3. The Wild Robot (2024)

The Wild Robot is a simple story that explores ideas about community, which feels especially relevant today when technology so often isolates us from others. A robot named Roz washes up on an island, where she unexpectedly finds herself raising an orphaned gosling. The bond they develop is adorable, the contrast between Roz’s slick, high-tech gadgets and abilities and the wildness of nature is what makes the movie so charming. She struggles to fit in with the forest animals who all have their own quirky personality—deer, foxes, squirrels, and more.

Director Christopher Sanders has a fluid filmmaking style that moves from fast-paced action sequences—such as Roz being attacked by scavenging raccoons—to deeply emotional moments where Roz becomes the animals’ friend and protector. The Wild Robot also has sharp humor, poking fun of Roz’s emotionless, canned responses, and obsession with tasks. Even her little gosling starts to imitate her, leaving the other goslings wondering what’s wrong with him.

Roz may have no mouth, but her big round eyes convey so much of her emotional journey. Lupita Nyong’o’s gentle voice work makes a smooth transition from her rigid way of speaking to one that is more empathetic, showing Roz’s joyful discovery of sharing imaginative stories and understanding the true meaning of love. The Wild Robot leads to a very heroic and heartwarming finale that encourages viewers of all ages to “become more than we were programmed to be.”