The Matrix
"Believe the unbelievable."
On a crowded world dominated by machines, a skilled hacker known as Neo suspects something is off with the reality he faces. He is drawn into a shadowy resistance that claims the world outside is a lie and humanity is trapped in a simulated dream. Guided by a mysterious mentor and a fearless... Read more
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Streaming availability last verified: January 29, 2026
About The Matrix
On a crowded world dominated by machines, a skilled hacker known as Neo suspects something is off with the reality he faces. He is drawn into a shadowy resistance that claims the world outside is a lie and humanity is trapped in a simulated dream. Guided by a mysterious mentor and a fearless fighter named Trinity, Neo confronts questions of identity and control while learning to bend the rules of this digital prison. As he trains and questions his own trust, he discovers that breaking free could change everything for a species at the mercy of its own artificial rulers. The film fuses sleek cyberpunk visuals with martial arts inspired choreography, creating a rhythm that feels both dystopian and exhilarating.
Directed by Lana and Lilly Wachowski, The Matrix released in 1999 as a landmark original science fiction film that reshaped action cinema. It challenged conventional stuntwork and used pioneering production techniques that influenced later films. Reception shaped future genre filmmaking.
The Matrix enjoyed a robust global release, turning into a major box office success and cementing its status as a defining 1990s science fiction film that connected with a wide audience across generations. Its visuals and ideas attracted many audiences.
Designed its signature look with slow motion, inventive wirework, and the now iconic red pill visualization, the film inspired a wave of imitators and became a touchstone for sci fi and action fans. It sparked conversations about reality, control, and human destiny in pop culture. Its influence extended into fashion.
Its themes of choice and control still fuel debates. The Matrix explores simulated reality, personal choice, and rebellion against a powerful system, arriving as both a thriller and provocative thought experiment. Its questions about reality versus perception continue to resonate as new technologies blur the line between truth and simulation.
What Viewers Are Saying
Viewers widely praise The Matrix for its groundbreaking special effects, innovative world-building, and thought-provoking story that remains relevant decades after its release. Audiences appreciate Keanu Reeves' performance and the stylish, captivating action sequences, although some note that certain fight scenes can feel overly stylized or cartoonish. The film's blend of philosophical themes, religious metaphors, and dystopian concepts earns recognition for depth and intellectual engagement. Overall, it is celebrated as a timeless and iconic action sci-fi classic.
Details
- Release Date
- March 31, 1999
- Runtime
- 2h 16m
- Rating
- R
- User Ratings
- 27,294 votes
- Type
- Movie
- Genres
- Action, Science Fiction
- Country
- United States
- Collection
- The Matrix Collection
- Studio
- Village Roadshow Pictures +3 more
- Budget
- $63,000,000
- Box Office
- $463,517,383
- External Links
- View on IMDB
Official Trailer
Cast
Keanu Reeves
Neo
Laurence Fishburne
Morpheus
Carrie-Anne Moss
Trinity
Hugo Weaving
Agent Smith
Gloria Foster
Oracle
Joe Pantoliano
Cypher
Marcus Chong
Tank
Julian Arahanga
Apoc
Matt Doran
Mouse
Belinda McClory
Switch
Director: Lana Wachowski
Written by: Lilly Wachowski