A.I. Artificial Intelligence (2001)

Steven Spielberg's haunting sci-fi fable about a robotic boy programmed to love, searching for humanity in a world that may never accept him.

A.I. Artificial Intelligence - Movie Information

  • Original Title: A.I. Artificial Intelligence
  • Release Year: 2001
  • Directed by: Steven Spielberg
  • Type: Movie
  • Genres: Drama, Sci-Fi, Adventure
  • Age Rating (US): PG-13
  • Runtime: 2h 26m
  • Original Language: English
  • Spoken Languages: English
  • Release Date (Theatrical): June 29, 2001 (Canada - 14A), June 29, 2001 (United States - PG-13), September 21, 2001 (United Kingdom - 12), September 13, 2001 (Germany - 12), October 24, 2001 (France - 12), September 13, 2001 (Australia - M), September 7, 2001 (Brazil - L), August 3, 2001 (Mexico), October 5, 2001 (Italy - T), September 21, 2001 (Spain - 7), August 10, 2001 (South Korea - 12)
  • Alternative Titles: Iskusstvennyy razum (RU), Artificial Intelligence: AI (US), Shtuchnyy rozum (UA), 人工智能(2001) (HK), Technití Noimosýni (GR), A.I. Veštačka inteligencija (RS), 에이 아이 (KR), A.I.: Inteligência Artificial (BR)
  • Production Companies: Warner Bros. Pictures, DreamWorks Pictures, Amblin Entertainment, Stanley Kubrick Productions
  • Production Countries: United Kingdom, United States of America

A.I. Artificial Intelligence - Plot

David, a robotic boy—the first of his kind programmed to love—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.

A.I. Artificial Intelligence - Trailer

Watch the official trailer and see David's extraordinary journey unfold:

David is 11 years old. He weighs 60 pounds. He is 4 feet, 6 inches tall. He has brown hair. His love is real. But he is not.

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A.I. Artificial Intelligence - Cast & Crew

Director(s)

  • Steven Spielberg

Main Cast

  • Haley Joel Osment
  • Jude Law
  • Frances O'Connor
  • Sam Robards
  • Jake Thomas
  • William Hurt
  • Jack Angel
  • Robin Williams
  • Ben Kingsley
  • Meryl Streep

Writers

  • Steven Spielberg
  • Stanley Kubrick

Producers

  • Steven Spielberg
  • Kathleen Kennedy
  • Bonnie Curtis

A.I. Artificial Intelligence - FAQs

What is A.I. Artificial Intelligence about?

A.I. Artificial Intelligence follows David, a highly advanced robotic boy programmed to feel genuine love, who is adopted by a human family. When circumstances force him out of that home, he embarks on a profound journey to become "real" and reclaim the love of his mother — a quest that blurs the line between humanity and machine.

Does A.I. Artificial Intelligence have a happy ending?

The ending is bittersweet and deeply moving. After being frozen for 2,000 years, David is revived by advanced beings who grant him one final day with his mother Monica. It's a tender, melancholy conclusion — not conventionally happy, but emotionally fulfilling in a way that lingers long after the credits roll.

Where can you stream A.I. Artificial Intelligence?

A.I. Artificial Intelligence is available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. You can also catch it for free on Kanopy and Hoopla, which are accessible through many public library memberships.

What does the ending of A.I. Artificial Intelligence mean?

The ending explores what it means to love and be loved. The advanced beings who revive David aren't aliens in the traditional sense — they're evolved mechas. They can only recreate Monica for a single day using a strand of her hair. That one perfect day represents David finally achieving his dream, even if it can't last.

Who are the main actors in A.I. Artificial Intelligence?

Haley Joel Osment delivers a remarkable performance as David, the robotic boy at the heart of the story. Jude Law plays Gigolo Joe, a charming companion mecha. Frances O'Connor portrays Monica, David's adoptive mother. The film also features voice work from Robin Williams, Meryl Streep, and Ben Kingsley.

Was A.I. Artificial Intelligence originally Stanley Kubrick's project?

Yes — A.I. was Stanley Kubrick's passion project for nearly two decades, based on Brian Aldiss's short story "Super-Toys Last All Summer Long." Kubrick felt the material was better suited to Spielberg's sensibility and passed the project to him. After Kubrick's death in 1999, Spielberg took over as both writer and director, honoring his friend's vision.

How was A.I. Artificial Intelligence received by critics?

Critical reception was mixed but respectful. Many praised Haley Joel Osment's performance and the film's ambitious scope, while others debated whether Spielberg's emotional warmth clashed with Kubrick's colder, more cerebral vision. Over time, the film has gained a stronger reputation as a genuinely daring and emotionally complex science fiction work.

Did A.I. Artificial Intelligence win any awards?

The film earned two Academy Award nominations: Best Visual Effects and Best Original Score for John Williams. It also received Saturn Award nominations and was recognized by the American Film Institute. While it didn't take home major trophies, its technical achievements and Osment's performance were widely celebrated by the industry.

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