A.I. Artificial Intelligence

A.I. Artificial Intelligence

Year: 2001

Runtime: 146 min

Language: English

Director: Steven Spielberg

AdventureSci-FiDrama

In the near future, the android David is created with the capacity to feel love. Raised by a Cybertronics executive and his wife, David develops into a remarkably realistic boy, experiencing childhood joys and sorrows. However, unforeseen circumstances jeopardize his existence, forcing him on a quest to find acceptance. Along the way, he explores the complex relationship between humans and machines and questions the very definition of being alive.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen A.I. Artificial Intelligence yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

A.I. Artificial Intelligence (2001) – Full Plot Summary & Ending Explained

Read the complete plot breakdown of A.I. Artificial Intelligence (2001), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.

In the 22nd century, humanity faces the devastating consequences of severe global warming which has resulted in melting polar ice caps and flooded coastlines, drastically reducing the human population. Amidst this dystopian landscape, a new class of robots known as Mecha emerges. These advanced humanoids are designed to mimic human emotions and thought processes. David, a prototype created by the Cybertronics corporation in New York, is uniquely constructed to resemble a human child and was specifically programmed to exhibit love towards his human owners. He is introduced to employees Henry Swinton and his wife Monica for testing.

The Swintons’ biological son, Martin, is in suspended animation due to a rare illness, and although Monica initially fears David, she gradually grows to love him once she activates his imprinting protocol. This irreversible bond causes David to love Monica as any child would love their parent. Alongside him is Teddy, a robotic teddy bear, who becomes David’s protector and confidant.

As fate would have it, a cure becomes available for Martin, who is brought home, leading to a tense sibling rivalry with David. Martin tricks David into cutting a lock of Monica’s hair in the middle of the night, which deeply upsets the parents when they discover it. During a pool party, a friend of Martin’s inadvertently activates David’s self-defense program, resulting in a dramatic incident where David, in panic, pulls Martin into the pool. While Martin is saved, Henry begins to fear that David’s capacity for love also includes the potential for hatred.

Convinced of the risks David poses, Henry persuades Monica to take him back to Cybertronics for destruction. However, Monica instead chooses to abandon David in a forest, leaving him and Teddy to fend for themselves as unregistered Mecha. Captured soon after, David is taken to an anti-Mecha Flesh Fair, an event where outdated Mecha are destroyed for entertainment. Here, David pleads for his life, showcasing emotions that sway the crowd, prompting him to escape with Gigolo Joe, a male Mecha played by Jude Law, who is evading the authorities on charges of murder.

Together, David and Joe embark on a journey to find the Blue Fairy, a figure from the story of Pinocchio, whom David believes can make him a real boy so Monica can love him and take him back home. Their adventures lead them to Rouge City, where they consult a holographic entity named Dr. Know before making their way to the submerged ruins of New York City in a stolen Amphibicopter. Here, David meets his creator, Professor Hobby (played by William Hurt), who reveals that the journey was a test of David’s love, and many more copies of him are being produced, leaving David heartbroken and questioning his uniqueness.

In despair, David attempts to end his own life but is rescued by Joe. David, striving to reach the Blue Fairy, encounters a submerged statue, believing it to be the embodiment of his dreams. Tragically, as they become trapped under a collapsing attraction, David’s wish persists unyieldingly until a new ice age takes hold, leaving him to wait for thousands of years.

Fast forward two millennia, with humanity now extinct and New York buried beneath glacial ice, advanced Mecha discover David and Teddy. Recognizing their connection to living humans makes them special. Once revived, David approaches the decayed Blue Fairy statue, which crumbles at his touch. The advanced Mecha inform David that they cannot grant his wish to become human. Still, at David’s insistence, they use the DNA from Monica’s hair to reconstruct her, but the process allows her to live only for one fleeting day.

During their ephemeral reunion, Monica reassures David of her unconditional love before drifting into her final sleep. David, filled with joy, lies beside her and closes his eyes, embarking on a journey to “that place where dreams are born,” as Teddy watches over them both in their serene moment together.

Last Updated: November 04, 2024 at 07:20

Unlock the Full Story of A.I. Artificial Intelligence

Don't stop at just watching — explore A.I. Artificial Intelligence in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what A.I. Artificial Intelligence is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

A.I. Artificial Intelligence Timeline

Track the full timeline of A.I. Artificial Intelligence with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

A.I. Artificial Intelligence Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in A.I. Artificial Intelligence

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape A.I. Artificial Intelligence. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in A.I. Artificial Intelligence

More About A.I. Artificial Intelligence

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about A.I. Artificial Intelligence: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About A.I. Artificial Intelligence

Similar Movies to A.I. Artificial Intelligence

Discover movies like A.I. Artificial Intelligence that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.