
Inspector Gadget
The greatest hero ever assembled.
1999 • 78 min • Action · Adventure · Comedy · Family
Synopsis
John Brown is a bumbling but well-intentioned security guard who is badly injured in an explosion planned by an evil mastermind. He is taken to a laboratory, where Brenda, a leading robotics surgeon, replaces his damaged limbs with state-of-the-art gadgets and tools. Named "Inspector Gadget" by the press, John -- along with his niece, Penny, and her trusty dog, Brain -- uses his new powers to discover who was behind the explosion.
Our family guide
Best from age 6- 50 Reviewers · 2 · 51%
- 45 Audience · 1346 · 49%
John Brown, a bumbling security guard, is transformed into Inspector Gadget after an explosion. With advanced gadgets and the help of his niece Penny and her dog Brain, he investigates the evil mastermind behind the attack. This live-action adventure brings the classic cartoon character to life with slapstick humor.
- Violence & peril
- 3/10
- Language
- 1/10
- Drinking, drugs & smoking
- 0/10
- Romance & sensuality
- 1/10
- Scary moments
- 2/10
Heads up
- Some slapstick action violence with comedic explosions and falls.
- A few mild insults and silly phrases.
- Minor peril from a super villain and his schemes.
What it models well
- Ingenuity and problem-solving
- Teamwork and family bonds
- Perseverance in the face of challenges
Talk about it after
- How gadgets can be used for good or bad
- The importance of thinking for yourself
- Recognizing true heroism
Written by the Movie Knight editorial team for Inspector Gadget. Our own words, our own scoring — always double-check against your family's standards.
Where to watch
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Top billed cast
Director: David Kellogg • Crew: Kerry Ehrin, Zak Penn, Kerry Ehrin, Dana Olsen

Matthew Broderick
John Brown / Inspector Gadget / Robo Gadget

Rupert Everett
Sanford Scolex / Dr. Claw

Joely Fisher
Brenda / Robobrenda

Michelle Trachtenberg
Penny

Andy Dick
Kramer

Cheri Oteri
Mayor Wilson

Mike Hagerty
Sikes

Dabney Coleman
Chief Quimby

D.L. Hughley
Gadgetmobile (voice)

René Auberjonois
Artemus Bradford
Trailers & clips
Reviewer notes
Not recommendedTrusted family reviewers**A film that entertains without marveling, and that can frustrate fans of the cartoon.** Inspector Gadget was an amazing cartoon, but it had a brief stint on Portuguese television. I remember him, and I really enjoyed seeing him, but I don't remember seeing him much longer than four or five years. Despite this, it was one of the cartoons that I was most interested in as a child.…
RecommendedTrusted family reviewersAnother one rated too low, I assume that is due to it - so I read - not being "faithful" to the original television series. I have never watched that so I couldn't judge it in those terms, but as a film I enjoyed it I won't lie. <em>'Inspector Gadget'</em> is very silly but self-aware, in a similar vein to <em>'Looney Tunes: Back in Action'</em> and <em>'The Cat in the Hat'</em>.…
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Gallery
Details
- TMDB audience
- 4.5/10 (1,346)
- Age rating
- PG
- Status
- Released
- Budget
- $75,000,000
- Box office
- $134,403,112
- Franchise
- Inspector Gadget Collection
- IMDb
- tt0141369

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