Are you looking for a film that is just like The Matrix? If so, you probably already know how challenging a feat that is. After all, The Matrix, without any exaggeration, is undoubtedly one of the best films that has ever come to life.
However, you do not need to worry. We could help you with this task because today, we will be showing you our list of the 12 best movies like The Matrix!
We hope you are ready for an adventure because we will be embarking on one today. Without further delay, let us get this show on the road!
The Matrix (1999)
The Matrix is a science fiction action film. It is about a future where humans get trapped by machines in a simulated reality to distract them as they make them sources of energy. It stars the beloved and multi-awarded Keanu Reeves as Thomas Anderson (also known as Neo) as the hacker and hero of the film.
Today, The Matrix is known as one of the greatest science fiction films of all time. Whether you are a fan of the genre or not, it is a film you probably already know.
Being the best science fiction film of all time, the achievement this film has accumulated through the years should come as no surprise. It was undoubtedly a hit with a box office of approximately $466 million against its budget of $63 million.
Additionally, it racked up acclaim and awards not only in the 72nd Academy Awards, where it won all its nominations, but also in the 53rd British Academy Film Awards and the 26th Saturn Awards. Of course, we cannot forget that it also garnered a following that only continues to grow today.
From a single movie, The Matrix is now a franchise and numerous The Matrix movies, series, comics, etc., continue to come out today.
The 12 Best Movies Like The Matrix
Even with how many shows and such come out, we understand that that might not be enough. Well, allow us to help you with that!
No sci-fi film will likely steal The Matrix’s title as the best science fiction film anytime soon. However, we have some nifty science fiction films on this list that could help fill some spots on your movie marathon watch list.
1. Inception (2010)
English 2h 28m IMDb
Director: Christopher Nolan
Stars: Leonardo DiCaprio, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Elliot Page
There is no doubt that Keanu Reeves did us proud. He played the part well. No one could have probably played Neo better than the beloved actor.
However, did you know Leonardo DiCaprio almost played the lead in The Matrix? While DiCaprio might not have been fated to play Neo, he was to play in a science fiction film. Let us get the reel rolling with Inception.
Inception is about Dom Cobb and his seemingly impossible new task. He often extracts information from the subconscious of his targets. Now, he finds himself with the job of inserting an idea instead. Inception is a film with a complex theme trying to answer an even more complex question.
If it is the action, sham realities, and the chase and escape you liked in The Matrix, Inception is a film you want to try out.
2. Jupiter Ascending (2015)
English 2h 7m IMDb
Director: Lana Wachowski, Lilly Wachowski
Stars: Channing Tatum, Mila Kunis, Eddie Redmayne
Are you also a big Star Wars fan? If you are, you will likely want to consider our next film. Let us talk about Jupiter Ascending.
This film is out of this world in more ways than one. For one, this fictional universe is literally out of this world as it extends beyond earth. Some have described this cinematic universe as a mix of The Matrix and Star Wars. On the other hand, it is metaphorically out of this world with a star-studded ensemble on and off screen.
This film is about Jupiter Jones, the discovery of her great destiny, and all the good and trouble it entails. If you liked the premise of other beings after humans and the talks of fate in The Matrix, give Jupiter Ascending a try as it also offers these things.
3. Tron (1982)
English 1h 36m IMDb 
Director: Steven Lisberger
Stars: Jeff Bridges, Bruce Boxleitner, David Warner
When it comes to sci-fi movies, newer ones are often preferred. One of the things that make a good sci-fi is the visuals.
With that, the more recent the film, the higher the chances of the movie using newer technologies and, therefore, more likely to have better visuals. While that might be true, there are a few old films you still want to check out. Our next one is one of those.
Tron is about Kevin Flynn, his pursuit to expose Ed Dillinger, and his venture into the cyberspace. If you are after the premise of being stuck in a virtual world, Tron is a film you want to check out.
Aside from its plot, you want give this movie a shot if you are into sci-fi and the technology behind it as it has the credit of being one of the first films to use CGI.
4. Ghost in the Shell (1995)
Japanese 1h 23m IMDb
Director: Mamoru Oshii
Stars: Atsuko Tanaka(voice), Iemasa Kayumi(voice), Akio Ôtsuka(voice)
Do you want to add some variety to your list? Well, let us add an animated film in there. Let us talk about Ghost in the Shell next.
This movie might be an animated film but make no mistake. It is rated as TV-MA and is for adults. It is about a cyborg, her hunt for a hacker named the Puppet Master, and her questioning of her humanity.
While this film uses many of the same elements as The Matrix, it presents it in a different manner. However, you will undoubtedly see similarities and hear similar rings.
If you liked The Matrix, we have little doubt that you will like this movie too. After all, this film has inspired multiple big names in the sci-fi field. One of which is the filmmakers of The Matrix.
5. Minority Report (2002)
English 2h 25m IMDb
Director: Steven Spielberg
Stars: Tom Cruise, Colin Farrell, Samantha Morton
Over here, we have Minority Report. One of the best films of 2002.
This film is about a future where three clairvoyants predict and visualize crimes, even before it takes place. With this, a group known as the precrime police are able to apprehend the criminals before the deed takes place.
Faults in the newly established system arise when a prediction comes that John Anderton, the commanding officer of the program, will kill a man he has never even met before.
You will hear echoes of The Matrix in this film. They might not have used the same bits and pieces. However, they played in similar planes. If you liked The Matrix, this film might also tickle your fancy.
6. District 9 (2009)
English 1h 52m IMDb
Director: Neill Blomkamp
Stars: Sharlto Copley, David James, Jason Cope
So far, we have shown you films where we find humanity in the hands of other beings. For some variety, let us turn things up a bit. Let us talk about District 9. One of the best films of 2009.
This film is about a group of ill beings that have come to earth. Not to cause havoc but to find some refuge. While not entrapped, the beings are alienated from all others. However, things shake when a relocation takes place. Here, viewers will wonder what will happen not only to the humans but to the aliens as well.
If it is the premise of there being other intelligent beings and an unsure future that led you to The Matrix, you might want to give this film a shot.
7. The Terminator (1984)
English 1h 47m IMDb
Director: James Cameron
Stars: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Linda Hamilton, Michael Biehn
Over here, we have another oldie but goodie. Let us talk about The Terminator next. This film is about two individuals traveling back in time. One is to protect, and the other is to kill Sarah Connor, who will one day bore a son that will save humanity from intelligent machines.
If the intelligent machines and the talk of a destined hero hooked you on The Matrix, The Terminator is a film you might want to try out. That is not the only similarity between the two films, though. Like The Matrix, this film was a hit of its time.
It did not only rack up a following but praise and recognition too. Of course, we cannot forget to mention that its success also led to the creation of a franchise.
8. Ready Player One (2018)
English 2h 20m IMDb
Director: Steven Spielberg
Stars: Tye Sheridan, Olivia Cooke, Ben Mendelsohn
On the other hand, you might be looking for something a little bit newer. Well, let us talk about Ready Player One then. Inspiration for the film came from the novel of the same name. It is about a virtual world known as the OASIS and the mission of a teen to take ownership of the coveted world.
This film undoubtedly uses a lighter tone than many of our previous films. It is a good option if you would like to introduce your little one to the sci-fi genre. Despite its light tone, this film does deal with some serious topics. Still, you do not have to worry about showing it to your little one as it does so in a subtler way.
9. Blade Runner 2049 (2017)
English 2h 44m IMDb
Director: Denis Villeneuve
Stars: Harrison Ford, Ryan Gosling, Ana de Armas
Seeing the title of our next film, you might recall a movie released in 1982 entitled Blade Runner. As you might have already guessed, 2049 is a sequel to the said film. On the other hand, you might not know of the 1982 film. Well, you do not have to worry. Whether you know the 1982 film or not, you can still watch and enjoy 2049.
This film centers on a future where bioengineered humans (known as replicants) exist and are enslaved. 2049 focuses on a replicant known as K and his discovery that could lead society to its doom.
The Matrix and 2049 dabble on similar materials. While the films look different, they have the same ring. If you enjoyed one, you might want to give the other a shot too!
10. Snowpiercer (2013)
English 2h 6m IMDb
Director: Bong Joon Ho
Stars: Chris Evans, Jamie Bell, Tilda Swinton
Next up, we have one of the best films of 2013 – Snowpiercer. Like The Matrix, our next film has humanity trapped. Not in a virtual reality, though. The people are inside a train that goes on and on around the globe to keep the last remnants of humanity alive.
While most of the movie takes place inside a train, you can be assured that it has tons and tons of action. So, if it is the action and talks of the survival of humanity that drew you to The Matrix, you might want to give Snowpiercer a try as well.
11. Total Recall (2012)
English 1h 58m IMDb
Director: Len Wiseman
Stars: Colin Farrell, Bokeem Woodbine, Bryan Cranston
Are you familiar with the 1990 film that has the same name? Well, there is a connection between the 1990 and 2012 films. However, the 2012 version is not a sequel or prequel to the 1990 version.
The 2012 version is only a newer version. The two films tell the same story but differently, though. With that, you might want to try both! We would be focusing on the newer one for today, though.
The 2012 Total Recall is about the happenings after a chemical warfare that left only two lands on earth habitable. However, differences in the living conditions soon make things sour.
If you liked the running, chasing, and saving of humanity from cruelty in The Matrix, you might want to give this film a shot too.
12. The 13th Floor (1999)
English 1h 40m IMDb
Director: Josef Rusnak
Stars: Craig Bierko, Gretchen Mol, Armin Mueller-Stahl
Our twelfth and last film on this list is The 13th Floor. It came out the same year The Matrix did. Additionally, it got nominated for the Saturn Award for Best Sci-Fi Film, a category The Matrix also got nominated for. As you might already know, the latter won it.
This film is about virtual reality simulations and the predicament Douglas Hall finds himself in. Are you looking for something mind-boggling? This film will likely satisfy that. While this film is similar to The Matrix, you can be assured you will be getting into a different mind-boggling adventure in this film.
Final Words
And, cut! That is a wrap! We hope our list of the 12 best movies like The Matrix was able to help you. If you still need more movies for your movie marathon, then feel free to give our other discussions a look!
Whether you are looking for some more action, something spooky, or even a romantic reel, you will likely find something in our suggestions!
