Automatic (1995): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 1995, Automatic is an action, thriller, horror and science fiction film directed by John Murlowski, running about 90 minutes. “Wired for action. Programmed to defend. Determined to survive” — that tagline sets the tone.

What it’s about. Robgen industries newest security system is "The J Series Automatic", an android model designed and programmed to protect humans from violent attacks. But one night, an Automatic named J269 discovers a Robgen executive trying to rape a female employee named Nora Rochester. While trying to stop the crime, he inadvertently kills the executive. At this point, J269 then calls Goddard Marx (his creator and a Robgen chairman) to inform him of the incident. Marx tells the android to stay there with Rochester until help arrives, but Marx is intent on sweeping the fiasco under the rug by sending mercenaries to eliminate both J269 and Rochester. Now the two are fugitives on the run from a para-military hit squad.

Who’s in it. Automatic stars Olivier Gruner as J269, Daphne Ashbrook as Nora Rochester, John Glover as Goddard Marx and Jeff Kober as Major West, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 4.9/10, Automatic has proved divisive with audiences.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Automatic page.

If you liked it. Fans of Automatic tend to enjoy The Dark Knight, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, Inception and The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring.