Plot Explained Spoilers guaranteed!
Plot Explained

Browse by genre

Not Quite Human II (1989) movie poster

Spoiler-Free Summary

Not Quite Human II (1989) Spoiler-Free Summary – What It's About

Release, runtime and language
1989 · 91 mins · English
Directed by
Eric Luke
Starring
Robyn Lively, Alan Thicke, Katie Barberi, Mark Arnott, Jay Underwood, Eric Bruskotter

Chip, the android boy is back. This time, he is off to college, suffering from a computer virus and in love with Roberta, another android. Will there be a happy ending?

On this page (6)
  1. 1 What it is about
  2. 2 Is it worth watching?
  3. 3 After you watch
  4. 4 Movie threads
  5. 5 Movies like Not Quite Human II
  6. 6 Every angle

Spoiler-free summary · safe to read

What Is Not Quite Human II About? (No Spoilers)

The plot of Not Quite Human II (1989) without spoilers: what it is about, who it follows and where it takes place, told without the twists or the ending. Enough to decide whether it is your next watch, not enough to ruin it.

In a sun‑dappled suburb where the line between circuitry and sentiment feels surprisingly thin, a brilliant but modest scientist has built his own son. Jonas Carson watches his creation navigate the ordinary rhythms of family life, sharing a kitchen and a bedroom with his teenage daughter, whose affection christens the android “Chip.” The household hums with curiosity, and the surrounding town—filled with hallways of high school lockers and the promise of wide‑open college campuses—offers a backdrop where the extraordinary can slip unnoticed into everyday routine.

Now, as Chip prepares to leave the familiar corridors of high school for the unfamiliar freedom of college, the story shifts to a world of lecture halls, dormitory chatter, and the subtle anxieties that come with stepping into adulthood. A lingering computer virus flickers through his sophisticated systems, hinting at the fragile balance between his programmed precision and the messiness of human experience. Amidst this, a budding romance with another android, Roberta, adds a tender, almost whimsical layer, suggesting that love might transcend metal and code just as easily as it does flesh.

The tone is a warm blend of light‑hearted sci‑fi wonder and heartfelt coming‑of‑age introspection. Chip’s literal take on social cues creates both comedy and quiet moments of reflection, while the supportive—but sometimes bewildered—family anchors his journey with empathetic humor. The film invites the audience to wonder whether a being made of wires and software can truly belong, grow, and perhaps find a version of “home” that feels as genuine as any human’s. The stage is set for a charming exploration of identity, connection, and the unpredictable charm of learning to be—something more—apart from the lab.

Last updated: December 03, 2025 at 23:43

Was this helpful?

What to expect

Is Not Quite Human II Worth Watching? What It Feels Like

Is it dark, sad, slow, intense or confusing? The mood of Not Quite Human II (1989) in a few tags, without a word about how it ends. Each tag opens a list of movies that feel the same.

After you watch

Seen Not Quite Human II? Now Read the Spoilers

Once you have watched Not Quite Human II (1989), come back for the full story: the plot summary with spoilers, the timeline in chronological order, the characters and meaning.

Movie threads

More Movies Like Not Quite Human II, by Mood & Story

Curated lists built around what makes Not Quite Human II tick: the same mood, the same kind of story or the same emotional payoff. Each list explains why these movies belong together.

Gentle Sci-Fi Family Movies like Not Quite Human II

Hopeful stories where science and technology bring people together. If you liked the hopeful, family-friendly blend of sci-fi and comedy in Not Quite Human II, you'll enjoy these movies. They feature similar stories of androids, robots, or other outsiders finding belonging, with a light emotional weight and a steady, engaging pace.

  • hopeful
  • family-friendly
  • quirky
  • sentimental
  • lighthearted
  • uplifting
  • Tone: hopeful, lighthearted
  • Pacing: steady, character-driven
Why these movies?

The story pattern: Stories in this thread often follow a non-human or technologically created protagonist as they navigate human society. The central conflict is typically about gaining acceptance and understanding, rather than defeating a villain. The narrative arc is one of emotional growth and integration, resolving happily with the protagonist secure in their found family.

Why they belong together: These movies are grouped together because they share a unique blend of sci-fi concepts with a gentle, family-oriented tone. They balance light humor with moments of sincere emotion and mild suspense, creating an accessible and ultimately uplifting experience that explores what it means to belong.

Quirky Coming-of-Age Tech Stories like Not Quite Human II

Unconventional stories about growing up, set against a backdrop of invention and discovery. For viewers who enjoyed Chip's college adventures in Not Quite Human II, this list highlights similar movies about unconventional characters coming of age. These films blend comedy, light sci-fi, and heartfelt moments, capturing the awkwardness and wonder of finding yourself with a unique technological twist.

  • quirky
  • coming-of-age
  • sentimental
  • lighthearted
  • suspenseful
  • college life
  • Tone: hopeful, quirky
  • Pacing: steady, episodic
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The narrative pattern follows a protagonist—who may be an android, a genius inventor, or just an eccentric individual—as they enter a new social environment like high school or college. The journey involves coping with their differences, forming their first deep relationships, and confronting a challenge that forces them to prove their worth, leading to personal triumph and acceptance.

Why they belong together: These films share a specific mood: they are lighthearted yet sincere, using a sci-fi or technological premise to explore universal themes of adolescence. The pacing is steady, blending everyday life with a central, manageable conflict, and the emotional journey is more about quirky charm and sentimental moments than deep drama.

If you liked this

Movies Like Not Quite Human II

Similar movies to Not Quite Human II: the same genre, themes or kind of story. Each one comes with its own plot summary, timeline and ending explained.

Browse all movie summaries

Every angle

Not Quite Human II (1989) Explained: Plot, Timeline & Characters

Everything about Not Quite Human II in one place: what happens in the plot summary, the timeline in chronological order, the characters and meaning and a spoiler-free summary. What's After the Movie adds the cast, box office and post-credit scenes.

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Movie Summary App

Plot summaries, endings explained and timelines on your phone. Catch up on any movie in minutes, save your favorites and never miss a twist again.

Be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private, always.

Learn more about the app