Keanu Reeves in ‘The Matrix Reloaded.'.Photo:Warner Bros/Village Roadshow Pictures/Kobal/Shutterstock
Warner Bros/Village Roadshow Pictures/Kobal/Shutterstock
Twenty-five years ago,The Matrixshowed audiences a different possibility for the human race, and they haven’t looked back.
In 1999, the Wachowskis wrote and directed a film about a dystopian future where robots control the planet and force humanity to live obliviously inside a simulation known as the Matrix. The movie became a smash hit, spawning three sequels and an animated anthology film. It also inspired comics, video games, toys and more.
Most recently, in 2021, the franchise returned after almost 20 years withThe Matrix Resurrections, which, true to its name, saw the revival of both Neo (Keanu Reeves) and Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss).
Decades since its release,The Matrix’s influence continues to be felt across the cinema world, from filming techniques to fight scenes and terms still used today. Now, onThe Matrix’s 25th anniversary, viewers can stream every movie to fully experience the fictional sci-fi world.
While there are currently no plans for a new film, Reeves toldEmpirepodcast in 2021 that he’d come back for another installment as long as original creatorLana Wachowskiwas involved, saying, “If she invites me again,I’m in.”
To mark the franchise’s latest release anniversary, here’s how to watch everyMatrixmovie in chronological order.
Carrie-Anne Moss and Keanu Reeves in ‘The Matrix.'.Ronald Siemoneit/Sygma/Sygma/Getty
Ronald Siemoneit/Sygma/Sygma/Getty
The Animatrix(2003)
‘The Animatrix.'.Village Roadshow Pictures/Kobal/Shutterstock
Village Roadshow Pictures/Kobal/Shutterstock
The animated sci-fi movie is a collection of short films, and while each one takes place at different points inThe Matrixtimeline, there are two highlights.The Second Renaissance, Part IandPart IIare the earliest entries in the franchise’s chronology, setting the scene for what’s to come.
After watchingThe Second Renaissance, Part IandPart II, the animated anthology series offersThe Detective, which follows a detective named Ash and introduces Trinity. In the short film, Ash receives an anonymous phone call to search for the hacker, and he sets off on a chase that others couldn’t finish. Still, he’s determined to find Trinity, even if he’s not ready to know the truth.
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The Matrix(1999)
Keanu Reeves, Carrie-Anne Moss and Laurence Fishburne in ‘The Matrix.'.Warner Bros./Courtesy Everett
Warner Bros./Courtesy Everett
The original film picks up in 2199, long after humans have lost the war against the machines, but the tides start to turn when a hacker named Neo discovers that he’s living in a giant simulation called the Matrix.
The Matrixboomed into a cultural phenomenon, popularizing concepts like the “red pill” and bullet time.
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The Matrix Reloaded(2003)
Keanu Reeves in ‘The Matrix Reloaded.'.Warner Bros/Village Roadshow Pictures/Kobal/Shutterstock
The Matrix Reloadedresumes six months afterThe Matrix,and it continues to build on the movie’s universe and lore. It also introduces audiences to the secret city of Zion, the last human stronghold in the real world.
Unfortunately, the sentinels have discovered it and are on their way, prompting humanity to brace for war. At the center of the charge is resistance leader Niobe (Jada Pinkett Smith), who becomes an iconic character in the franchise.
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The Matrix Revolutions(2003)
Released six months afterReloaded, the original trilogy concludes withThe Matrix Revolutions. In the film, the machines have finally found their way into Zion and begin destroying what remains of humanity.
Still, Neo manages to make a deal with the machines, promising to kill the rogue program, Agent Smith (Hugo Weaving), in exchange for peace. Despite his determination, the process proves difficult, and though lives are lost, The Oracle hints that it’s not the end of certain characters.
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The Matrix Resurrections(2021)
Priyanka Chopra in ‘The Matrix Resurrections.'.Warner Bros. / Courtesy Everett
Warner Bros. / Courtesy Everett
With the machines flexing their power, humanity must fight back, and this time, they want to take control of the Matrix.
The Matrix Resurrectionsis super self-aware and meta, making it a treat for fans of the franchise who will get all the inside references and easter eggs.
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source: people.com
