MOVIHERO
Home/Discover/The Matrix
The Matrix movie poster

MOVIE DECISION GUIDE

The Matrix

1999 · 2h 16m · Science Fiction · Action

MOVIHERO READ

Steady science fiction with a balanced watch profile. Best if you like stories that play with memory, reality, or perception.

93/100
MUST WATCH

WHAT IT'S ABOUT

Set in the 22nd century, The Matrix tells the story of a computer hacker who joins a group of underground insurgents fighting the vast and powerful computers who now rule the earth.

Watch NowWatch trailer
93/100
MUST WATCH
MUST WATCHSet in the 22nd century, The Matrix tells the story of a computer hacker who joins a group of underground insurgents fighting the vast and powerful computers who now r…

MAKE THE CALL

Does this belong in your night?

A decision, not a review. Choose the kind of night you want and keep your queue honest.

WHY THIS MIGHT BE FOR YOU

01The setup points to a reality-bending story that rewards paying attention
02A fuller 136-minute runtime and a fairly steady watch with good forward movement define the practical movie-night fit
03Its 8.3/10 TMDB audience score across 28,701 votes gives the recommendation a meaningful crowd signal

MOVIHERO EDITORIAL

Should you watch The Matrix?

The Matrix belongs in your night if you want a movie that plays with memory, reality, or perception. It is a fairly steady watch with good forward movement, with a fuller 136-minute runtime, and the Watch Profile puts attention at 7/10 and emotional impact at 4/10. The signals are strong enough to make this one of the easier calls in the queue.

WATCH NOW

Watch The Matrix

Compare reported U.S. streaming, free, rental and purchase options in one place.

United States

Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Prime trial offer is for eligible customers. Amazon terms and pricing can change; confirm the current offer before starting a trial.

Availability by JustWatch.

PERFECT IF

01you want a movie that plays with memory, reality, or perception
02you want a fairly steady watch with good forward movement rather than something deliberately slow
03you are ready to give the movie your full attention

THINK TWICE IF

01you want something straightforward rather than reality-bending
02you want a very different pacing profile tonight
03you want something quieter than an action-driven watch

WHAT WATCHING IT FEELS LIKE

Watch Profile

Seven signals for the experience itself — from the pace of the night to how much attention it asks from you.

Pacing7/10
Emotional Impact4/10
Mind-Bending7/10
Scary1/10
Violence5/10
Rewatchability7/10
Attention Required7/10
The Matrix still

WATCH A PREVIEW

Trailer

A CLOSER LOOK

Stay with the image.

The Matrix still 1The Matrix still 2The Matrix still 3The Matrix still 4The Matrix still 5

CAST & CREW

The people who make it land.

Lana Wachowski portrait
Lana WachowskiDirector
Lilly Wachowski portrait
Lilly WachowskiDirector
Keanu Reeves portrait
Keanu ReevesNeo
Laurence Fishburne portrait
Laurence FishburneMorpheus
Carrie-Anne Moss portrait
Carrie-Anne MossTrinity
Hugo Weaving portrait
Hugo WeavingAgent Smith
Gloria Foster portrait
Gloria FosterOracle
Joe Pantoliano portrait
Joe PantolianoCypher
Marcus Chong portrait
Marcus ChongTank
Julian Arahanga portrait
Julian ArahangaApoc