Is Bicentennial Man Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Bicentennial Man is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Science Fiction movies.
It features a runtime of 131 minutes and offers a solid storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Bicentennial Man Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1999, Bicentennial Man emerges as a significant entry in the Science Fiction, Drama domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Richard Martin buys a gift, a new NDR-114 robot. Unlike standard genre fare, Bicentennial Man attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a refreshing take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Science Fiction is often anchored by its ensemble, and Bicentennial Man features a noteworthy lineup led by Robin Williams . Supported by the likes of Embeth Davidtz and Sam Neill , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Bicentennial Man (1999) is overwhelmingly positive. With an audience rating of 7.3/10, it stands as a mandatory watch for any serious cinema lover.
Bicentennial Man Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Bicentennial Man is a Science Fiction, Drama film that explores futuristic concepts and technological possibilities while examining humanity. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
The film presents its narrative with careful attention to pacing and character development. Richard Martin buys a gift, a new NDR-114 robot. The product is named Andrew 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. The story unfolds naturally, allowing viewers to become invested in the outcome while maintaining engagement throughout.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The film establishes its world and central conflict efficiently in the opening act.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. The arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The climax brings together the narrative threads, providing resolution while staying true to the established tone.
Thematic Depth
The sci-fi elements serve as a lens to examine contemporary issues—technology's impact on humanity, the nature of consciousness, and our place in the universe.
What Works & What Doesn't
✅ Strengths
- Solid execution of genre conventions
- Engaging moments that showcase the filmmakers' vision
- Competent performances from the cast
⚠️ Weaknesses
- Some narrative choices that feel predictable
- Occasional pacing lulls in the middle act
Bicentennial Man Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Bicentennial Man resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to science fiction resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes with clear resolution of its central conflicts, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the science fiction themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Bicentennial Man reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Bicentennial Man?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Science Fiction films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want solid genre entertainment
Bicentennial Man Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $100.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $87.4M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Bicentennial Man Budget
The estimated production budget for Bicentennial Man is $100.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
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Full Cast & Crew of Bicentennial Man
- Robin Williams – Andrew
- Embeth Davidtz – Little Miss / Portia
- Sam Neill – Sir
- Oliver Platt – Rupert Burns
- Kiersten Warren – Galatea Robotic / Human
Top Highlights
Robin WilliamsAndrew
Embeth DavidtzLittle Miss / Portia
Sam NeillSir
Oliver PlattRupert Burns
Kiersten WarrenGalatea Robotic / Human
Wendy CrewsonMa'am
Hallie EisenbergLittle Miss 7 yrs. old
Lindze LethermanMiss 9 yrs. old
Angela LandisMiss
John Michael HigginsBill Feingold
Where to Watch Bicentennial Man Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
Sony Liv🎟️ Rent on
Apple TV
Amazon Video🏷️ Buy on
Apple TVParents Guide & Age Rating
Bicentennial Man is rated PG. It is generally suitable for all ages.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 7.3/10, and global collection metrics, Bicentennial Man stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1999 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bicentennial Man movie hit or flop?
Bicentennial Man is considered a hit based on audience response and box office performance. With a rating of 7.3/10, it's highly recommended for fans of Science Fiction, Drama movies.
Is Bicentennial Man worth watching?
Yes, Bicentennial Man is definitely worth watching! It's a must-watch hit for fans of Science Fiction, Drama cinema.
Where can I watch Bicentennial Man online?
Bicentennial Man is currently available for streaming on Sony Liv. You can also check for it on platforms like Sony Liv depending on your region.
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movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
