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RoboCop

RoboCop

Part man, part machine, all cop.

1987102 minRMidcredits score: 95th percentile of all films
Director
Paul Verhoeven
Starring
Peter Weller, Nancy Allen, Dan O'Herlihy, Ronny Cox

In a violent, near-apocalyptic Detroit, evil corporation Omni Consumer Products wins a contract from the city government to privatize the police force. To test their crime-eradicating cyborgs, the company leads street cop Alex Murphy into an armed confrontation with crime lord Boddicker so they can use his body to support their untested RoboCop prototype. But when RoboCop learns of the company's nefarious plans, he turns on his masters.

Where to watch

Where can I watch RoboCop?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists RoboCop streaming on MGM+ via Prime Video, Pluto TV (free), The Roku Channel (free) and Tubi (free) and to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video.

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about RoboCop?

RoboCop earns 12 badges, led by Stood the test of time and Top 5% of films.

Show 4 more
  • Rank
  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office
  • Content
  • Cast

Reception

Is RoboCop worth watching?

RoboCop's Midcredits score is the 95th percentile of all films, from 778K ratings across 6 sources. 83% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

95th percentile

Better received than 95% of films

97th percentile among Action95th percentile among 1980s
Acclaim (how much people like it)93rd
Approval (how many liked it)93rd

77 /100

93rd percentile of all films

97th percentile among Action95th percentile among 1980s

Critics 70 · Audience 77

Audiences liked it more than critics did.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 7.7 — solid but not unanimous.

83% liked it

93rd percentile of all films

95th percentile among Action94th percentile among 1980s
83% rated it 7–1017% rated it 1–6

Critics 84% · Audience 84%

On Rotten Tomatoes, critics and audiences approve at similar rates.

Awards

0 Oscars won · 2 Oscar noms · 12 wins / 13 noms overall

  • NominatedAcademy Awards· Best Film Editing
  • NominatedAcademy Awards· Best Sound

98th percentile

778K ratings across platforms

97th percentile among Action99th percentile among 1980s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Up 2% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$13M
Opening weekend$8M
Domestic gross$53M
Worldwide gross$53M

Returned 4.1× its budget — 79th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

A violent, satirical sci-fi action film about a cyborg cop that polarizes viewers with its mix of gore and social commentary.

Fans praised

  • satirical corporate capitalism critique masking as action
  • Peter Weller's physical performance evoking humanity under the armor
  • memorable villains with distinct menace

Detractors panned

  • gratuitous violence outweighing any substance
  • plot holes and weak character development
  • dated stop-motion animation for ED-209

What stands out

OriginalityDivisive80

Blends Frankenstein with Reagan-era corporate satire

ActingDivisive75

Peter Weller's stoic yet emotive performance as RoboCop

Effects and spectacleDivisive70

Impressive practical effects and iconic RoboCop suit

CharactersDivisive70

Memorable villains like Clarence Boddicker and Dick Jones

DialogueDivisive70

Quotable one-liners and sharp satirical news segments

Emotional impactDivisive70

Murphy's loss of humanity and quest for identity

Plot and storyDivisive65

Simple revenge story elevated by corporate conspiracy

HumorDivisive65

Dark, campy comedy in violence and ads

Preferred by

Women vs men

Preferred by Men

Men scored it 28 points higher than women.

No notable difference between the other groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Under-30s vs over-30s 5 points apart
  • Critics vs users 7 points apart
  • US vs non-US 1 point apart

Watch experience

What is RoboCop like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Tense and gripping: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you are ready for heavy feelings, and you want something tense that holds you to the end.

It is intense, never lets up and leaves you thinking. Skip it when you want an easy night.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Room for heavy feelings.

What it feels like

Tense and gripping.

The answer rests on this: Moods
TenseDreadCathartic
Heaviest: throughout
Register
Satirical · 5% of filmsWry · 7% of films: Amused and slightly dry about it.
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film presents its violent corporate dystopia with broad, satirical strokes, yet a sincere core in Murphy's fight for identity.
The rideThe film sustains a high-pressure atmosphere of violence and corporate menace from the opening to the final shootout, with moments of catharsis but no let-up in intensity.
StructureThe story unfolds chronologically without structural gimmicks.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Thinking.

Thought-provokingCathartic · 6% of films
Why it leaves you this wayThe mix of satire and violence leaves the viewer pondering corporate power while also providing a satisfying sense of justice.
How it ends · evidence
Happy ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).Monster
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21% (this title): Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% (this title) · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Overcoming the monster: A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated. · Corporate villainy: A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).

21% of films fit this archetype

with Rebirth underneath

Why this archetypeMurphy is murdered by a gang and resurrected as a cyborg; he systematically dismantles the criminal empire and the corporate corruption that destroyed him.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfCorruption
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22%: Identity 14% (this title) · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7% (this title): Power 2% · Corruption 3% (this title) · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Power

Corruption · 3% of filmsIdentity · 14% of films
Satirizes its theme: Attacks its theme through ridicule.Societal stakes: Consequences reach a whole social order.Single lead
How it treats its themeThe film satirizes corporate overreach and the moral decay that comes from prioritizing profit over humanity, while Murphy's journey to reclaim his identity serves as the emotional core.
StanceThe film satirizes corporate greed, privatization of law enforcement, and media sensationalism, using RoboCop's hyper-violent world as a darkly comic critique.

The world

Near futureUrbanStylized realism
Orchestral modernElectronicSupportive music · original score · Basil Poledouris
SettingA decaying, crime-ridden near-future Detroit controlled by the Omni Consumer Products corporation.
MusicPoledouris blends a heroic, sweeping orchestral theme with synthetic textures, reinforcing the film's mix of human emotion and mechanical coldness.

Content guide

Is RoboCop okay for kids?

R

RoboCop is rated R. As of October 3, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at severe (96/100), sexual content at moderate (50/100), language at severe (88/100), drug and alcohol content at intense (72/100) and frightening material at severe (88/100). Overall it is heavier than 96% of R-rated films.

Ratings in 21 other countries
  • UK18
  • AustraliaR 18+
  • Germany18
  • France12
  • Ireland18
  • JapanR15+
  • South Korea15
  • Brazil14
  • Czechia18+
  • Denmark15
  • FinlandK-18
  • Hong KongIII
  • ItalyT
  • MexicoC
  • Netherlands16
  • Poland18
  • PortugalM/16
  • SK12
  • Spain12
  • Sweden15
  • Switzerland16
Overall
Severe · all five categories
Heavier than 97% of all filmsHeavier than 96% of R-rated films
Violence & Gore
Severe
heavy for an R-rated film
heavier than 96%
Sex & Nudity
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 53%
Profanity
Severe
heavy for an R-rated film
heavier than 88%
Alcohol & Drugs
Intense
heavy for an R-rated film
heavier than 89%
Frightening / Intense
Severe
heavy for an R-rated film
heavier than 91%

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

Heavy almost across the board: violence, language, frightening material, and drug and alcohol content. Everything else sits at or below what R-rated films usually carry.

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does RoboCop have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in RoboCop?

Cast

Peter Weller
as Murphy
Breakout: Their highest-reaching film role at the time, and they went on to a career at least 3 times their standing then.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
newcomer then · star now
Nancy Allen
as Lewis
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Dan O'Herlihy
as The Old Man
Career best: Their highest-reaching film role by billing, audience size and rating.
Ronny Cox
as Jones
Career best: Their highest-reaching film role by billing, audience size and rating.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Kurtwood Smith
as Clarence
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Miguel Ferrer
as Morton
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Robert DoQui
as Sgt. Reed
Ray Wise
as Leon
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Felton Perry
as Johnson
Paul McCrane
as Emil
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.

Crew

More like this

What are movies like RoboCop?

Movies like RoboCop include RoboCop 2 (1990), RoboCop 3 (1993) and RoboCop (2014). Of the 12 closest matches, two are films by Paul Verhoeven, and most are dystopian films.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

Michael Miner and Edward Neumeier wrote 3 of these 12. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with RoboCop?

140 other films share the rarest tag below, kind of film: cyberpunk. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.