Next Gen

Next Gen

Year: 2018

Runtime: 106 min

Language: English

Directors: Joe Ksander, Kevin R. Adams, Ricardo Curtis

Echo Score: 85

Budget: $150M

ActionAdventureSci-FiDramaComedyAnimationFamily

A rebellious teenager forms an unlikely bond with a discarded war robot, embarking on a thrilling adventure to stop a villain’s scheme for global domination. Combining action, adventure, and humor, they must use their combined skills to outwit the dangerous forces unleashed when advanced technology falls into the wrong hands.

Next Gen (2018) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

Get a spoiler-free look at Next Gen (2018) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.

In the sleek, neon‑lit streets of Grainland, technology isn’t just a convenience—it’s the pulse of everyday life. Autonomous drones zip between towering glass façades, and sophisticated Q‑Bots manage everything from traffic to teaching. The city’s glossy veneer hides a restless undercurrent, a blend of high‑speed chase, witty banter, and a sense that progress can be both exhilarating and fragile.

At the heart of this neon tapestry is a teenage girl who feels out of sync with the world around her. Mai Su navigates school corridors and crowded plazas with a rebellious streak, her sharp humor and fierce independence masking deeper feelings of isolation. Her relationship with her mother, Molly, is strained by loss and the ever‑growing presence of machines that seem to replace human connection. This tension fuels Mai’s distrust of the very tech that defines her city, setting the stage for an unexpected shift in her outlook.

When a discarded prototype—an aging war robot known only as 7723—crosses Mai’s path, the two form a tentative partnership. The robot’s hulking frame and hidden capabilities contrast sharply with Mai’s agile, street‑wise nature, creating a dynamic that is equal parts clash and camaraderie. Their budding friendship hints at the kind of unlikely alliances that can spark both chaos and hope in a world ruled by circuitry.

Beneath the humor and high‑octane action lies a broader, looming threat: a scheme that could upend the delicate balance of power across the globe. As Mai and her mechanical companion learn to trust one another, the stage is set for an adventure that blends daring escapades with heartfelt growth, inviting audiences to wonder how far courage can stretch when humanity teeters on the edge of its own inventions.

Last Updated: August 10, 2025 at 02:22

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Robot Buddy Adventures like Next Gen

Hopeful futuristic journeys where technology and emotion forge powerful friendships.If you enjoyed the bond between Mai and 7723 in Next Gen, you'll love these movies. This thread features stories where humans form deep, transformative friendships with robots or AI, blending exciting sci-fi action with heartfelt emotional journeys about connection and healing.

hopefuladventurousupliftingmelancholictenserebelliousheartfelt

Narrative Summary

Stories typically follow a lonely or troubled protagonist who forms a unique bond with an advanced piece of technology. Together, they face a significant external threat, and the journey strengthens their connection while forcing the human to confront their own emotional wounds, often leading to a mix of victory and personal sacrifice.

Why These Movies?

These films are grouped by their core theme of human-machine friendship, a hopeful tone despite bittersweet moments, and a blend of accessible sci-fi action with a strong character-driven emotional core. They create a specific feel of technological wonder paired with heartfelt connection.

Rebellious Teen Hero Stories like Next Gen

Fast-paced animated adventures about defiant teens finding their strength.Looking for more movies like Next Gen? This thread features fast-paced animated adventures about defiant teenagers who become unexpected heroes. These films combine exciting action sequences with strong emotional themes of grief, bullying, and finding your place in the world.

rebelliousadventurousupliftingtensehopefulemotionalaction-packed

Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern involves a teenage protagonist, often grappling with feelings of isolation or loss, who is thrust into a larger conflict. Their initial rebellion is channeled into a heroic cause, and through the adventure, they learn to trust others, embrace their unique strengths, and mature emotionally while saving the day.

Why These Movies?

Movies here share a specific energy: a fast pace driven by a rebellious teen's perspective, a mix of medium-intensity action and medium emotional weight, and a focus on themes like coming of age, friendship, and overcoming adversity. The combination creates an uplifting and exciting viewing experience.

Unlock the Full Story of Next Gen

Don't stop at just watching — explore Next Gen 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 Next Gen is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Next Gen Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Next Gen, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Next Gen Summary

Next Gen Timeline

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

Next Gen Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in Next Gen

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

Characters, Settings & Themes in Next Gen

More About Next Gen

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Next Gen: 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 Next Gen

Similar Movies to Next Gen

Discover movies like Next Gen 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.