Directed by
Stephen J. Anderson
Made by
Buena Vista Pictures
Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for Meet the Robinsons (2007). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.
Lewis, portrayed by Daniel Hansen and Jordan Fry, is an inventive young boy who has spent his early years in an orphanage after being left there by his mother as an infant. He eagerly attempts to impress potential adoptive parents with his latest inventions, but when one of his demonstrations goes awry due to a nut allergy, his hopes of being adopted start to dwindle. Approaching his thirteenth birthday, Lewis fears that his chances of finding a loving family are slipping away. Driven by the hope of reuniting with his birth mother, he dedicates himself to creating a memory-scanning machine.
His relentless dedication forces his roommate, Mike Yagoobian (Goob), into sleepless nights, which ultimately leads Goob to miss an important little league game. During the school science fair, Lewis meets a mysterious boy named Wilbur Robinson, who claims to be a “time cop” from the future, needing Lewis’s help to retrieve a stolen time machine. This machine is in the clutches of the sinister Bowler Hat Guy, who employs a robotic hat named Doris to sabotage Lewis’s inventions. As chaos erupts at the science fair, Lewis’s memory scanner malfunctions, leaving him vulnerable to the villain’s schemes.
After Wilbur convinces Lewis of his genuine intentions, the two embark on an extraordinary journey to the year 2037 in a flying time machine. As they explore the futuristic world, Lewis becomes increasingly tempted to use the machine to travel back to find his mother. Wilbur insists on first repairing their future predicament, which leads to a series of challenges and misunderstandings. They crash the time machine, and after some negotiation, Lewis agrees to fix it with the condition that Wilbur will help him locate his mother afterward.
While hiding in Wilbur’s garage, Lewis meets the eccentric Robinson family, including Wilbur’s grandfather, Bud. Despite their warmth and the possibility of adoption, Lewis is torn when he learns of his past. The stakes are raised when Bowler Hat Guy and Doris follow them to the future, attempting to capture Lewis and exploit his memory scanner technology to change the course of history.
Lewis’s journey takes a darker turn as he confronts his old friend Goob, who has transformed into the resentful Bowler Hat Guy, blaming Lewis for his unfortunate life choices stemming from a lost baseball game. This revelation forces Lewis to face the weight of his past and its impact on his future. In a gripping showdown, he discovers the catastrophic consequences of Tampering with time as the future begins to unravel.
With the help of Wilbur and Carl, a robot, Lewis fights back against Bowler Hat Guy’s evil plans. Yet, as they race through time, Lewis realizes the importance of letting go of the past. In a dramatic conclusion, he manages to reconfigure the timeline to save his friends, restore his family connections, and secure a hopeful future for himself.
In a heartwarming resolution, Lewis embraces his identity as Cornelius, the inventor he aspires to be. He leaves the orphanage to begin anew with the Robinson family, surrounded by love and support. The film closes with a powerful message from Walt Disney, reminding us to cherish the future and our curiosity: > “Around here, however, we don’t look backwards for very long. We keep moving forward, opening up new doors and doing new things, because we’re curious… and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.”
Follow the complete movie timeline of Meet the Robinsons (2007) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.
Lewis's Orphanage Life
Lewis has spent his childhood in an orphanage after being left there by his mother. As he approaches his thirteenth birthday, he fears that he may never be adopted and longs for a loving family.
Failed Adoption Attempt
In his attempts to impress prospective adoptive parents, Lewis showcases his latest inventions. However, one demonstration goes horribly wrong due to a nut allergy, causing his chances of being adopted to diminish significantly.
Creating the Memory Scanner
Determined to reunite with his birth mother, Lewis dedicates himself to constructing a memory-scanning machine. His obsession with this project inadvertently leads to sleep deprivation for his roommate, Goob, affecting their lives.
Meeting Wilbur Robinson
During the school science fair, Lewis encounters a mysterious boy named Wilbur Robinson, who claims to be from the future and needs assistance retrieving a stolen time machine. Intrigued and eager to escape his troubles, Lewis considers aiding him.
Chaos at the Science Fair
As the science fair escalates into chaos, Lewis's invention malfunctions due to external sabotage from the Bowler Hat Guy and his robotic hat, Doris. This puts Lewis in a dangerous predicament and highlights the threats surrounding him.
Journey to the Future
Convinced of Wilbur's sincerity, Lewis takes an adventurous leap by traveling to the year 2037 in a flying time machine. The futuristic world fascinates Lewis and piques his desire to use the machine to find his mother.
Repairing the Time Machine
After a crash, Lewis agrees to help fix the broken time machine, contingent upon Wilbur's promise to assist him in finding his mother afterward. This alliance sparks a journey filled with challenges and personal growth.
Meeting the Robinson Family
Hiding in Wilbur's garage, Lewis meets the quirky Robinson family, including Wilbur's grandfather, Bud. The warmth of the family makes Lewis feel a sense of belonging but also confronts him with painful truths about his past.
Bowler Hat Guy's Pursuit
The sinister Bowler Hat Guy and Doris track down Lewis and Wilbur in the future, aiming to seize Lewis's memory scanner technology. This heightens the stakes as they plot to leverage it for their nefarious intent.
Confronting Goob
Lewis faces his old friend Goob, who has now become the resentful Bowler Hat Guy. This bittersweet confrontation forces Lewis to reckon with the choices they both made and their cascading effects on their lives.
The Showdown
In a gripping climax, Lewis, alongside Wilbur and Carl the robot, combats Bowler Hat Guy's evil exploits. They navigate through time, full of drama and tension, as Lewis confronts the ramifications of altering the timeline.
Understanding the Future
As the war against time unravels the fabric of their future, Lewis learns a crucial lesson about letting go of past grievances. The power of acceptance becomes apparent as they strive to secure a hopeful ending.
Embracing His Identity
In a heartfelt resolution, Lewis embraces his identity as Cornelius, the inventor he wants to become. He leaves the orphanage behind and steps into a world filled with potential supported by the Robinson family.
A Message of Hope
The film concludes with a powerful reminder from Walt Disney, emphasizing the importance of looking forward and fostering curiosity. Lewis’s journey encapsulates the essence of exploration and the beauty of new beginnings.
Explore all characters from Meet the Robinsons (2007). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.
Lewis (Cornelius)
Lewis is an inventive and hopeful young boy, driven by his desire to find a family and reconnect with his birth mother. His journey from an insecure orphan to embracing his identity as Cornelius reflects his growth and resilience. Lewis’s inventive mind, combined with his emotional depth, makes him a relatable and inspiring protagonist.
Wilbur Robinson
Wilbur Robinson is a charismatic and adventurous young man from the future who helps Lewis navigate the challenges of time travel. His carefree spirit and commitment to family showcase the importance of loyalty and friendship. Wilbur's character is a blend of wit and warmth, serving as a catalyst for Lewis's transformation.
Bowler Hat Guy (Goob)
Goob, once Lewis's friend, transforms into the villainous Bowler Hat Guy due to bitterness and regret over his missed opportunities. His character represents the potential consequences of unresolved emotions and choices. This transformation adds depth to the storyline, highlighting the impact of friendship and rivalry over time.
Learn where and when Meet the Robinsons (2007) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.
Time period
Early 2000s, Year 2037
The film begins in the early 2000s, depicting the challenges faced by a young orphan and the societal norms surrounding adoption. As time shifts to 2037, viewers are presented with a unique, playful future where technology significantly alters daily life, highlighting themes of innovation and adaptation.
Location
Orphanage, Year 2037, Robinson's Garage
The orphanage serves as a pivotal starting point for Lewis, where he longs for a family amid his inventive spirit. In the year 2037, Lewis experiences a vibrant and chaotic future that showcases advanced technologies and the unconventional lifestyle of the Robinson family. Robinson's garage, filled with gadgets and futuristic inventions, becomes a backdrop for the extraordinary journey of self-discovery.
Discover the main themes in Meet the Robinsons (2007). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.
💡
Invention
Invention is at the heart of Lewis's character, driving his actions and aspirations throughout the film. His relentless pursuit to create a memory-scanning machine represents the quest for identity and connection, serving as a metaphor for personal growth. This theme emphasizes the impact of creativity and ingenuity on one’s destiny.
💔
Family
The search for family and belonging is a central theme of the movie. Lewis's longing for connection propels him into a fantastical adventure, leading him to discover the importance of chosen family versus biological ties. The film ultimately conveys a heartwarming message about love, support, and acceptance.
⏳
Time Travel
Time travel serves as a crucial narrative device, allowing Lewis to reflect on his past and envision his future. The consequences of tampering with time underscore the significance of living in the moment and making the right choices. The film explores how understanding one’s history can pave the way for a hopeful outlook.
Discover the spoiler-free summary of Meet the Robinsons (2007). Get a concise overview without any spoilers.
In a bustling world where imagination collides with everyday routine, a young orphan named Lewis spends his days tinkering in a cramped orphanage, dreaming of a family that might recognize the brilliance hidden behind his shy smile. His inventions, half‑finished sketches and makeshift gadgets, hint at a mind eager to shape the future, yet his life feels stuck in a loop of missed chances and quiet longing. The tone balances heartfelt earnestness with a playful sense of wonder, making his yearning feel both universal and uniquely inventive.
When a chance encounter introduces him to a charismatic teenager from a far‑off era, Wilbur, the promise of a daring adventure begins to shimmer on the horizon. Together they glimpse a dazzling future—a sky filled with soaring contraptions, bright neon corridors, and a household that seems to have been built for chaos and laughter in equal measure. The future is portrayed not as a cold, sterile place, but as a vibrant stage where eccentric relatives, spontaneous inventions, and spontaneous jokes mingle, inviting Lewis to question what “home” really means.
As the story unfolds, the film weaves together themes of perseverance, curiosity, and the transformative power of belonging. While Lewis wrestles with the weight of his past and the uncertainty of his future, the wildly eccentric family he meets offers both comic relief and heartfelt support, hinting at a secret that could reshape his understanding of identity. The narrative maintains a light‑hearted, adventurous spirit, celebrating the idea that true invention begins with believing in oneself and that the doors to tomorrow open when we dare to step beyond the familiar.
Can’t find your movie? Request a summary here.
Uncover films that echo the narrative beats, emotional arcs, or dramatic twists of the one you're exploring. These recommendations are handpicked based on story depth, thematic resonance, and spoiler-worthy moments — perfect for fans who crave more of the same intrigue.
What's After the Movie?
Not sure whether to stay after the credits? Find out!
Explore Our Movie Platform
New Movie Releases (2025)
Famous Movie Actors
Top Film Production Studios
Movie Plot Summaries & Endings
Major Movie Awards & Winners
Best Concert Films & Music Documentaries
Movie Collections and Curated Lists
© 2025 What's After the Movie. All rights reserved.