac Asimov

Distributor
Touchstone Pictures

Production Co
Columbia Pictures, Touchstone Pictures, Radiant Pictures, 1492 Pictures, Laurence Mark Productions

Rating
PG (Sexual Content|Language)

Genre
Sci-Fi

Original Language
English

Release Date (Theaters)
Dec 17, 1999, Wide

Release Date (Streaming)
Aug 10, 2016

Box Office (Gross USA)
$58.2M

Runtime
2h 11m

Sound Mix
SDDS, DTS, Surround, Dolby Digital

Aspect Ratio
Digital Projection, Flat (1.85:1)
Most Popular at Home Now
Bicentennial Man | Rotten Tomatoes (2024)

FAQs

Why is it called Bicentennial Man? ›

The title derives from the main character existing to the age of two hundred years.

What is considered Robin Williams' best movie? ›

Best Robin Williams Movies Ever - Top 10
  1. Good Will Hunting. 19972h 6mR. 8.3 (1.1M) Rate. ...
  2. Jumanji. 19951h 44mPG. 7.1 (379K) Rate. ...
  3. Dead Poets Society. 19892h 8mPG. 8.1 (551K) Rate. ...
  4. Aladdin. 19921h 30mG. 8.0 (470K) Rate. ...
  5. Hook. 19912h 22mPG. 6.8 (274K) Rate. ...
  6. Mrs. Doubtfire. ...
  7. Bicentennial Man. 19992h 12mPG. ...
  8. Good Morning, Vietnam. 19872h 1mR.

What was the last movie Robin Williams made? ›

The movie "Boulevard" shot before Robin Williams died nearly a year ago. It is his last film to hit the big screen. Williams plays a middle-class man in his sixties with a stable marriage and desk job. "Every once in a while I'd say to Robin, 'Hey, this is a big deal.

Is Bicentennial Man worth watching? ›

Despite its flaws, Bicentennial Man proves to be a relevant metaphor that's full of hope two decades later, reminding us to look past our differences to see the humanity in all. Williams' moving performance coupled with the film's timeless message make it a sci-fi classic that continues to tug at the heartstrings.

What is the moral of the story of the bicentennial man? ›

The beauty of individuality and the preciousness of family, friendship and love lie at the core of this film. Sir instructs his family that they must respect Andrew as if he were a person. He wants to teach them that they must respect the things they own.

How old is Portia at the end of Bicentennial Man? ›

First of all, the movie cuts the number of human generations portrayed to just three. Since the robot dies on his 200th “birthday”, and Portia dies with him being around 80 years old, that means the original Little Miss would have had to have been at least 60 years old when she gave birth to Portia's father.

What movie made Robin Williams the most money? ›

Mrs. Doubtfire comes first, having made $441 million in theatres - this equates to an impressive $730 million in 2014. This chart shows the worldwide box office gross of movies starring Robin Williams (in million U.S. dollars).

What movie is considered the best of all time? ›

Top 100 Greatest Movies of All Time (The Ultimate List)
  1. The Godfather. 19722h 55mR. 9.2 (2M) Rate. ...
  2. The Shawshank Redemption. 19942h 22mR. 9.3 (2.9M) Rate. ...
  3. Schindler's List. 19933h 15mR. ...
  4. Raging Bull. 19802h 9mR. ...
  5. Casablanca. 19421h 42mPG. ...
  6. Citizen Kane. 19411h 59mPG. ...
  7. Gone with the Wind. 19393h 58mG. ...
  8. The Wizard of Oz. 19391h 42mG.

What ethnicity was Robin Williams? ›

His mother, Laura, was a former model from New Orleans, Louisiana. His father, Robert Fitzgerald Williams was a senior executive at Ford Motorship in charge of the Midwest area. He is of English, Welsh and Irish descent on his father's side, and of French descent on his mother's side.

What movie did Robin Williams turn down? ›

Years later, when offered the role of the Riddler in Batman Forever, Williams turned it down due to what happened with the Joker.

Did Robin Williams have a daughter? ›

Robin Williams' daughter Zelda took to Instagram (via Entertainment Weekly) to rail against AI recreations of her father, the legendary comedian who died in 2014.

Is Bicentennial Man ok for kids? ›

Bicentennial Man [1999] [PG] - 3.3. 4 | Parents' Guide & Review | Kids-In-Mind.com. SEX/NUDITY 3 - Some sexual innuendo (in one scene, we hear the end of a "facts of life" talk with some discussion of sperm's "job") and many kisses (one is passionate).

What is the plot in Bicentennial Man? ›

Is Bicentennial Man underrated? ›

It's very underrated." Another wrote: "Bicentennial Man is underrated by some but one of the greatest acting performances by Robin Williams." A third added: "The film is worth a look. Williams is the primary reason.

Can Bicentennial mean 50 years? ›

Meaning of bicentennial in English. the day or year that is 200 years after a particular event, especially an important one: A statue was erected to mark the bicentennial of the composer's birth.

Why was 1976 the Bicentennial? ›

The year 1976 ushered in America's Bicentennial, the 200th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. It provided a much-needed respite from the bleak years of the Vietnam War, Watergate scandal, and the turbulent cultural upheavals of the previous decade.

How did the bicentennial man become human? ›

Over the course of the next 100 years, he proceeds to turn himself into a prosthetic human, thus allowing him to age. Andrew again attends the World Congress, now appearing old and frail. The Speaker of said Congress agrees to debate the issue and asks him why he wants this.

What is the difference between Bicentennial and Bicentenary? ›

A bicentennial is the same as a bicentenary. Bicentennial celebrations are held to celebrate a bicentenary.

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