what-movies An Almanac of What to Watch · MMXXVI

Movies like

The Matrix

The Matrix asked what's real and handed us simulated worlds, thinking machines, and a fight to wake up. These share its philosophical edge — sleek science fiction about reality, control, and consciousness.

A clean-content film companion — curated picks of what to watch next.

12 films · Curated · Clean-content · Updated 2026


Tron

Tron is a 1982 American science fiction action adventure film written and directed by Steven Lisberger from a story he co-wrote with Bonnie MacBird. The film stars Jeff Bridges as Kevin Flynn, a computer programmer and video game developer who is transported inside the software…

Tron
Tron

Ghost in the Shell

Ghost in the Shell is a 1995 Japanese animated tech noir cyberpunk action thriller film directed by Mamoru Oshii from a screenplay by Kazunori Itō, based on the 1989 manga by Masamune Shirow. It stars the voices of Atsuko Tanaka, Akio Ōtsuka, and Iemasa Kayumi.

Ghost in the Shell
Ghost in the Shell

Avatar

Avatar is a 2009 epic science fiction film written and directed by James Cameron. It features an ensemble cast including Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldaña, Stephen Lang, Michelle Rodriguez, and Sigourney Weaver. It is the first in the Avatar film series.

Avatar
Avatar

Inception

Inception is a 2010 science fiction action film written and directed by Christopher Nolan, who also produced it with Emma Thomas, his wife. The film stars Leonardo DiCaprio as a professional thief who steals information by infiltrating the subconscious of his targets.

Inception
Inception

2001: A Space Odyssey

2001: A Space Odyssey is a 1968 epic science fiction film produced and directed by Stanley Kubrick, who co-wrote the screenplay with Arthur C. Clarke. Its plot was inspired by several short stories optioned from Clarke, primarily "The Sentinel" (1951) and "Encounter in the Dawn"…

2001: A Space Odyssey
2001: A Space Odyssey

Blade Runner

Blade Runner is a 1982 science fiction film directed by Ridley Scott from a screenplay by Hampton Fancher and David Peoples. Starring Harrison Ford, Rutger Hauer, Sean Young, and Edward James Olmos, it is an adaptation of Philip K.

Blade Runner

Avengers: Age of Ultron

Avengers: Age of Ultron is a 2015 American superhero film based on the Marvel Comics superhero team the Avengers. Produced by Marvel Studios and distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, it is the sequel to The Avengers (2012) and the 11th film in the Marvel Cinematic…

Avengers: Age of Ultron

Her

Her is a 2013 American science fiction romantic drama film written, co-produced, and directed by Spike Jonze. It follows Theodore Twombly, a man who develops a relationship with Samantha, an artificially intelligent operating system personified through a female voice.

Her
Her

I, Robot

I, Robot is a 2004 American science fiction action film directed by Alex Proyas, from a screenplay by Jeff Vintar and Akiva Goldsman. It stars Will Smith, Bridget Moynahan, Bruce Greenwood, James Cromwell, and Alan Tudyk.

I, Robot
I, Robot

A.I. Artificial Intelligence

A.I. Artificial Intelligence is a 2001 science fiction drama film directed by Steven Spielberg. The screenplay by Spielberg and screen story by Ian Watson are loosely based on the 1969 short story "Supertoys Last All Summer Long" by Brian Aldiss.

A.I. Artificial Intelligence

Terminator Genisys

Terminator Genisys is a 2015 American science fiction action film serving as a reboot and the fifth installment in the Terminator franchise. Directed by Alan Taylor from a screenplay by Laeta Kalogridis and Patrick Lussier, the film stars Arnold Schwarzenegger reprising his role…

Terminator Genisys

Vanilla Sky

Vanilla Sky is a 2001 American science fiction psychological thriller film starring Tom Cruise as a magazine publisher who begins to question reality after being disfigured in a car crash.

Vanilla Sky

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