The Matrix(1999)

2h 16m
- Action
- Sci-Fi

Release Date: Mar 31, 1999 | Wide

83%
85%
A-
8.7

A computer hacker named Neo discovers that reality as he knows it is a simulated world controlled by sentient machines. Recruited by rebels fighting for humanity’s freedom, he must confront his deepest doubts and unlock extraordinary powers to challenge a system that keeps mankind enslaved. The Matrix reshapes the boundary between illusion and truth in a groundbreaking sci-fi thriller.

Releases

Original Release | Mar 31, 1999

2021 Re-release | Dec 6, 2021

25th Anniversary (Fathom Entertainment) | Sep 19, 2024

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Box Office Results

All Releases (3)
Total US & Canada:
$172,076,928
Total International
$295,359,711
Total Worldwide:
$467,841,735

Total US & Canada:
$171,479,930
Total International
$292,037,453
Total Worldwide:
$463,517,383

Current Showtimes

Your Location or

(U.S. Only)

Director & Top Cast

Lana Wachowski
Director

Lilly Wachowski
Director

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

Anthony Ray Parker

Dozer

Paul Goddard

Agent Brown

Robert Taylor

Agent Jones

David Aston

Rhineheart

Marc Aden Gray

Choi

Ada Nicodemou

Dujour (White Rabbit Girl)

Technical Specifications

Sound Mix: Dolby Digital,SDDS,Dolby Atmos

Aspect Ratio: 2.39 : 1

Other Details

Country of Origin: United States,Australia

Language: English

Summaries

Plot Summary

The Matrix is a 1999 American science fiction action film written and directed by The Wachowskis (Lana and Lilly Wachowski) and produced by Joel Silver. It stars Keanu Reeves as Thomas Anderson/Neo, a disillusioned computer programmer and hacker who is drawn into a clandestine struggle against a powerful artificial intelligence that has subjugated humanity. The cast also includes Laurence Fishburne as Morpheus, Carrie-Anne Moss as Trinity, Hugo Weaving as Agent Smith, and Joe Pantoliano in supporting roles. Neo’s journey begins when he encounters Morpheus and his crew, who reveal that the world he knows — the Matrix — is a simulated construct used by intelligent machines to pacify humans while harvesting their bioenergy. As Neo learns to bend the rules of the simulation, he becomes a figure of prophecy, believed to be “The One” who can liberate humanity. With its blend of philosophical inquiry, pioneering visual effects (including the iconic bullet time), and kinetic action choreography, The Matrix became a cultural milestone of late-20th-century cinema. Released in the United States on March 31, 1999, the film was both a critical and commercial success, spawning a media franchise that includes sequels, animation shorts, comics, and video games. Its influence is evident across action and science fiction genres, and it remains a defining work in speculative storytelling and cinematic technique.

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Fun Facts

The Wachowskis created a 600-page illustrated storyboard comic book to pitch "The Matrix," featuring art by Geof Darrow, which convinced Warner Bros. to greenlight the $60 million project despite initial skepticism about its complex simulated-reality premise.