Test your knowledge of Meet the Robinsons with our quiz!

Plot Summary

Discover the intricate plot of Meet the Robinsons (2007). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.


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.”

Timeline

Track the key events of Meet the Robinsons (2007) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.


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.

Orphanage

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.

School Science Fair

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.

School Science Fair

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.

Year 2037

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.

Wilbur's Garage

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.

Wilbur's Garage

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.

Year 2037

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.

Robinson Family Home

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.

Characters

Meet the characters that bring Meet the Robinsons (2007) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.


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.

👦 Boy 💡 Inventor 💔 Orphan

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.

🕰️ Time Traveler 🤝 Friend

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.

😡 Villain 💔 Friend Turned Foe

Setting

Uncover the settings of Meet the Robinsons (2007), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s 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.

🏢 Orphanage 🕰️ Future 🚀 Garage

Themes

Explore the core themes of Meet the Robinsons (2007). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.


💡

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.

© 2025 What's After the Movie?. All rights reserved.