The story centers on David's journey to become a "real boy," inspired by the fairy tale of Pinocchio, in order to win back the love of his human mother, Monica, who abandoned him.

: After their biological son recovers and returns home, David's presence leads to a dangerous rivalry, resulting in Monica leaving David in the woods to avoid his destruction.

: Accompanied by Teddy, a super-toy bear, and Gigolo Joe, a pleasure android, David journeys to the submerged ruins of Manhattan to find the "Blue Fairy".

: David is adopted by Monica and Henry Swinton as a replacement for their cryogenically frozen son.