Robin Williams’ Surprising ‘90s Sci-Fi Movie Is Finally on Free Streaming

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As a movie fan, I always loved Robin Williams – the guy was in over 70 films over almost 40 years! But he didn’t actually do a ton of sci-fi. There’s one movie from the ’90s that really stands out, though. It was a big change of pace for him, especially since he was so famous for comedies and dramas like Dead Poets Society and Jumanji. It was a bit controversial at the time, but it’s great news that it’s back on free streaming now, starting this March!

Robin Williams, known for his energetic roles in films like Good Morning, Vietnam, Aladdin, and Mrs. Doubtfire, showed a different side of himself in Bicentennial Man. In this 1999 sci-fi film, he played Andrew, a robot who gradually develops feelings and imagination over two centuries. After being unavailable for a while, this cult classic is now available to watch for free on Tubi as of March 1st. Directed by Chris Columbus, who also directed Home Alone, the movie is based on Isaac Asimov’s novel The Positronic Man and features Sam Neill, Embeth Davidtz, Wendy Crewson, and Oliver Platt.

Robin Williams’ Bicentennial Man Is an Underappreciated Sci-Fi Gem

Robin Williams was known for starring in successful and well-received films, but Bicentennial Man didn’t follow that pattern. The movie lost money in theaters, earning only $87 million despite costing between $90 and $100 million to make. Critics and audiences weren’t impressed either, giving it low scores on Rotten Tomatoes. However, despite its flaws, Bicentennial Man is a surprisingly thoughtful and overlooked science fiction film from the 1990s that deserves more recognition, and many would argue it’s actually better than its initial reputation suggests.

Unlike many 90s sci-fi films, Bicentennial Man isn’t about action or dark futures. Instead, it’s a moving and thoughtful story about what it means to be human, focusing on themes of life, death, and the struggle to be recognized as a person. It’s a genuinely emotional film with a satisfying ending, and Robin Williams gives a remarkable performance as an android trying to become human, convincingly showing his transformation from a simple machine to a feeling being. Beyond its emotional depth, the movie also boasts impressive special effects, especially those depicting Andrew’s physical changes, which still look good today. Fans of Isaac Asimov’s original story will also appreciate that the film stays true to the book’s heart and plot.

Other Sci-Fi Movies Now on Tubi

As a huge sci-fi fan, I’m always on the lookout for where to stream my favorite movies, and Tubi is a fantastic option – especially since it’s completely free! They just added a bunch of great titles on March 1st. I was excited to see films like Ad Astra, The Dark Tower, Ex Machina, and Jumper join the lineup, alongside classics like Bicentennial Man. And for me, the real win is that all four RoboCop movies are now available to stream! It’s a great time to be a sci-fi lover and a Tubi user.

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2026-03-11 00:12