The Mitchells vs. the Machines

Katie Mitchell is a budding filmmaker who just wants one last chance to prove herself before heading off to college, but her plans are interrupted by a family road trip organized by her well-meaning but out-of-touch dad. The Mitchells are an offbeat household of overenthusiastic parents, an awkward brother, and a dog who thinks he's a cop, piled into a clunky car and rolling toward one more attempt at bonding. Their trip flips when a worldwide robot takeover strands them far from help. With improvisation, family squabbling, and unexpected cleverness, they scramble to keep each other safe and try to outwit machines bent on controlling humanity.

Released in 2021, the film credits Guillermo Martinez, Ben Mansfield, and Andrew James Ross as creators, and features voice performances by Abbi Jacobson, Danny McBride, Maya Rudolph, Mike Rianda, and Eric André. Its lively animation and comedic tone mark it as an original animated adventure-comedy offering for families.

Audiences and critics reacted warmly, reflected in a strong user rating of 7.9/10. Reviews often praised the film's kinetic animation, quick humor, and the honest portrayal of family dynamics. The movie tackles themes about our dependence on screens, creative self-expression, generational misunderstanding, and how small acts of empathy can matter in a high-tech world.

Beyond theaters, the movie found a broad audience for its visual experimentation and soundtrack choices, with many clips and moments spreading online. Its blend of frantic gags and heartfelt scenes sparked conversations about parenting in the digital age, and the film became a frequent recommendation for parents and teens looking for something that balances laughs with emotional truth.

It also earned formal recognition, including an Academy Award nomination for Best Animated Feature, along with multiple nods from critics groups and animation organizations. Commentators singled out its voice cast, inventive design, and contemporary approach to storytelling as reasons it stood out among recent animated releases.