Gone Wrong: Ron-s

Released by 20th Century Animation, Ron’s Gone Wrong isn’t just a movie about a "bad" robot. It’s a mirror held up to our obsession with algorithms, likes, and the illusion of connection. The film introduces us to Barney, a middle-schooler who feels invisible. In his world, everyone has a B*Bot—a cute, connected digital companion that uses AI to match you with friends. Think of it as an iPad, a smartphone, and a best friend rolled into one plastic sphere.

Barney realizes that while his classmates’ B*Bots are showing them filtered versions of reality (suggesting friends based on proximity and popularity), Ron is offering the real thing: clumsy, awkward, physical friendship. Watching Ron’s Gone Wrong as an adult is an uncomfortable experience. We see the CEO of the B*Bot company (voiced brilliantly by Ron’s Gone Wrong... I mean, Colin Hanks) acting exactly like every Silicon Valley tech bro. He cares about "engagement" and "daily active users." He doesn't care about kids.

Have you seen Ron’s Gone Wrong ? Did it make you question your relationship with social media? Let me know in the comments below—or better yet, tell me in person, like a real Ron.

We’ve all seen the trailer: A socially awkward kid gets a defective robot best friend. It looks cute, it looks colorful, and on the surface, Ron’s Gone Wrong looks like standard family-friendly fare.

But because he is broken, Ron is the only character in the movie who is authentic. He doesn't change his personality to get more views. He doesn't have a curated avatar. He is just... Ron.

So, grab your device, log off Netflix, and watch this movie. Just be prepared to look at your phone a little differently afterward.