Killer robots! That’s what comes to mind when we think of the words Artificial Intelligence. This is because we’ve all seen too many Hollywood movies that portray A.I. as an out-of-control machine or a menace to human life.
While that may seem like something out of a distant future, the truth is that Artificial intelligence is already everywhere! A.I. already runs the cornerstones of human life, including our phones, cars, literature, finance, social media, and even life-saving surgeries.
In this post, we have provided a list of the best A.I. movies that you must watch. To give you a more balanced view of A.I., we have split the list in two:
- Best A.I. movies about a dystopian future (largely killer robots)
- Best thought-provoking A.I. movies (yes, there are a lot of these)
Read below for a synopsis of each film, as well as the cast and critics’ ratings.
From The Matrix to Blade Runner 2049 and Ex Machina, the best artificial intelligence movies have something in common – they’re all fascinating, entertaining, and thrilling while raising existential questions about the benefits and drawbacks of A.I.
We hope you enjoy watching these best artificial intelligence movies as much as we enjoyed putting this list together!
Best A.I. Movies About a Dystopian Future
1. The Terminator
Synopsis
Skynet, a self-aware artificial intelligence system, will spark a nuclear holocaust in the future. It sends a cyborg assassin known as The Terminator (Arnold Schwarzenegger) from 2029 to 1984 to murder Sarah Connor’s (Linda Hamilton) unborn son, who will lead the human revolt in the future.
Rating
Rotten Tomatoes – 100%
Metacritic – 84%
Why You Should Watch This Movie
The Terminator is one of those classic science fiction movies that everybody should watch at least once. There have been multiple sequels over the last 30 years, but we recommend binge-watching the first two parts, which James Cameron directed. The Terminator is an essential movie in science fiction and artificial intelligence history. It’s one of the first movies to explore the concept of a machine uprising, and it’s still a great film today. Arnold Schwarzenegger makes his acting debut as the menacing T-800 and it’s definitely worth watching for fans of A.I. movies.
2. Blade Runner
Synopsis
As a Blade Runner, LAPD Officer Rick Deckard (Harrison Ford) hunts genetically engineered humans declared illegal, known as replicants. In the process, Rick discovers a long-buried secret that puts him on a collision course with the most powerful corporation on Earth.
Rating
Rotten Tomatoes – 89%
Metacritic – 84%
Why You Should Watch This Movie
Blade Runner is a stunning depiction of a dystopian near-future that will make you question what it means to be human. It expands on the themes from the original Blade Runner and asks some tough questions about technology and its impact on our lives. Ridley Scott’s 1982 original was followed by a sequel from Denis Villeneuve in 2017, Blade Runner 2049. If you’re looking for thought-provoking artificial intelligence films, we recommend that you watch both these movies. The cinematography and the pace of each movie are haunting and will leave you mesmerized long after the film’s over.
3. The Matrix
Synopsis
Set in 1999, computer programmer Thomas Anderson (Keanu Reeves) is a small-time hacker who has always wondered if there is more to life. He encounters Trinity (Carrie Anne Moss) and Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne) one day. They help him discover that the whole world is an illusion created by a superior artificial intelligence that farms humans for its purposes. Trinity offers him a choice – go back to his life of ignorance or join a group of revolutionaries who want to liberate humanity from the machines that have enslaved them.
Rating
Rotten Tomatoes – 88%
Metacritic – 73%
Why You Should Watch This Movie
The Matrix is an iconic movie that changed the typical portrayal of A.I. in films and featured special effects that had never been seen on screen before. It spawned three sequels and a successful franchise. The movie questions whether we live in a simulation and what it means for humanity’s future. It also launched the career of Keanu Reeves into superstardom! We like the original film the best. The follow-ups (The Matrix Reloaded and The Matrix Revolutions) were disappointing, but the 2021 sequel (The Matrix Resurrection) takes the series back to its original heights.
4. Ex Machina
Synopsis
Caleb (Domhnall Gleeson), a programmer at an internet-search giant, wins a week-long visit to the private compound of Nathan (Oscar Isaac), the company’s reclusive CEO. He is invited to participate in a ground-breaking experiment in artificial intelligence by evaluating a self-aware android who has been created to resemble a woman.
Rating
Rotten Tomatoes – 92%
Metacritic – 78%
Why You Should Watch This Movie
Ex Machina is one of our favorite movies of all time, and we’re not alone! It won the BAFTA for Best British Film and was nominated for best picture at the Academy Awards. The cast is excellent, with Domhnall Gleeson (Bill Weasley from Harry Potter), Alicia Vikander (Lara Croft from Tomb Raider), and Oscar Isaac (Poe Dameron from Star Wars). The story is creepy intense and will keep you guessing until the end. It’s a must-watch for any fan of artificial intelligence!
5. I, Robot
Synopsis
In 2035, when the U.S. is one of three nations left on Earth, a technophobic cop investigates an apparent suicide.
Rating
Rotten Tomatoes – 67%
Metacritic – 59%
Why You Should Watch This Movie
If you’ve never seen I, Robot before, be ready for something different! It’s not your typical sci-fi film with fighter spaceships and laser guns (although some scenes could fit in well). Instead, it explores human nature through robots and artificial intelligence. Will Smith does his best work as Del Spooner, who struggles with life after losing someone special to him. In this movie, he breaks away from his usual comedic roles and proves how good he is at being severe!
6. Minority Report
Synopsis
In the future, crime will be prevented by PreCrime, a specialized police force that uses A.I. to predict people’s crimes before they commit them. The movie premise is based on what happens when John (Tom Cruise), the head of the PreCrime division, gets flagged by A.I. as a future criminal.
Rating
Rotten Tomatoes – 90%
Metacritic – 80%
Why You Should Watch This Movie
The premise of persecuting people for just their thoughts is pretty scary, made even scarier because artificial intelligence is already being coupled with law enforcement worldwide. The movie sports a great star cast with Tom Cruise, Colin Farrell, and Samantha Morton playing lead roles. The story is exciting and will keep you guessing until the end. It’s a must-see for fans of action and artificial intelligence.
7. Ready Player One
Synopsis:
Set in 2045, the film shows the world as a bleak and scary place. When the creator of the OASIS dies, he leaves behind a challenge for anyone who wants to inherit his fortune: find the Easter egg hidden inside the virtual world. The only escape is the virtual world of the OASIS, where people can be anyone they want to be and do anything they want to do.
Rating
Rotten Tomatoes – 72%
Metacritic – 65%
Why You Should Watch This Movie
It may seem that suddenly everyone is talking about the metaverse and virtual worlds. If you’re curious what that means, this movie is an excellent indication of what the future may look like when we can all be avatars inside a virtual world, with no reason ever to leave.
8. RoboCop
Synopsis
In an apocalyptic Detroit, where crime and corruption are out of control, a wounded police officer’s brain is fitted with an android body to become an unstoppable crime-fighting machine called RoboCop. When his human brain overrides his programming, he goes after the entire corrupt system, including his creators.
Rating
Rotten Tomatoes – 90%
Metacritic – 67%
Why You Should Watch This Movie
RoboCop is a classic (1987) action movie that is still just as good today as it was first released. It’s set in Detroit in 2028 and stars Peter Weller as the cyborg cop, with Kurtwood Smith as the story’s central villain. If you’re a fan of unrelenting action and robots, Robocop is the perfect fit for you!
The Best Thought Provoking A.I. Movies
1. The Big Short
Synopsis
Based on the 2008 financial collapse, The Big Short tells the story of bankers Jared Vennett (Ryan Gosling) and Mark Baum (Steve Carell). They realize that the subprime home loans market will collapse due to outdated A.I. trading models. They bet big on the impending collapse and made billions of dollars while homeowners across America lost their homes.
Rating
Rotten Tomatoes – 89%
Metacritic – 81%
Why You Should Watch This Movie
The Big Short explains the 2008 financial markets crash in an easy-to-understand and entertaining manner. We love how the movie sheds light on the increasing use of automated trading software that utilizes Artificial Intelligence. If you have always wondered what caused the crash and a few people got filthy rich while others suffered, then The Big Short is not to be missed.
2. Her
Synopsis
A lonely writer (Joaquin Phoenix) develops an unlikely relationship with his newly purchased phone’s operating system (Scarlet Johannson’s voice) that’s designed to meet his every need.
Rating
Rotten Tomatoes – 94%
Metacritic – 88%
Why You Should Watch This Movie
Her is a commentary on human relationships or lack thereof. It poses an interesting question: As society gets more obsessed with AI-controlled devices, do we still need human interaction? The best part? Scarlett Johansson voices Samantha (the A.I.) in an Oscar-nominated role. Joaquin Phoenix is a revelation, as usual.
3. Free Guy
Synopsis
In a world where people are slowly being replaced by artificial intelligence, Ryan Reynolds plays a bank teller who discovers he is a background character in an open-world video game. He decides to break character and take charge of his life, turning the whole make-believe world on its head.
Rating
Rotten Tomatoes – 80%
Metacritic – 62%
Why You Should Watch This Movie
Free Guy is a rollicking ride, with Ryan Reynolds at his comedic best as a background video game character who comes to life. The plot is unique, and the script adds genuinely funny and feel-good moments to go along with amazing special effects. The film also stars Jodie Comer (Killing Eve) and is directed by Taika Waititi (Thor: Ragnarok).
4. Robot & Frank
Synopsis
An elderly ex-jewel thief (Frank Langella) commits heists by teaming up with a robot butler designed to look after his every need.
Rating
Rotten Tomatoes – 86%
Metacritic – 67%
Why You Should Watch This Movie
Robot & Frank is an adorable movie about the friendship between man and machine that will make you smile! It’s a refreshing take on how technology can help us live better lives as we grow older or become less mobile. Watch it for the emotions and stellar performances from the fantastic cast: Frank Langella, James Marsden, Peter Sarsgaard, Liv Tyler, and Susan Sarandon.
5. A.I. Artificial Intelligence
Synopsis
In the future, when people can no longer have children, they turn to artificial intelligence to create a new generation. But when one of these robot children becomes self-aware, he starts to question the world around him and his place in it.
Rating
Rotten Tomatoes – 75%
Metacritic – 65%
Why You Should Watch This Movie
A.I. Artificial Intelligence is a thought-provoking science fiction movie that will make you question what it means to be human. It’s directed by Steven Spielberg and stars Haley Joel Osment, Jude Law, and Frances O’Connor. If you’re looking for a profound and moving movie to watch, A.I. is a great choice!
6. Short Circuit
Synopsis
When a scientist working on a top-secret government project is killed, his robot is damaged, and he starts to think for himself. Johnny Five (Short Circuit) escapes from the lab and meets Stephanie (Ally Sheedy), a young woman who takes him in and helps him learn about the world outside.
Rating
Rotten Tomatoes – 73%
Metacritic – 58%
Why You Should Watch This Movie
Think E.T. but with a robot. Short Circuit is a light-hearted science fiction movie perfect for watching on a rainy day. It’s set in New York City and stars Ally Sheedy, Steve Guttenberg, and Fisher Stevens. If you’re looking for a funny and heartwarming movie to watch, Short Circuit is a great choice. Just don’t expect amazing special effects from this 1986 film.
7. Wall·E
Synopsis
Set in the future, the film shows that all of Earth’s resources have been exhausted, and humanity has been forced to leave the planet. Wall·E (Waste Allocation Load Lifter – Earth Class) is a robot that has been left behind to clean up the mess. When he meets Eve (Extraterrestrial Vegetation Evaluator), a spaceship sent to find new plants, the two of them fall in love and begin a journey across the galaxy.
Rating
Rotten Tomatoes – 96%
Metacritic – 94%
Why You Should Watch This Movie
Wall·E is one of Pixar’s best movies and is perfect for both kids and adults. It’s set in the future and stars Ben Burtt, Elissa Knight, and Jeff Garlin. If you’re looking for a heartwarming Pixar movie to watch, Wall·E is a great choice!
8. Ghost in the Shell
Synopsis
In the future, humanity has advanced to the point where people can have their memories and thoughts transferred into computers. Major (Scarlett Johansson) is a cyborg special ops officer who has wholly replaced her mind and body with a computer. When she investigates a series of murders that seem to be linked to a hacker known as The Puppet Master, she discovers a dark secret that threatens the world as she knows it.
Rating
Rotten Tomatoes – 73%
Metacritic – 66%
Why You Should Watch This Movie
Ghost in the Shell is an action-packed, visually breathtaking movie based on an acclaimed Japanese manga series. It stars Scarlett Johansson and Takeshi Kitano. While the live-action film did not receive a positive critical response, if you’re a fan of the comics or want to see how far A.I. can take humans, then give this exciting movie a shot.
Final Thoughts
There are many great choices for the best artificial intelligence movies to watch today. Some will conform to the popular notion of artificial intelligence and scare you, while others will make you feel warm and emotional. We have provided some recommendations above that have unique plotlines and brilliant acting.
So whatever you’re in the mood for, get the popcorn cracking and settle down in front of the TV to binge-watch our recommended list of the best A.I. movies ever made.
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