Netflix announced that DreamWorks Animation’s The Wild Robot has claimed the top spot on the platform just days after its streaming debut.
The animated feature, adapted from Peter Brown’s bestselling children’s novel, currently holds a 96% critics score and 98% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The film follows ROZZUM unit 7134 — known as “Roz” — who becomes stranded on a remote island after a shipwreck.
Lupita Nyong’o voices the titular robot in this survival story that explores themes of connection and belonging. The supporting cast includes Pedro Pascal, Kit Connor, Catherine O’Hara, Bill Nighy, Stephanie Hsu, Mark Hamill, Matt Berry, and Ving Rhames.
Director Chris Sanders (How to Train Your Dragon) helms the project, which premiered theatrically in September before making its streaming transition. As Roz adapts to island life, she develops unexpected emotional connections with the local wildlife and her surroundings.
The film’s visual approach has drawn comparisons to Studio Ghibli’s Castle in the Sky and The Iron Giant. Critics have noted the movie’s distinctive painterly animation style, which blends photorealistic elements with storybook-inspired landscapes.
The Hollywood Reporter highlighted the film’s “emotionally grounded tone” and praised its combination of action sequences with quieter, meditative moments.
The streaming success follows strong theatrical performance and positive word-of-mouth recommendations. Families and animation enthusiasts have driven the film’s Netflix momentum since its platform debut.
The Wild Robot represents DreamWorks Animation’s continued focus on character-driven storytelling within the family entertainment space.
