Abstract Background Several studies reported the advantages of minimally invasive esophagectomy over the conventional open approach, particularly in terms of postoperative morbidity and mortality. The literature regarding the elderly population is however scarce and it is still not clear whether elderly patients may benefit from a minimally invasive approach as the general population. We sought to evaluate whether thoracoscopic/laparoscopic (MIE) or fully robotic (RAMIE) Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy significantly reduces postoperative morbidity in the elderly population. Methods We analyzed data of patients who underwent open esophagectomy or MIE/RAMIE at Mainz University Hospital and at Padova University Hospital between 2016 and 2021. Elderly patients were defined as those ≥75 years old. Clinical characteristics and the postoperative outcomes were compared between elderly patients who underwent open esophagectomy or MIE/RAMIE. A 1-to-1 matched comparison was also performed. The difference in overall survival (OS) and disease free survival (DFS) between the two group was also evaluated. Patients <75 years old were evaluated as a control group. Results Among elderly patients MIE/RAMIE were associated with a lower morbidity (39.7% vs. 62.7%, p = 0.005), less pulmonary complications (32.8 vs. 56.9%, p = 0.003) and a shorter hospital stay (13 vs. 18 days, p = 0.03). Comparable findings were obtained after matching. Among <75 years-old patients, a reduced morbidity (31.2% vs. 43.5%, p = 0.01) and less pulmonary complications (22% vs. 36%, p = 0.001) were detected in the MI group. No difference was detected in the OS of the >75y MI group (26 months) and the >75y open group (19 months)(p = 0.84). The DFS was also similar (26 months vs. 13 months, p = 0.25). Conclusion Therefore, minimally invasive esophagectomy improves the postoperative course of elderly patients reducing the overall incidence of postoperative complications, particularly of pulmonary complications.