Robotech: The Movie

Robotech: The Movie

Year: 1986

Runtime: 87 mins

Language: English

Directors: Carl Macek, Noboru Ishiguro

AnimationAction

Mark possesses the key to Robotech, a technology that could save humanity. After an alien ship crashes in 1999, its databanks are incorporated into Earth’s Robotech Computer Complex. In 2009 an alien search fleet arrives to reclaim the data, sparking an intergalactic war. Earth wins the first battle at great cost, leaving the planet devastated. By 2027 a second alien armada approaches, intent on retrieving the technology and destroying Earth.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Robotech: The Movie (1986)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Robotech: The Movie (1986). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1999–2027

In 1999, the SDF-1 crashes on Earth, sparking the first wave of conflict. A decade passes before Zentraedi return, leading to renewed war and strategic manipulation. By 2027, the Robotech Masters arrive in Earth’s solar system to seize the computer system. The timeline spans decades of political intrigue, coups, and space battles that determine humanity’s fate.

Location

Earth, Japan (Robotech Research Center), Alaska

The story unfolds across Earth and its allied facilities, centering on the Robotech Research Center in Japan where the SDF-1's mother computer is studied. Alaska Base hosts a secondary terminal pivotal to control of the computer. The Masters' flagship descends from space to compel Earth’s surrender, while battles rage both on the ground and in orbit. The setting shifts between governmental, research, and military environments as the conflict escalates.

🌍 Earth 🗾 Japan 🏢 Robotech Research Center 🚀 Space

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 13:21

Main Characters – Robotech: The Movie (1986)

Meet the key characters of Robotech: The Movie (1986), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Mark Landry (Kerrigan Mahan)

A quick-witted, impulsive young man who becomes entwined in a high-stakes conspiracy. He steals the MODAT 5 and grows into a proactive force, risking danger to warn Becky and confront the clone Andrews. His evolution shows resilience and a willingness to act under pressure.

🎯 Protagonist 🧭 Impulsive 🛡️ Loyal

Eve (Diane Michelle)

The AI embodiment of the SDF-1’s computer who communicates with Mark and guides him toward crucial locations. She reveals the Masters' plan and serves as a crucial ally, balancing technical knowledge with tactical insight.

🤖 AI 🧭 Guide 🛡️ Ally

Kelly (Edie Mirman)

Becky’s friend and aspiring dancer whose footage of the MODAT becomes a key piece of evidence. She is killed by Andrews’ forces, underscoring the personal costs of the conflict and raising the stakes for the protagonists.

🕊️ Victim 💔 Ally 🧭 Courage

Becky Michaels (Iona Morris)

A friend and dancer who transitions from distraction to a bond with Mark. Becky’s loyalty anchors emotional stakes amid battles and political intrigue, leading to a reconciliation with Mark.

🎀 Friend 💃 Dancer 🧭 Reconciler

Professor Embry (Robert V. Barron)

Head of the Ministry of Computer Sciences who recognizes the danger of reactivating the mother computer. He coordinates a scientific response to shield Earth and to navigate the crisis.

🧠 Scientist 🛡️ Protector 🧭 Strategist

Rolf Emerson (Michael McConnohie)

A military commander pushing for aggressive use of the computer’s data. He embodies disciplined resolve while grappling with trust and control as events unfold.

🎖️ Commander 🧭 Calculated 🛡️ Defender

Robotech Master #1 (Tom Wyner)

One of the Masters’ leaders seeking to reclaim the SDF-1’s power. He represents the strategic alien threat driving humanity to defend its most vital technology.

👑 Alien Leader 🛰️ Strategist

Stacy (Wendee Lee)

Kelly’s roommate who joins Embry on the mission to Alaska. She provides a steady, grounding presence for the team amid escalating danger.

👩‍💼 Ally 🧭 Loyal 🪪 Technician

Todd Harris

A soldier who steals the MODAT 5 and attempts to warn others about the Masters’ plan. He dies before explaining the full danger, illustrating the personal sacrifices demanded by the conflict.

🪖 Soldier 🧭 Brave

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 13:21

Major Themes – Robotech: The Movie (1986)

Explore the central themes of Robotech: The Movie (1986), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

⚔️ War and Power

Humans clash with the Masters as the central conflict. Military decisions, political machinations, and strategic use of the mother computer determine who wields power. The story examines how power struggles affect civilians and shape the course of defense.

🕶️ Deception and Identity

A clone's manipulation of a key commander creates distrust within human leadership. Deception challenges characters to verify loyalties and motives amid a covert war. Identity and allegiance become as contested as territory and technology.

🤖 AI and Control

Eve, the AI of the SDF-1’s computer, guides protagonists and reveals the dangers of centralized data. The Masters’ leverage relies on accessing the same system, prompting questions about who controls information and how it should be used in crisis.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 13:21

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Unlock the Full Story of Robotech: The Movie

Don't stop at just watching — explore Robotech: The Movie 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 Robotech: The Movie is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Robotech: The Movie Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Robotech: The Movie, 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.

Robotech: The Movie Summary

Robotech: The Movie Timeline

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

Robotech: The Movie Timeline

More About Robotech: The Movie

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