Released in 1999 and directed by Brad Bird (who later gave us The Incredibles and Ratatouille), this film is loosely based on the 1968 novel The Iron Man by Ted Hughes.

Set in 1957, the story follows Hogarth Hughes, a lonely, fast-talking kid who discovers a 50-foot tall metal-eating robot from outer space. While a paranoid government agent named Kent Mansley tries to find and destroy the "invader," Hogarth hides the Giant and teaches him about life, death, and Superman.

It’s a movie that flopped at the box office because the marketing was terrible, but it has since become a "must-watch" because it treats children like they have the capacity for deep emotional thought—which, as we know at Screenwise, they absolutely do.

We live in an era of algorithms. Our kids are constantly being fed content based on what a machine thinks they want to see next. Whether it's the TikTok "For You" page or the YouTube autoplay, there is a subtle message being sent: you are what the system says you are.

The Iron Giant punches a hole in that narrative. The Giant was literally built to be a weapon of mass destruction. He has "defensive protocols" that turn him into a walking tank whenever he sees a gun. But Hogarth tells him: "You are who you choose to be."

In a digital world where "identity" is often just a collection of skins in Fortnite or a curated profile on Instagram, the message that our internal character outweighs our external "programming" is a vital conversation starter.

If your kids connect with the Giant, they’ll likely appreciate these other titles that explore similar themes of sentience, friendship, and choosing your own path.

If you haven't read this with your kids yet, start tonight. It’s the closest modern equivalent to the Giant’s journey. Roz is a robot who has to override her programming to survive and eventually become a mother to a gosling. It’s heart-wrenching and beautiful. Check out our guide on why The Wild Robot is a modern classic

While The Iron Giant is about a robot learning to be a hero, Wall-E is about a robot who is already more human than the actual humans. It’s a great double-feature for talking about environmentalism and how technology can either isolate us or bring us together.

Baymax is the "soft" version of the Giant. He’s built for one thing (healthcare) but becomes a hero because of his bond with Hiro. It touches on grief in a way that’s accessible for the 7-12 age range.

For a more chaotic, modern take on the "scary robot" trope, this movie is fantastic. It’s high-energy, hilarious, and deals specifically with a family’s struggle to put down their phones and actually talk to each other.

Ask our chatbot for more movies about artificial intelligence and ethics

While The Iron Giant is rated PG, it’s a "1999 PG," which means it’s a little saltier than a modern Disney+ original.

Language: There are a few "damns" and "hells." Hogarth also says "holy cow" and "jeez," but the government agent, Mansley, is the one who uses the more aggressive (though still mild) language.

Violence: The climax involves the U.S. Army firing missiles and tank shells at the Giant. The Giant eventually transforms into a terrifying war machine with lasers and green plasma. It can be intense for very young children (under 5) who might get scared by the "Scary Giant" phase.

Themes of Death: The movie doesn't shy away from the reality of death. They find a dead deer in the woods, and the Giant has to process what that means. The ending involves a major sacrifice that will almost certainly make you (and maybe your kids) cry.

You might hear your kids describing the Giant or the movie’s 1950s setting as "Ohio" or "Skibidi." In current Gen Alpha slang, "Ohio" basically means weird or cringey, and "Skibidi" is often used as a general adjective for anything nonsensical.

Don't let that discourage you. Kids often use these "brain rot" terms as a defense mechanism when they are actually feeling something deep. If they call the Giant's sacrifice "Skibidi," they’re likely just trying to process the fact that they’re actually sad.

The movie also provides a great entry point to discuss Media Literacy. Kent Mansley is the personification of "fake news" and paranoia. He’s willing to blow up a whole town just because he’s afraid of something he doesn't understand. It’s a perfect parallel for how fear-mongering works on social media today.

Learn more about teaching media literacy to elementary students

After the credits roll, try these questions instead of just asking "did you like it?"

The Iron Giant is a rare 10/10. It’s a movie that respects its audience, regardless of their age. It doesn't rely on fart jokes or pop-culture references that will be dated in six months. It relies on a timeless story about the power of friendship and the courage it takes to be kind in a world that is often cruel.

In a digital landscape filled with "unboxing" videos and mindless loops, giving your kids a story with a soul is the ultimate wellness move.

Ask our chatbot for a curated "Emotional Intelligence" movie night list